This day in 1997, the movie Spice World, starring the 90’s most beloved girl pop group, The Spice Girls (best known for their smash hit, “Wannabe,” in case you forgot) premiered in the U.K. Despite receiving an abundance of negative, critical reviews, the movie was a box office success, mainly due to the group’s mega popularity at the time. The film went on to break box office records in the US, racking in a total of $100 million dollars worldwide. Girl Power!
You did it: you finally purchased that surround sound system for your TV you’ve been eyeing. Now it’s time to show it off to all your family and friends at your next movie night. But what should you watch? Don’t think too hard, because we’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best movies for surround sound. Hold onto your popcorn!
Regarded as having one of the most realistic battle sequences shot for the silver screen, Spielberg’s 1998 Oscar-winning, WWII drama opens with the Allied invasion of Normandy. Your surround sound will impress with all the explosions, yelling, and general chaos present throughout the entire film, not to mention, the touching score by celebrated composer John Williams will have you and your guests grabbing for the nearest box of tissues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82RTzi5Vt7w
We “can-can-can’t” think of a better musical to watch in surround sound than Baz Luhrmann’s 2001, Moulin Rouge! This love story takes place between a poet and a courtesan during the Bohemian revolution of Paris in 1900. With its large scale, rapid choreography, paired with a mixture of original and contemporary tunes, this film dazzles both visually and audibly. In surround sound, you’ll also hear the many, whimsical sound effects that punctuate the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1K8JpovOw4
From the opening bank robbery scene to the finale’s voice overs and score, Christopher Nolan’s second film in his Dark Knight Trilogy is a cinematic masterpiece, and surround sound only makes it better. You can hear the madness behind Heath Ledger’s wavering vocal inflections, the crackling of fire as it envelopes the screen. With epic chase scenes, psychologically vexing dialogue, and Hans Zimmer’s grim composition, surround sound will transform your living room into Gotham.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqvbv-SB4bg
If it’s action you’re looking for, George Miller certainly delivers in this 2015 postapocalyptic sci fi thriller. Considered to be one of the greatest action films ever made, not only is it basically one long chase scene, but the earth shattering sound effects will have your whole house shaking. Winner of Best Sound Mixing and Sound Editing at the 2016 Academy Awards, Mad Max: Fury Road puts your eyes, and ears, into hyperdrive. You better buckle up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IJ8_Jf891k
The final installment of Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Jackson), Best Original Score (Howard Shore) and Best Original Song (Into the West), is at the top of any audiophile’s list of favorite films. And there’s good reason: from Aragorn’s meeting with the Army of the Dead at Dunharrow, to Pippin’s haunting song for Steward Denethor, and, the climactic, crackling fires and bubbling lava of Mount Doom, (not to mention, the numerous, epic, battle sequences) this film was made for surround sound and will have you whispering “my precious” to your speakers each night before you go to bed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pis3veqKl8k
Are you an audiophile whose favorite movie didn’t make the list? Have any other recommendations for great films to watch in surround sound? Add yours below in the comments!
Celebrated singer-songwriter and New Zealand native, Gin Wigmore – best known for her raw lyrics and bluesy, raspy voice – recently dropped the lead single from her upcoming studio album, set to be released next spring. On November 4, Wigmore debuted “Dirty Mercy,” an upbeat, rocker-girl anthem that highlights her unrelenting vocals and love for catchy melodies. The release of the gritty single helped kick off her North American tour, “Let it Ride,” which began on November 19 in Mexico City.
Ginwigmore.com
Tour information
FORMER RAZER EXECUTIVE, RUBEN MOOKERJEE, NAMED VP OF GLOBAL SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – December 7, 2016 – Blackfire Research, the leading developer of wireless technology for home entertainment, today announced that Ruben Mookerjee has joined the executive team as VP of Global Sales and Distribution.
Mookerjee joins Blackfire Research with more than 30 years of Consumer Electronics experience, most recently serving as the Vice President and General Manager at Razer, the dominant brand and global leader in PC gaming.
“We are thrilled to have Ruben head up our Sales and Distribution,” says Blackfire Research founder and CEO, Ravi Rajapakse. “He brings a unique background in consumer products that combines technology with business development and sales distribution. I have known Ruben for several years, and am delighted to have his leadership and expertise on the Blackfire team.”
Prior to Razer, Mookerjee headed up the PC Components business at Corsair, where he also led the acquisition of Simple Audio, a networked audio player. Mookerjee held executive positions at Logitech (NASDAQ: LOGI), Labtec and Hewlett Packard. Mookerjee holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Kingston University, London.
“I first met Ravi several years ago, and was instantly intrigued by his vision and the robust technology developed by the Blackfire Research team”, said Mookerjee. “There is a lot of wireless technology out there, but they all trade off performance for convenience. Blackfire Research has opened up the possibility of a wireless future, from 4K video to 5.1 audio, that can be screened around the home without compromising the integrity of the product or the user’s experience.”
About Blackfire Research
Founded in 2006, Blackfire Research (www.bfrx.com) develops wireless software technology and hardware solutions for high-performance, wireless home entertainment systems. Blackfire Research is built on patented Internet Protocol technologies designed to wirelessly stream media to multiple devices simultaneously over standard Wi-Fi. Through partnerships with global, industry leaders, Blackfire creates products that allow movie, TV, and music lovers to wirelessly create the home entertainment experience they desire.
36 years ago today, Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon outside his residence, The Dakota, in New York City. Earlier that day, Lennon had signed an album for Chapman, who had been waiting outside Lennon’s home. After the attack, Chapman remained at the scene reading J.D. Salinger’s best-selling novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Lennon was pronounced dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital at 11:15pm. Chapman pleaded guilty to the killing in court and remains in prison to this day.
