Good DVDs to test sound

[JoelSim]

I've recently purchased a new Panasonic TH42PX70 plasma and a second hand Arcam DV79. I've connected these up to my Arcam A85/P85 which is baimped through Dali Ikon 6 speakers. I've only watched a few minutes of the first Lord of The Rings to test out how it sounds and quite honestly was pretty impressed when I skipped to the big war scenes at the end. However, I want to show it off to the missus (who has very little interest and thinks I'm a hifi nerd), so that she will appreciate it (which she will of course). Which DVDs would you suggest to show off both the picture and sound quality? She is not really too interested in action films which makes it more difficult but something like Casino Royale would be good. Any thoughts? PS she's right about me being a hifi nerd ;-)

 

[Clare Newsome]

Casino Royale? Play her the scene where Daniel Craig's stepping out of the sea - guarantee she'll be impressed. Maybe not by the sound, but she'll be impressed

But seriously, the opening scene of the film - the chase through the construction site - is a great sonic tester.

Got Spiderman 3? The chase scene between Spidey and Green Goblin junior near the beginning is a superb surround-steering showcase.

Sure others in the team will be along with suggestions shortly....

 

[JoelSim]

[quote user="Clare Newsome"]Play her the scene where Daniel Craig's stepping out of the sea - guarantee
she'll be impressed.[/quote]

She doesn't need Daniel Craig when she has her very own sixpack of a hifi nerd

 

[Clare Newsome]

I'm sure that's the case...

But if you're going to sell your system to her, it doesn't hurt to use some good window-dressing!

 

[JoelSim]

Unfortunately that won't show off the sound!

She came out with the classic "Don't all DVD players look the same then".

Last week she asked why all the equipment we have was from brands she'd never heard of... Arcam, Linn and Dali.

Oh well, I take it Mr Newsome knows a bit more and he's like a dog with two tails about your passion for AV.

 

[Anonymous]

Got agree with Clare, Casino Royale's intro is amazing for showing off your system.....also, the fight scenes in gladiator is especially good with effects comign from all angles (one where he fights one on one and the lions come out)....

Still doesn't impress my missus, she says it's no different that watching it on a 14" wit hthe tv's own speakers...hehe

 

[Andrew Everard]

Great system workout:

 

[Anonymous]

U571: depthcharge scenes - some really low bass in there

Hannibal: fishmarket scene - great shoot out, with bullets flying everywhere

Finding Nemo: - not wow, but some great ambience

Swordfish: human claymore scene - loud & low

Top Gun: opening scenes - rumbles away

Previously mentioned Gladiator

 

[Anonymous]

Its not the best film in the world but i thought that 'happy feet' sounded amazing.

 

[VoodooDoctor]

Jurassic Park - Tyrannosaurus Rex scene in the rain.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Otokotachi no Yamato - final battle scenes - if you want crashes and bangs.

 

[JoelSim]

Funnily enough, I've just ordered Happy Feet for my 4 1/2 month old son. He'll be an audiophile before he knows it! Better get saving ;-)

My older boy who is 9 has asked if he can have my hifi when I'm finished with it too. Maybe when he stops supporting Chelsea

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="JoelSim"]Maybe when he stops supporting Chelsea[/quote]

Does Hackett have a kids' department these days?

 

[JoelSim]

Um, Chelsea, Hackett, yuck, I'll stick with my Arcam T-shirt

 

[Andrew Everard]

Smart move. And I'm sure that's never been said about an Arcam T-shirt before!