Rating: R

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Band of Brothers (TV-MA)

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Band of Brothers (TV-MA)

“He is beauty, he is grace, he is the definition of maintaining precision in sound in chaotic scenes.” The movie builds up sound familiarity through their combat sequences, which allows easing into the epic war scene. Your soundstage will remain actively engaged through the mayhem of realistic shots will seemingly fly past you from all directions. Echoes add on sound depth to sink you deeper into the bed of sound immersion. Rumbles from aircraft propellers are heard and felt. Chaotic firearm exchanges and destructive blasts from explosives highlight order in chaos, with each frequency gracefully pumping out life to shake the walls of your space. This is a movie that would put both your surround system as well as the relationship with your neighbors to the test.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Better Call Saul (TV-MA)

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Better Call Saul (TV-MA)

SEASON 5 EPISODE 10 (48:10 - 53:25)

We all know that action-packed scenes typically involve lots of loud surround effects to keep you at the edge of your seat. Well, this definitely doesn’t disappoint. At the climax of season 5’s finale of one of our favorite TV shows, this scene is set late at night in a dark, compact kitchen. It starts with intense music that makes you feel claustrophobic like you are there witnessing everything first-hand, followed by chaotic gunfire of which you can decipher where the gunshots are coming from and aimed at with surround sound. Pay attention to how the surround sound moves across the screen when the kitchen items are shattering one by one. At the same time, feel the chest-thumping bass from all the gunfire.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13)

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Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13)

Watch this if you do not believe that sound moves you. The First Aid concert before Freddie Mercury bids the entertainment world goodbye, shows extraordinary immersion that guarantees hair-standing on your arms. The way the crowd sings along in the background to every word in the lyrics showcases the depth of both the ambient layers as well as their love for Queen. Camera pans provide stunning directionality with the music traveling effortlessly through the drivers of your speakers. Passionately reproduced bass during hit tracks, “We Will Rock You”, “Radio Ga Ga”, and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" will have you feel that you time-traveled to the live gig. The perfect homage to the legendary flamboyant rockstar that redefined everything you have come to love in music while showcasing surround immersion at one of its finest.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Bird Box (R)

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Bird Box (R)

(48:28 - 43:03), (55:35 - 1:03:08), (1:42:32 - 1:52:39)

This movie will give your surround speakers a real treat. It has many layers of surround effects, both ambient as well as directional, that will surely impress. Listen to the aggressive movement of water from all directions and hear the rapid bubbles when you are trapped underwater. Hear the gushes of wind causing the rattling of leaves beside you in a forest, and birds chirping behind you at a distance. As the last scene intensifies, you will hear jingling bells and panicky whispers coming from all directions, so clear and crisp that you will think they are actually real!

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Blade Runner 2049 (R)

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Blade Runner 2049 (R)

One of those rare sequels that live up to its predecessor, Blade Runner 2049 pairs its visually impactful cyber-punk style with audio that is just as breathtaking. The movie entails endless subtle and overhead sounds (Think: Rain, overcrowded streets shuffling through, mechanical and electrical whirring sounds, plus more!) that will give your surround channels a full workout. At the same time, Its use of unobtrusive yet impactful bass notes gives some added "oomph" for a new full neo-noir experience that is guaranteed to immerse you into its realm.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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The Book of Eli (R)

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The Book of Eli (R)

49:50 - 54:18

Set 30 years after the war turned the World into a wasteland, this is the perfect surround detail ground. This scene features a no-nonsense bullet whizzing by experience, with every shot fired by enemies taking its turn to perform through the drivers of your speakers, with only light breeze as accompaniment in the background. The sandy landscape makes it perfect to not only feel every step Eli takes as he dodges the bullet, but it also leaves a lingering trail to continuously fill the encapsulation before the next action takes over its spot in the drivers.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Cloverfield (R)

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Cloverfield (R)

