Fully Immersed, Volume 2
As I stated in Over My Head: A Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Upgrade Story:
Regular BPBS readers know that we've written quite a bit about Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the new, object-based, immersive audio formats from the surround sound pioneers at Dolby and DTS, respectively. Editor Chris Boylan and our team here have been tracking these formats closely, writing How-To articles, trade show coverage, and answering reader questions about hardware compatibility and software availability. Rachel Cericola has even put together an exhaustive Buyer's Guide on Dolby Atmos/DTS:X-capable audio/video receivers. Just do a site search on "Atmos"and you'll find all of that and more.
Given our extensive coverage of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, I'm ashamed to admit it has taken me this long to get myself fully immersed. On more than one occasion, Chris has argued that adding ceiling speakers to my basement theater would be well worth the effort and that I'd be amazed with the results. As much as it pains me to admit it, Chris was 100% right. It was totally worth it. And I am indeed amazed. [editor's note: I TOLD YOU SO!]
Now that I'm a total convert, I'm listening to everything I can get my hands on featuring a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtrack. There are more titles available than you might think. Some of these soundtracks are available on standard Blu-ray Disc, while others are only available on the newer 4K Ultra HD (UHD) Blu-ray Disc format. I'm equipped for both here and this column will attempt to highlight some of the best of what's out there. Here are a few recent DTS:X releases that have impressed me:
The Huntsman: Winter's War
Universal | Buy Now | DTS:X available on Blu-ray Disc, 4K Ultra HD
If you enjoyed Snow White and the Huntsman and you've been itching to see what came before - or after - the events of that picture, look no further than Winter's War. Both a prequel and a sequel, Winter's War is a serviceable, albeit unremarkable, effort from Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, visual effects supervisor from the first film. Like the first film, the visual effects and immersive DTS:X soundtrack are the real heroes here (sorry, Thor). The sound accompanying the magic of Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and ice queen Freya (Emily Blunt) is inventive and often features wonderful panning. That said, although the action sequences are loud and proud, I most enjoyed the quieter moments in the woods. The subtle sounds of fairies flitting about (and above) and stiff breezes gusting through the trees makes for a thoroughly immersive and enveloping experience. The film is available on 4K UHD, but kudos to Universal for including the DTS:X soundtrack on the standard Blu-ray.
For more, read the theatrical reviews from Tom and Matthew.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Paramount | Buy Now | DTS:X available on Blu-ray Disc
WTF? Tina Fey as an embedded journalist covering the war in Afghanistan may not sound like the most natural pairing of actor and role, but don't forget that Tina Fey can do anything - and do it well. Here she gets solid help from Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad) and the dynamic duo of Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton. (If you're not watching them on TV's "Fargo" you need to fix that.) Sporting a surprisingly excellent DTS:X soundtrack, this one wastes no time dropping you into a raucous house party anchored by "Jump Around," which is quickly cut short by a thunderous bomb blast. Dialogue is crisp and intelligible throughout and the overhead channels are frequently used to great effect, making crowd noise, driving music, and chopper fly-overs that much more immersive.
Read Matthew's theatrical review.
London Has Fallen
Universal | Buy Now | DTS:X available on Blu-ray Disc
Remember that movie where terrorists take over the White House? No, the other one. Right. This is the sequel to that one. Unlike Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen does not take place on Pennsylvania Avenue. Instead it follows Secret Service Agent Mike Banning through the streets of London, where another massive terrorist attack has just taken place. Like the first film, London Has Fallen seems to relish over-the-top violence and it makes great use of its gangbusters DTS:X soundtrack. Between the helicopters, explosions, gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat, none of your eleven speakers will feel left out of the fun here. The opening attack in London is an extended sequence filled with all manner of mayhem, but the car chase following it features a well-staged car flip around the 30-minute mark where the height channels are used to clever effect, adding all the more to the automobile acrobatics.
Read Matthew's theatrical review.
American Ultra
Lionsgate | Buy Now | DTS:X available on Blu-ray Disc
Under no small amount of scrutiny from comic book fans everywhere, Jesse Eisenberg recently gave us his twitchy and slightly unhinged take on Gotham City's Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Less talked about was his turn as a half-baked stoner slash super soldier in the twisted but enjoyable American Ultra. Although the story feels like a mash-up of other better films we've seen before, there are a few twists to keep things interesting. And the DTS:X soundtrack? Whoa. I have to agree with my colleague Rachel on this one: this is a fantastic surround sound experience. There is all kinds of activity in the surround channels here and the height channels are used to good effect on more than one occasion, including a devastating drone strike late in the film. Dialogue is clear throughout and music isn't aftraid to venture beyond the front two speakers.
Read Rachel's complete disc review.
Crimson Peak
Universal | Buy Now | DTS:X available on Blu-ray Disc
Having already given us Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, and Pacific Rim, Guillermo del Toro is certainly no stranger to the creepy and the kooky, to say nothing of the all together ooky. Dripping with atmosphere and loaded with capable actors - Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, and Mia Wasikowska to name a few - Crimson Peak is del Toro's first bona fide ghost story. Although the film isn't half as scary as it wants to be, its DTS:X soundtrack is the real deal. The creepy house atop Crimson Peak is rife with creaking doors, echoing footsteps, drips, drops, and other things which go bump in the night. One particularly fun sonic moment comes about a third of the way through the film, where a ball is thrown from a bathtub and convincingly bounces from the front of the room to the back, passing above the listener on its way. Very cool.
Read Lora's theatrical review.
The Last Witch Hunter
Lionsgate | Buy Now | DTS:X available on Blu-ray Disc, 4K Ultra HD
Now here's the type of film you just don't see much of these days: big budget, modern day fantasy with recognizable actors. (Michael Caine?! What are you doing here?) Star and titular witch hunter Vin Diesel is a self-proclaimed fantasy geek and D&D player, so I suppose it's fitting that he should wield the axe and cross here. He does so well enough and the result is fun but forgettable fare. One standout, however, is the impressive DTS:X soundtrack. Also featured on DTS' official DTS:X demo disc, this is an active and immersive sound mix. One scene in particular, and it's the scene DTS chose to feature on that aforementioned demo disc, takes place on a plane that's battling some otherworldly turbulence. The height channels help create a convincing sense of space as passengers brace for the worst amid a high-altitude lightning storm. Good stuff. Lionsgate recently released an Ultra HD Blu-ray edition of the fillm, but thankfully the DTS:X soundtrack is also included on the standard Blu-ray Disc.
Read Lora's theatrical review.
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