Proving once again that oversized robots are exemplary in displaying a variety of surround effects, Dark of The Mood, is both a treat to the eyes and ears. Clarity in dialogues is perhaps best shown when Bumblebee speaks. The varying change of frequencies in pitch and tone from the numerous radio channels never fails to surprise us. Every effect - from the overhead aircraft to the robot bugs crawling, takes its rightful channel positions to fully absorb you into the action. The epic fight between the Autobots and Decepticons will utilize every audio channel available to produce dazzling ambient details that round every destruction. With massive explosions that are not afraid to show its might through your subwoofer(s), we ask that you keep an eye on the frames on your wall.
Umbrella Academy (TV-14)
OPENING SCENE
A full array of surround effects is packed within 7 minutes of this Netflix Original series. You will first be greeted with narration in the frontal array while your surround speakers pace itself, producing various background effects to complement. Oldies classics then take centerstage with every other sound (dialogues, overhead rain, and background chatters) are stunningly reproduced. In the final minutes, your subwoofer(s) will come right in with resounding bass impacts from the explosions while bullets ricochet all around you to cradle you in a surround bed of sound effects.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (PG-13)
OPENING SCENE
Boasting beautiful sci-fi cinematography, the opening sequence of this movie’s surround sound is just as beautifully arranged. David Bowie lends his voice with a rendition of his song, “Space Oddity” being played through your stereo channels. Basking in his limelight through your ambient speakers are the flying satellites that emerge from the side, as well as other intricate sounds from space crafts and beeping alarms. Despite not heavily relying on your main channels, every sound effect and detail emitting from the surround speakers grab your ears’ attention with its utmost clarity. Tiny bell chimes and rings will draw your space travel to an end, together with David Bowie’s voice fading into the distance.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐
Warrior Nun (TV-MA)
SEASON 1 EPISODE 10 (19:33 - 24:19)
Loosely based on a 90s comic book, this Netflix Original does not disappoint with its surround sounds. In the final episode of S1, you will be transported to the middle of an ongoing Medieval fight where weapons clanking and horse neighs will greet you upon arrival. Grunts, wails, and slashes will leave its mark on your surround speakers. Scenes with purposefully slowed down motion of heavy weaponry such as waving of ax mid-air and grunts will allow you to listen to every detail of the sound trail before a shriek sneaks up on your center channels and a high-pitched ringing sound takes over from your side channels' initial track.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐
The Witcher (TV-MA)
SEASON 1 EPISODE 8 (28:26 - 30:20)
A sword showdown is one of the better ways to test your surround sound system due to the unique, sharp, ringing sound effects that come with it. Without much background music and chatters, this showdown allows you to soak in every micro intricacy of swordplay; the drawing of swords from their sheaths, to every clink and clank of the blades meeting and resisting one another. Hear the directions of swords wielding round your surround speakers and listen for the amplified motion movement in the air.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐
Zodiac (R)
00:18 – 5:40
A conversation starter since its release a decade ago, this movie is just as good a surround sound conversational piece. Right from the beginning, it softly introduces familiar Fourth of July celebratory fireworks in the background as you cruise down the street. Environmental sounds such as cricket calls and busy drive-in, transit effortlessly within the channels of your speakers as the car checks in at different places. You might jump from the firecrackers that are thrown towards you. Tension is felt through the portrayal of another car’s movement and screeching, in and out, front and back, within your surround speakers. Before you know it, bullets will hit right at your chest and the feel-good car music will then creepily take over your main speakers.