8 discs for a home theater

Written by Matt Paprocki
Published May 02, 2004

You've got the HDTV, you've got the proper DVD player, now it's time for sound. Lots and lots of loud sound. Having the proper sound system can truly make home movies the cinematic event they are in the theater. In fact, with a truly powerful system, you'll never have to leave the house again. These 8 discs prove this point better than any others on the market.

(Note: Most of these discs are the DTS versions. The 5.1 tracks on these discs are also excellent if your unable to play the DTS track, but you'll lose some of the impact the bass produces and take a minor loss of clarity. Minor issue that most people won't even be able to notice.)

1. The Haunting, DTS-ES edition: Though I'll say this list is in no particular order, this one is, by far, the best example of home audio EVER. It's not even the usage of the 3 available rear channels either. The LFE channel included here is the most powerful you'll ever hear. In fact, I dare you to skip to chapter 10 with your receiver turned up all the way. Actually, scratch that. I don't want any hate mail when someone blows their subwoofer. Shame the movie is an absolute bomb, but the audio presentation is unmatched to this day.

2. Saving Private Ryan, DTS edition: Though the horrific events of D-Day is a downer, the sound isn't. Grenades pound the beaches, the transport boats go up in flames, and the German troops bombard our guys with a barrage of fire from all angles. That's only the opening moments. The final battle featuring tanks grinding the ground below them and rocket launchers going to work is a stunning achievement in sound design. Need more proof? This one got an academy award for sound. Need I say more?

3. Black Hawk Down, 3-disc collectors edition: Another war movie that doesn't let up. It may take a half-hour to get going, but once the troops enter the warzone, make sure the volumes not set too high. This 5.1 mix is simply astounding in not only its incredible clarity, but great use of LFE channel. Sequences inside the helicopters have roaring blades surrounding the viewers and the great slow-motion shots really give all 5 speakers a chance to work.

4. Godzilla (1998): Regardless of my personal resentment towards the directors of this abomination, this disc needs to be here. Even the opening menu is blaring with bass from Godzilla's thunderous steps. The helicopter chase is a flawless example of why surround sound is such a special piece of technology. Then final few chapters featuring an utterly ridiculous chase is a perfect finale soundwise and I have to mention the Madison Square Garden sequence that precedes the chase. Wow.

5. Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers Extended Edition: Good ol' DTS 6.1, how I love thee. The insane battle sequences are not only great to watch, but add in the sound mix and you've got an experience like no other. Even the music surrounds the viewer making this epic film even better than it already is. Listen for the weapons clanging against each other in specific speakers and the tracking shots that have the sound moving with the video. Oh, and that door ramming sequence? You can probably see the smile on my face right now.

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Matt Paprocki is the reviews editor for Digital Press, a video game website with an appreciation for the retro side of the industry. The deep game collection which spans nearly 30 systems and 2,000 games line his walls for research purposes. Matt strives to bring credibility to video game journalism, and take it in a new direction to aid the industry in becoming respected with all forms entertainment media.
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8 discs for a home theater
Published: May 02, 2004
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Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Action, Video: Adventure, Video: Animation, Video: Family, Video: Horror, Video: Military, Video: SF
Writer: Matt Paprocki
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