What DVD’s do you use to demonstrate the sound of your home theater?

[heffalump]

Since many new and existing community members are excited to receive their new STF-3’s and VTF3 MK2’s this month, please take a moment to let us know which DVD’s you consider as reference material?

I’ve heard Hsu subwoofers are known for being musical, and have seen threads about musical bass tracks, but how about some input from home theater enthusiasts? I’m sure experienced HT and newbies would welcome source material that lets everyone hear and feel what it’s like when a Hsu subwoofer is in the house!

Let us know what would be on your short list of reference DVD’s.

Among those DVD’s, which passages really let everyone hear and feel the power of your subwoofer? Feel free to include Chapter and Time Index, or if inclined and equipped, a Real Time analysis (RTA) to show us what you heard.

[Dudley]

Finding Nemo, U571, LOTR (and most other DTS-ES movies), Saving Private Ryan, Monsters Inc, Toy Story 2, Gladiator(not super deep, but impressive overall), Jurrasic Park, The Haunting. There are many others, this is just a start.

Also the DTS version is almost always better than the DD.

Kinda off topic, but I heard Titan AE has some good bass - is this movie worth buying (other than for the bass)? Is it OK for kids? I have not heard much about this movie.

[DavidD]

Indeed, Titan AE has some very powerful bass in the Ice Field scenes toward the end. It isn't a great film (no finding Nemo or Monsters Inc.), but is pretty good. My kids haven't seen it, but I'm pretty cautious there.

[cschang]

I would like to add Underworld to the mix. The soundtrack is mixed on the "hot" side, but it uses the surrounds A LOT. There is plenty of LFE throughout the movie,, in fact there is LFE just for background fill.

The movie is not that great, but the soundtrack and Kate Beckinsale dressed in leather make up for it.

[craigsub]

Anyway... another one to try is OPEN RANGE... a good western, and the gunfight is amazing...

Yes.. It will be in the "shootout" this weekend...

[Lwang]

I frequently use the scene where they toys cross the street in Toy Story II. It has good use of surround and some very tight powerful bass.

I find that Darla scene in Finding Nemo to sound like much different than those ultra loose car-subwoofer sound. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the film. Usually when I demo it to someone on my system and they end up watching the whole film.

Most of those foreign and indie films don't have DD/DTS, let alone a LFE track (or even anamorphic widescreen), so I don't go out and experience LFE as expected.

[Dudley]

Ice age has a few scenes with good bass. The Avalanche in the beginning, and shortly after that the mammoth footsteps. Also the scene where they go down the ice slide.

These are new to me since I set up my STF-2. I did know about the bass during the avalanche (after all it is an avalanche) but it is now much deeper. The other two scenes suprised me as I had not really heard/felt much there before.

[heffalump]

Finding Nemo, U571, LOTR (and most other DTS-ES movies), Saving Private Ryan, Monsters Inc, Toy Story 2, Gladiator(not super deep, but impressive overall), Jurrasic Park, The Haunting.
Thanks! From your list, I've ordered all but Jurassic Park, and in DTS whenever possible. My GF and I watched U-571 last weekend and all I can say is "Wow!" So many explosions! I was happy to give my sub the workout.

[sputnikv8]

Various scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean (that soundtrack seems to be a little hot on the LFE) and another incredible scene is from Band of Brothers -- the artillery scene at Bastogne. Horrific if you had been there -- amazing just listening to the soundtrack.

[Sorny]

Hmm, how could nobody have mentioned Star Wars: AoTC? The ship flyby and explosion will rock your world, as will the chase through the city. Star Wars: TPM has the POD race sequence, which is a major workout for EVERY speaker in your setup, from sub to the ES/EX surrounds.

Terminator 3 is chock full of deep bass, as is DareDevil (final fight is awesome, but pervasive use of LFE throughout).

Sorny

[Lwang]

Hmm, how could nobody have mentioned Star Wars: AoTC? The ship flyby and explosion will rock your world, as will the chase through the city. Star Wars: TPM has the POD race sequence, which is a major workout for EVERY speaker in your setup, from sub to the ES/EX surrounds.

Terminator 3 is chock full of deep bass, as is DareDevil (final fight is awesome, but pervasive use of LFE throughout).

Sorny
Because that would imply I am forsaking all artistic values for the sake audio/visual bonanza. I wouldn't demo with most of the films I watch since they wouldn't work out the system at all, so we'll pick something that has it all. ;)

[Retread]

Since many new and existing community members are excited to receive their new STF-3’s and VTF3 MK2’s this month, please take a moment to let us know which DVD’s you consider as reference material?

I’ve heard Hsu subwoofers are known for being musical, and have seen threads about musical bass tracks, but how about some input from home theater enthusiasts? I’m sure experienced HT and newbies would welcome source material that lets everyone hear and feel what it’s like when a Hsu subwoofer is in the house!

Let us know what would be on your short list of reference DVD’s.

Among those DVD’s, which passages really let everyone hear and feel the power of your subwoofer? Feel free to include Chapter and Time Index, or if inclined and equipped, a Real Time analysis (RTA) to show us what you heard.

The movie Titanic is both a great movie to watch for its own sake and has a great sound track with lots of good bass.

[tdekany]

how do you find "DTS" versions?

[Dudley]

Most DTS movies advertise the fact on the front cover (most movies are not DTS - some come in DD and DTS) If not, then the back cover should have it listed in the little chart that has the features on the DVD. Beware of the DTS logo below the credits - that just means the actual movie (as shown at theaters) was in DTS.

Another way to check is to got to Amazon.com and look up the movie in their DVD section and click on details - it will tell you all of the movies features including DTS. Of course DTS-es is the 6.1 version of DTS.

[tdekany]

thanks! Ithought there was another easier way.

[mtmason]

Don't miss The Matrix movies. LFE Galore. My favorite seen is in Revolutions, the rain explosion in the final fight seen has incredible bass that sold me on the value of my VTF3. Even the menu screen of Revolutions has pretty solid bass.

MM

[djohn409]

I have to agree with mtmason...When that scene in Matrix Revolutions came on, my soul shook and I didn't even have the volume turned up loud. I thought my whole house would come crashing down at any second. It's the biggest, most obnoxiously wonderful bass I've ever heard in any movie. My VTF-2 didn't even break a sweat.

[heffalump]

Gave the Hsu sub a workout with Master and Commander over the weekend. Very satisfying LFE during two battle scenes and target practice.
Chapter 4: Time 09:02
Chapter 21: 69:22
Chapter 31: 1:11:47

With the VTF-3Mk2 set at Max Ext. and the volume just below the first mark (less than 9:00), the SPL meter peaked at 102db uncorrected at listening position with my DTS receiver at reference levels and the sub running 3db hot.

--------------------------------
OT - How far does your Hsu play?
I knew the sub could play low and loud, but how far? We showed M&C twice over the weekend at -5db below reference level, and woke someone up each time. Sat. my Gfriend was upstairs on the LRoom couch, on the far side of the house. Sun, my cousin went to bed at 8:00PM then woke up when the LFE started. She was two levels above the listening room also on the far side of the house!

[DNelms]

That gives me a great idea - HSU sub-sonic alarm clocks.

What do you think? Wake up to your favorite LFE tracks. Sounds like a million dollar idea to me.

[cschang]

hmmm...wake up to LFE? What if an earthquake hits? You won't be able to tell the difference. :D

Just watch "Master and Commander"...OH MY!!

[Dudley]

Had some friends over, and watched Open Range last night (even borrowed the front projector from work). Very good sound. Not too much gratuitous bass, but when it was called for it was quite nice. The thunder and rain scences really made it feel like you were there , and the gun battle had some powerfull bass, and excellent use of the surrounds. The ricochets and gun shots felt like they were right in the room.

The sound was definately much better than in a movie theater, and the 8 ft. picture wasn't bad either.

