Comedy/Family

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Barbie (PG-13)

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Barbie (PG-13)

This fantasy-comedy movie named after the iconic Mattel dolls took the world by storm for good reason. It turns the world as we know it on its head while exploring deeper societal issues in a light-hearted manner. Be amused by the surreality of every doll being named Barbie or Ken. Their names will resound all around you through the surround channels, while your center channel jazzes it up as the dolls head out onto the dancefloor. Then, get caught up in an exciting car chase: Your subwoofers will add to the thrill with pounding bass, as the characters floor the pedal.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐⭐

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Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (R)

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Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (R)

A big Hollywood star is recruited for an undercover mission to stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology by arms broker Greg Simmonds. Look out for the scene where Simmonds, as part of negotiations, shows off the Maverick Missiles he controls. The center channel will bring out the unnerving nonchalance in his voice as he cues for the missiles to rain down. Your subwoofers will pound with every missile strike, as they destroy the satellites in the background.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

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Zootopia (PG)

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Zootopia (PG)

In this heartwarming family film, Judy Hopps breaks barriers by becoming the first rabbit to join the police force. However, she grapples with her role within the force. Seizing the opportunity to prove herself, Judy crosses paths with the cunning fox, Nick Wilde, while working on a challenging case. Together, they embark on a thrilling mission to get to the bottom of things. Watch on and hear your subwoofers deliver powerful bass thumps during intense scuffles while your surround speakers capture the exhilarating rush of a hurtling train headed straight for our dynamic duo.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐⭐

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All Quiet on the Western Front (M-18)

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All Quiet on the Western Front (M-18)

The story follows teenagers Paul Bäumer, Albert, and Müller, who voluntarily enlist in the German army, riding a wave of patriotic fervor that quickly wanes once they encounter the harsh realities of life on the front. Paul's preconceptions about the enemy and the right and wrong of the conflict rapidly crumble. However, as the clock ticks down to the armistice, Paul is forced to fight until the bitter end for no other reason than to fulfill the top brass's desire to end the war on a German offensive. If you have a subwoofer, get ready to be amazed by the earth-shattering explosions and pulse-pounding gunfights. When the helicopters fly past the characters, pay attention to the direction of the sound. If you own a home theater system, you can have the epic experience of a large aircraft flying over your head.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

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The Adam Project (PG)

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The Adam Project (PG)

Adam Reed, a 12-year-old still grieving his father's sudden death the year before, walks into his garage one night to find a wounded pilot hiding. This mysterious pilot turns out to be the older version of himself from the future, where time travel is in its infancy. He has risked everything to come back in time on a secret mission. Together, they must embark on an adventure into the past to find their father, set things right, and save the world. Feel the room rumble from the gunfights and chase scenes, which will be intensified by your subwoofers. With surround speakers, you will feel like you are in the center of the action and accurately perceive the glass shattering, car engine accelerating, futuristic gunshots and many other fast-moving surround effects around you.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Spiderman: No Way Home (PG)

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Spiderman: No Way Home (PG)

With Spider-Man's identity now revealed, our friendly neighborhood web-slinger is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life as Peter Parker from the high stakes of being a superhero. When Peter asks for help from Doctor Strange, the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. With the rushing winds and in-air flying actions, you will feel like you are gliding through the air like Peter. Bass rumbles from the fights will also send tremors into your living room to complete the surround sound experience.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Athena (M-18)

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Athena (M-18)

The tragic killing of a young boy ignites civil unrest in Athena, with the older brothers at the heart of the conflict. The problem is complicated by the siblings' discovery of their family's secrets. Be ready to hear the floor rumble as the smoke bombs and grenades go off. The fighting scenes would showcase the impressive directional surround sound of your system if you have physical surround speakers. Be prepared to feel the intense gunfire and physical blows that were exchanged during the civil unrest with the help of your subwoofer.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Bullet Train (M-18)

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Bullet Train (M-18)

