Finally getting around to set up a new HT in our new home. I have purchased many of our favorite movies & show compilation on DVD over the years but have mostly watched them on older 27-30" CRTs or on a circa 1994 RCA 60" RPTV (don't laugh, cutting edge back then and it still works well for the kids).
Anyway, wondering what would be your list of best DVDs to challenge and/or showcase the audio and video of a new system?
Also, what calibration disks (audio or video) would you not be without?
1. for seperation across the front- the A10 napalm attack in Courage Under Fire (the F18 missing man flyover at the end is really good too)
2. for seperation front to back- Pale Rider. Michael Moriarity digs in with a shovel at front left, and you hear the dirt hit behind you right rear
3. for really cool action, StarGate. The first flyer attack scene is pretty awesome. It also takes a really good system to make James Spader sound like much more than just mumble..
4. Highlander (TV series) season 4, show 1. the vocalist on the song in the middle of the show is incredible
5. any of the Mortal Combat movies (stupid yes, but they put alot of effort into the sound)
We Were Soldiers is one of my favotires to test with. The scene where they are calling in air strikes and taking heavy fire will give your system a workout. The Matrix trilogy does a good job as well.
Pearl Harbor Chapter 24 the planes fill like they are flying over your head. From the back to the front of the speakers. The bass blowing up the ships is great. I use this DVD and chapter to show why I don't go to the movies anymore!
Try 'Independence Day'. The scene where the alien spaceship's shadow moves across the moon made my huge clock fall off the wall, hit my mantle, flip over and land on the floor! All I could say was "Cool..."
Unforgiven, the Clint Eastwood film, has very clear & concise surround effects and some very cool thunderstorm sounds. The Extended Directors Cuts of the entire LotR trilogy is phenomenal sounding, too. The Red Violin sports a superb sounding soundtrack, much of it played by Joshua Bell. Jason X is a fun slasher/comedy with some eyesocket-rattling bass. Master & Commander: On the Far Side of the World is a fine film with a great soundtrack, and The 13th Warrior also has a fantastic soundstage with great effects.
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You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions. - Naguib Mahfouz
I just watched King Arthur (2004) last night and I must say that the film will soon become a classic. (A very new and possible "true/historical" origin of Arthur. The battle scenes are wonderful and on a system that is set up good the audio was great.
5th Element
Matrix (first one) Lobby scene
M&C
Band of Brothers
13th. Warrior
Hero
The Blind Swordsman (just a good, fun movie)
Ronin
Kill Bill V.1
And another few just for fun: Bubba Ho-Tep....If you haven't seen it...go rent it! Boondock Saints, Big Fish
That's my $0.02
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America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. --Abraham Lincoln
Finally getting around to set up a new HT in our new home. I have purchased many of our favorite movies & show compilation on DVD over the years but have mostly watched them on older 27-30" CRTs or on a circa 1994 RCA 60" RPTV (don't laugh, cutting edge back then and it still works well for the kids).
Anyway, wondering what would be your list of best DVDs to challenge and/or showcase the audio and video of a new system?
Also, what calibration disks (audio or video) would you not be without?
#1. Underworld (DTS version is awesome and Dolby Digital is still excellent)
#2. Lotr The Two Towers
Top 5(10) DVDs to challenge new system
Linear Mode