[joe s]

We saw Master and Commander last week, it has to be the new ultimate subwoofer demo DVD! It shook the house like a summer thunderstorm! It put the helicopter crash from The Matrix to shame. Joe

[Sasha_G]

Don't forget this great thread that outlines some incredible bass tracks. Bass does a good job of showing the capacity of a home theater.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146

[nharvey]

BLACKHAWK DOWN is my recommendation.

My dad has a setup with some marantz and other high-end equipment that shakes the oven downstairs when this DVD is playing.

[tgrisham]

A fun one to listen to is Matrix Revolutions. I actually enjoyed the movie (nomatter what the reviewers thought!) and the soundtrack of drums was great. A real workout for subs with dynamics, transients and fairly low frequencies, in short, a lot of fun!

[nharvey]

Listen to the Led Zeppelin DVD "How the West Was Won." Particulary Moby Dick. It sounded great.

[usmctanker]

My son told me the avalanche in xXx was pretty awesome - he was right! The episode in Band of Brothers when they take the artillery battery is really intense too.

[ilikeitdeep]

Try renting "Twister" on DTS and feel the effects, the first part alone was absolutely rewarding. I enjoyed "CONTACT" on DTS also, man you could feel the place rumble during the take off scene. On music I have ACDC on 5.1 and man it was rocking. And also try IRON MAIDEN on 5.1 and imaging and placement is pretty accurate.

[Retread]

We watched Die Hard last night. Aside from being a very watchable movie in general, the sound is awesome in a number of places, particularly the large bangs in: (1) rocketing the armored car; (2) Plastique down the elevator shaft; and (3) the final blowing up of the building. Overall, there is deep bass content to the movie that I'd never heard on previous viewings.

[Skidmarks]

I had just watched Reign of Fire in DTS, and that damn dragon flying around shook me a bit, good find.

[mallu2u]

Any scene in Gladiator DTS version worth mentioning here? I picked this sub up as an open box at CompUSA and want to make sure that this sub is OK and that there is no hissing/stuttering issue with this sub. Have heard that subs ieth serial #s 1800 or less had that issue. Mine is 01082 :(

[Dudley]

Gladiator has excellent sound and crisp deep well integrated bass, (being dts-es helps), but it does not have extensive ultra deep bass. The best scene is probably the battle scene near the beginning - there is loud hard hitting bass, but not super deep.

A good system test is Finding Nemo (tapping on tank) and Titan AE ($5.50 at Wal-mart) during the ice fields scene.

[DNelms]

Has anyone hear Van Helsing yet?

[OU812]

Any "Lord of the Rings" movies,

Others include:

Finding Nemo
U-571
Master & Commander (boy, those canon blasts rock!!)
The Haunting (still to this day, the king of LFE movies...)
The Day After Tomorrow
Blade II
Star Wars (Episode I & II)
Underworld

Just to name a few. BTW, I consider Van Helsing "reference" material as well.

[tdekany]

Gladiator has excellent sound and crisp deep well integrated bass, (being dts-es helps), but it does not have extensive ultra deep bass. The best scene is probably the battle scene near the beginning - there is loud hard hitting bass, but not super deep.

A good system test is Finding Nemo (tapping on tank) and Titan AE ($5.50 at Wal-mart) during the ice fields scene.


I know I sound like an old record, but where do purchase DTS movies? I can never find any. I do have Gladiator and sounds very good in dolby ex.

Hellboy is another great sounding movie.

[tdekany]

Has anyone hear Van Helsing yet?

yes I have - very good!

[Dudley]

I know I sound like an old record, but where do purchase DTS movies? I can never find any. I do have Gladiator and sounds very good in dolby ex.

Hellboy is another great sounding movie.

I thought all 2 disc versions of Gladiator were DTS - does yours have the red DTS logo on the top center of the box? The later released single disc version may not be DTS. Movies almost never default to DTS. You need to go into the setup for the DVD and select DTS. All Lord of the Rings movies are in DTS-ES (6.1 discrete), but again you need to go into the setup to enable it.

Besides looking for the DTS logo on the box - usually red and on the front. There are several sites that have lots of DVD info.

www.rottentomatoes.com has lots of info on movie ratings and DVD characteristics.

www.amazon.com has lots of DVD info as well. Just click on more information when the

www.deepdiscountdvd.com has good prices and a little bit of info.

I temporarily joined netflix and found that they will send the DD version of a movie not the DTS (if there are two). I let my membership lapse because it takes 3 days for a movie to arrive, and 3 more days to get back to them. I also found that they often would not send the version of a movie I wanted (I always prefer widescreen anamorphic and DTS if possible). If you do have netflix they will state if a movie is DTS or not.

Some movies are hard to get in DTS. Saving Private Ryan was originally released in DD and DTS, but the new release replaced those versions and is only DD - darn. DD is preferred from a marketing standpoint because the vast majority of people prefer a few extras to the better sound, and it can mean the difference between needing two discs for the main feature vs. one.

Also, DTS-ES is the only discrete 6.1 format. Dolby Digital EX is 6.1 matrixed.

Here is the definitive site to find out if a movie is DTS.

http://www.dtsonline.com/home&car/hometheatre/dvd-titles.php

There are only 81 DTS-ES movies, but 1,700 DTS.

[tdekany]

thanks Dudley - no, my version is dolby digital. Nothing red on top. Came from columbiahouse.com

I'll check the links you provided.

my gilfriend uses netflix but we get the disks in 1 day.

I only care about the dts version when I purchase a movie. Either way, the system sounds awesome! (v12/stf2/3)

thanks for your help!

[Dudley]

I added a few more links, and also discovered that there is a new version of Gladiator - the one you have.

[tdekany]

thank you, especially the new link will keep me updated!
You are great!

[tafguy]

I only care about the dts version when I purchase a movie. Either way, the system sounds awesome! (v12/stf2/3)

Have you check out today's DVD release of I, Robot?

I just finished watching the widescreen version in DTS 5.1. There is big sound in it with deep bass and strong dynamics. A lot of effects coming from the 3 surrounds speakers of the VT 12s. VTF2-MK2 seems to handle strong bass in scenes of tunnel chase and house demolition effortlessly. I haven't listened to DD 5.1 yet but DTS 5.1 sounds better than DD 5.1. Top notch audio specially in jaw dropping action sequences. Definitely an excellent DVD to add in your demo collection.

[tdekany]

thanks for the suggestion - haven't seen the movie, but want to.

[bjurw]

Any NEW Disney DVD has that Great New THX Thunder Logo which usually knocks their socks off. LOTR, Gladiator, U-571, are also great. Sounds tacky, but believe it or not, Aladdin has quite a bit of Bass at various times. Also Must not forget STAR WARS. Definitely highly recommend Star Wars Trilogy to anyone with the HSU. SO FUN!

[Carlos Padrigan]

"The Master and the Commander# I think its in the first chapter. Powerful cannon blast.
U 571 Deep charges blasts and sub's overhead pass.

[bjurw]

Forgot Master and Commander. Yeah, another GREAT one for demonstrating your Hsu Sub.

[tedmjr2]

I can agree with many of the above posts but there are some movies that give your HSU sub more of an endurance workout.

Das Boot (Superbit - DTS 5.1) has taken over my previous demo of U-571. Its numerous depth charge scenes with full use of the surround channels make them seem more realistic.

Also, Hellboy, Saving Private Ryan, Underworld, Chronicles of Riddick and Daredevil have very aggressive subwoofer usage in the 25Hz range (occuring more often than Das Boot) that have amazed many of my guests of what a "real" subwoofer can do. No surprise really - especially if you have the sub located "nearfield" and the back-wall couch is constantly shaking/vibrating throughout the movie.

