Demo Discs: Essential DTS:X Movies

There may be two competing formats for object-based audio, but thankfully they're on good terms. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X both offer incredible audio experiences for our favorite flicks. And, outside of a few sound bar applications, both formats are equally available on most modern AV Receivers and sound system. Action, Science Fiction, Horror, it doesn't matter what genre films are making terrific usage of dynamic object-based audio mixes that will push your sound system to the limit. With a growing number of Blu-ray discs and 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays available in both formats -- here's our Atmos list from yesterday -- we've got a few titles to recommend to help you grow your DTS:X collection:

The Fate of the Furious

When you have a movie with Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and Jason Statham racing cars, blowing things up, outrunning a submarine, you'll be glad you have a top-tier DTS:X sound system. The mix hits the ground running with a street race in Cuba and doesn't let up a single moment with terrific imaging and spacing making it a terrific demo disc.

Buy The Blu-ray

Buy The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Crimson Peak

When you need a movie full of creepy atmosphere, Crimson Peak delivers the gothic horror sights and sounds of a classic ghost story. From the beautiful images to the fantastic object-based effects courtesy of this DTS:X mix, this is a hell of a Blu-ray to keep you company when you need a little fright. 

Buy The Blu-ray

Apollo 13

Apollo 13 has enjoyed a nice life on home video since the days of its theatrical release, but when the film came to 4K UHD it was given a terrific DTS:X sonic upgrade. The mix beautifully captures the everyday life of an astronaut all the way up through the incredible launch sequence to the dramatic end. The film has never looked or sounded better.

Buy The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Collection

The fun of purchasing favorite films in a new format is the feeling of getting to experience the film all over again. When Jurassic Park hit 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Universal saw fit to give each film in the series a beautiful, sonically immersive DTS:X audio track. When you hear that T-Rex roar for the first time against the pitter patter of raindrops, you'll be glad you made the upgrade in your home equipment.

Buy The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

What Jurassic Park experience is complete without the latest entry? The movie may not be the best entry in the series, but it is a heck of a lot of fun. And that DTS:X audio mix? It rattles the speakers and blows your hair back with every dino roar followed by the terrified scream of a hapless human getting chomped on.

Buy The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Buy The Blu-ray

Atomic Blonde

A great soundtrack plus kickass action sequences, Atomic Blonde will give your DTS:X sound system a true and hearty workout. It's a fun flick made better by the terrific action-packed audio track. As Charlize Theron dispenses the fisticuffs, you'll be glad to have the volume cranked as each hit is met with a nice shudder and thump that puts you in the thick of the action.

Buy The Blu-ray

Buy The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Dreamgirls Director's Extended Edition

When you have a dramatic musical event movie that hinges on sonic fidelity like Dreamgirls, you're going to be glad to have a dynamic DTS:X audio track. While it would have been great if this film had been given a 4K Ultra HD release, this Blu-ray is terrific and the songs have never sounded better.

Buy The Blu-ray

Phantom Thread

While action, adventure, and science fiction films tend to stretch your sound system's muscle, the dramatic DTS:X mix for Phantom Thread is no slouch. The mix provides some tense atmosphere to the cavernous locations while localizing individual pinpricks as seamstresses busily stitch away. You're sure to enjoy the extra sizzle of some frying mushrooms as this potboiler thriller heats up.

Buy The Blu-ray

Buy The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

 Gladiator 

Ridley Scott's tribute to sword and sandal pictures has always enjoyed a dramatic and impressive audio presence and this new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release is no slouch. While there may not be much of an overhead activity, the new mix is still incredibly aggressive and makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action. 

Buy The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Now that object-based audio has come to the home, the number of great new movies and old favorites featuring dynamic audio tracks that blow your hair back and rattle your seats is only going to increase. These may be some of our favorite DTS:X releases but this list is far from complete. What would you add to your list and what are your go-to DTS:X demos? Let us know in the comments below!