For me, it was the music in the credits for Once Upon a Time In Mexico. I dont think ive ever heard better use of all 6 speakers, it was amazing!

I have heard some pretty spectacular surround sound including Armageddon, Titanic, Pearl Harbor, Bad Boys 2 and all the usual big budget blockbuster suspects but for me the best surround sound scene i have ever heard was in the asian film Hero, there is a scene in the library which sounds breathtaking in DTS ( probably sounds breathtaking in Dolby too but i only watched it in DTS )

Special mention to DTS and their original spinning logo icon found at the start of many original fullbitrate DVD's.

I would have to say the 5.1 DD mix for Daredevil. It was one of the most active, tasteful mixes I have heard in a Hollywood blockbuster in years. While it may not have the in-your-face impact of its competitors it is an engagingly immersive presentation.

Any of the LOTRs :D

Oh man, there are lots of GOOD choices out there. One recent one that comes to mind is Master & Commander. The ambient sounds of life aboard a sailing ship constantly surround you, along with the raging storms, cannonballs whizzing by, etc. Very well done, very believable and not in-your-face-silly. Hmmm, now I'm going to have to go watch it again tonight. :p

Hands down DD 5.1 Fight Club. Especially the last scene in the movie, it shakes the house. :)

Ill see your Master and Commander, and raise you an Open Range and Perfect Storm.

I like the part in KIll Bill Vol 1, when the two chickies are fighting in the house at the beginning of the movie (now it may not be the best movie or best scene ever but) you can hear things being thrown at every speaker and when she lands on the glass coffee table, fragments of glass are bouncing off each speaker.

Just a little scene thats (to me anyways) under-rated. Overall a pristine sounding movie.

Jessica :)

Hands down DD 5.1 Fight Club. Especially the last scene in the movie, it shakes the house.

I have the DTS version of this, sounds superb but ya know i didn't enjoy this film as much as i hoped i would and i like weird strange movies ( I'm a David Lynch fan and lurveeeeee Twin Peaks, Wild At Heart and Mulholland Dr. )

Originally posted by ChemEng
Ill see your Master and Commander, and raise you an Open Range and Perfect Storm. Oooh, two more good choices.

For me is IM2 and U571.

someone listen to the end credits in once upon a time in mexico and tell me what you think of the way they make the music come out of different speakers and whiz around the room, man i was impressed.

If I really wanted to impress some one with my system the first choice would be the opening battle scene in Master and Commander, excellent effects and very involving.

try WONDERFUL DAYS ... its a Korean CGI anime.... its DD track and DTS track is one of the best i have ever heard .-)

There is one particular scene in Blue Crush where 2 characters are having a conversation indoors, but it's raining outside. My GF and I both kept looking outside for rain even though we knew it was not here, but in the movie. It seemed as if you were in the room with them.

Master and Commander is nuts in the surrounds.

Another good one is the "Version you have never seen before" Of The Exorcist. The movie alone will creep you out but the EX track is outstanding.

For me the obvious choice has to be the D-Day landing in Saving Private Ryan. It is just a full on assault of your senses for 20 minutes.

Cast Away has some subtle sounds provided by the rears to provide an excellent ambience when Tom Hanks is first on the island.

At the beginning of Clear And Present Danger when a Coast Guard ship is cutting through waves, it sounds like you are really on the ship.

A movie that really surprised me as to how well it used the rear speakers is one which most of you without kids probably haven't seen, Bioncle: Mask of Light.

Underworld

Twister in full bitrate DTS. This soundtrack is simply amazing!

I've calibrated my system using a sound level meter to make sure the levels are all as they are supposed to be. That being said, with a lot of movies, I'm a bit disappointed with the surround use. In general the level seems a little low and I think a lot of transfers just don't make good use of the surrounds for whatever reason (budget, attention to detail, talent, etc).

A few movies have stood out for me though.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the clones: In addition to some really strong bass during one of the landing sequences, this movie has a few scenes with the most active surrounds I think I've ever heard. In the battle between Obi Wan and Jengo Fett on top of the tower, the surrounds are amazing. The water sounds are a nice backdrop, but the real kicker is when Jengo's rocket pack breaks loose and flies around. It does a complete circle around the room, hitting every speaker in the process. It sounds great!

The Lion King (Disney Special Platinum Edition). This one has an alternate audio track they say is "enhanced" for home theaters. Boy is it! The surrounds are super active with jungle sounds and effects. Some people complain that they are too loud. I'm guessing that some combination of my having calibrated my system with a meter *and* the fact that I use dipole surrounds (as opposed to direct or monopole) makes this sound very nice on my system. It's also a great, fun movie.

Those are the only ones I can think of at the moment.

Brian.

I'll vote for Saving Private Ryan DTS and Led Zepellin Live DTS.

Are you guys nuts? No one mentioned Terminator 3????? That has to be almost the king of surround sound. That and, Return of the King (3rd part of Lord of the Rings).

Also, Finding Nemo has its moments. And some horror movies, like Final Destination 2. Honorable mention goes to "The Fifth Element". Very consistent surround usage.

But for overall consistency and impact of surround usage, I think Terminator 3 wins hands down -- and I rent movies sometimes just for the sound ; )

Return of the King is pretty close -- but there are plenty of long dialogue scenes too. Terminator 3 gives the most consistent surround sound barrage -- from the opening nuclear explosion to the crane scene, to the end when the female terminator dies/explodes.

Note that of the Lord of the Rings films, Fellowship is 2nd in surround sound, Two Towers is dead last. Return has more action and more surround usage than the others. I was actually pretty disappointed with Two Towers (other than some Nazgull scenes and the wall explosion).

Many of the other DVDs mentioned have great SCENES (like D day on Saving Private Ryan), but I think the poster here is looking for movies as a WHOLE. Not just individual scenes.

Thus movies that not only have good surround sound, but LOTs of it -- not just a few scenes.

Blue Man Group "Audio" in both the DD5.1 mode and the flip side DVD audio mode. Not a true movie but the use of surround sound is awesome. Be prepared to shake the entire house, even with a sound isolated room.

Not a DVD but Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" on SACD.


Opening scene of "Gladiator," not just the battle but also the scene in the field. You can here the wheat shaking in the tops of the stems ans he runs his hands over them.

Band of Brothers. I specifically remember the assualt on Carentan when they first move on the town from an outlying road.

Lotr movies and Daredevil!!Wait Got to add Episode II to that as well..Just too many to choose..

Bad Boys 2 has a VERY nice audio and video track, but the movie is just COMPLETE GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

brickie

Daredevil DTS
LOTR: FOTH, Mines of Moria and the final battle scene in the forest.
Master and Commander Opening scene.
Ronin

I also agree with Brickie on Bad Boys II. Reference quality disc, but a bad movie overall.

I have not heard that Blue Man Group DVD, but as a blgentry stated Lion King: Platinum edition.

I watched in straight DD then a friend said use the Disney enhanced. I called him out saying it was marketing crap, boy was I wrong.

I don't see how anything else can compare. The rears get as much use as the fronts in this movie for the entire movie!

Originally posted by blgentry
I've calibrated my system using a sound level meter to make sure the levels are all as they are supposed to be. That being said, with a lot of movies, I'm a bit disappointed with the surround use. In general the level seems a little low and I think a lot of transfers just don't make good use of the surrounds for whatever reason (budget, attention to detail, talent, etc).
... ....Brian.

Aye, Sound calibration discs suck, automatic calibration thats built-in to receivers arent much better.

I start with the calibration utilitity, and then make modifications from there. I always end up boosting the back.

Also, you know what? I found just setting all the levels equal according the volume control on the reciever, seems to sound better than the calibrations.

My 5 channels are all set within .5 of eachother now, and they sound great. I regularly lower and raise my sub level depending on the movie or concert.

really, whiz-bang action movies are cool, but what so far has really impressed me the most was Being John Malcovich. The scenes that take place from inside his head - when you hear him talking (Malcovich, that is). Plug your ears with your fingers and talk to yourself. They nailed that effect perfectly, to the point where it almost feels like someone is plugging your ears and you are talking but with Malcovich's voice. Amazing and unique use of the surround field.