[tdekany]

I rented I Robot and watched it in DTS - awesome. Especially when WS is getting away from the bad robots on his bike, when he does a 180!

I have most of the movies mentioned above.

[Sasha_G]

Rainman with has some really good bass.

[maze446]

I can't believe only one other person mentioned Blackhawk Down. I just bought the Superbit version and the DTS track is amazing. As far as music, the Norah Jones SACD is pretty good although I admit that I haven't listened to that many. For those who like classical, there are some free DTS and DD downloads available from a Swedish radio station that has started broadcasting in 5.1 sound. They also have some DTS-ES files that are worth checking out.

The downloads are available at:

http://www.sr.se/multikanal/english/e_index.stm

All you do is download the files, extract them, and burn them to CD.

[metalaaron]

LOTR:ROTK - the battle at minis tirith is incredible

[tdekany]

I just watched my "NOW" new reference DVD to show off both the STF3/2 & VT12s!

Unbelievable sound!!! Check it out, it is a must.

RESIDENT EVIL: Apocalipse Enjoy!

Donations are welcome! :D

[tafguy]

THE HIRE:

Though I haven't seen the new release short films: Hostage, Ticker and Beat the Devil, another fine DVD demo, from a friend's reference, BMW sent it to me but you probably could find info where to buy it for a minimum cost of less than $5 from bmwfilms

http://usa.bmwfilms.com/clap.asp?template=dvdlanding&country=usa&film=

There is probably different versions of this DVD, the one I have is from 2001.

There are 5 excellent short films on the DVD:

Title / Director /Artist(s)
Ambush / John Frankenheimer
Choosen / Ang Lee
The Follow / Wong Kar-Wai / Mickey Rourke
Star / Guy Ritchie / Madonna
Powder Keg / Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu


You probably have downloaded a coupled of these but hearing them on DVD in Dolby Digital 5.1 is a whole new experience.

The more I demo this, the more I love how the Ventriloquist V-12 and the VTF-2 MK2 perform.

There are 2 beautiful but sad spanish songs in the Follow and Powder Keg films that show how good music sounds on the main center channel of the Ventriloquist.

All these short films make full use of surround sound and subwoofer in action scene sequences.

Dialog on center channel of the Ventriloquist is really outstanding.

Perhaps the most hilarious is the Star film.

By the way, the professional driver, Clive Oven, in the Hire DVD happens to be the same one playing in King Arthur.

The Jackal (Collector Edition, Dolby Digital):

In addition to many great DVD titles already mentionned, I want to add the Jackal to the list.

Of course, there is no good plot and screenplay in this remake thriller,
but the sound in the subway chase scene of Richard Gere after the bad guy played by Bruce Willis has enough powerful aggressive bass because it seems to put you in Gere's place between two subway trains.

Check it out if you haven't to feel how you are pushed back once the 2 trains go by you. And best is the air shaking in the back of my sofa once these trains are gone.

I don't have the DTS version but the train effects should be similar.

tafguy

[heffalump]

Just wanted to say "hi" to all the folks reading and contributing their suggestions here since I'm the original poster of this thread and it's been a while.

Dunno about netflix, but we recently signed up for blockbuster online and it's been great! Last month we rented 16 movies on the standard 3-out plan. (ymmv) Check out Chronicles of Riddick and I Robot for movies with awesome LFE. :D IMHO, Monsters Inc. and Titan AE are still worthy reference material

Like many of you, I'm a big DTS fan too. My collection (http://www.intervocative.com/dvdcollection.aspx/heffalump) has grown 17 fold from a meager 10 DVD's a year ago with approx. 40% of them in DTS format.

If you're having trouble finding DTS versions, you can visit DVDEmpire (http://www.dvdempire.com) and browse within their DTS titles. I've also picked up quite a few DTS selections at DeepDiscountDVD (http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/) whenever they have a 20% off everything sale.

[95 Silver TA]

Another one that I liked it Alien VS Predator...I am not sure how low it goes but towards the End, When the Predator creature fires the lazer blast a few time on his sholder shook my recyler real nice...Also there is a scene at the very end with the explosion that was also awesome.

Thx,
Claude

[DNelms]

The name of the film is "the Brotherhood of the Wolf".

It is a French film that some good bass.

Check it out. It may be a little rough for the kids though.

[Balthazar]

Yeah, I know it isn't exactly a GREAT movie, but watch the first 5 minutes. My Mirage LF-150 chokes hard (woofer bottoms out, scary loud port noise) on this passage. It is some of the strongest bass I think I have heard in a movie. I get my VTF3-MKII on Friday, so I am anxiously awaiting to test that scene : )

[95 Silver TA]

Just watched Flight of the Phoenix. I thought the movie was good but the sound track is awesome in my opinion. I watched it in DTS. There's lots of scenes in this movie that really gave the VTF-3MKI a nice workout. I am not sure how low the bass goes but the VTF-3MKII handled it with EASE! I did not get to test any frequency as I dont have anything to test frequency but I am willing to bet there are some good low frequency in this movie. What I mean, is that there are some parts in this movie that I did not "hear" but surely felt it in my reclyiner. In my opinion, this should also be a must see/feel if you own an HSU or a good Sub.


Thx,
Claude

[tdekany]

Claude

Did you rent the movie? Did the rental version had the DTS option?

I just rerented *The Italian Job* - I liked the chase scene in the movie when I first saw it.

[95 Silver TA]

Claude

Did you rent the movie? Did the rental version had the DTS option?

I just rerented *The Italian Job* - I liked the chase scene in the movie when I first saw it.

Yep rented it at BlockBuster...It had the DTS Option.
I thought the movie was good too but the Bass Track and surround effect in this movie was awesome.

Thx,
Claude

[tdekany]

Thanks. I'll rent it tomorrow.

[95 Silver TA]

Guys,

If you have not seen the Incredibles yet, Its a Must See/Listen too. I am not sure how low the frequency is in this movie but I thought I was gonna get ejected out of my reclyner a few times...It has some POWERFUL Bass in it. This movie has lots of bass in it, not just one or two scenes. The movie was really good too in my opinion. My VTF-3MKII handled it flawlessly and did it VERY well. The wife really liked this movie too and also said afterward " Now that was a good movie with some goooood bass"


Thx,
Claude

[tafguy]

Guys,

If you have not seen the Incredibles yet, Its a Must See/Listen too. I am not sure how "low" the frequency is in this movie but I thought I was gonna get ejected out of my reclyner a few times...It has some POWERFUL Bass in it. This movie has lots of bass in it, not just one or two scenes. The movie was really good too in my opinion.


Thx,
Claude

Claude, I bought it, but I didn't have chance to see it. I heard good reviews on both the video and audio part. But it does not have DTS 6.1 though. But they claim the DD EX is as good as you will hear it as DTS 6.1. I'll check it out later! This is a kind of movie you will have fun to watch it over and over again!

tafguy

[95 Silver TA]

Claude, I bought it, but I didn't have chance to see it. I heard good reviews on both the video and audio part. But it does not have DTS 6.1 though. But they claim the DD EX is as good as you will hear it as DTS 6.1. I'll check it out later! This is a kind of movie you will have fun to watch it over and over again!

tafguy

I just rented it, did it buy it YET. :)
But I watched in DD, I dont think its out in DTS....One thing I do notice is that most films like this one and Finding Nemo are in THX. To Me, THX does a great Job with the sound and PQ, sometimes as goods as or even better in a few cases than DTS (but that is just my opinion)....I still always try to find and purchase movies on DTS but this one is wonderful the way it is (in DD/THX). I have zero complaints about this movies in sound and picture quality.

