This weekend, my in-laws are visiting (here come the comments!!!) Actually, my father-in-law is into electronics and new technologies. He hasn't seen the new speakers yet, so I'm looking for some recommendations of movies that will "show-off" the speakers. I've already watched all of my DVDs again, so I'm looking for some advice.

Thanks, John

Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story 2, Saving Private Ryan, Terminator 3, Monsters Inc. Blackhawk Down, Lion kIng 1 1/2.

Sounds like you should have a good time Seriously though, anytime you have a chance to "show off" is one of the most satisfying experiences in owning high end electronics (or at least higher than they're used to hearing). Most well done home theaters, in my mind, smoke movie theaters. If I had to choose there'd be no question of what I would use to demonstrate a home theater. The opening sequence of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Hearing Cate Blanchett open up the movie with her powerful voice is amazing when you turn the volume up (showing off your center). And then of course it has the battle sequence which really utilizes your surrounds. Then there's the moment where Sauron gets the ring cut off from him and just combusts...there is probably my favorite moment for owning a subwoofer. So you see, in my opinion, you just could ask for a better demo

John, another suggestion. When I was out running around auditioning speakers, I managed to talk a salesman out of a copy of a CD demo disk. It has 29 diverse music selections on it that each run 2 - 21/2 minutes. I have been using this CD with much glee as my friends show up and say (foolishly) - "Are those speakers new?".

You might also ask him to bring along his fav CDs or DVDs so he can see what he has been missing in his Axiom-free zone.

I second LOTR:FOTR and Finding Nemo. Also Titan A.E., Star Wars: Attack of the Clones or The Phantom Menace. The Pod Race scene in TPM is awesome. Especially the rumble of Sebulbas Pod Racer. JP1 would be another first choice.

I borrowed my brother's Star Wars - TPM. He told me to go straight to the pod race....he (and you ) were right!!

Thanks

What about the Bourne Identity. Good use of surrounds, Alan seems to mention this title a lot as well. Black Hawk Dawn is great as well. Do you have the DTS version of Saving Private Ryan? Very nice DVD there as well.

And as someone else mentioned, have him bring over some of his favorites as well.

Hi,

Getoffb already mentioned The Bourne Identity (spectacular and subtle use of the surround mix), Black Hawk Down, and in the theater I thought the mix for The Italian Job was excellent. Haven't tried it at home yet, but I expect it will be at least as good as in the theater.

Regards,

The Italian Job is excellent at home.

you may also want to consider 'spy game', its got a great background score

Forgot about Independence Day. That'll give your surrounds a workout.

Alan, you were right (as always!). I rented The Bourne Identity. I have never heard a movie that utilized the surrounds so much. There were a few scenes that were amazing and throughout the movie there were subtle sounds coming from the surrounds. I now see why you recommend that movie a lot.

Thanks, John

Savin Private Ryan (DTS edition) and Underworld(not possibly the best use of surrounds but a definite wow factor if your system can handle it at loud'ish volumes)

I realize it's a little late to add this, but if anyone needs a recommendation for the future, try Open Range - the new Kevin Costner flick. We rented it on the weekend and it has some fantastic scenes where the rain is pouring down and makes very good use of the surrounds. The big shootout at the end doesn't hurt either. No comments on the plot quality of the movie though!

Thanks. Although the weekend has passed, for some reason I find myself wanting to watch movies a lot more than I used to!

I'm always interested in adding to my "want list" of movies and I think others will also benefit.