Try out Dave Matthews Band Live in Central Park. Excellent seperation of instruments on all of the speakers, you can even hear every bass guitar chord on the LFE channel, its nice!

Take them with a grain of salt, but if you're into old movies, and you give consideration to the audio capabilities of the world back when they were made, I find that Xanadu and Tron sound great on my system. Not the best I've ever heard of today's movies, but definately the best from days gone by.

Roger Rabbit has a scene in the kitchen that sounds like someone has a joystick on the audio system and is cranking it around in a circle.

Present day, I like the DTS version of the Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" DVD, especially the bonus track of Seven Bridges Road that is only available for DTS. You can hear the fingers on the guitar strings in that concert.

Movies are difficult, because I like certain scenes in many movies that sound great, but they rarely seem to waste their time on an entire movie.

I have to give major props to the latest version of Black Hawk Down. The DTS mix is truly amazing and adds so much more to the movie. I loved the DD however the two don't even compare.

Black Hawk Down DTS Superbit
Saving Private Ryan DTS
A Bugs Life DD
Twister DTS
Air Force One DTS Superbit
Gladiator DTS

Master and Commander has one of the most impressive, realistic soundtracks out there...recorded meticulously and presented magnificently.....
So many great sounding DVDs out there, but this one was a real knockout on my system!
Open Range is another that has the attention to detail in the recording and presentation that elevates a simple story into something special on DVD.......
Nothing fancy about these movies, but the filmakers attention to the quality of the soundtracks help so much in the storytelling.....
Final Fantasy is another with an incredible soundtrack.....
Lots of others too....LOTR, Saving Private Ryan, Daredevil............
Oh yeah,
Gotta love DTS!

Originally posted by movie_guy
Twister in full bitrate DTS. This soundtrack is simply amazing!

Agreed. Also loved the surround on Black Hawk Down and Gladiator... dts versions of course.

the dts track on the superbit version of das boot.

A movie I saw in theater (unfortunately) that I have yet to test on my new HT setup is "Son of Sam". There is one scene, I believe the beginning, where a bee/fly is buzzing around all the speakers, and sounded very clean at the theater. I think they might have thrown in a creepy voice on various speakers too. However, this is the only bit of the movie worth checking out, IMHO.

Dear all,

It seem like all the movie that mentioned on this thread is heavy bass related. Yes... the sound of U571, Saving Private Ryan, the gun scene for the Open Range, T3, ST, Haunting, LoTR ARE GREAT... but all these movie depend on a good subwoofer or subwoofer(s)... and the low frequence is undirectional... so... it is not surround sound - (This is my humble theory).

I think a good surround sound need to make one believe he or she is inside the scene... without heavy gun shot, without all the explosion... a breeze, sound of Raindrop, foot steps from behind, Lighting, Thunder etc...

Since this is a good question that i never thought about before... so i don't have any example or reference that i can recommendated. BUT i think it is a good question that worth to look into?

Moreover, if the explosion is really happening next to you... For Reality, I don't think there are any Subwoofer(s) in the world that can produce that sound level OR impact... compare to the Real one...

Edmond

P.S. Sorry... If i do say something stupid... and make fool of myself...

Originally posted by cmont
I would have to say the 5.1 DD mix for Daredevil.
You sure you don't mean the DTS track? To my ears, it's worlds better than the DD.

Originally posted by Noah
You sure you don't mean the DTS track? To my ears, it's worlds better than the DD.

I would not know as I have not heard the DTS version. I saw the film on HBOHD in DD 5.1. I have been tempted to buy the disc and try out the DTS track but it would go against my law of spending money on horrible films just to acquire an excellent audio and/or visual presentation. That said I will most likely cave in when it hits the bargain bin at Walmart.

Chris

Could not say which soundtrack is the best, but here are two that have not been mentioned.
Blade 2 dts
The Bourne Identity dts

Originally posted by edmond
Dear all,

It seem like all the movie that mentioned on this thread is heavy bass related. Yes... the sound of U571, Saving Private Ryan, the gun scene for the Open Range, T3, ST, Haunting, LoTR ARE GREAT... but all these movie depend on a good subwoofer or subwoofer(s)... and the low frequence is undirectional... so... it is not surround sound - (This is my humble theory).

I nominated Saving Private Ryan DTS I don't have a subwoofer. All bass runs through the LF and RF speakers.

I do agree with what you are saying about the "feeling in the middle of it" sound and I'll nominate Eric Clapton: One More Car, One More Rider to that end.

Haunting in DTS, surrounds and sub are VERY active with great subtly at times.

Spykids 3D, bad movie but great surround and 3D effects.

Super Speedway SE in DTS, you'll love hearing an F1 engine @ 200MPH as if you're sitting in it!

Toy Story 2, opening sequence with Buzz Lightyear flying and fighting on Zurg's planet, great use of surrounds, sub, and mid-bass.

Master and the Commander is the best I've heard, and not just for the big booms of the cannons. The subtle creaking of the ship and the sounds of the wind and waves really draw you in.

A lot of great suggestions here. Like many, I look for sounds that add greater depth to the 2D film presented in front of me. To that end, my favs are:

Master and Commander, particularly the creaking of the ship, and the footsteps above.

Signs, the scene when they're in the basement and there is thumping all around. scared the sh*t out of me!

Spiderman, when the Willem Defoe hears the goblins voice in the mansion, it crawls all over the place.

Das Boot, Bolts, etc. popping all over the place

LOTR FOTR and ROTK (I really like the swoosh of the Witch King's Morningstar going around my head!)

Master and Commander

Band of Brothers (this will make you duck the bullets it is so damn realistic).

Saving Private Ryan (see Band of Brothers)

Titan AE

Bourne Identity (good panning on chase scenes)

Tears of the Sun (ambient jungle sound and rain in jungle very nice, especially for us Dipole fans)

Finding Nemo (bass! Ambient ocean noises)

The matrix (lobby shooting spree is a must demo for good surrounds)

Terminator 3 (enough said already)

SW AOTC (asteroid chase scene is impressive)

SW phantom menace (Pod racer scene for surround use)

Gladiator (Unleash Hell Chapter is great for surrounds - listen for arrows)

U571- I nearly fell out of my seat listening to this one- Your sub will get an amazing workout. If your system is good you can still hear the dialog with all the mayhem. Bring ear plugs...

I disagree with Edmond that it is all about booms and bangs for the action flicks. Many of these movies also have extensive use of surrounds for bullets whizzing by your head, machine guns going off behind you etc.

The Jackal with Bruce Willis and Richard Gere.

LOTR all 3
Starwars episode 1 & 2
We Were Soldiers (lots of bullets flying around)
The Haunting ( has great surround sound and some of the best earth shaking bass on a DVD)
Master and Commander ( great creaking ship noises, sails flapping and the storm at sea part it was like you were in right in the middle of it)
Open Range (has good surround and with out a doubt the best gun fire noises I ever heard in a movie)

Here is an off the wall one for you, Buba Ho-Tem.

There a a couple of scenes where the mummy is hinted as and the sound swirl around the room.

The movie was actually much better than I expected.

All good choices for my new Demo-DVD.

How about Behind Enemy Lines? ( The missile attack)
:)

Originally posted by Lopez
really, whiz-bang action movies are cool, but what so far has really impressed me the most was Being John Malcovich. The scenes that take place from inside his head - when you hear him talking (Malcovich, that is). Plug your ears with your fingers and talk to yourself. They nailed that effect perfectly, to the point where it almost feels like someone is plugging your ears and you are talking but with Malcovich's voice. Amazing and unique use of the surround field.

I GOTTA see this movie! Guess who runs the studio that made this? The lead singer for R.E.M. Michael Stipe I think is his name. He wanted to make movies "That didnt suck" hah, whatever that means.

Queen - Night At The Opera DVD-A is my favorite demo of surround sound, completely awesome, from the acoustic guitar on Brian May's "'39" to the Layered multi-channel Freddie Mercury showcase song "The Prophet Song", you know, the song that goes

And Now I Know!
And Now I know!
And Now I know!
Listen to the Wise man!
Listen to the Wise man!
Listen to the Wise man!

Thats all done in super-heavy multi-channel glory. Then of course there is a stunning version of Bohemiem Rhapsody, that just whirls around the room.

