Welcome to this week’s Tip Tuesday! With summer movie season in full swing, there’s no better time to enjoy blockbuster sound at home. While picture quality gets a lot of attention, we’re here to remind you that great sound is just as important.
The right film can take your audio setup from good to unforgettable. Whether you’ve just set up a soundbar or have a full surround system with Dolby Atmos, these 10 movies (and scenes) will help you hear what your system is capable of.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Scene to watch: The opening chase, right from the start. This movie wastes no time. From roaring engines to exploding cars, every speaker gets a workout. It’s loud, layered, and perfect for testing how your system handles chaos while keeping things clear.
2. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Scene to watch: The jet training and final mission (around 1h 30m in). When jets zoom across the screen, you’ll hear them whip past your ears. It’s an amazing test of how well your setup creates the feeling of motion and space.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) / Paramount Pictures
3. Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Scene to watch: The Le Mans race. Engines roar, tires squeal and crowds cheer. This one is all about how real and detailed your system can make a racetrack feel.
4. Baby Driver (2017)
Scene to watch: Opening getaway synced to "Bellbottoms" (first 6 mins). Music, action, and sound effects are perfectly timed in this scene. If everything stays in sync and feels smooth, your setup is doing a great job.
5. The Dark Knight (2008)
Scene to watch: The truck flip and chase through Gotham (about 1h 18m in). Big sound moments like this should feel powerful without being messy. It’s great for checking how your system handles bass and action without drowning out dialogue.
Baby Driver (2017) / Sony Pictures
The Dark Knight (2008) / Warner Bros. Pictures
6. Gravity (2013)
Scene to watch: The opening space disaster. This one is about subtlety. You’ll hear debris, radio chatter, and a quiet but intense score, all helping to build tension. It’s great for surround and spatial sound.
7. Elvis (2022)
Scene to watch: First big stage performance ("Baby Let’s Play House"). Concert scenes like this one are perfect for testing vocals and music. You should feel like you’re in the crowd, with sound coming from all around.
8. Dune: Part One or Dune: Part Two (2021/2024)
Scene to watch: The sandworm attack (Part One ~1h 25m). This scene brings deep rumbles, swirling winds, and a massive sense of space. If your walls shake but the dialogue stays clear, your system is doing great.
Elvis (2022) / Warner Bros. Pictures
Dune (2021) / Warner Bros. Pictures
9. La La Land (2016) or The Greatest Showman (2017)
Scene to watch: Any musical number. These films mix powerful music with storytelling. Great for checking how your system handles a mix of instruments, vocals, and atmosphere.
10. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Scene to watch: Opening scene (first 8 minutes). This visually stunning sequel is also an audio powerhouse. The opening sequence delivers deep, pulsing bass, layered ambient details, and an eerie stillness that draws you in. It’s a great way to test low-end response, subtle effects, and overall immersion.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) / Warner Bros. Pictures
Wrapping Up
Movies are meant to be seen, and heard. Whether it’s the roar of a jet, the whisper of space, or the rhythm of a song, these films deliver big, bold sound. No matter your setup, try one (or all!) of these scenes and rediscover what your speakers can do. Thank you for reading, and until next time, happy watching and listening!
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