Fully Immersed, Volume 26
Here in Connecticut, the kids are heading back to school. At the box office, the summer tentpole season is coming to a close. The good news, however, is that all of those great summer blockbusters are already starting to make their way to disc - a few of them are actually reviewed below, and we'll be seeing the others before you know it. For my money, nothing topped Mission Impossible: Fallout this summer, but it was fun watching other films try. While we're waiting for those summer titles to come to disc, here are a few immersive audio titles coming soon to a home theater near you:
I plan to cover at least a few of the above titles soon. Until then, here's what I've listened to most recently...
The Avengers: Infinity War 4K
Disney | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on 4K UHD only
Although some folks may be understandably suffering from superhero exhaustion, the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to hum along, constantly adding new characters to the fray and reminding us why we fell in love with Earth's mightiest heroes in the first place. The Avengers films have served as critical touchstones in these characters' journeys, bringing together an increasing number of heroes to battle against end-of-the-world sized odds. And while Loki and Ultron were fearsome enemies, they can't hold a candle to Josh Brolin's Thanos, a Hulk-sized juggernaut from "Space" who, among other things, is attempting to "steal a necklace from a wizard," as Tony so eloquently summarized for Spidey. If you've somehow managed to not yet see Infinity War, avoid reading about it beforehand because it's probably the first Marvel film full of genuine surprise. Disney brings the film to disc with only the 4K Ultra HD version receiving the Dolby Atmos treatment - but you'll want to spring for it because this is one gangbusters soundtrack. Unlike Black Panther and Thor: Ragnarok, which featured solid albeit underwhelming Atmos tracks, Infinity War is reference material from the get-go. Dialogue is crisp and intelligible throughout and the surround and overhead channels are used extensively during the film's many high-energy action set pieces. The battle in Wakanda is a prime example of this Atmos track's supremacy, starting with the earth-shaking landing of Thanos' ships outside the palace's protective dome. The ships convincingly rain from down above the listener before thunderously grabbing hold of the Earth below. When countless 4-legged beasties are unleashed, the next several minutes are an all-out assault on the senses, immersive in the best way possible, culminating in a hugely satisfying hero landing of sorts when some much-needed backup finally arrives. Infinity War is an impressive and ambitious film for many reasons and it's a welcome relief that Disney has given it such a worthy Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Highly recommended.
Deadpool 2: The Super Duper $@%!#& Cut 4K
Fox | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on 4K UHD only
When Josh Brolin isn't busy destroying the universe as Thanos, he likes to dabble as Cable, a cybernetic soldier toting around a burnt-to-a-crisp teddy bear, a metal armful of high tech weaponry, and a really bad attitude. A new baddie in town might normally spell trouble for our potty-mouthed superhero, but D.P. has the forethought to assemble a team of gifted, mutant X-persons to help save the day. And as one might hope, hilarity ensues. As is their tradition, Fox brings Deadpool 2 to disc with only the 4K Ultra HD release featuring a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. This 4-disc set includes both the extended cut and the theatrical cut on both UHD and Blu-ray, hence the four discs. I'll eventually watch the entire extended cut, but a comparison of the first 15 minutes told me that the theatrical cut is apt to be my go-to on future re-watches; your mileage may vary. Like the first Deadpool, the Atmos soundtrack on DP2 is simply outstanding, exhibiting exceptional dynamic range including a thunderous low end. The overhead channels aren't used as extensively as one might expect, but they certainly help round out the sound stage, with the armored truck convoy being the film's standout sequence, visually and sonically. The film's CGI and disrespect for the laws of physics may be objectionable here, but crank it up because this highly entertaining sequence will pummel you from every angle while Mr. Pool and Domino attempt to thwart Cable. Recommended.
Deadpool 1 & 2: The Complete Collection (For Now) 4K
Fox | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on 4K UHD only
With Deadpool 2 making its 4K debut, Fox has not surprisingly taken the opportunity to release a 4K box set containing both films on the Ultra HD format. Amusingly titled "The Complete Collection (For Now)," you get the theatrical - and thus far only known - cut of the first Deadpool plus both the theatrical and extended cuts of Deadpool 2. Looking back at the history of my Fully Immersed column, I realized I never wrote up the original Deadpool and its truly fantastic Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Let's fix that, shall we? As much as I love the small details and nuanced atmospheric sounds that immersive soundtracks deliver when done right, it's also undeniably fun to listen to something engineered to be big, loud, and cranked up to eleven. Deadpool is such a blast because it delivers on both fronts. The first ten minutes of the film are a perfect example, where you've got an absolutely hilarious, high energy action sequence with crushing bass, shattering glass, and everything in between, but then you've also got quiet moments to enjoy Ryan Reynolds' witty, snarky, narration set against the backdrop of those subtleties in the surround and overhead channels. Deadpool 2 may be getting all the attention right now, but if you haven't listened to the first film in Dolby Atmos, you're missing out on some truly good stuff. Highly recommended.
The Greatest Showman 4K
Fox | Buy Now | Dolby Atmos available on 4K UHD only
Speaking as the father of a high school sophomore who admittedly lets his kids watch too many movies, I can think of few better male role models in Hollywood for my son than Hugh Jackman. In this superhero-heavy column, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that Jackman is best known for his iconic performance as everyone's favorite mutant, Wolverine. That role, which culminated beautifully in Logan, established Jackman as a bona fide badass, a loner with shredded abs, a prickly demeanor, and a tendency to solve all problems with his fists - not to mention the long, sharp knives that extend from said fists. Like most guys his age, my son loves Wolverine. The fact that Jackman is also the family man singing and dancing his heart out at the center of the box sensation that is The Greatest Showman offers a wonderful inversion of what it means to be a man. To say that my son was surprised to see Logan in this role is an understatement. In fact, this contagious film is all about challenging your assumptions and confronting whatever pre-conceived notions you may hold. Personally, I think that's a great message for my kids to be hearing - and in today's climate, it's probably not a bad idea for the adults in the audience to do the same. Fox brought The Greatest Showman to 4K many weeks ago, but like Deadpool, I missed it when it first hit stores. If you've seen the film, you know how good the music is and I'm thrilled to report that numbers like "This Is Me" sound absolutely fantastic in Dolby Atmos. The conflagration towards the end of the film is chock full of surround and overhead channel activity, adding greatly to the sense of immersion. From its occasional rich, deep bass and crisp vocals throughout to the immersive sound of the cheering audience during those musical numbers, this is absolutely the way this film should be heard at home. Highly recommended.
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