This disc is like going to one of those rock laser shows, haha.

Originally posted by JohnR_IN_LA
Layered multi-channel Freddie Mercury showcase song "The Prophet Song", you know, the song that goes

Thats all done in super-heavy multi-channel glory. Then of course there is a stunning version of Bohemiem Rhapsody, that just whirls around the room.

I have a DVD-A sampler with that track and while initially it is impressive it became a bit overdone with each successive listening session for me. Still a nice piece to pop in when you have guests you are looking to impress.

A compliation DVD of all of the "best of" scense for surround would be a teriffic present! From the studios to us!

Drew

Hero DTS.

"Roy Orbison Black and White Night." Truly amazing surround on either DTS or DD 5.1,

htomei

Okay, what about Titanic...Sounds incredible and I just don't mean as far as bass goes.Very active surrounds when ship becomes doomed and all hell starts to break loose!!

brickie

Originally posted by drew138
A compliation DVD of all of the "best of" scense for surround would be a teriffic present! From the studios to us!

Drew

Hey Drew there are DTS Demo Disks out there I think volume 7 just came out. As well as superbit demo discs. Do a search on ebay for dts demo and you can get a couple hits they just cost to damn much.


Anway I went ahead and bought the Haunting DTS yesterday and I must say it has one of the best surround I have heard it is constantly working the speakers and it sets the mood perfectly a must own.

brickie,

I'll second Titanic, but did you ever notice what I thought was a mistake in the sound editing near the beginning.

When Rose climbs over the railling at the back of the ship and Jack talks her back, she slips and he pulls her back over, crewmen hear screaming and come running, Brit sailor tells Jack not to move and tells other sailor to fetch the master at arms.

Cut to Cal "what made you think you could put your hands on MY fiance" and so on.

After the cut to Cal ragging on Jack you can clearly hear the throb of the ships engines but that was totally missing in the earlier segment.

Check out Perfect storm and Vertical limit if u want to impress a guest.

Originally posted by brickie
Okay, what about Titanic...Sounds incredible and I just don't mean as far as bass goes.Very active surrounds when ship becomes doomed and all hell starts to break loose!!

brickie


Love the sound but I wish they would come out with an Anamorphic version. I need to use the zoom feature on my D1 to get it to fill the entire 16:9 screen, which degrades the image produced by the 720P scaler. The movie actually looks better on my 47i in progressive scan mode. What would be even better is if they released in in SuperBit with DTS-ES. Now that would be something.

Originally posted by Chopster
Anway I went ahead and bought the Haunting DTS yesterday and I must say it has one of the best surround I have heard it is constantly working the speakers and it sets the mood perfectly a must own.

I'll second this. IMHO though the movie is very predictable and the story kind of lame. Have you ever noticed that most of the movies that at DTS-ES are movies that you normally would not want to add to your collection?

I wish they would make more movies DTS-ES. Kind of nice to have a discrete channel that drive the back surrounds. Unfortunately my 3801 came out before DD-ES was available at its price point. If I ever upgraded I'd have to look out for more DD-ES movies. That would give me discrete signals for the left and right rear surrounds. For now though the interpolation of non--ES movies to create the rear channels is fine.

I think if you scan the movies listed in this thread you'll find that a good portion of the listed movies are DTS-ES or DD-ES which makes full use of a 6.1/7.1 system with discrete amp outputs.

Toy Story 2 - Opening Scene comes to mind.
Blue Man Group "Complex Rock Tour"
The Final Waltz

ill neve r watch any of these again, but hey check out that silly,, goldmember, fantastic sound, but silly, or spider man 2 or walkin tall, the new one with the rock, or ,,, frankenfish, a bit gory but will have great sound an ill bet you will jump a few times, i promise, dont care who you are,, thanx.

House of flying daggers, bean dancing scene, from the Region 3 EDKO Hong Kong release in uncompressed full bitrate Discrete DTS-ES 6.1. I have to clean my pants everytime I watch this scene.

House of flying daggers, bean dancing scene, from the Region 3 EDKO Hong Kong release in uncompressed full bitrate Discrete DTS-ES 6.1. I have to clean my pants everytime I watch this scene.

No such thing as full bitrate uncompressed DTS of any kind. All DTS is compressed somewhat.

That's like saying cd quality mp3. It doesn't exist.

13 Ghosts was a good one. I was playing with receiver setting in the first part, but I do know that the second half made use of all my speakers.

this looks like it went from surround sound to bass. i always love a good use of surround for engaging music. Requiem for a Dream has some amazing use of surrounds, especially with music. Snatch uses the surrounds for music as well. but the best use of 5.1 is while playing Grand Theft Auto, San Andreas on my xbox in 5.1. every once in a while there will be a bad storm with rain, lightning, and thunder. easily the most realistic storm i've ever experienced in my home theater.

Love the sound but I wish they would come out with an Anamorphic version.


October 18th. Would your wish be for the 2 disc or 4 disc version:

http://img244.echo.cx/img244/430/titanicboth5vf.jpg

Once Upon a Time in Mexico has killer SS. There are a lot of others, such as M&C, Dare Devil, and LotR, but Once Upon a Time made me say out loud, "damn now that's SS."

Man On Fire, Collateral, & Desperado.

Lotr movies and Daredevil!!Wait Got to add Episode II to that as well..Just too many to choose..

Bad Boys 2 has a VERY nice audio and video track, but the movie is just COMPLETE GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

brickie
Everyone keeps saying Badboys 2 has great sound.... This is the only dvd That everyone recommends but doesnt sound good in my set-up... :(

I have a lot of favorites but here is a list

Bad Boys II is a great reference disk
T3
Underworld
iRobot DTS
Tears of the Sun

I hope we can add Batman begins to this list in the near future

"House of flying daggers, bean dancing scene, from the Region 3 EDKO Hong Kong release in uncompressed full bitrate Discrete DTS-ES 6.1. I have to clean my pants everytime I watch this scene."

No such thing as full bitrate uncompressed DTS of any kind. All DTS is compressed somewhat.

Woops, ok just full bitrate then, its amazing the DTS track takes up 1.5gb on the DVD :eek:

I have the EDKO version of Hero too with the full bitrate 6.1 DTS-ES, the PQ suffers on this release though, the sound is good but nothing will compare to the bean dancing scene in HOFD.

"House of flying daggers, bean dancing scene, from the Region 3 EDKO Hong Kong release in uncompressed full bitrate Discrete DTS-ES 6.1. I have to clean my pants everytime I watch this scene."



Woops, ok just full bitrate then, its amazing the DTS track takes up 1.5gb on the DVD :eek:

I have the EDKO version of Hero too with the full bitrate 6.1 DTS-ES, the PQ suffers on this release though, the sound is good but nothing will compare to the bean dancing scene in HOFD.

Is this a special version or is it the same one I would buy in Best Buy?

Is this a special version or is it the same one I would buy in Best Buy?


Do they even have Best Buy's in Hong Kong?


"House of flying daggers, bean dancing scene, from the Region 3 EDKO Hong Kong release

"House of flying daggers, bean dancing scene, from the Region 3 EDKO Hong Kong release in uncompressed full bitrate Discrete DTS-ES 6.1. I have to clean my pants everytime I watch this scene.".

I missed that part about 'Hong Kong' release :o

I'll second Jakub's choice - Fight Club for sheer realism in surround editing.

As for action stuff, there are too many choices (probably comes down to what movies you like) The low freq champ is probably still The Haunting.

E

I've seen just about every movie mentioned on this thread and nothing compares to Hero and House of Flying Daggers for surround.

I'll second/third HoFD - I also have the R3 Edko 2-disk release, with the full bit-rate DTS. Unfortunately the PQ isn't as nice as the R1 release... I'll definitely be picking this up in HD...

The R3 Kung Fu Hustle in DTS (half bit-rate, IIRC) is also amazing for ss, with tons of deep bass. Hopefully the R1 version will sound as or nearly as good (for everyone without the R3 version).

I also agree on M&C and the LOTR movies (ROTK - olliphaunts stomping, Frodo's heart beat in Mount Doom for deep, deep bass).

But I can't believe no one (?) has mentioned Star Wars eps 4-6. I'm hoping Eps 1 & 2 will get new transfers when the ep 1-3 boxed set is released (I don't own 1 & 2 yet, wanted to wait for the inevitible set).