Through the clever use of viewing the whole film through the character’s handheld camcorder, J.J Abram’s most experimental piece to date will delight anyone, seeking for an adventure from their couch. Bass heads will LOVE the smooth and warm reproduction of various tremors from earth-shaking bomb explosions and buildings collapsing - with these scenes happening frequently to tease your senses. A diverse ambient mix creates sound dimension to submerge you into the destruction and panic that will stimulate the mind into believing that everything is happening around you, especially with the varying dialogue volumes based on how far the subjects are in focus on the camcorder. It heightens your surround experience by placing directional overhead sounds from the choppers and bombs that drop onto the cityscape. It a reference masterpiece of how sound and sight can result in a truly frightening experience when done right.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Collateral (R)

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Collateral (R)

Directional sound takes the spotlight in this. Every overdriven, screeching car, gun exchange, and heroic act is reproduced effortlessly clear. Surround channels are actively engaged throughout to sync with the video presentation and inject heart-racing excitement in Max’s attempt to escape from the hitmen. Punches from the subwoofer(s) add depth in the sound field while the accompanying background music scores layers within the action. Panic-stricken screams from bystanders emanate through your surround speakers to create a realistic on-screen portrayal that highlights the crescendo of this action-driven movie.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Dark (TV-MA)

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Dark (TV-MA)

SEASON 2 EPISODE 8 (48:42 - 54:11)

In this scene, you will rely heavily on your surround speakers to hear every subtle sound detail of the formation of the portal, static and crisp mechanical gadget whirring in pristine clarity. The flickering motion of the lights can be felt through the sound moving from ear to ear. As the portal starts to open, you will be wrapped in its enchanting trail from behind. Thunderous sound which puts your subwoofer(s) to the test, will envelop you from ground-up Ambient clanking and whirring grow louder as the scene intensifies for an explosion before coming to a sudden halt.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Deadpool (R)

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Deadpool (R)

Both a spectacle on-screen and in sound, this movie thrills if you are not into the typical superhero storyline but still want the epic display of explosions in your sound field. Focused on engaging the audience into the movie, you can expect crystal clear and natural dialogues to channel out from the front array. Explosive bass and gunfires are driven around your sound field to immerse fully into the sequence. Not forgetting the overhead channels, in-air motions are precisely placed and tracked, giving you a complete 360-degree surround experience that matches up to its appealing narration and jokes.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Deep Blue Sea (R)

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Deep Blue Sea (R)

The sound effects in this classic stress the power limits of your sound system's subwoofer(s). Many scenes feature low, floor and soul-shaking rumbles that virtually renders the need for deep diving to have an ocean-good time unnecessary. Together with your surround speakers, all channels are effectively used to fully submerge every listener into the moment when bloodthirsty, savage sharks preying on a team of researchers. Every predator movement and squelch is clearly distinctive through the surround channels, making this movie one of the most nail-biting shark-related movies that still hold out today.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Den of Thieves (R)

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Den of Thieves (R)

These Den of Thieves couldn't have made their presence felt any sooner. With heavy and violent gunfire exchanges happening within the first 6 minutes, the opening scenes show the deadly level of wrath and experience these den of thieves have together. The pin-point accuracy and impact of each bullet shot by the thieves and the elite police force is felt throughout the movie through your surround speakers and subwoofers. Yet, the movie offers a glimpse into the lives of the robbers, with dialogue exchanges heard clearly through your front channels

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Extraction (R)

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Extraction (R)

35:26 - 44:25

Arguably one of the most all-rounded surround sound scenes of late. Starting off with a high-speed car chase in a crowded street, listen for a loud crash from the behind you that moves from left to right, followed by a truck honk that goes from the front to the left speaker shortly afterwards and finally, a police car ramming from behind resulting in a deafening shatter of rear window glass. The scene then continues into an intense manhunt in a dense, claustrophobic neighborhood. Starting with silence, you will hear lots of subtle, ambient details like footsteps and cricket noises. When the protagonist is finally discovered, a fierce gunfight ensues with plenty of gunshots fired that can be heard from all directions. This scene simply has everything and is worthy of our top immersiveness rating!