Thx,
Claude

[tdekany]

Guys,

If you have not seen the Incredibles yet, Its a Must See/Listen too. I am not sure how low the frequency is in this movie but I thought I was gonna get ejected out of my reclyner a few times...It has some POWERFUL Bass in it. This movie has lots of bass in it, not just one or two scenes. The movie was really good too in my opinion. My VTF-3MKII handled it flawlessly and did it VERY well. The wife really liked this movie too and also said afterward " Now that was a good movie with some goooood bass"


Thx,
Claude

Of course my version of the flight of phoenix wasn't dts. the bass was still awesome. thanks for the recommendation.

[DNelms]

I know Anime is an aquired taste and not for everyone (my wife hates it) but there is a sequel out to the classic Ghost In The Shell. This film is Ghost In The Shell 2, Innocence.

There is some clean bass that seems to sneak up on you as you watch this film. Watched it last night when the wife and kids were out so I was able to turn it up.

[tafguy]

I know Anime is an aquired taste and not for everyone (my wife hates it) but there is a sequel out to the classic Ghost In The Shell. This film is Ghost In The Shell 2, Innocence.

There is some clean bass that seems to sneak up on you as you watch this film. Watched it last night when the wife and kids were out so I was able to turn it up.


DNelms, I watched the first one. These Japaneese animations are incredible and most of them have 5.1 channel for sound effects. The first GITS has a great story I know that GITS 2 is out but did not rent it because it does not have English track but only original Japaneese language. I hate watching film reading the subtitle. Last Japaneese animation which has good sound effects is Ninja Scroll but it is pretty violent and bloody animation not suited for youngsters.

Other than that, I just rerented an old movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit and watched it in DTS. This movie has not aged a little bit. It has everything (DD 5.1/DTS 5.1/THX). I have watched this one long time I forgot some of the story. But when you did not have a sub back then, it is to me like the first time when you hear top-notch bass from HSU sub and multichannel with the Ventriloquist V12. I guess my next one of the same genre will be Looney Toons.

tafguy

[DNelms]

I have watched some of the Looney Tunes and do not expect a whole lot of deep bass.


Just picked one of the cheeseist movies ever made at BestBuy for $5, Point Break in DTS. Not great but worth the price of admission.

[tdekany]

One movie I will definately own is FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (thanks Claude) in DTS - even in DD the sound is very impressive. I watched it 3 times before I returned it.

[95 Silver TA]

One movie I will definately own is FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (thanks Claude) in DTS - even in DD the sound is very impressive. I watched it 3 times before I returned it.

No Problem broh....Its on my list to own as well :D

If you have not checked out Incredibles yet...I strongly suggest it...I liked it so much that I went out and got it tonight....Good Movie with Great Bass too (just my opinion).

Thx,
Claude

[tdekany]

No Problem broh....Its on my list to own as well :D

If you have not checked out Incredibles yet...I strongly suggest it...I liked it so much that I went out and got it tonight....Good Movie with Great Bass too (just my opinion).

Thx,
Claude

I am reading everywhere how good the movie sounds. I am watching Star wars 1 but tomorrow I'll get the incredibles for sure. Is it DD or DTS?

[95 Silver TA]

I am reading everywhere how good the movie sounds. I am watching Star wars 1 but tomorrow I'll get the incredibles for sure. Is it DD or DTS?

Its DD but in THX....(in my opinion) It sounds as good an even better than some DTS tracks I heard. And does go very low from what I have read on other websites and felt myself.

Thx,
Claude

[tafguy]

I am reading everywhere how good the movie sounds. I am watching Star wars 1 but tomorrow I'll get the incredibles for sure. Is it DD or DTS?

Just finished watching this movie. Incredible sound, plenty of BASS that I have so much FUN watching it. This is a must own DVD because of state of the art animation and sound effects.

This DVD is also suited for all ages. Kids have seen them in theater when they first came out. Now they are watching them again. I'm happy to buy this DVD otherwise I will have to rerent it several times for the JOY of watching it again and end up spending the same amount of money as if I buy it in the first place and still not owning the DVD.

Must watch also the Jack-Jack Attack on the 2nd disc. I'm having a BIG LAUGH in more than 4 minutes of intense short animation of nightmare babysitting. Also a lot of cool deleted scenes too!

There are so many scenes I need to watch again for *EXCELLENT* LFE rumbling. At one time, I went quickly upstairs to get some drink on 1st floor in the kitchen which is above my basement where HT system is located, VTF-2 MK2 sub shakes the whole ceramic floor of the kitchen along with the top glass cover of the kitchen's table.

PIXAR has done a fantastic DVD transfer again! But the harder part is to reproduce intense and impressive bass from the audio of this DVD could not be possible without an HSU subwoofer.

tdekany, it does not have DTS, but Dolby Digital was impressive. I'm not sure with DTS will be better. If it is, it will be hard for one to hear the difference.

Incredible!

tafguy

[tdekany]

Just finished watching this movie. Incredible sound, plenty of BASS that I have so much FUN watching it. This is a must own DVD because of state of the art animation and sound effects.

This DVD is also suited for all ages. Kids have seen them in theater when they first came out. Now they are watching them again. I'm happy to buy this DVD otherwise I will have to rerent it several times for the JOY of watching it again and end up spending the same amount of money as if I buy it in the first place and still not owning the DVD.

Must watch also the Jack-Jack Attack on the 2nd disc. I'm having a BIG LAUGH in more than 4 minutes of intense short animation of nightmare babysitting. Also a lot of cool deleted scenes too!

There are so many scenes I need to watch again for *EXCELLENT* LFE rumbling. At one time, I went quickly upstairs to get some drink on 1st floor in the kitchen which is above my basement where HT system is located, VTF-2 MK2 sub shakes the whole ceramic floor of the kitchen along with the top glass cover of the kitchen's table.

PIXAR has done a fantastic DVD transfer again! But the harder part is to reproduce intense and impressive bass from the audio of this DVD could not be possible without an HSU subwoofer.

tdekany, it does not have DTS, but Dolby Digital was impressive. I'm not sure with DTS will be better. If it is, it will be hard for one to hear the difference.

Incredible!

tafguy

Thanks tafguy!

THX is just fine and I agree with Claude that it equals dts. or I sould say betters DD. I just came home with a copy of it. At Blockbuster we pay $17.95 a month and watch as many movies as we can handle. Or get Netflix online.

[tdekany]

Just watched Flight of the Phoenix. I thought the movie was good but the sound track is awesome in my opinion. I watched it in DTS. There's lots of scenes in this movie that really gave the VTF-3MKI a nice workout. I am not sure how low the bass goes but the VTF-3MKII handled it with EASE! I did not get to test any frequency as I dont have anything to test frequency but I am willing to bet there are some good low frequency in this movie. What I mean, is that there are some parts in this movie that I did not "hear" but surely felt it in my reclyiner. In my opinion, this should also be a must see/feel if you own an HSU or a good Sub.


Thx,
Claude

Hey Claude - That movie isn't released in DTS - how come your rental had the option?

[cschang]

Hey Claude - That movie isn't released in DTS - how come your rental had the option?
The copy I saw at Costco had DTS on the box....and the one that is coming to me from BlockBuster online also says DTS.

[Dudley]

Interesting - most sites claim it is DTS, but the DTS site itself does not have it listed.

Not sure what the real story is.

I only buy anamorphic widescreen DVD's (because of the better picture quality) and was very upset when I bought Goodfellas which plainly says it is anamorphic but was not. Aparently this was a mistake. I e-mailed the distributor twice over the past few months and they have not even bothered to reply. Clearly the truth in advertising laws should apply. I would not have bought the movie if it was not anamorphic.

The moral is that mistakes are made.

Those that played it in DTS - did your reciever actually say DTS as it was playing?

[tafguy]

I used to buy DVDs online through a Canadian website since it frequently has good specials. Checking the detailed description of this DVD on the site, it also does mention that the DVD has a DTS 5.1 audio track.

http://www.dvd-plus.com/catalog_detail.asp?recordno=30909&catlist=30909 (http://www.dvd-plus.com/catalog_detail.asp?recordno=30909&catlist=30909)


Generally, when it does says it has DTS audio track, the DVD will have it. I haven't seen the movie yet, but it seems to be a good movie to check out. But this is weird that DTS site did not have the movie listed.

