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Test DVD For 5.1 Surround Sound
Hollywood Homicide (Columbia Tristar, 12)
When not fighting crime, Harrison Ford's character - police detective Joe Gavilan - spends much of his time trying to sell property to finance his retirement. Watching Hollywood Homicide, you're often struck by the notion that the film's screen writer and director, one Ron Shelton, should give the same career option some serious thought. This banal buddy-cop crud died at the box office, and we can readily see why. The soundtrack throws up the odd explosion, but when it comes to it no-one really cares. (Sound Dolby Digital 5.1, vision 2.35:1 anamorphic)
Identity (Columbia Tristar, 15)
At first, James Mangold's chiller appears to be a by-the-numbers slasher-flick graced by an unusually starry cast, headed by John Cusack and Ray Liotta. However, as the finale approaches the plot takes a turn for the surreal. We can't give away what happens for fear of spoiling things for you except to to say some hate it and some find it intriguing. Still, you'll find much to exercise your surround channels here, the Dolby Digital 5.1 score providing all the requisite 'jump' energy you could reasonably expect. (Sound Dolby Digital 5.1, vision 2.40:1 anamorphic)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (20th Century Fox, 12)
Stephen Norrington's unusual actioner brings characters created by authors as diverse as H Rider Haggard, Mark Twain, Jules Verne and Oscar Wilde together to create a 19th Century variation on the standard superhero theme. The film suffered a tortuous birth, being beset by production difficulties (and rumours of 'tensions' during its lengthy shooting, mainly in Prague) and it shows: while the premise is interesting, the finished result is something of a mess. Continuity errors abound, certain 'special' effects are anything but, and the plot suffers from a rather high degree of confusion - to say the least! However, the DTS 5.1 soundtrack boasts considerable power, notably during scenes showing the near-destruction of Venice. (Sound Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5,1, vision 2.35:1 anamorphic)
The Lion King (Disney, U)
Here's a DVD with an all-new audio card to play: a Disney Enhanced Home Theater (DEHT) mix. Terry Porter, the sound effects mixer responsible for the original, has produced a new version specifically for home cinema systems. Most listeners love his efforts, but it has to be said the new mix is far from subtle - much of the difference seems to have been achieved by turning every channel up to 11. The Region One DVD also has the DEHT mix, but delivered via Dolby Digital 5.1. (Sound Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, DEHT, vision 1.66:1 anamorphic)
James Brown - Soul Survivor (Universal, exempt)
Jeremy Marre's 90-minute James Brown documentary provides a remarkable insight into the life of one of music's most iconic performers, featuring interviews with and contributions from such luminaries as Little Richard, Afrika Bambaataa and Chuck D, plus the great man himself. The film is in conventional stereo, but a Live at the House of Blues bonus feature includes five electrifying performances in 5.1 surround, each expertly mixed at Abbey Road Studios. (Sound Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, vision 1.85:1 anamorphic)