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Fast and Furious (R)

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Fast and Furious (R)

This is one franchise that lifts as heavy as its main casts. The massive bass impact from explosions will push your subwoofer(s) boundaries, all while your surrounding speakers are challenged to replicate with the high octane, ever-changing dynamics from drifting fast cars engaging in high-risk manoeuvres, leaving none of your speaker channels undisturbed. Overhead helicopters present in the later instalments will take full advantage of modern sound technologies, recreating a full 3D surround dreamscape. Yet, even with so much going on in dramatic scenes, the intricate whirring of engines showcases that this franchise does more than just serve brawn.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Ford v Ferrari (PG-13)

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Ford v Ferrari (PG-13)

This 2020 Academy Award recipient for Best Sound Editing, is sure to ignite your inner racer passion. The escalating rivalry between Ford and Ferrari is clearly depicted through the use of thumping bass background tracks that invades your sweet spot. Highly-tuned race cars zooming past your screen, mechanical failures, car crashes and even the directionality of dialogue and crowds cheering are accurately and realistically replicated in-sync with the visual that draws a super tight correlation to put you in the race. It is no wonder that this history retold story has also gained recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing from the Cinema Audio Society. This is one that will leave trails of electrifying sparks in your surround soundscape that might get you in the mood for a race or two.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Formula 1: Drive to Survive (TV-MA)

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Formula 1: Drive to Survive (TV-MA)

SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 (25:25 - 29:49), EPISODE 10 (09:30 - 18:47)

The sound of Formula 1 is one of our favorites not only because it sounds absolutely electrifying, but also because it includes a very large range of frequencies that can put a sound system’s sonic capabilities to the test. Hear the deep rumbles of the world’s most powerful car engines as they accelerate as well as their sharp, high-pitch screams as they approach full speed. Even better is that everything is in surround sound, so you will feel the supercars whizzing past your ears and the excitement of the spectators around you. The dialog from the radio communication between the drivers and pit crew is also crystal-clear. Overall, this Netflix original will keep your adrenaline pumped. Goosebumps included.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Black Widow (PG-13)

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Black Widow (PG-13)

As Black Widow's imperfect past resurfaces to destroy her, she has no choice but to go back to where it all started, uniting with her family to survive and deal with her enemies. The movie delivers a healthy dose of epic weapon fights, explosions, and intense moves - keeping you at the edge of your seat as the plot thickens and surround effects swirl around your listening area in a precise manner that matches the visuals on screen.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Kate (R21)

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Kate (R21)

When an assassin is poisoned and told she has less than a day to live - expect her determination to kill those involved to reach savage levels. Every blow is fatal, with almost every gunshot fired from her resulting in gore and death - with the fatal ,thunderous impact of each bullet clearly articulated through our surround system.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Gladiator (R)

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Gladiator (R)

With bass impact that rumbles low and slams hard, this classic tale of Gladiators’ courage is unquestionably a bass demo piece to test any multiple subwoofers set up. Battle charges towards you unapologetically while your surround channels run sidelines to realistically channel every metal clags and dialogues play the midfielder to create an immersion inside out. Quiet scenes draw theatric contrast and allow you to pick up the taps of ambiance sounds around you. Every effect is well thought out to deliver a cinematic rich bass that astounds even the fanciest bass head.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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The Grand Budapest Hotel (R)

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The Grand Budapest Hotel (R)

Desserts come in many forms, and the good news is that this is not loaded with calories. Dialogues in this movie dominate the center channels that provide an active mix of both high and mid frequencies to keep you constantly glued to the aesthetically pleasing visuals. Luscious and balanced spatial surround effects provide a comfortable ambient experience, especially if you have physical discrete speakers. Music scores add the extra punch of liveliness that paints your room in the color, happy. Overall, this is definitely a dessert we would not mind having every week, after any meal.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

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