And if you had a chance to played it in DTS, your receiver should show the DTS logo as it decodes in DTS. I will check this myself when I have the chance to rent it.

[cschang]

I will have my rental copy here on Monday or Tuesday...I will report if it is DTS or not.

[tdekany]

The copy I saw at Costco had DTS on the box....and the one that is coming to me from BlockBuster online also says DTS.

I picked up a copy at Best Buys tonight and the DTS was listed on the back of it only. I opened it up and it plays DD.

Looked on dts.com and it wasn't listed in the US version.

I am confused.

[tdekany]

I used to buy DVDs online through a Canadian website since it frequently has good specials. Checking the detailed description of this DVD on the site, it also does mention that the DVD has a DTS 5.1 audio track.

http://www.dvd-plus.com/catalog_detail.asp?recordno=30909&catlist=30909 (http://www.dvd-plus.com/catalog_detail.asp?recordno=30909&catlist=30909)


Generally, when it does says it has DTS audio track, the DVD will have it. I haven't seen the movie yet, but it seems to be a good movie to check out. But this is weird that DTS site did not have the movie listed.

And if you had a chance to played it in DTS, your receiver should show the DTS logo as it decodes in DTS. I will check this myself when I have the chance to rent it.


The best bass from any movie as far as I am concerned. Awesome!

My Pioneer displays DTS when the dvd has it.

[tafguy]

Thx tdekany, I can't miss good action movie with intense bass to test with my sub's new placement which is currently placed 33ft away from main speakers. I wanted to take this movie in the first place back then, but my friend wanted to see Ladder 49 instead. I did not like the movie. Backdraft was much better with Kurt Russell.

For the info, I went to the DTS site and tried to do a search on movie title, I can't scroll to a recent date, last date that I was able to scroll is 26/10/2004. So my guess, the site has is not up to date.

Here is the link:

http://www.dtsonline.com/consumer/hometheatre/dvd-titles.php

[Dudley]

That is probably it. I just checked, and Return of the King is not listed, since that came out after October 26th of 04.

One thing to look for is that if the DTS logo is in the credits it may not be DTS. If it is in red on the cover, or is in a chart on the back then it is DTS (assuming it is produced correctly)

Still curious what a reciever says it is.

[95 Silver TA]

Also guys, I just got the Lord of the Rings Extended Versions and have been watching them over the weekend.....I know other have recommended it and they are correct...This movie in DTS is AMAZING for Bass (I dont know how long this one goes but it sure feels and sounds Awesome)...The movie as most of you know is fantastic (IMHO).

Thx,
Claude

[tafguy]

I just got a copy of it. DTS is also displayed on the box cover. I haven't watched it yet. I just have time to check the DTS track on the DVD. It does indeed have DTS track, the DTS logo shows up on my Pioneer VSX 509 receiver after you have selected the DTS track in language selection menu.

LOTR Extended Version in DTS is amazing too! Have watched only the two towers and the return of the king.

I have also recently watched also Starship Troopers II in DTS like in scenes "Bravo surrounded" and "Retreat". Impressive bass in this DVD too. There is a really bloody and too violent in this DVD in "Sgt Rake fights off the bugs".

I was disappointed with Das Boot even they remastered into the 5.1 channels. U-571 is much much better. Just wonder if there is real bass in this DVD. My VTF-2 MK2 did not deliver anything interesting out of this DVD.

[tdekany]

That is probably it. I just checked, and Return of the King is not listed, since that came out after October 26th of 04.

One thing to look for is that if the DTS logo is in the credits it may not be DTS. If it is in red on the cover, or is in a chart on the back then it is DTS (assuming it is produced correctly)

Still curious what a reciever says it is.

At the beginning of the dvd there is no setup /audio option. Definately DD

BB had widescreen and fullscreen version - the back of the boxes look identical.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/tdekany/2005/120_2100.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/tdekany/2005/120_2095.jpg

[tafguy]

I haven't seen or don't remember seeing the 1965 original version of the "Flight of the Phoenix", but this remake has good survival story of oil workers. I heard that there is no much difference between in what happens from the original version.

This DVD has breathtaking picture of desert as seen from air, this version is set in the Mongolian Desert while I was told that the original version dealt with North African desert.

While I'm talking about movie desert, it just remind me an another sensationnal movie desert which is a well-paced thriller played by decent actors. This movie is called "Alice to nowhere". It was aired on CBC but due to its duration (3.30h), it was splitted in 2 parts, but CBC aired the 2 parts in a row, and by chance, my tape recording didn't stop after the first part. If this one came out in DVD, I'll buy it without hesitation because this one is one of the best to see how endless desert coupled with relentless heat that are not suited for the bad guys. But not also this, it has great plot which keeps you hooked from the start. I also just wonder how truck driver know their road through the Australian outback.

Just to get back to the flight of the Phoenix , the sound is impressive in DTS, didn't bother to check it in DD. I love the "Main titles", there is good use of the front sound stage specially the center channel to handle that nice fast song with paronamic view from the air. But the real bass does kick in in "Sandstorm", "Mayday", "Electrical storm" and "Rough Takeoff". Surround effects are really nice in "Sandstorm", hear and feel the surround effect on my L/R as a circle of sound as plane flips over many times as plane goes through ripping process.

And as the same can be said for the video, state of the art effects in jaw-dropping sequence in destructive sand storm and air plane crash. While the crash does not measure up to the one in ALIVE film, but the sand storm effects has me rewinded the scenes many times.

I just simply feel bad for people that don't have killer HT speakers/sub system to be able to feel what we all feel with HSU products.

One more to add in your demo DVD list! Oh,yeah, the Phoenix does fly in this DVD!.

[tafguy]

At the beginning of the dvd there is no setup /audio option. Definately DD


tdekany, I have noticed for quite sometimes, that in order to select DTS track, you have to select Language selection from the main menu. In the past, they put in in the audio setup menu. I have seen the selection of DTS track done to a couple of DVD like Das Boot, not sure also it was on Kill Bill DVDs too. But for the Flight of the Phoenix, you must go to the Language Selection to scroll to the DTS English 5.1 option to get it. The probably doing this to merge with the language track in a single selection so you don't have to select in different places.

Hope this helps!

[tdekany]

tdekany, I have noticed for quite sometimes, that in order to select DTS track, you have to select Language selection from the main menu.

Works! Thanks guys.

Question - do you people with a widescreen tv buy full screen version dvds or widescreen ones?

[tafguy]

Works! Thanks guys.

Question - do you people with a widescreen tv buy full screen version dvds or widescreen ones?

Glad you made it!. Are you going to watch the movie again in DTS this time?

As personal flavor, I only buy or rent Widescreen DVD's though I have only 1 widescreen TV, the others 2 are rear projection TV's which can easily take the 2 black bars in widescreen format. I try to get rid all my fullscreen DVD's I bought at time when widescreen was not widely available.

I choose widescreen for the simple reason of wanting to be able to see the original theatrical format as one would see in theater. I like best 1.78.1 dimension because it fits nicely into a 16x9 TV. And you want to see the visual effects of this in its entirely not missing the cut-offs areas from full screen. Specially you don't want to see Gladiator, LOTR or Star Wars in full screen. Anamorphic widescreen is also nice due to no quality loss conversion when from full screen is stretched to widescreen.

[cschang]

I also buy or rent only widescreen DVDs...same reasons as tafguy.

[Dudley]

I also only buy widescreen. They are much higher resolution when they are anamorphically enhanced. They basically display as many pixels as a full screen version, but in a smaller space, so the picture looks sharper.

