8 discs for a home theater

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.

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Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

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