Kill Bill DTS

All 3 Matrix movies, especially #1 and #3

Saving Private Ryan - I wasn't all that interested in it when it first came out, but I watched it in HD/ss when it was on ABC(?) last year

Harry Potter 1 & 2 offer some great ss, especially the Quidditch match in #2 (and some HUGE, immense bass at the end rivaling, maybe even besting, Darla tapping on the glass in FN).

The Incredibles, for great ss and deep bass


I just upgraded my subwoofer to an Acoustech H100 a few weeks ago, from a dinky 50w Aiwa 8", so there's a lot of stuff I need to re-watch and get the full effect. :)

Se7en DTS
Open Range DTS
Partiot superbit
Flight of the Phoenix DTS
Hostage
I, Robot DTS
Apollo 13 DTS fullbit rate
Daylight DTS fullbit rate
Dante's Peak DTS fullbit rate
Dragonheart DTS fullbit rate

" Se7en DTS
Open Range DTS
Partiot superbit
Flight of the Phoenix DTSHostage
I, Robot DTS
Apollo 13 DTS fullbit rate
Daylight DTS fullbit rate
Dante's Peak DTS fullbit rate
Dragonheart DTS fullbit rate "

The sooner they get 'Dts-holics Annonymous' off the ground the better , eh ? :rolleyes:

M

The original Jurassic Park movie, the sound was incredible, but especially the scene where the T-Rex escapes and attacks the car. Crank up the sound, hit the bass boost, its staggering.

Also, the DTS version of Twister is about as good as you can get. When those twisters hit, man, you can shake the walls of your house.

For music, try the DTS Music For Montserrat, the next to last song, Hey Jude, done by Paul McCartney, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Sting, Mark Knoppfler, Phil Collins, Carl Perkins, a symphony orchestra, a reggae group (Arrow), and more, this is the most incredible song with incredible sound that you will ever hear. I play this at insane volume, and i have literally had people applaud the performance the first time they hear it. Also the Tina Turner in Amersterdam version of Proud Mary is also beyond belief.

Just got Master and Commander today, based on recommendations in threads like these.

Usually I don't take my chances spending money on DVDs of movies I've never seen before, but this was a good buy!

The sound effects really are quite amazing. At their best, they were better than most of Saving Private Ryan, even the Omaha Beach scene (!) which I found was rather jumbled and incomprehensible.

In Master and Commander, the effects are very specific, clear and LOUD!! The opening scene where "grapeshot" rips through the ship literally rips through my room. Never have my surrounds been so loud, never has my sub sounded like a cannon.

The creaking of the ship and the sloshing of the water is also quite startling when you first hear it. You are immersed in the sounds of a wooden ship. Quite amazing.

At least as good as the LOTR extended DVDs, and that's saying a lot!

One movie that surprised me recently was Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The scene where they are at the amusement park and are shooting the pellet guns at the targets. Sounded like pellets were riccochetting around the room.

One movie that surprised me recently was Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The scene where they are at the amusement park and are shooting the pellet guns at the targets. Sounded like pellets were riccochetting around the room.


The first shot from the rear right, when the previous scene transitions to that, scared me the first time I watched it. I popped it in tonight just to check out a few scenes, and it scared me again.

That movie does have really good sound design. Some of the best in recent memory.

I have Neil Pearts "A Work in Progress " and at the end of that at the credits thier is a piece of music which i think he wrote himself, which comprises of a lot of percusion. Things are just happening all around you.

I had high hopes for Cast Away (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162222/) due to its 6-channel mix.

However they didn't make good use of the 6th channel.

But the plane crash scene really gave the sub a workout.

Hello,

Of the 992 titles that I own the best in surround use for the mix, crystal clear sound and full power and use of all the channels is "House of Flying Daggers: Special Edition" (2 disc set) Region 3 (Hong Kong Edko release) DTS6.1 ES (Discrete, Full bitrage). Period

Do not walk, run to get this 2 disc set and enjoy.

One of the first DVDs I played after setting up 7.1 surround was Stargate.

There is a scene in the pyramid where the soldiers are being attacked by Ra's men. It was the first time I ever heard someone actually behind me!

Run to Hong Kong?

Hello,

Of the 992 titles that I own the best in surround use for the mix, crystal clear sound and full power and use of all the channels is "House of Flying Daggers: Special Edition" (2 disc set) Region 3 (Hong Kong Edko release) DTS6.1 ES (Discrete, Full bitrage). Period

Do not walk, run to get this 2 disc set and enjoy.

I was recently talking about the good picture on The Cave and it also has decent surround sound effects. I don't know if it is the best but personally I think they are good enough.

Hello,

Of the 992 titles that I own the best in surround use for the mix, crystal clear sound and full power and use of all the channels is "House of Flying Daggers: Special Edition" (2 disc set) Region 3 (Hong Kong Edko release) DTS6.1 ES (Discrete, Full bitrage). Period

Do not walk, run to get this 2 disc set and enjoy.

Yes, it is an amzaing soundtrack. I picked this up for $15 from play-asia.com. Yesterday I had the house to myself for a few hours, and listened to, among others, the drum dance sequence near the beginning. I live in a duplex, with a bedroom of the neighbors off the front left corner of the living room, and so previously I hadn't had a chance to really crank it. I turned it up to about -20 (10 to 15 notches higher than previously - now I can go about -10 to -15 for DD, and -15 to -20 for DTS at max), and that scene was on a whole nother level than before (at lower volume). I wasn't as impressed with it before, although I knew it sounded great. But listening to it again at a good volume really was amazing. I've also upgraded my sub and receiver since the first time I watched it as well, which helped a great deal.

Master & Commander for me.
Ive never heard a more realistic audio experience from the little discs...

sperezmore recommended "House of Flying Daggers" (R3) -- Yep. The scene where the lady dances among the flying pebbles in the circle of drums is outrageous. Your speakers will be needing a vacation after that sequence.

Just thought of another one: Dragonheart.

There is a scene where Draco is flying around Dennis Quaid. You can hear his wings flapping from left front to center to right front to right rear then left rear. It winds up being a great test to see if your speakers are voice matched.

I like the part in KIll Bill Vol 1, when the two chickies are fighting in the house at the beginning of the movie (now it may not be the best movie or best scene ever but) you can hear things being thrown at every speaker and when she lands on the glass coffee table, fragments of glass are bouncing off each speaker.

Just a little scene thats (to me anyways) under-rated. Overall a pristine sounding movie.

Jessica :)

You beat me to it Jessica. Hands down the best surround mix on DVD is Kill Bill Vol. 1 and the scene you mentioned is phenomenol.

Yet another vote for House of Flying daggers, just jaw dropping. I love the organic pallette of the sound design. Those bamboo fighting scene were also very good. Some of the bamboo fight scenes where the bamboo was broken and used for fighting, I felt like she was slicing open my chest. I thought the mix was the crispest I've heard on my system.

"outlier2" - Yes, run to DDDhouse.

Another really, really good title for surround is "A Bittersweet Life: Special Edition / Director's Cut" (DD EX / DTS6.1 ES) Region 3 (Korean release)

Excellent film.

Regards.

Twister in full bitrate DTS. This soundtrack is simply amazing!


I agree completely. I have people over and crank up the sound on the storm scenes, and they cant believe it. Good choice dude.

edit: i see that i mentioned Twister earlier in this thread. i guess i really like it, but this was stupid. my bad. :(

Haunting in DTS, surrounds and sub are VERY active with great subtly at times.

Spykids 3D, bad movie but great surround and 3D effects.

Super Speedway SE in DTS, you'll love hearing an F1 engine @ 200MPH as if you're sitting in it!

There's an F1 car in Super Speedway?? I must be getting senile, I don't remember that...

May have missed someone on this but in addition to all the great titiles "We Were Soilders" is another one that will give your surrounds a workout. You'll duck from bullets wizzing around the place.

OOOOHHH! The surround is FANTASTIC in:
Gigli,
Glitter,
and Kazzaam!!!