This movie does not waste any time in getting the heart racing. Ladybird, an unfortunate assassin, is trapped in the world's fastest train with four others who are tasked to kill each other. His mission puts him in direct contact with potentially fatal hazards and adversities. Your living room will shake with the sound of screeching rails and the assassins' heavy blows, giving you a heart-pounding experience if you have powerful subwoofers. The ricocheting gunfire will paralyze you with fear as if you were actually there. Join Ladybird in his comical yet intense adventure in the bullet train.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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CODA (PG-13)

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CODA (PG-13)

This is a charming and heartwarming family film about young teenager Ruby, a CODA(Child of deaf adults), pursuing her singing dreams. Coda uses subtlety and contrast to create an immersive sound atmosphere and an engaging story that is best experienced with a surround system. As they communicate through sign language, the small vocalizations and sounds from the performers are captured through tweeters and drivers, providing conversation texture and intimacy. A home theater setup does this film's excellent sound design justice by showcasing the amount of detail in the mix. Get precise audio separation and detail out of the environmental soundstage with dedicated surround speakers. With a powerful center channel and subwoofer(s), experience the airy highs, haunting musical tracks, elaborate vocals, and warm and smooth bass all at once when you hear Ruby perform on stage for her family. This is a film with an amazing story, amazing visuals, and even better sound design.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Turning Red (PG)

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Turning Red (PG)

A cultural and thoughtful movie about coming of age and growing up - Mei Lee, a young girl from Toronto, struggles with balancing her dual identity and sharing her secret with her friends and family. Between struggling with her mother’s traditional strict style of parenting and her desire to fit in at school, Mei’s life takes a sudden change when she somehow receives the ability to turn into a huge red panda. There is a lot of vibrancy and life to the film, from the animation to the whimsical flowing nature of the soundtrack and the music. The audio mix, although somewhat subdued and laid back, is extremely captivating and well tuned. A home theater surround system will do an amazing job in recreating an immersive soundstage, bringing to life the magical experience of traditional asian dances and rituals along with a concert scene. The low end is also tuned extremely tastefully, and you will be able to not just hear but FEEL the deep warmth of the bass in action moments and appropriate musical sequences. Available on Disney+

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

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No Time to Die (PG-13)

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No Time to Die (PG-13)

Most Bond films open with a big set-piece, but No Time to Die constrastingly starts off in a more subdued tone, taking time to ramp up to the action which is plentiful as the movie progresses. Hans Zimmer composed a beautiful score to this Dolby Atmos film, enhancing the mood of quieter moments to the most intense brawls. Immerse yourself in the storyline, as you hear well-balanced dialog with great clarity from your soundbar’s center channel throughout the film. As what many would call "the most immersive movie scene of 2021", your surround speakers and subwoofer(s) will be put to the test. Hear and feel the deadly velocity of the bullets as they whizz by your head during the Chase Through Matera. The sounds of the car engine and subsequent explosions in the scene are accentuated, reverberating through your room with deep bass rumble coming from your subwoofer(s). The impressive sound effects and music do an amazing job of supporting the film's adrenaline-filled scenes that will be sure to leave you in the middle of the action. Available On Demand

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐⭐

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Encanto (PG)

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Encanto (PG)

Meet the Madrigals, an extraordinary family that lives in a vibrant town set in the mountains of Colombia inside a magical charmed house. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to communicate with animals —every child except one, Mirabel. Get pulled into this heartwarming story as you watch Mirabel overcome many unexpected challenges to save the fading magic despite being the only ordinary Madrigal without powers. The vibrant colors and catchy tunes flowing through your center channels constrastlingly coupled with ominous rumbling by your bass drivers deliver an engaging, must-watch movie for the family.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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King Richard (PG-13)

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King Richard (PG-13)

Based on the true story of King Richard, follow the journey of an undeterred father as he beat all odds and raise two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time: Venus and Serena Williams. Hear the weight of the deep conversations delivered in clarity through the center channels. Soak in the stimulating competitive atmosphere as you hear the roaring crowd and satisfying thungs of every serves and whacks when the tennis racket meet the ball through your surround system.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)