Many non widescreen TV's have a widescreen mode. This widescreen mode compresses the pixels towards the center of the screen so you have a greater density of data (similar to shrinking the picture height on your computer monitor). The difference in picture quality can be stunning. If you have not tried your 4:3 set in widescreen mode with a widescreen enhanced DVD, then I highly reccomend it.

[tdekany]

I always buy widescreen dvds as well. I'll exchange this one in a few days.

I don't like fullscreen at all.

the dts soundtrack is awesome. I watched only the sand storm scene and at -28 it was getting pretty loud! :D

In the dd mode I;d have to turn it up to like -20 to get it that loud. Nice!!

[tafguy]

Rented Crimson Rivers 2 : Angel of the Apocalypse. It has some good bass in there too along with nice surround effects too. You don't need to see the first one to see the sequel. But personnally, I liked the first one as I had also read the book before watching it. Good action movie, fight sequences is nice and seem real enough. There is some real loud music track in this DVD. I did not watch it in English but the dubbed English track is there, but the audio should be the same except the language. If you are looking for action, check it out! This dvd is also mastered from HD, expect to see high quality picture too! At least enough good to me to join the demo collection.

[tdekany]

I suggested it before but no one seems to believe me. RESIDENT EVIL - THE APOCALYPS

NON STOP action with equal amount of bass.

[tafguy]

I suggested it before but no one seems to believe me. RESIDENT EVIL - THE APOCALYPS

NON STOP action with equal amount of bass.

tdekany, I have already seen this movie at my friend's house so I haven't time to try it on my system yet which I think is much superior with the Vents and the VTF-2 Mk2. I do like very much the first one though.

I have noticed the DVD has that feature called "English Language Descriptive Service" but I haven't time to use it while I was at the other place.

Do you remember which specific chapters? If not, I'll easily find them myself. I remember that the sequel was filled with intense explosions and gunshot. I don't recall the DVD has a DTS track. I sure will give it a try when time permits. I'll get back on this later.

This is also a scary movie too. Some people may be afraid! http://www.hsuresearch.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif With surround sound coming from these undead zombies in the dark night of Raccoon City!. This is one of the movies that surely has relentless action that will keep one well awake.

With or without good bass, I already have this DVD in my collection specially when Milla Jovovich came back in this sequel in her role of Alice.

[Active Speaker]

James Taylor: Live at the Beacon Theater; Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow; LOTR trilogy; any Star Wars movie; Lion King; Mulan; Atlantis; Titanic.

[warpdrive]

Another vote for Flight of the Phoenix. The crash and sandstorm scenes just ooozed deep long bass. With the sub behind my couch, I got a nice back massage out of it!

[cheapie]

this is an awesome dvd.

Super Speedway (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005NG0O/qid=1114019527/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/002-8637732-2827238?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846)

It's a IMAX movie that tells a meandering story about michael and mario andretti. the visuals are amazing and the soundtrack is incredible!

[cschang]

It is a great surround demo.

[tafguy]

Anyone who liked Hero film has probably watched House of Flying Daggers which is a pretty good DVD transfer delivering vivid color of beautiful nature scenes as the film shows with the Chinese wildlands. Have fun watching nice enveloping sound in Echo Game scene and other fight action scenes such as Soldiers are approching, Bamboo Forest, The Flying Daggers and Three Years. Some of theses scenes where daggers are flying through the air make me guess which Vent satellite is going to be hit next. Arrows are also impressive along with either sword to sword or hand to hand combat. Vocal from actors is so clear through Vent center channel. If you are looking for plenty of explosion, you're not in the right place but you will be nicely immersed with music sound track and impressed with its stunning cinematography.

[tafguy]

I do like this action-adventure movie filled with lots of laughs and plenty of thrills and action from start to finish. While it is hard to swallow that it is too easy to find a ship frozen in the ice of the Arctic for 225 years or how Nicolas Cage and the bad guys steal the Declaration of Independence, there is enough entertainment value.

With a fast pacing and under hot pursuit, it is not bored and gets you hooked. But in term for a demo movie I haven't seen Nicolas Cage perform for quite a while. And it is great to see him in a popcorn movie where phenomenal and robust surround sound is present in most of the entire movie.

Tractors in the snow produce powerful LFE as they go. Explosion of the ship in the snow is felt pretty real to me as I can feel some physical impact on the front walls. But the most perceptible clean persuasive sound I have heard so far with the Vents is clean bullet shot which are heard plenty of times. Check out dynamics in helicoptere scene which is also impressive.

Some critics I heard that the movie looks like Da Vinci Code or Raiders of the Lost Ark but it probaly is nowhere near to Indiana Jones, simply just because of the great Harrison Ford.

But I do like Nicolas Cage with his past action movies like Con-Air and "The Rock". This guy's known for previous performance fits pretty in this mixed movie style drama, comedy, action where he seems to be relaxed at all times no matter the current danger he is facing. But that could be explained by the presence of a pretty lady like Diane Kruger trapped herself in the game of treasure hunt.

Again, IMO, any movie with good actors and actresses that is fun to watch, delivering vivid colors and exceptionnal Dolby track, and please get the widescreen version, is surely has its place in my demo dvd show cases.

[jmprader]

I'm with Warpdrive. Several others noted are pretty darn good, but the crash landing in Flight of the Phoenix bounced the 20 pound weight off my HSU HRSW12Va (it would chatter on some other movies without the weight), scared the dogs, made the cuffs of my slacks "wave in the breeze" and more.

I've seen more than a few of the other suggested demos, some of which are fine films. In any event, forget the marginal acting in the remake of this film classic. Just go buy a used copy for $10-12 at Blockbuster or Hollywood, crank it up and the neighbors will think the plane dropped in your side yard.

Newer big Hsu's should expect more dramatic results. Hold on to your cocktails!

Cheers
JMPrader

[SHood]

I do not own a HSU - yet. Am waiting for the new HO unit.

A few months ago I decided I wanted to get a different sub. Began perusing various forums for ideas and decided on HSU. I've been reading discussions here ever since.

Am curious if any of you are listening to SACD or DVD-A ?

I've got a Denon unit that plays both. There's not a great many HD disks but I've got a few I like. Don't know that I'm impressed with remixes of old material but Blue Man Group and Mannheim Steamroller do a nice job with stuff they've recorded for these formats.

Blue Man Group uses a lot of the lower frequencies.
Does that qualify for this thread ?

Hood

[tafguy]

Have you guys check out the XXX: State of the Union? Widescreen is a must here.

With action scenes hard to swallow, and you may not like the film but the audio track is enough impressive to test out your subwoofer, plenty of explosion in dynamic action sequence. Surround are also pretty good too.

Worth checking out!

Also the preview trailer of STEALTH at the beginning before the movie has impressive audio track and towards the end of this trailer, you may need to lower down the sub's volume if you calibrated it too hot.

[bottomzone]

I am recommending the following DVD's to see how REAL YOUR SUB IS:

- Minority Report, the automated car factory scene

- The Fast and the Furious, the big rig on the higway scene

- Daylights, the tunnel explosion scene

- Apollo 13, the launch scene

I agree with previous posts that the BEST LOW FREQUENCY MOVIE EVER MADE TO DATE IS THE HAUNTING!

IT'S GOOD TO BE AT THE BOTTOM!

[95 Silver TA]

I just recently watched the newly re-released Toy Story on DTS. Thats another good one....Not as good as Flight of the Phoenix but still good none the less.

Thx,
Claude

[MoLuke]

I realize this is an old thread but, I just joined. Try viewing and listening SUPERBIT DVDs. The sound tracks are GREAT! "Black Hawk Down" is expectioanlly good; then weapons are being fired the sound direction will cause you to duck.

