Fantasy/Sci-Fi

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Clash of the Titans (PG-13)

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Clash of the Titans (PG-13)

This highly driven action film on Greek Gods and Demigods VS Hades is definitely a surround sound treat. Precision in every detail’s articulation of each win-or-die battle invites itself to transform your room to sync with the on-screen activity. Every deadly blow instantly rushes to your sweetspot from your subwoofer(s), allowing you to feel the mythical creatures’ fury. Sounds of despairs channel through your surround channels are realistically reproduced and the overall mood is further enhanced by the overhead lightning and raging waters that bombard your surround bubble.

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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The Core (PG-13)

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The Core (PG-13)

Be engulfed in the sound of wild lightning super storms, crumbing infrastructure, molten lava, and bleeding-edge drilling machine in this thrilling sci-fi movie. Centering most of its moneymaker in larger-than-life explosive actions, you can expect nothing but the best bass experience that takes over your room by sheer undistorted force.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

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Cruella (PG-13)

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Cruella (PG-13)

Watch the sequence of events that turned a young, talented fashion designer into a notorious, dangerous criminal. Featuring Cruella's younger days before turning to the dark side, the movie plot is unique and potentially, one of Disney's best live-action film. The unpredictable story plot and rich display of on-screen colors keeps the movie interesting, all while well-balanced, life-like Dolby Atmos height and surround effects fill your room.

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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The Day the Earth Stood Still (PG-13)

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The Day the Earth Stood Still (PG-13)

This movie builds up a sense of urgency within 10 minutes, and with good reason: A mysterious orb with an alien lifeform and robot lands on earth. With this unknown being and robot invading US grounds, the full power and wrath of military hostaility against unknown alien visitors can be felt through almost every turn of the movie. The sound of whirring helicopters and fighter jets can be heard distinctly through every channel - almost as if it happened in your living room, all while the impact from the military's best payload shakes the room. As humans try to reason with the Alien when they discover it's true purpose, the increasing desperation can be clearly heard and felt emotionally through your center channels.

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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Edward Scissorhands (PG)

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Edward Scissorhands (PG)

In this quintessential Halloween movie, you will notice that sound subtlety is king to a multifold experience. Surround effects sweep effortlessly from driver to driver, to re-emphasize the main audio to output luxurious and full sounds. These tiny details shine through when Edward discovers his scientist-given talent in landscaping. Every scissor movement comes to life with crispness. No sign of muffles are present even with numerous audio frequencies channeling through the frontal array - Everything is clear and confidently delivered. Like its unique take on Halloween with a simple storyline, Edward Scissorhands needs no unnecessary pompous effects to set you into the mood for Halloween.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

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The Fifth Element (PG-13)

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The Fifth Element (PG-13)

Is your surround system ready to take on the mind of 16-year-old Luc Besson? In this over-the-top trippy space action-adventure, no ambient detail is left behind. Every drift from the street cab is artfully interpreted to not only sweep you off your feet but also, to soak you into its element (see what we did there?) Lines are clearly disseminated through your front channels and during firearms scene, the relentless whizzing bullets will cause a delightful orderly chaotic exchange from speaker to speaker. Explosions that follow will paint your subwoofer(s) red to join the spectacular range display party. The film’s classic alien opera singing sequence adds on to the colorful frequency to match its avant-garde movie wardrobe and cements this as the wackiest audio reference piece ever.

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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Ghostbusters (PG-13)

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Ghostbusters (PG-13)

Who do you call when swarms of ghosts are on the loose in New York City? Ghostbusters! Each armed with custom-built ghost-capturing tools, expect a delightful surround mix of spooky ghosts appearing from around and above every surround channels, with clear intentions to wreck the city and terrify it's victims, only to meet their end in a spectacular fashion as the Ghostbusters unleash their special tools that buzz and promise an electrifying experience for both ghosts and viewers. Highly recommended for the Halloween season!

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

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Godzilla: King of the Monsters (PG-13)

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Godzilla: King of the Monsters (PG-13)

1:40:41 - 2:00:37

One of the most epic fights in the movie, feel the heat and fury between Godzilla and King Ghidorah, in their fight for the only spot as King. Despite the inclement weather, your surround speakers still do their due diligence in creating the howling wind, overhead rain, and directions of reinforcement fighter jets right in your room. The bellows of rage that your center channel translates might startle you. Every fall and impact will surely be felt throughout the floor of your room and could likely, have your neighbors knock your door.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Gravity (Luxe Edition) (PG-13)

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Gravity (Luxe Edition) (PG-13)