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Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)

On a quest to find his missing brother, a scientist, together with his nephew and mountain guide, discover a fantastic and dangerous lost world hidden in the center of the earth. Embark on a journey full of lyrical warmth, tingling atmosphere and affectionate nostalgia through the sounds from your home theatre system. The audio scores will definitely evoke the mood and feeling of being inside earth's best-kept secret, with the sounds of orchestra, percussion and many harps. Get ready to ascend, descent and explore the mystery of Atlantis through the movie's stunning visuals and audio effects.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐⭐

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Doom Patrol (TV-MA)

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Doom Patrol (TV-MA)

The ‘Doom Patrol’ features a wide variety of queer superheroes - our first hint at its fantastic sound mix with a large variety. Action sequences and kinetic moments are given the appropriate power in the mix with a forceful showing in the low-end sounds. Ambient sounds are also precisely placed in the rear channels. The spatial awareness of the track is pretty insane at times, with panning techniques used to great effect. The music also perfectly sets the tone for the story, creating a nicely enveloping sound that draws you further into the show.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Angry Birds 2 (PG)

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Angry Birds 2 (PG)

Following on its successful prequel, this movie will put the “fun” in surround sounds with slinging birds! Within the first 7 minutes, your surround system receives accurate directionality with the birds flying across your screen. Your ears will follow the realistic motion sounds of various objects and birds being flung in mid-air. “Order in Chaos” best describes the sounds produced as the feud between the Birds and the Piggys escalates. No frequency is muddled out and every one of them is coherently heard. Coordination between the impacts of your subwoofer(s) and surround speakers are top-notch, resulting in a room-filling bubble that encapsulates you. Safe to say, this will put a smile on your kids’ faces while putting a grin on yours when your wife gives her nod of approval on your surround sound system investment during Sunday Family Time.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Beetlejuice (PG)

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Beetlejuice (PG)

Make way for Beetlejuice’s whimsical, humorous, and theatrical Halloween entrance into your living room. An active mix of dynamic sound objects wakes the movies up to life through its now, wider soundstage. Layered in ambient effects when the couple discovers the oddity in their house exhibits perfect sound spatial-ness. Overhead sounds are accurately placed to elevate the whole experience for the perfect sound encapsulation.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

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The Christmas Chronicles 2 (PG)

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The Christmas Chronicles 2 (PG)

The Christmas Chronicles are known to be full of excitement, and this one is no exception. Quieter scenes are filled with ambient sounds of Christmas bells ringing and elves working in factories that churn out presents everyone loves. Later, As an enemy seeks to stop Christmas from ever happening again, follow the people that saved Christmas as they battle it out on flying reindeers that utilize your surround channels to seemingly rush by your seat, complete with the sound and impact of massive spells being broken.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs (PG)

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Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs (PG)

Bigger (and most probably better!) than the largest available size at McDonald’s, this movie serves up clever use of amazing colors to accentuate the ginormous descending food with a side of exquisite and precisely timed cinematic surround sounds. The sound presentation focuses on creating an ethereal atmosphere by building a wide soundstage. You will notice a delicious flow of surround sound energy that not outshine one another and pick up on a lot of delicate ambient effects such as light whirring of gadgets, squishies from jellos, rumbling, and of course, “oohs” and “ahhs” that keep this dinner party going. Bass in this, takes on the supporting role to actively bring out the life and give an added sound dimension to complete your audio dining experience at Swallow Town.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Coming 2 America

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Coming 2 America

When an African Monarch King learns that he must build a relationship with his long-lost son, expect mayhem as African tradition meets modern American standards. As the African monarchy tries to get along with westernized ways and family and political standoffs ensue, expect a night full of laughter as the comical dialogue goes off from your center channels, as every hit from the African percussion makes their impact felt through your subwoofer(s)

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

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