[tafguy]

If you haven't seen it, just finished watching Batman Begins widescreen DVD, released this week! In term of the story, I like this one best over the first 3 releases. But besides the story, the LFE in this DVD is exceptional GOOD! There are many of them but only the 2 scenes are worth mentionning are the car chase and catching the train scenes would put your sub to test of its claim to be a true subwoofer.

In the first, every throttle of fuel injection in fire flying either from top building or inside the falls and obstacles collision made during the chase by Batman's car have overwhelming bass which I probably would personnally say the best I have seen so far.

And in the latter, while unmatched to the first one, is still a joy to watch and feel the bass til the final explosion!

At this level of already greatness in non-turbo mode, I can't imagine how better the low bass with the turbocharger! :)

This is nice with HSU product in a way it is a REAL TREAT that the sub can be upgradable to a more powerful level using turbocharger. Things like this will probably not happen to other subs!

AWESOME!

This one is clearly a winner and deserves a bass ride! Check it out! For those who has VTF-3 MK2 or dual VTF-3 MK2s, let us know how the subs perform but I have a pretty good idea what you are going to say! :)

[heffalump]

^ thanks, we rented it this weekend and will check it out.

[Bill Odom]

Another movie you all may want to add to your lists is" The Hitchickers Guild To The Galaxys.It a whole family movie with plenty of deep resonating low notes.While some movies have a scene or 2 with great base,this movie has many from first to last,and it's quite funny IMHO. DTS also.

[95 Silver TA]

I completely agree with Batman Begins (Great Movie).

I recently watched Stealth in DTS. The movie was OK, the bass was good but the surround sound in this movie is down right awesome. Probably some of the best Surround I have ever heard.

Thx,
Claude

[tdekany]

Over at AVS, the new king is: WAR OF THE WORLDS in DTS.

[95 Silver TA]

Glad you said that...I have not rented it yet but I think I am just gonna go out and buy it because I saw it in the Movie Theatres and liked the movie...

[Dudley]

Just picked up Minority Report for $3.40 at Wal-Mart. There are still some left from Turkey Day. Supposed to be a few good scenes - Cruise running in the factory. Can't wait to watch it on my system. Pretty good movie too - definately worth the price. :)

[tdekany]

Just picked up Minority Report for $3.40 at Wal-Mart. There are still some left from Turkey Day. Supposed to be a few good scenes - Cruise running in the factory. Can't wait to watch it on my system. Pretty good movie too - definately worth the price. :)


Yes, the dts version is awesome.The demo disc (essential guide) has that scene.

[wnyjim]

This is a cool demo DVD made just for HT systems. Great DVD to take with you on shopping trips.

http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?userid=99364488486448&searchID=1145826&item_id=8293

[Bill Odom]

" The Forgotten"
My wife has watched this movie 3 x in 2 days.She has litteraly been scared out of her chair 3 X durring each viewing.You would think ,after one viewing she'd know whats comming, she does,but bass is so low and loud at just the exact right time ,it hits. Durring one scene of a car chase,there an impact of one car T-boneing another.It literaly feels like you're in the car being hit.

[tafguy]

Over at AVS, the new king is: WAR OF THE WORLDS in DTS.


There may be one the could beat WOTW.

King Kong when it comes out in DVD and DTS.

Can't wait to test my VTF-2 MK2 for the fight scene of Kong and the T-Rexs!

[95 Silver TA]

Disney recently (I guess about a few weeks/months ago) re-released Toy Story 2....You Have to check this one out...Great surround effects and awesome bass in this movie too plus the movie, in my opinion, is a classic.

I watched it and its awesome in DTS.


Thx,
Claude

[heffalump]

Over at AVS, the new king is: WAR OF THE WORLDS in DTS.Agreed. That is an excellent DVD, with awsome LFE in DTS. It's the first time one of the neighbors knocked on my door asking us to turn down the volume b/c her "walls were shaking" :o

[dirtraven]

Movie follow-up of the TV series Firefly. You either like this movie or you don't. I liked it.

[Maximo]

The first movie that I always use to demo my HT is Fight Club. I don't see this one mentioned much but it has one of the best surround effect scenes ever. The scene with the plane crash that's day dreamed. It still gets my heart pumping when the crash occurs. It's freaking crazy!

[walt_p99]

we were soldiers

[95 Silver TA]

Recently watched Jurassic Park 3 in DTS on my system. I have seen the movie a couple of years ago but not in DTS and not on the current system I own with the VTF 3 MK2. It was probably one of the MOST impressive movies I have heard/felt in terms of Bass. There's a lot of scenes to just only mention one. My recylner was constantly moving :)

Thx,
Claude

[cyberbri]

Walk the Line has a great soundtrack with a lot of musical performances. The dynamic range is very big and might be too much for some people. I watched in DTS, although someone on a different forum said that he and his musician friends thought the DD was better on that DVD.

Another one is the Blue Man Group's The Complex DTS-A DVD. I got the Complex Live DVD and on the B-side it has 3 tracks in DD/DTS. The surround sound and bass are great, with drums and bass coming from all around.

Animusic and Animusic are cool too, for showcasing music performance.

A favorite scene of mine is the Echo Game scene at the beginning of House of Flying Daggers. The US R1 version is supposed to have a pumped up DD soundtrack, but I have the R3 full bit-rate DTS version, and this scene (and the duel that follows it) is a real bass/mid-bass workout, with plenty of surround activity. There is great music in the duel scene that follows it too.


Another kid-friendly one I like is the rogue bludger Quidditch match in the 2nd Harry Potter film. It has great surround sound with the crowd all around and the players zooming around. Plus the bass is great, with the rogue bludger knocking into things, with 4 massive booms at the end that rival Darla's tank tapping in Finding Nemo. The womping willow and fight scene at the end also feature great bass.

Speaking of Finding Nemo... With my new Ascends and VTF-3, I found something in Finding Nemo I had never noticed before. The voices are spread across the front soundstage with relation to where the characters are on the screen. You can close your eyes and tell where the characters are in relation to one another. If there are three fish, the voices are spread across and mixed between the front 3 speakers. When Marlin and Dory first meet, their voices go back and forth as they move around. Now I'm interested in seeing if other Pixar films have this much detail in the audio as well with regards to sound placement.
I also noticed that there's a stinging sound whenever the clown fish family touches the tentacles(?) of the anemone they live in - something I never noticed before on my former inferior speakers. Plus, there's the submarine, whale, and tank tapping for serious bass.


I also really enjoy Mr. & Mrs. Smith as well. There are a couple of scenes at the beginning with great music, including where they dance in the rain. The shooting gallery scene at the beginning has cool surround channel effects. The rocket and explosions in the desert, the shootout inside the house, the car chase, the shootout in the store. Dang, I need to watch this movie again with my new Ascends and VTF-3...

I haven't watched the whole movie, but there's a scene from Open Range on a custom demo disc I have (off the Demo Tree thread on AVS) that has the most realistic gunshots I've heard in a movie - a ton of them to boot. This is old west, pistol and rifle shooting, and it will blow you away. It's quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.

[Dudley]

That shotgun in open range just about knocks you over.

[SteveB]

Someone may have posted this earlier but I just watched Shrek 2 tonight. Has some great surround sound sections.

[Jayson K.]

