S-T

, , , , , , ,

Moon Night (TV-14)

, , , , , , ,
Moon Night (TV-14)

EPISODE 1

This Disney+ Mini TV Series follows Steven Grant and Mark Spector, two alters of a man struggling with disassociative identity disorder as they are trust into a mystery involving ancient egyptian demigods. As Steven falls asleep one night, he wakes up in the Alps where he witnesses a cult meeting. Unbeknownst to him, he has in his possession a mysterious item that they are looking for. Catch the impressive sound direction in the following scenes; there is an explosive energy to the car chase escape scene that will push your subwoofers and surround speakers to the limit, immersing you in a 360° surround bubble. Hear the voices in Grant's head all around you as you are introduced to his alter ego Mark who has a completely opposite personality. The most notable example of amazing sound composition comes at the end of the episode when the Moon Knight makes his introduction. Moon Knight is a show you will not want to miss if you are looking for something to watch with excellent surround sound.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , , , , ,

Stranger Things (TV-14)

, , , , , , ,
Stranger Things (TV-14)

SEASON 4 EPISODE 1 (00:00 - 09:40)

The 4th Season of this critically acclaimed Netflix original series once again shows us how much attention to detail is placed into the audio mastering for the show's opening scenes. Feel the spaciousness of the soundstage with your surround system as you are taken across the neighborhood on a bike ride for newspaper delivery. The amount of detail that can be heard from surround speakers is astonishing; from the the intricacies of the bike pedaling and the wheel hitting the road, to the drop of the newspapers on the doorstep of homes, to the dogs barking in the background. The deep rumble of the subwoofer will shake your living room as you are taken back in time to a secret factory where a horrible and deadly experiment has gone wrong. Experience a disturbing sense of immersion as you see and hear the dreadful and tragic events that took place over 50 years ago. The combination of gorgeous visual direction and hyperdetailed, immersive sound mixing is hard to beat when experienced with a dedicated surround system that can handle the deep lows, the excellent mids, and the airy and haunting highs. Note: This scene is not for the faint-hearted due to blood, gore and graphic/disturbing imagery.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , , ,

Turning Red (PG)

, , , , ,
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: ⭐

, , ,

The Silent Sea (TV-MA)

, , ,
The Silent Sea (TV-MA)

Netflix ends the year with a bang by releasing another sci-fi Korean blockbuster series. The story is set in the future, where Earth has become near inhabitable with scarce water left for consumption. The only solution is to retrieve a mysterious sample from an abandoned research station located on the moon. Join the space explorers as they risk their lives to carry out this perilous 24-hour mission for humanity's survival and make shocking discoveries. The unnerving atmospheric stillness of the vast space is juxtaposed against the multiple thrilling scenes and ominous music. Every speaker channel will be put to work to deliver the well-orchestrated audio effects that will keep you glued to your screen.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

, ,

The Dark Knight (PG-13)

, ,
The Dark Knight (PG-13)

The Dark Knight brings a greatly scored masterpiece coming from Hans Zimmer, with the movie winning an Oscar for "Best Achievement in Sound Editing". Hear the crackling gun sounds in their harsh and raw form firing past your living room space through your surround sound system, and be immersed in the bright and abrasive visuals. With the roar of the Batmobile (literally) and music delivered from the movie bringing the on-screen action to life, "The Dark Knight" is a must-listen on your sound system.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , ,

Salt (PG-13)

, , ,
Salt (PG-13)

Used correctly, salt enhances flavor, and this movie, embodies it to give the word, “action” a touch of its excellence. From heroic stunts across fast-moving vehicles to seemingly impossible escapes, you will find yourself absorbed into the action, especially with the lifelike sounds of smashing windows and gunshots whizzing past you from all your available surround channels. Keen and active dialogue comes through your center channels to provide a well-rounded surround experience.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

, , , , ,

Saving Private Ryan (R)

, , , , ,
Saving Private Ryan (R)

CHAPTER 2 (05:49 - 13:04)