(Think anyone will buy it?) ;)

OT,

Gigli...ahhh...a movie I'd love hate but can't.
spyder696969 you just helped me with a good anology:
To me the average woman's behind is like 2 channel stereo, some are even mono, and j.Lo's behind is like DTS and I always prefer DTS (less compression, more dynamic) therefore Gigli makes great use of the surround channels for me. : )

P.S. The Yoga workout scene in the movie in itself was worth the money.

OOOOHHH! The surround is FANTASTIC in:
Gigli,
Glitter,
and Kazzaam!!!

(Think anyone will buy it?) ;)

The first 2 are classics and deserved to be box office hits, i loved them both and Mariah Careys acting is almost as good as her gorgeous legs.

I would go so far as to say those 2 movies are every bit as good as Leprechaun but not quite as good as Leprechaun 2.

As for best surround sound mixes .... the movies which always impress me are as follows and in no particular order.

Armageddon ( Criterion Edition ) Id love the Jap dts fullbitrate one but it sold out years ago and i won't pay $150 on Fleabay for a copy.

Hero - Edko FullBitrate dts region 3 edition.

Gladiator - Region 1 dts mix

The Haunting - Region 1 dts mix

The Lion King - Region 2 dts mix

Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Ring Region 1 dts mix

Lord of the Rings - Return of the King Region 1 dts mix

( Note how i don't include The Two Towers whose sound mix i felt was compressed and lacking in some way compared to the other 2 movies )

Spiderman 2 - Superbit Region 1 dts mix

Black Hawk Down - Superbit region 3 edition dts mix

Pearl Harbor - 4 disc Directors cut Region 1 Edition dts mix

Star Wars - The Phantom Menace - Region 1 edition Dolby mix

( Note how i don't include Episode 2 or 3 as i felt the lightsabres lacked the bass mix of the first movie, here's betting George gets it remixed to match the other 2 but ruin what i liked about the soundtrack in the first place )

Face/Off - Region 1 Dolby mix - its old and was due a re-release in dts last year which never happened ( fingers crossed for this year )

Stargate - Region 1 dts mix

Cutthroat Island - Japanese Region 2 release ( full bitrate dts )

Dawn of the Dead Unrated Japanese Region 2 edition ( dts mix )

Underworld Extended Region 2 Japanese edition ( dts full bitrate mix )

Bram Stokers Dracula - Region 1 Superbit dts mix ( pity about pic quality and i hope Francis decides to honour us with his 3 hour version of this movie one day and Sony pays for a new print )

Blade - Japanese Region 2 edition ( fullbitrate dts mix )

Brotherhood of the Wolf - Canadian 3 disc edition ( dts mix )

Planet of the Apes ( remake ) Region 1 edition dts mix ( pity the movie was lousy )

Hellboy - Region 1 directors cut ( Dolby mix )

Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park 3 - Region 1 dts mixes

Pitch Black - Region 1 dts mix

Chronicles of Riddick - Japanese Region 2 directors cut ( dts mix )

Godzilla - Region 2 Superbit dts mix

Starship Troopers - Region 1 Superbit dts mix

A Bugs Life - Region 2 dts mix ( better pic quality than Region 1 this one )

The Rock ( Criterion Edition ) Region 1 dts track - Heard a lot about how the dts track is faulty on this one but can't say i have ever noticed the fault myself.

Twister - Region 1 fullbitrate dts mix

Titanic - Region 1 collectors edition dts mix

The Mummy - Region 1 edition ( both the dts and dolby mix are excellent )

Spy Game - Region 1 edition dts mix

Fantasia 2000 - Region 1 dts mix ( great for classical music this one )

Mulholland Dr - Region 1 edition dts mix

The Mask of Zorro - Region 1 Superbit dts mix ( one of the most cleanest sounding open mixes i have heard with very nice bass levels )

Sahara - Region 3 dts mix ( shame about pic on this one as sounds great )

Saving Private Ryan - Region 1 dts mix

War of the Worlds Region 1 dts mix ( shame the movie felt the need to do exactly what the remake of The Time Machine did and stray from the source material by re-locating the story and datelines )

Dinosaur Region 1 collectors edition dts mix

The Matrix Trilogy - Region 1 Dolby mix

Kill Bill Volume 1 Japanese dts edition ( I bought the american version of Kill Bill Vol 2 and was very disappointed in the sound quality compared to the excellent first edition from Japan which i bought for its uncut status )

Anyways this is a just a quick list off the top of my head.

FoxyMulder great list! I love House of Flying Daggers, but have the US release. Argh, this drives me crazy. You don't want the original "insert movie title here", you want the special edition, box set, director's cut, Region 3, double secret release that came out 2 days after you bought yours. Anyone have a difinitive list out there of what versions you should get for best sound/picture?

I actually picked up my R3 Edko 2-disc of HoFD, along with the R3 of Kung Fu Hustle (with DTS, half bit-rate IIRC) from play-asia.com for about $15 each, way back in January or so before the R1s were released. I was excited to see HoFD, and I had read how great the full bit-rate DTS track was. KFH was an added bonus, since they had it for only $15, way before the R1 was set to be released.

Anyone have a difinitive list out there of what versions you should get for best sound/picture?

Try http://www.dvdbeaver.com

That's what they do.

Try http://www.dvdbeaver.com

That's what they do.


I no longer trust that website for PQ, as it is simply people taking small sized screenshots with whatever software the contributors choose to use, and then someone else compares said screenshots. I got the same bit-rate viewer software they use (although I'm not sure if it does video only, or if the reading includes the audio tracks), but I found the original screenshots contributed for Kung Fu Hustle (before the R1 version's release) to be way too dark compared to the actual DVD (I picked up the R3 version), and found out with the House of Flying Daggers comparisons that they only look at the screenshots sent in for their comparisons. These aren't people viewing the actual DVDs and comparing them.

The site is good, however, for comparing technical aspects, features, etc., if you are looking for the version with say the best audio.

I just purchased the Kraftwerk Concert DVD Minimum - Maximum.

It only has two audio tracks a PCM stereo and a DTS 5.1; no Dobly Digital. Kraftwerk is definitely not for everyone, but the DTS track is, by far, the best sounding thing that I have ever played on my system!

Follow this link and you will be able to tell quickly whether or not their music appeals to you:

http://kraftwerk.technopop.com.br/music.php

Also there is some background on the artists here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraftwerk

I don't know if most will categorize this as "critical listening", but it is a great sounding 5.1 recording. If anyone does try it, I would love to hear your opinion; good or bad .

__________________
RayB

I posted this in the critical listening thread, but it probably fits here better.

Another really good one that might not have recieved mention here is Animusic. My wife bought this for me, I probably wouldn't have picked it out myself, and it's really actually quite good. I found that it made very good use of the surround speakers. Definitely worth checking out.

Mark

Just saw the last of the DVDs I got for Christmas last night, Amadeus (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086879/).

It'll turn you into a classical music lover.:)

I can't say that there was much surround action though. The music came through almost exclusively 2-channel. But it was powerful, it was loud and it sounded great!

", you want the special edition, box set, director's cut, Region 3, double secret release that came out 2 days after you bought yours.

LOL - well put -

Underworld- The scene where she unlocks the vault/tomb on the floor. OMG freakin killer. Open range with gunshots. Each shot gives a punch. The reverb echo is perfect.

I'm making a compliation dvd of my favorites (that are available to me) audio/visual scenes. Mainly for when people come over to check out the HT I can just pop in the dvd and let it go. But not just surround. 16:9 and like the IMAX in 4:3. I have a Flat ultra white Behr painted wall. 120"W x 76" high. InFocus IN74.

In order as of now:

Signs - The opening credits -
Signs - The Mel Gibson night cornfield alien leg scene- The corn russling in the winds is great.
Signs - The getting in the house
Open range - gunshots
BlackHawk Down - Chopper crashing
Contact - Machine sequence and wormhole ride (great visuals) and for a visual the opening scene of space.
LOTR - FOTR - The Balrog
T3 - Chase sequence cop cars
Stay - car crash (short but very loud)
Bad Boys 2 -Highway semi
WOTW - Tripod emerging, heat ray, van/bridge and plane crash /basement
Imax- Nascar couple short clips on the track


And my fav - Underworld, the beginning starting at "Play Movie" to where after the music kicks in. Then 47 min in the floor/tomb scene. Best thing I've ever heard.