If you think a movie set in Space will not feature impressive surround sound, think again. While Gravity will not aggressively assault your surround system, it will definitely taunt it through an extremely wide range of frequencies that are used to articulate the pressure in infinite space. The sound effects then balance that out with an impressive score of precisely placed, detail-rich sounds all around you to further heighten tension. Room-energizing explosions are also exemplary of how low-frequency tremors at high volumes should be portrayed. The deliberate lack of dialogues and emphasis on breathing patterns leave your mind to wander, sinking you deeper into the oblivion with Ryan. This truly crosses sound boundaries to create an immersive experience in the most unlikely place.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Guardians of the Tomb (PG-13)

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Guardians of the Tomb (PG-13)

Caution, this movie is not friendly to people that can't stand creepy crawlies. A large section of this movie revolves around a legion of spiders that lurk within the caves, with every stealthy movement of these arachnids distinctly heard around every speaker channel, with enough bloodthirsty action from these tiny monsters to add fuel to your wildest nightmares and imagination.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

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Hellboy II: The Golden Army (PG)

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Hellboy II: The Golden Army (PG)

With the world threatened by a rising otherworldly, unstoppable force, the government engages with an elite task force to deal with the threat. Every power-packed move from opposing sides is clearly heard and felt through bass-heavy sound effects that take over your subwoofers and envelope your room, with believable height and dimension given to the flying wreckage from each battle scene, utilizing every speaker channel you have to bring a believable 3D soundscape.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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I Am Mother (R)

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I Am Mother (R)

(0:22 – 4:27), (1:13:43 - 1:22:09), (1:29:46 - 1:39:23)

A good thought-provoking sci-fi film is one that you should always turn to if you will like to enjoy a well-rounded evening. Details from the advanced machinery are well channeled through your surround speakers to introduce the cold laboratory. As you inch closer, the room dynamics changes. You witness the warm portrayal of life’s creation. With most action taking place in the front array, it not only tests the ability of the drivers to handle the demanding frequency change but, challenges your ears to pick up every nuance of ambient notes that are stunningly clear if you have superb discrete surround speakers. Oversized drones above your head and roars of winds that surround you are accurately in-sync with the on-screen to take your breath away. Echoes of footsteps are noticeably clear and its eerieness is enhanced with blinking lights sound effect and suspense music to round you back to the same cold start of the film.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

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Maleficent: Mistress of the Dark (PG)

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Maleficent: Mistress of the Dark (PG)

The heart of this film is in its take on reproducing captivating directional dialogues. Its dynamic use of every channel shows how much attention to detail the directors paid to fully convey every single aspect of Maleficient’s emotions. Every surround trail leaves an enchanting impression for your ears to follow in the darkness of your living room. Dynamic overhead sounds from crows that circles around you, portray rage that will keep your heart racing as the film builds up its tension. Keeping the best for the last, the final war raged will push your subwoofer(s) to deliver bass warmth that will pressurize your room.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Illang: The Wolf Brigade (R)

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Illang: The Wolf Brigade (R)

10:12 - 12:00

The best way to explain to someone why owning a surround sound system is essential, is to play this scene. We love how the director has intended for the listener to feel the action through a wide use of weaponry with varying degrees of vibration. Overhead aircraft sounds are accompanied by constant deep bass effects that will cause your subwoofer(s) to reverberate and shake the walls of your room. What really will impress, is that you will be able to feel the clanks of the pistol bullet shells hitting against the metal shields. Launched grenades might make your eyes move along with the projected sound. The hum from the drone above will make you feel like you are in the center of the action. PS. The police sirens and horn blares are from the movie and not down your street.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Inception (PG-13)

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Inception (PG-13)

Rumored to conceptualize and written by Christopher Nolan for 10years, Inception is definitely worth your time to explore well-layered directional sound effects. Its captivating use of hyper-realistic sound effects continuously places you in the scene with every one of the characters in focus. No whisper or shout is delivered muddled and the simple sound effect from a spinning top, spell-bounds you from your surround channels. With everything kept to the minimal, explosive sequences draw a dramatic contrast that allows you to feel and appreciate the power of the bass. Inception clearly sets itself in a class of its own amongst blockbusters with bombastic sound effects.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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The Matrix (R)

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The Matrix (R)

Some would call this the OG of surround sound movies: The Matrix franchise has a great number of scenes that make use of your surround sound setup. A classic to look out for are the martial arts simulations: It’s clean, well-mixed sound effects will showcase how well your surround speakers can reproduce the motion of sound and “travel” from one surround speaker to the next, virtually transporting you into the action. In fact, the franchise never ceases to WOW with the number of details heard even if we are watching Neo’s signature bullet-time move gesture for the “n”th time. A warning from us, the explosions that happen seem to be deliberately planned to show off the power and impact of your subwoofer(s), shaking the picture frames on your wall if you have a good subwoofer (or two!). It is a definite Shockwafe reference classic in our movie library and it should be in yours too.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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