This scene is perfect for any surround system. Not only is it one of the most iconic war movie scenes of all time, but it is also widely accredited to be one of the best works of surround sound engineering. As the scene begins, the large sea waves result in deep rumbles of low frequencies. As it switches to the soldiers inside the boat, you will hear the spacious ambient effects of the sea all around you. During the battle, the sounds of bullets whizzing past you, flying debris, stunning explosions, soldiers shouting frantically and heavy machine gunfire from various firing points nearby and faraway will keep you at the edge of your seat.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , ,

Shang Chi (PG-13)

, , , ,
Shang Chi (PG-13)

With both Shang Chi and the villain being skilled in weaponry kung fu, the whoosh of powerful-packed fist and dagger battles, energy, and magic-based effects, as well as it's resulting carnage will show off the might and finesse of your surround sound system. Widely recognized as one of 2021's successful movie blockbusters, this is a movie not to be missed!

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , ,

The Shining (R)

, , , ,
The Shining (R)

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a timeless (and aesthetically pleasing) horror classic that showcases the director’s signature use of timing in sounds to ramp up fear and escalate emotions. No matter the scene, a sense of space can be detected, and with the carefully planned sound timings as well as the little ambient details present before the growing dominant sound travels from the surround speakers to the frontal array. You will find yourself biting into your nails, as you come face to face with the Grady Twins, stand before the blood elevator, or even the frightening Room 237. Its dramatic shift from ambient to frontal not only accelerates menacing situations but keeps you glued no matter how much you try to look away.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐

, , , ,

Sicaro (R)

, , , ,
Sicaro (R)

While gun fires and explosions are expected in this white knuckle thriller, this classic war-on-drugs movie springs an element of surprise in absolute surround immersion. Numerous action driven scenes note not only thumping soundtracks that increase your heart rate, but also, subtle kicks of atmospheric directional sounds that challenges your surround speakers to pick up and create the claustrophobic environment you see on screen. High-contrast moments in sound dynamics will bombard your environment with maximum blows through the available speakers. It truly tests how well they can handle sharp sudden blows in frequencies while preserving the sounds’ pristine clarity in the respective channels.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , , , ,

Soul (PG)

, , , , , ,
Soul (PG)

Disney is known to pay very close attention to creating a realistic soundscape for every animated movie, and SOUL is no exception. Leveraging on Dolby Atmos, SOUL makes full use of every speaker channel to engulf you with lush, ethereal ambient cues that virtually seem to transport you out of this world. Every musical note is beautifully rendered through your frontal channels, going in sync with the main character's deft finger movements. So much attention has been given to the original musical scores for this movie, that it's musical scores have already won multiple awards for being some of the best musical pieces ever created for a movie.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , ,

The Sound of Music (G)

, , , ,
The Sound of Music (G)

Effortlessly twirling in to demand the very best from your surround system, this restoration of the old-time favorite is bound to make your feet tap and lips sing. The original 6 track recording is further expanded to demand more out of today’s spatial sound technologies. You will notice that the frontal array has distinct sound object placement that provides your ears a map to track whose voice belongs to whom in the video presentation. Musical notes that flow through your drivers are filled with vigor and energizes the room to create a shoulder-to-shoulder comparison with the on-screen mood. It is a remastered nobody asked for, but desperately in need of, and we are glad, someone took up the challenge of taking this happiest feel-good film to better heights!

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , , , , ,

Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13)

, , , , , , ,
Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13)

Loaded with a ton of in-air action, the whole movie swings in at full force with superb coordination between what is on-screen and what is translated through your surround system. With discrete surround speakers, you will be able to discern every motion, no matter the distance. Every mechanical whirring impresses with clarity through the surround channel. Finishing off with a bang, the final encounter with The Vulture will utilize every known channel to send all objects’ sounds (from the explosion) to its respective position, filling your soundstage with not only just in-air atmospheric debris but also, resounding rich rumbles from the ground. This will definitely satisfy your craving for spatial surround effects.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

, , , , ,

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (PG)

, , , , ,
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (PG)

Hailed as the “Greatest Spidey Movie of Them All” by Rolling Stone, the surround sounds is just as reflective of its stunning visual. It gave us hair-raising and ting-a-ling sensations at the movie peaks and with every build-up, footsteps, and echoes that are lucidly produced by your surround speakers. If you have overhead or up-firing speakers, prepare to dodge the webs that are shot in the air, towards you and feel Spider-Man swinging past you. Not leaving music lovers behind, the soundtracks that accompany this movie will have your feet unknowingly tapping to the thumping rhythmic beats from your subwoofer(s).