The guy at the audio store said anything by Disney and he said Lion King was his fav and Underworld and Open Range.

The compliation disc is now 1:25 minutes long.

Look up the "Demo Tree" thread in another of the forums here (maybe HT Theater Construction). There are 16+ demo DVD compilations available, made by fellow AVSers, which are all quite good. Not as good as one you make yourself, but it's still fun to check out various stuff. :)

My vote: Saving Private Ryan DTS (full-rate).

Reading over some of these recommendations it just goes to show that nobody likes the same thing... some people want to be bombarded with explosions from all 5+ speakers, while others want to be envelopped with subtle sounds. No wrong choices here! Just an observation!

Honorable mention goes to the DVD "Amistad" (full rate DTS). Check out the opening storm scene - lots of subtle sounds from all around the room with the boat creaking/rain/etc. Feels like you're there.

Kal

Daredevil and Master and Commander. Both DTS.
1. Daredevil, for a loud all channel experience nothing beats it. Hearing the world though a blind man's ears. The action flies at you from all directions. Favorite scenes include when young Matt is in the hospital and wakes up blind. The bar scene is also damn good.
2. Master and Commander, from sutle to visceral this is a movie why we own home theatres. It was a no brainer for the Ocsar for best sound. Sound engineers need to learn from this mix. This is what a movie experience should be. I was brought into the movie so much more because of the audio mix.

The best -I- ever heard was Master & Commander. I felt like i was inside the ship. I wish more movies would use the surrounds as effectively as this one.

Star Wars Ep2 AotC has some pretty good sound in it too. I love the opening scene where the ship flies from the back of the room to the front. Almost makes you want to duck. Very good use of surrounds IMO. (And the bass ain't bad either :D)

Guys, try Monster, Inc. The surround sound is also awesome. Go check it out. :)

WHO SELLS the fullbitrate version of TWISTER?? Sorry to break up the discussion but I need to find it!

WHO SELLS the fullbitrate version of TWISTER?? Sorry to break up the discussion but I need to find it!


Is that the original version? I don't know if they've ever released another version. I saw one at the store the other day with the old style box, like my original Matrix DVD.

Not sure where to post this question, but:

Between the two formats DD and DTS, which is better? What is the difference in the formats besides the compression? A lot of the DVDs that I own have both formats to choose from, but I never know which is the better one to choose! Thanks!

Not sure where to post this question, but:

Between the two formats DD and DTS, which is better? What is the difference in the formats besides the compression? A lot of the DVDs that I own have both formats to choose from, but I never know which is the better one to choose! Thanks!

Not knowing the technical aspects, but I can tell you that my dvds definetely sound better with DTS sound, I always love when a dvd has DTS sound. Awesome.

Most of time I have to say that DTS sounds better, but I often switch between DD and DTS. Mainly because when I have it on DTS and my wife wants to go back to the bedroom to watch the end of the movie I can't have it on DTS for the TV back there, and I have to switch. On some movies it's really noticable and on others I don't notice a difference.

Not knowing the technical aspects, but I can tell you that my dvds definetely sound better with DTS sound, I always love when a dvd has DTS sound. Awesome.

Ditto However every now and then you find a DD sound track that kicks much butt. Underworld 2 is a good a example of this. However I will go out of my way to purchase a dvd with a DTS-ES sound track.

I just saw Wimbleton with Kirsten Dunst and was often amazed at the surround effects, especially when down in the court and hearing the crowds. It was almost as immersive as Master and Commander, but with almost no dynamics.

Brotherhood of the Wolf

Band of Brothers. I specifically remember the assualt on Carentan when they first move on the town from an outlying road.
Agree wholeheartedly.

Batman Begins (which as I recall was remixed specifically for the DVD to optimize it for home theater).

The most unexspected surround sound is Failure to Launch. Thats right a girl movie. There is a scene where they play paintball and out of noware my rear speakers came to life and a smile appeared on my face.

One of the best sound engineered movies I have seen is Requiem for a Dream. Brilliant and well done with excellent use of the surrounds.

Not to start the dvd vs. ld sound quality debate again, but..... the surround effects in "Casper" DTS laserdisc, and "The Shadow" DTS laserdisc are absolutely astonishing.

htomei

I know that this one has been around for a while, but if you just want to show off your surround sound system, try "Dr. Chesky's Magnificent, Fabulous, Absurd and Insane Musical 5.1 Surround Show". It is 38 tracks just meant to show off your system capabilities. Get it from Amazon.com or Chesky Records. (DVD-A or SACD).

Please check out the Master List Thread here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8971042#post8971042

I will ONLY be Updating The Master Thread List.

Updated even more now!

Great list!

A couple more to add
Feast
Poseidon

Great list!

A couple more to add
Feast
Poseidon

They are in the other list, but added them anyway.

Without a doubt, King Kong had the most dynamic, accurate, and active surround on any DVD I have ever heard.

Top Gun, WS version, DTS 6.1

Mission To Mars (at 34:00 minutes) has an extremely discrete channel by channel panning sequence which runs through all 6 channels (I'm using Cirrus Surround for the rear center channel). Voice starts at center - then goes to right front - then right rear - then center rear, then left rear, then left front. All the while the camera pans as well. Very cool. Try it if you own this title.

The Final Fight scene in "V for Vendetta" is Utterly Awesome..........Some of the best surround sound Demo Material in my HT...I also agree with the KK comments...that track rocks.

Any of the LOTRs :D
agreed ;)

"Dr. Chesky's Magnificent, Fabulous, Absurd and Insane Musical 5.1 Surround Show"

Technically a DVD, anyone looking for good surround material will love this. I haven't listened to the DD version, rather I have the DVD-Audio one, but I'm sure it is just as good!

http://www.chesky.com/core/details.cfm?productcode=CHDVD272&category=1

Any film by Woody Allen!

:D (joking)

The Fast and the Furious DTS ES 6.1

It seems that most of those that have wowed me have been DTS (at least for DVDs). However, some DD-EX tracks have also been awesome too. ;)

What has REALLY impressed me lately has been the uncompressed tracks on Blu-Ray. :eek:

The Fast and the Furious DTS ES 6.1
This was released in ES Discrete?
Good sound none theless even on plain jane DTS :D

Seems to missing from the list:

Running Scared
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose
Kingdom of Heaven
Atlantis
The Final Fantasy
Serenity
U-Turn
They
Mi3
X-Men 1-3

This was released in ES Discrete?
Good sound none theless even on plain jane DTS :D

Seems to missing from the list:

Running Scared
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose
Kingdom of Heaven
Atlantis
The Final Fantasy
Serenity
U-Turn
They
Mi3
X-Men 1-3

good

Pixar's Cars: awesome audio also loved the off camera conversations.

This was released in ES Discrete?
Good sound none theless even on plain jane DTS :D

Seems to missing from the list:

Running Scared
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose
Kingdom of Heaven
Atlantis
The Final Fantasy
Serenity
U-Turn
They
Mi3
X-Men 1-3

Yes. Bought my copy last week (region 3 coded)

there on the other lists :p

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...074#post8391074
and here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...86&page=1&pp=30

I updated all 3 lists.
Why not just make 1 list[or thread merege], as this kinda thread comes up like every 3 months or so.

The others has some really good creepy surround in parts. When Nicole is up in a room where the furniture is covered up and you start hearing moaning from behind you! Eeeesh!

Why not just make 1 list[or thread merege], as this kinda thread comes up like every 3 months or so.

why not... why.... who knows...

...and making lists is sooo much fun :rolleyes: :)

Chapter 29 of Disney/Pixar's 'Cars' is a great demo of 7.1 playback. Not only do you get rear-vs-side directionality in the surround field, but you can clearly hear stereo rears behind you (sounds over your left shoulder vs sounds over your right shoulder).

Sanjay

Top Gun, WS version, DTS 6.1


Wholeheartedly agree! Add Super Speedway Mach II. Awesome pics and DTS 5.1 audio! :)

Identity has good use of the surrounds, constant sound of rain in the outdoor scenes adds to the feel of the movie.

