Not many sequels will live up to its predecessor, much less to say, surpass it. This is one that surpasses it. Close-shaved motorcycle chase scenes that have you on the edge on your seat, and various morphing sound effects, are just the tip of the iceberg. With Arnold Schwarzenegger fronting this, expect larger-than-life explosions that will showcase its weight as it punches straight to your chest. Endless rounds from an array of firearms will not only make sure you have your fill of bullets whizzing by you (and might have you say, Hasta la vista, baby!) but also, marvel at your surround speakers’ dynamic capabilities.
Titanic (PG-13)
Superb sound is the binding agent in films that withstand the test of time. Right from the beginning, you will feel the howling of the wind at sea taking charge. As the movie sinks in deeper, the ship’s engines will test the might of your subwoofer(s) in its ability to recreate highly pressurized frequencies to flood your sweetspot. Musical extension present in the sequences reflects the ship’s opulence. Ambient chatters and light orchestral music in the upper-class deck blend beautifully to accurately recreates the snooty atmosphere right in your living room. Life exuberates from your surround speakers when you are on the third-class deck. The crowd’s merry-making does not bleed onto other channels and you will be able to hear the small details that are present if you have physical speakers surrounding you. This ageless film is a classic example of being immersed with tactfully created sound effects.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Top Gun (PG)
A definite must-watch not only because this movie helped launch Tom Cruise’s career (pun intended), but also because it hinges its whole storyline on heroic aviation action. With the restored version of this, tuned to take full advantage of the capabilities of today’s sound technologies, you are definitely going to feel and hear the MiG-28s fighter jets soar and roar above you. Spoiler Alert: "Danger Zone" withstands the test of time and will certainly have you moving your tushies, as the jets take-offs from the runway.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG-13)
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.
IMMERSIVENESS RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
TRON: Legacy (PG)
Tron Legacy is no ordinary movie because Daft Punk's phenomenal music artistry flows throughout this. Directional cues are realized effectively and precisely by drool-worthy motorbikes. Overhead sounds by flying drones and aircraft fulfill the 3-dimensional sound element and work together with your surround speakers to give you a tight surround hug. Well-positioned ambient whirring and electrifying buzz and hums are as ear-catching as the attention-grabbing neon lights shown before you. The star of this show is definitely the soundtrack that hits you at all the right spots, at the right time. Bass is tightly controlled, and when it punches, it punches ruthlessly to your chest. Signature Daft Punk beat patterns fully absorb you into the music sequence that will soak you up in an electrifying bed of euphoria.