Foreign DVDs:

- Equilbrium (DTS/South Korea)
- Blade (DTS/Japan)
- Last Action Hero (DTS/Superbit/Japan)
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (DTS/U.K.)
- Army of Darkness (Director's Cut/Best DD 5.1 track for the film/Hong Kong)
- One Missed Call (DTS 96/24 ES/Pretty sure it's the only DVD in existence to have such an audio track, it's truly a 6.1 DTS 96/24 track!/Hong Kong)
- Shaolin Soccer (DTS/Hong Kong)
- Kung-fu Hustle (DTS/Hong Kong)
- Brotherhood of the Wolf (Full Bitrate DTS/Canada)
- Battle Royale (Full Bitrate DTS/Hong Kong)
- Versus (DTS-ES/Ultimate Edition/Japan)
- Sha Po Lang (DTS/Hong Kong)
- SARS WARS (DTS/Thailand)

U.S. DVDs:

- Akira (DTS)
- Saving Private Ryan (DTS)
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Extreme Edition)
- Snatch (DTS/Superbit)
- Top Gun (DTS)
- Se7en (DTS ES, Platinium Series)
- Land of the Dead (DTS)
- Sin City (DTS)
- Big Trouble in Little China (DTS)

[95 Silver TA]

Running Scared has a TON of low Hz. I thought it was a good movie and they also threw in a TON of Low Hz in this movie...You dont hear it but your chair will move :)


Thx,
Claude

[DNelms]

I was wondering if anyone has heard(seen) any new software that is interesting. It seems sometimes that this thread just gets overlooked so I thought it could use a bump.

When I get done posting I am going to reconnect my X-Box to my HT system.

Perhaps I can find some bass in my old games.

[Active Speaker]

Battlestar Galactica

[DNelms]

Battlestar Galactica

Interesting.

I try and catch that series when it airs in HD on the UHD channel. I alsways seem to catch it in the middle of each eppisode so I never realy know what is going on.

[Active Speaker]

Best sci fi series on television; maybe the best drama also; great sound, terrible video.

[DNelms]

Has anyone mentioned the Animusic DVD? Dr Hsu used the drum machine clip as a demo at the LA show. Bought the DVD and it does not disappoint. Pretty fun to watch too.

Someone even asked me if they were real machines......

[ScoobyDufus]

The Hills Have Eyes has a TON of bass throughout the entire movie. Some very very low bass!!

[Hammer]

I like to play the Eagles "Hells freezing over!" DVD. Really shows off my Horns. Just like being there. For movies has to be the Matrix lobby scene. My buddy swears he can feel the wind from the bullet casings tickle his ear.
-Hammer

[Kjohn]

The Incredibles for bass several scenes try the scene when Mr. Incredible stops the train. :D

[Dudley]

I'll second The Incredibles. Plenty of deep bass.

[cyberbri]

The train approaching in The Polar Express.

The bean/drum scene in House of Flying Daggers

Opening fly-by and subsequent explosion in SW Ep 2

Showdown in Open Range (arguably best-sounding gunshots in a film)

Matrix - rescue (gatling gun) and helicopter explosion

Matrix 3 - the whole movie

LOTR - all three movies

WoTW - emergence from the street

Incredibles - chase through the jungle, big robot in city, much more

[JonnyOzero3]

I was wondering if anyone has heard(seen) any new software that is interesting. It seems sometimes that this thread just gets overlooked so I thought it could use a bump.

When I get done posting I am going to reconnect my X-Box to my HT system.

Perhaps I can find some bass in my old games.

There was some good <30Hz bass in the opener of Jericho. Not a great show (it's "ok" at best), but they used some good LFE to build tension.

[cyberbri]

Check out the Lost Planet demo for the Xbox 360 (free demo download on Marketplace). The machinegun has a great low bass kick, and the explosions and giant creatures and Vital Suits all have great bass and sound as well.

One of the best sounding games out there.

[Wiluven]

I was at a local Tweeter/Sound Advice and they had a movie playing in most of their sound rooms - it was a futuristic jet fighter movie. Any idea what it is? There can't be many in that category...

[DNelms]

I was at a local Tweeter/Sound Advice and they had a movie playing in most of their sound rooms - it was a futuristic jet fighter movie. Any idea what it is? There can't be many in that category...

It could be Stealth. That was a real big demo disc a while back.

[Denis]

I watched Fly Boys last night.. very good movie for surround sound and bass.
It's also in DTS.
It uses the rear surrounds alot during this movies.. alot of fighting scenes in the air.
When they attack the Zepplin, lots of good bass. Also alot of sweeping bass/effects during the flying scenes and dogfights.
Check it out.. i'm sure you will like it.

[TAllen01]

Toy Story 2: opening scene with video game where the Earth starts shaking.
Darla: tank tap.
WOW: pods emerge
Star Wars: pod race

[AudiblConoiseur]

don't forget the matrix scenes with morpheous in capture and neo/trinity in helicopter shooting the big gun and the heli running into the building

also the u571 depth charged scene

then there is the master and commander beach scene

there are many things... just use the HSU test cd that is sent, track one, and see if they can feel the bass @ the 16Hz tones (I can!)

[Stan]

Xmen: The Last Stand (the most recent in the series) is pretty bass-o-matic.

[DrPainMD]

I have made a list of movies with "Bass" on a other forum.

Check it out. :cool:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8971042#post8971042

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-subwoofers/4070-master-list-dvd-movies-bass.html

[KC23]

Battlestar Galactica

Best dam TV seriers in history IMHO. I was no fan of the first one, but checked it out the new BG on its first episode and have been hooked ever since. Amazing screen play week after week. It is tuff to follow if you havn't kept up though.

It is the only TV series I've watched every week since I was a kid.

[chrispon]

If you haven't tried it, you MUST get the DTS version of THE HAUNTING.

[amigohts]

how about the day after tomorrow? oh boy! some people say "I love my MTV" i say I love my HSU :)

[Macfan424]

If you haven't tried it, you MUST get the DTS version of THE HAUNTING.

I'd second that. Apparently the dts version has been out of print for awhile, but you can usually find used copies cheap if you look around. It's one of my two favorite demonstration discs, the other being War of the Worlds.

DrPainMD's list is a great resource and I recommend it. It's a compilation from several sources, so, since not everyone has the same standards, it does include some DVD's that may have good bass, but fall short of demonstration quality IMO. Everyone has their own view of this, though, so check it out.

As for TV shows, I'd nominate Numb3rs as having the most consistently outstanding bass, although several other CBS entries, e.g. The Unit, are good as well.

[cacihome]

Agreed. That is an excellent DVD, with awsome LFE in DTS. It's the first time one of the neighbors knocked on my door asking us to turn down the volume b/c her "walls were shaking" :o
Almost Agree

1. I ROBOT
2. War of the Worlds
3. The Bridge of Kazzah DUm scene from LOTR 1
4. Final Destination 2 DTS (first two chapters)
5. Star Wars 2 (ship landing at the beginning)

[tomj2617]

Is the great bass on "The American Haunting"? or the older "The Haunting"? Thanks

[Macfan424]

Is the great bass on "The American Haunting"? or the older "The Haunting"? ThanksIt's the 1999 version of "The Haunting" (there is also a 1963 version), notably the dts DVD. It apparently is out of print, but used copies can be found very inexpensively if you look for them.

[dpt]

Definitely "The Incredibles." The scene "100 mile dash" is the best for surround sound and bass.

[Mr2A]

I have two DVD's that I use to test "systems"...both music DVD's, one is The Eagles: When Hell Freezes, the intro to Hotel California and another is the Stevie Ray Vaughn rendition of Voodoo Chile, found in the SRV Boxed Set..both amazing!

[Satori]

The Last Mimzy has quite a bit of bass in it. Every time the kids get their new toy working it shakes my house.

[bsoko]

For demo movies, look at this forum http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=575236&pp=30. I belong to it and they have some really good film clips for download.

Bill

[Dudley]

I just watched Serenity the other night and was pleasantly suprised by the bass. I hadn't really heard too much about this movie and had a few people over to break in the Panasonic PTAX100 Projector (Gotta love an 8' picture) in High Def.

I was not considering this as a bass showcase, but there were a few scenes that made the coffe table and the couch shake. Quite nice.

I was also very impressed with the Dolby Digital Plus soundtrack in general. The new HD sound tracks are all very good. Glad to see the HD players down near $100 now to take advantage of these tracks.