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , , , , ,

Squid Games (NC16)

, , , , , , ,
Squid Games (NC16)

Netflix takes Korean dramas to new levels with this original. Hundreds of people are forced into playing a twisted series of games for survival. The winner walks away with a huge cash prize - but everyone else dies with each round. Murderous gunshots are fired within the first round of games, and the sound of bloodspills and blood-curdling shrieks will echo through every speaker channel, evoking chills down your spine.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker (PG-13)

, , , , , , ,
Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker (PG-13)

This delivers exemplary surround audio in J.J. Abrams’s attempt to conclude decades worth of the Star Wars universe. Apart from the signature sound effects that we love from their plasma-powered lightsabers, this movie serves up an additional challenge for your surround system through Rey’s and Kylo Ren’s high energy lightsaber battle in the midst of a howling thunderstorm. Environmental sounds and sparks from the clashing lightsabers are clearly transmitted through the surround speakers, turning your living room into the battle scene. Leaving no channels idle, the thunderous thuds made by both are noticeable through your subwoofer(s) even with huge crashing waves stealing the spotlight.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, , , , ,

Stranger Things (TV-14)

, , , , ,
Stranger Things (TV-14)

SEASON 3 EPISODE 1 (00:00 - 05:00)

This scene has everything and will put your sound system to the ultimate test. At the start, the intense music, workers walking intently with fast, heavy footsteps and echo create a spacious soundscape, making you feel like you are in the middle of an immense basement compound with the anxiety that something devastating is about to happen. As the reactor powers up, you will hear a cacophony of ear-splitting screeches, static, electric shocks and metallic clanks that gradually build up to an epic explosion, pushing all speakers and subwoofers in your sound system to overdrive. Watch this at your own risk.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

, ,

Superman (1978) (PG)

, ,
Superman (1978) (PG)

Good news, the movie that is considered the paramount building block for today’s superhero movies, just got a massive upgrade in sound. Each detail receives an appropriate amount of sound treatment that immerses you through your surround speakers even more than before. A noticeably wider soundstage is present in this remastered piece and that has certainly brought out the realism in every dialogue. Low-frequency effects from crashing cars and building falls are comfortably pressured, while background panic screams are layered tenderly on top to give meaning to “Sound that you can feel”. Heroic fly-ins from Clark Kent, will most definitely have you say, “It’s a Bird”, “It’s a Plane”, “Oh, it is just really good surround sound.”

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

, , , ,

Take Point (R)

, , , ,
Take Point (R)

The foreign mercenaries hired by the CIA quickly find themselves vastly outnumbered against a country-backed military group, with much more firepower than imagined. The soundscape comes with a complex array of effects, utilizing every speaker channel to reproduce the sound of heavy arms and explosions that constantly bombard your room at almost every turn of the movie. Quieter scenes recreate the sound of panicked movements, dialogue and breaths of these mercenaries, as they struggle to complete the mission and fight on for their survival.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐

, , , ,

Taxi Driver (1976) (R)

, , , ,
Taxi Driver (1976) (R)

00:25 - 10:57

Recognized as one of the movie’s most memorable scenes, the surround sound in this opening is just as iconic. The percussion dominates before the sultry saxophone sneaks from your left and right to steal the limelight of the front surround channels. The dialog is accompanied by ambient chatters and atmospheric sounds that articulates the sonic environment of the space the character is in. The flawless transition between an echoey and busy taxi garage to the open street is one of our go-tos if you want to test for surround spaciousness. What really impresses is how artfully the background music sneaks up ever so slightly from the surround speakers to maintain the mood, and even when it isn’t playing, your ears remember them throughout.

IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

CONTACT OUR NAKAMICHI NINJAS 10AM to 6:45PM PST Weekdays. 10am - 4:45pm PST Saturday, Holidays