I have to agree with Blueman Group 5.1 mix DVD's and the 5.1 version of Dark Side of Oz, but...

my faves hands down are Domino and Brotherhood of the Wolf (The fight scene in the rain is superb!!!).

Most of the best movies have been listed. but other movies I listen to, I never watch a movie, are
Fast and furious 1-3
Superman returns
Pearl Harbor directors cut only
Ladder 49.
Bourne movies. Supremacy has the single gun shot from the bridge that will make you look over your shoulder
Mr and Mrs Smith
Cars
Ice age (just listen to the ice crack at the beginning over and over)
Road to perdition (it's like you are standing in the rain)
Band of brothers (best movie ever best sound)
V for Vendetta
Private Ryan
Twister (wish I had the DTS version, DTS is the only way to listen)
Polar Express.
A movie doesn't have to be good to have good sound. Besides how many of you just watch the action scenes more then the whole movie?

Next stop DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD with my Blue ray (PS3) player.

Go Hawkeyes

I like most recommendations here. But I dun think anyone has mentioned Assualt on Precinct 13. Blue Crush is also good with the wave sounds. It's the only chick flick DVD I own. LOL

Master and Commander is favourite.

I like most recommendations here. But I dun think anyone has mentioned Assualt on Precinct 13. Blue Crush is also good with the wave sounds. It's the only chick flick DVD I own. LOL

Master and Commander is favourite.

All 3 are mentioned http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8822125&&#post8822125

The Banquet (Chinese movie with English sub title) with DTS 96/24 soundtrack. This is my new reference DVD for surround sound. Easily beats the true HD soundtrack on Training Day which is my reference for HDDVD.

Heretofore, The only discs I own with DTS 96/24 audio are Brazilian recorded DVD Audio (I have 5 of them).

The Banquet is guaranteed to please anyone looking for the ultimate sound!

At the beginning of Swordfish there's that big explosion where everything is in slow mo and the camera does a 360 pan as you can hear the debris flying everywhere. Even in DD that sequence sounds really cool so I can only imagine the DTS version (if it exists?).

Citizen Kane.

Pearl Harbor directors cut only


What is on the DC that is not on the reg. dvd? :confused:

I recently got a home theater - and the best sound I've heard so far is in Pirates of the Carribbean - Dead Man's Chest. I'm guessing the ship sounds on the title page must be similar to what everyone's talking about in Master and Commander. It's amazing - creaking, groaning ship noises, with the low bass rumble. Davey Jone's heartbeat - you can "feel" it. The opening rain scene feels like you're in the middle of it. Great movie to boot.

Flags of our Fathers: Not much bass. That was disappointing but some of the best use of all 5 channels was masterful
Marie Antoinette: I wish sound editors would take note of this non-action movie and yet all 5 channels were in constant action. Whether it was a clock ticking or natures true ambiance this movies audio was truly amazing.

Can't believe noone has mentioned Basic yet. When the Army Rangers are out in the jungle training, there is a hurricane going on, that fills up the surrounds. At one point in they are in a shelter and the hurricane is tearing the roof off, it literally seems like the ceiling is actually ripping off the room.

Marie Antoinette: I wish sound editors would take note of this non-action movie and yet all 5 channels were in constant action. Whether it was a clock ticking or natures true ambiance this movies audio was truly amazing.

I totally agree. And some of the music, including the opening song, was full multi-channel with instruments and drums sounding throughout all the channels.

All of these are great choices. These are my personal favorites (in no particular order):

-Master and Commander DTS: Simply an exquisite audio experience. Awesome sound design, tight but powerful use of subwoofer, constant activity in all channels ... this is the movie that audio engineers should study.

-Pixar Movies / Cars: I watched Cars last night and while it was a surprisngly weak movie for a Pixar film, I though that the AV presentation was reference quality.

-LOTR - Fellowship of the Ring DTS: This is my favorite mix of the extended DVDs. It just sounds much nicer and somehow feels less compressed and more directional. Its achilles heel, unfortunately, is an unwieldy and unnecessarily loud LFE :eek:

-Mr and Mrs Smith: I was watching this on HBOHD the other day and was surprised at how well made the audio presentation was. The spouse fight in the house and the car chase immediately come to mind.

-HBO Series: I have been watching Deadwood and Rome DVDs (thanks Netflix!) and in HD. These have some of the best sound designs on TV ... or in general! Music comes across wonderfully, dialogue is clear, and all of the small details (creaking leather, voices coming from the left, etc) come through in an effective manner.

I like the others that have already been mentioned, but these are my favs.

I've updated my list:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=755493

:)

http://uashome.alaska.edu/~jndfg20/website/lastcrusade.gif
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Plenty of usage of dialogue panning over and in-between the three-screen fronts if you know what to listen for?

Sub bass extension split-surrounds with good use of LFE.1 when it accompanies with Indiana hitting those goose stepping morons. This is truly one from 1989 that will trill and exciting most.
Best sound effects editing 1989


http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jul-04-Mon-2005/photos/lifestyle.jpg
Glory. From the opening to the dramatic ending the weaponry of the muskets have plenty of punch and kick with a splendid James Horner score.

Careful with the LFE.1 on chapter 25.
Best sound 1989

Call me crazy, but my current vote goes to Grudge 2. Phenomenal use of the surrounds. Pressing play on it right now as a matter of fact.

another vote for House of Flying Daggers for some of the most dynamic use of surround I've ever heard. I just picked up the bluray release. While the picture quality is disappointing for bluray the uncompressed PCM soundtrack is another story. The echo game scene near the beginning of the movie gets played everytime i demo my HT set up :)

The DTS Special Edition of Saving Private Ryan tops my list.

so many to choose from but some fantastic ones are...
The Haunting in DTS (Liam Neeson remake)
Master & Commander
Terminator 2 Judgement Day
Black Hawk Down
Kingdom of Heaven

I dare anyone to watch the beginning of this in DTS and tell me that it's not the most amazing surround sound you've ever heard or close. I know I've got a strong opinion, but it truly is the best I've heard.

I wonder how many people bought this again for the DTS track alone?

I wonder how many people bought this again for the DTS track alone?

It used to be one of my top demo tracks -- but it has been surpassed lately.

I would demo scenes in spiderman3 in dolby trueHD now over the start of Toy Story 2.

Toy Story 2 was more like a bass demo then anything else IMO, regardless of encode.
I used to use it to fine tune my subs, I just had built for me at the time['00], along with Titan A. E. and The Haunting. :)

Toy Story 2 has an excellent sound track. Not just the intro sequence, but also in the air ducts, airport luggage sorting area and when the plane is taking off. Can't remember how subtle the surround effects are, but a great soundtrack nonetheless.

All the Pixar movies are great in the THX department. Highlights for me:
The Incredibles is awesome all around sound on all fronts: surround, score, and bass workout.
Ratatouille also has fantastic production values. (The grand-mama gunshot scene in the house with the rats running all around and in the sewers.)

However, recently, the one film that really surprized me with the GREAT surround was Pan's Labyrinth (It has a DTS track). There's a scene where the house is creaking all around you. There are big explosions and gunfire for the war movie fan's and fantasy parts for the LotR fans. (The insect faeries flying around the room/soundscape are awesome.)

I’ll say for last year it was Transformers at the Empire Leicester square in Dolby SR-D JBL THX 56KW of it!:p And then on region 2 DVD JBL THX enough power to vibrate the room up to 120dbc!:p

The hulk. This movie has good sound, specially when he transforms the first time in the lab.

Do the Blu-ray or HD DVD versions of these movies sound better than the regular DVD version?

Yes they have lossless audio that is a big improvement over lossy DD and DTS.

3:10 to Yuma 7.1 Bluray makes great use of the surrounds, the bullets sound like they are all over the place. Transformers HDDVD is another great one to demo your surrounds.

And Transformers makes a great case for getting great sound despite ONLY having a 1.5mps Dolby Digital Plus soundtrack for all those "not getting unless it has lossless" snobs.

The scene in desert scene in The Hulk will blow your mind. There is nothing like good use of bass in explosions and this movie does the job well.
Also, Disney's The Incredibles is mind blowing. MIND BLOWING! This is the movie I use to give my friends a sample of what 5.1 can do.

