Fully Immersed, Volume 3
As Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks become more commonplace, it will become increasingly difficult to cover them all in this column. (That doesn't mean I won't try though!) With that in mind, here are a few additional Dolby Atmos soundtracks recently released to Blu-ray and/or Ultra HD Blu-ray:
I plan to cover several of the above titles soon but here's what I've been listening to recently...
The Shallows
Sony | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on 4K Ultra HD only
You have to feel bad for every shark movie made since 1975; Jaws casts an awfully long shadow. Surprisingly though, The Shallows is a lean and mean shark tale packing tons of fun and it's smart enough to not overstay its welcome. The Shallows has an efficient set-up and features some killer surfing photography - that is, before Nancy's (Blake Lively) nostalgic day at the beach becomes a nightmare. Making things more fun is the film's fantastic Dolby Atmos soundtrack, which wastes no time making its presence (channels) known. The opening sequence features found footage of a surfer getting completely submerged and the water sounds completely envelop the listener. Moments later, Nancy is driving through a forest to get to the beach and the overhead sounds of monkeys (or birds?) further adds to establishing this unique sense of place. The rest of the film makes constant use of the height channels, and whether it's intense underwater action or the subtle ambience of overhead seagulls, this Dolby Atmos track is a winner. The only negative? The Dolby Atmos track is only available on the Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Warcraft
Universal | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on Blu-ray Disc, 4K Ultra HD
You're either a huge fan of the World of Warcraft video game, or you're not. There isn't a lot of middle earth, err, ground. Personally, I've never played the game. So it's not that the game tried and failed to win me over; I've simply never given it the opportunity. And like any hugely popular video game, it wasn't long before Hollywood took notice. Director Duncan Jones clearly has a lot of love for the source material, and one has to admire the scope of what he's attempted here, but Warcraft seems unlikely to attract many newcomers into the fold in the same way as did Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. One area where the film does excel is its technical presentation and its powerful Dolby Atmos track. Discreet overhead sounds are few and far between but dialogue is crisp, surround activity is frequent, and the central battle theme, which repeats a few times during the film, sounds phenomenal. And kudos to Universal for again offering a Dolby Atmos option on the standard Blu-ray release and not just the Ultra HD.
Labyrinth: 30th Anniversary Edition
Sony | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on Blu-ray Disc, 4K Ultra HD
With the possible exception of The Wedding Singer, few films scream "eighties" more than Jim Henson's Labyrinth. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, and starring the late, great David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, Labyrinth is a timeless masterwork of puppeteering and imagination, even if its hair and wardrobe decisions aren't as timeless. Sony has done a complete restoration of the film (which, incidentally, looks amazing) and to complement this video overhaul, they've also created an impressive new Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Thunder , footsteps, and the numerous songs often venture into the overhead channels, but the drill machine driven by The Cleaner made the most lasting impression on my kids, taking full advantage of the height channels to add a new dimension of menace to an already scary scene. Best of all, Sony has included the Dolby Atmos soundtrack on the standard Blu-ray release, and not just on the Ultra HD.
Now You See Me 2
Lionsgate | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on Blu-ray Disc, 4K Ultra HD
Part heist caper, part mystery, and part comedy thanks to its likable ensemble cast, the first Now You See Me was an unexpected treat. The critics didn't love it, but it did surprisingly strong box office and just about everyone I've asked seems to like it, so a sequel was not unexpected. This time out, Isla Fisher has been replaced by Lizzy Caplan but the rest of the crew is back plus newcomer Daniel Radcliffe, who seems to be having more fun than anyone. Like the first film, NYSM2 features an exceptional Dolby Atmos soundtrack. One fun (albeit completely ridiculous) sonic moment comes when the crew has to pass a concealed playing card from one person to the next by sliding it through clothing sleeves. The camera actually brings you inside the sleeve and the height channels are used to great effect as the card passes overhead and then behind the listener. Music is prevalent throughout and routinely courses through all speakers, not just the mains. Capping things off is the Horsemen's grand finale which features fireworks aplenty exploding in the night sky above. Like other Lionsgate titles, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack is included on the standard Blu-ray and not just the Ultra HD.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
Paramount | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on Blu-ray Disc, 4K Ultra HD
As a child of the 80s, it's safe to say I enjoyed the Turtles growing up. I wasn't a monster fan, but I had a few of the Eastman and Laird comics, I remember watching the Saturday morning cartoon series, and I may have had a figurine or two. With that in mind, it should be telling that I have yet to see the 2014 live action film produced by Michael Bay. I was ready to write off this sequel too, but I'm glad I didn't. It's not great, but there is some fun to be had here and the film does a decent job of giving each turtle his own personality and an opportunity to shine. Also shining is Paramount's Dolby Atmos soundtrack, which is outrageous. Whether it's the subtle airiness and echos of the Turtles' lair or the superb crowd and PA sounds while watching b-ball at Madison Square Garden from inside the Jumbotron, this disc is a sonic treat and makes great use of the height channels from start to finish. And the bass! There's one moment late in the film where Rocksteady fires a tank gun while airborne inside a plane and I swear I thought my walls were going to crumble. Great stuff. The film itself may only entertain the kids, but this Dolby Atmos track is sure to put a grin on every audio lover's face. And once again, kudos to Paramount for making the Dolby Atmos track an option on not just the Ultra HD release but the standard Blu-ray as well. For more, read Matthew's theatrical review.
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