Demo Discs: Essential Dolby Atmos Movies
The point of having a home theater setup is to replicate the theater experience as close as possible. These days it isn't enough to have a top of the line 1080p or 4K screen to match the visuals, you've got to have a state of the art sound system that pins you to the comfy back of your barcalounger. With electronics manufactures churning out high-end and affordable Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible sound systems, speakers, and sound bars, you've got to have some great movies to help you rattle the walls and force your neighbors to file a noise complaint.
Here's a list of our favorite Dolby Atmos mixes from the last few years that you can buy right now on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, or Blu-ray 3D. Also worth noting: many of these Dolby Atmos mixes are also available, or will soon be available, on streaming platforms like Vudu, the Microsoft Store, and iTunes thanks to Dolby Atmos support via the Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, and Xbox One systems.
Mad Max: Fury Road
From the first guttural rumble of Max's interceptor to the pulsing strobes of Junkie XL's score, this film stresses even the best Atmos sound systems on the market. Even three years after its release, the Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray remain essential demo discs. Grab your friends, plant them in the center of the room and let the ride through the wasteland begin.
Gravity Diamond Luxe Edition
When Gravity hit Blu-ray it was a sterling example of what the format had to offer. But then Warner Bros. had to up the ante by giving the film a sonic upgrade to Dolby Atmos with their Diamond Luxe release. While it can be frustrating to purchase a title multiple times to get the very best release, trust us when we tell you that seeing Gravity with a Dolby Atmos sound system is the definitive home theater experience.
Hacksaw Ridge
You can always count on Mel Gibson to deliver a war film that assaults the eyes and ears. His return to directing wasn't only a stellar example of what the man can bring behind the camera, but the Blu-ray and 4K UHD releases gave fans one of the best releases to showcase the latest in home theater technology. The Atmos track for this film puts you square in the middle of the action and doesn't let go.
Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim has always been a fan favorite on Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray as it featured an impressive 7.1 audio mix. When Warner Bros. grabbed the giant metal monster mash for 4K UHD, they gave it an amazing Atmos upgrade to accompany the beautiful visual improvements. When you hear the Jaegers and Kaiju start stomping and crashing through buildings, you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation
Not only is this one of the best action thrillers ever made, but Rogue Nation's opening action sequence hits you square in the gut. As soon as Tom Cruise jumps onto the side of the plane, you know you're in for a wild ride and the Atmos mix makes sure you feel the roar of the engines as it takes off. The film is a hell of a ride and one you'll want to strap in for.
Logan
Hugh Jackman's sendoff to the character that made his career isn't just one of the best comic book films, it's a damn good movie. On top of the terrific visuals offered by the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, the Dolby Atmos audio mix brings the action right into your home. From the subtle and quiet somber moments to the blistering action, this is a hell of a release.
Blade Runner
It's not enough for one of the greatest science fiction films ever made to get an incredible transfer, it's got to have a sound system to match. From the sounds of spinners flying overhead to the hustle and bustle of a dystopian L.A. to the iconic Vangelis score, Blade Runner has never looked or sounded better. If you haven't upgraded from the old Blu-ray, now's the time to do it.
Blade Runner 2049
The original Blade Runner was an iconic piece of science fiction filmmaking. To dare to attempt a sequel was blasphemy and yet director Denis Villeneuve managed to achieve the unthinkable - a sequel that was as good as its predecessor. The films' stunning visuals are matched by an equally impressive and impactful Atmos audio mix that will punch your sound system.
La La Land
Action movies and sci-fi flicks aren't the only films that benefit from a quality Atmos mix. Modern musicals can be a bit hit or miss, but La La Land was a massive hit and it was a dynamite home video release on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. From the terrific visuals to the amazing song and dance numbers, this film is a great reason to own a top-of-the-line home theater system.
The Fifth Element
Break out your multipass and buckle up, this wild ride of a sci-fi picture offers up a dramatically enhanced and very impressive Dolby Atmos mix. From flying cars zipping around to blistering explosions to the hyper-sonic screams of Chris Tucker, the recent remastered Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs offer terrific demo-worthy Atmos tracks.
As more new films and back catalog releases are released and upgraded to lossless object-based sound mixes, this list of essential Dolby Atmos Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases is only going to keep growing. It's a great and exciting time to be a home theater enthusiast and we hope this list helped you find the perfect demo disc to show off your top of the line sound system to friends and family.
What Dolby Atmos mixes are at the top of your go-to demo list? Let us know in the comments below!
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