1The desert scene in The Hulk will blow your mind. There is nothing like good use of bass in explosions and this movie does the job well.
Also, Disney's The Incredibles is mind blowing. MIND BLOWING! This is the movie I use to give my friends a sample of what 5.1 can do.

Hero (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299977/) cannot be recommended enough! Chapter 2 with the approaching horses, and the following rain, is almost always the single movie I use to "wow" new vistors to my home cinema.

Just saw Horton Hears a Who this past weekend with my family.
Wow if/when they come out with that on Bluray, the soundtrack is going to be insane. So much going on in that movie with the music and sound effects. Will truly give your HT a workout if they do it justice with a good quality track in the final BR & DVD

Do the Blu-ray or HD DVD versions of these movies sound better than the regular DVD version?
Oh yeah, Cars on BD for example is just miles ahead from the DVD.
Apocalypto, and Black Hawk Down are also a clear step up IMO.

The scene in desert scene in The Hulk will blow your mind. There is nothing like good use of bass in explosions and this movie does the job well.
Also, Disney's The Incredibles is mind blowing. MIND BLOWING! This is the movie I use to give my friends a sample of what 5.1 can do.


Do you know if the HD DVD is any better? I've seen it on DVD. Got my 5 free HD DVDs this past week for buying a player in December, and the Hulk was one of them.

Way better. It's not even close.

Yeah that’s why I’m still using DVD perfect picture, perfect sound, perfect price as well.:D

It's better but the pic is still 2 soft in some scenes.

Yeah that’s why I’m still using DVD perfect picture, perfect sound, perfect price as well.:D...........and that's why you have no credibility left as well. :D

Tons of Favorites here:

There's Master & Commander, Perfect Storm, LOTR series, STAR WARS Series, POTC series, Fast And Furious 1, Hulk, 300, Gladiator, Patriot, Underworld Evo, The Orphanage.....

For Show off DEMO of your 5.1 system....

4) Saving Private Ryan (yeah!)
3) U-571 (Extreme Bass Show-off!!! Watch the Depth Charge Scenes!)
2) Black Hawk Down (OMG Hell Yeah!!!)

For number #1 though, maybe people brushed it aside coz it was just a Movie Series made For HBO TV, stories were nice but more on drama, but hey check out all the Battle's amazing Sounds on all the 6 discs. I have never heard of any movie with almost spot-on-sounds.... e.g. soldiers talking from Left front channel and not even on the screen yet and suddenly camera pans left to reveal them..... soldiers screaming and crying Medic!!!! from Behind your sitting spot..... Bullets flying from left to right....Right to left....back to front....geezzz in all all directions!!!!!

My NUMBER 1 DVD Movie with the Best 5.1 Audio MIX...that makes you feel fully immersed and a part of every battle scene .... it's none other than the
'Band of Brothers' -----> Bar None!!!!

I kinder feel at the moment it’s a bit unfair to say “best ever” because I have so many that could fit into the category of "best ever" for the week the month the year there are so many I have I don’t really know where to start?

I could say Apollo 13 (1995) was the best sound I heard that year.
I could also say the same about Twister (1996) thou it never won an academy award it was the best sound I heard thou The English Patient (1996) was the better sounding film.

mission to mars' full speaker rotation is a cool demo for ppl who moan i have
too many speakers. love playing scream 3: sidney hears
voices on film set.
speed: water barrells
star trek: first contact, the humming of the engines is always great & the
cube battle.
josie and the pussycats: tara reid runs off round the house, a comical "in
hear" comes thru one of the rears.
THX cow: moo
saving pvt ryan DTS
T2
jeff waynes war of the worlds live: breathtaking!
apocolypse now: opening shot
jurassic park: the one that started it all... well DTS
LOTR:
Star Wars:
PJs King Kong
Signs

For me, it was the music in the credits for Once Upon a Time In Mexico. I dont think ive ever heard better use of all 6 speakers, it was amazing!

Hey Wixy...are you talking about the opening credits or end credits? Did you listen to this on the Superbit DVD?

The new THX intro is so cool, my wife asked me to play it three times. She actually called the kids into the room so they could hear the effects. :D
The movie was awesome and over the top but the soundtrack is dead on. One of my top 10 surround movies.

jeff waynes war of the worlds live: breathtaking!


Can't go wrong with that, it is breathtaking! Well worth the price!

For those interested there is a 30th Anniversary Edition being release on 24 Nov. available through Amazon UK. under 16 Pounds plus shipping to US.

Jeff Waynes The War of The Worlds 30th Anniversary Edition

Format: Box set, PAL, Special Edition
Region: Region 2 ( DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 2
Classification: Exempt
Studio: Universal Pictures UK
DVD Release Date: 24 Nov 2008
Run Time: 165 minutes
Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
DVD Features:
ASIN: B001D1F8QG

DVD DescriptionThis definitive edition of the DVD contains the double DVD of the famous 2006 show, a limited edition Penguin Classics book of the original H.G Wells story (with exclusive images of the 2007 tour) and a limited edition postcard with images from the show and one of Jeff mixing the original score. All of this is presented in limited edition illustrated packaging which includes an intro by Jeff himself. Only 10 000 have been made. Product contents: Double DVD of 2006 show; Limited edition Penguin Classic book of original novel, art card, promo flyer. All inside a slip and slide case.

Synopsis
Features THE WAR OF THE WORLDS performed live on stage.

Not sure this is worth double dipping if you already own the "The War Of The Worlds Live : Special Edition (2 disc)" version.

DVD Description
In 1978 Jeff Wayne composed and produced one of the most groundbreaking and best-selling musical works of all time. In 2006 after much anticipation Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds was brought to the stage for the first time, playing to sold-out arenas across the UK.
The War of The Worlds Live is a spectacular mix of live music, theatre, multi-media and visual arts on a grand scale. It combines the brilliance of the original performers including Jeff Wayne, Justin Hayward, Chris Thompson and even the late Richard Burton (‘In Sight and Sound’) along with a brand new cast, the 10-piece Black Smoke Band, the 48-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings and an unforgettable fully operating 30ft Martian Fighting Machine!

Special Features
Disc One: Full length show Bonus Footage An interview with Jeff Wayne Carrie and the Cannons; Behind the scenes on the CGI sequences Bringing Back Burton Making a Martian Fighting Machine

12 page booklet with exclusive photos from the show

Disc Two: The Tour 2006 – A Journal Bonus Features Sculpting the Richard Burton Head Rehearsing ‘Thunder Child’ Rehearsing ‘Forever Autumn’ Mars Comes To Wembley Jeff Wayne in conversation with Russell Watson Animating the Martian Machines The Tour 2006 Interviews with the Cast

Sorry to go resurrecting a thread, but I just noticed that the bank heist/shootout sequence in Heat has some amazing surround effects. This scene uses the rear channels to create an echo of the gunfire. It sounds just like how I would imagine the echo of weapons fire would sound trapped in the corridors of buildings in downtown LA. I can't quite put my finger on it other than saying it's subtle, yet amazing. It makes what is arguably the best shootout sequence in a movie that much more awesome!

Sorry to go resurrecting a thread, but I just noticed that the bank heist/shootout sequence in Heat has some amazing surround effects. This scene uses the rear channels to create an echo of the gunfire. It sounds just like how I would imagine the echo of weapons fire would sound trapped in the corridors of buildings in downtown LA. I can't quite put my finger on it other than saying it's subtle, yet amazing. It makes what is arguably the best shootout sequence in a movie that much more awesome!

Yeah, the shootout in Way Of The Gun is similar (surround-sound-wise) and is also a pretty damn good shootout sequence.

Why is this thread dead? Any UPDATES for 2010?

One of the first DVDs I played after setting up 7.1 surround was Stargate.

There is a scene in the pyramid where the soldiers are being attacked by Ra's men. It was the first time I ever heard someone actually behind me!

The scene where he first enters the stargate is one of my 2 favorite surround scenes along with Attack of the Clones when Jango is attacking Obi Wan's ship with laser fire.

Okay well I still after all these years say for concerts nothing beats Procol Harum Live At Union chappel.Bass and drums alone is worth the ride.

All of the live recording audio featured in both the film & included concert on Iron Maiden: Flight 666 (BluRay) is AWESOME - has both a DD5.1 & a PCM 5.1.