Transporter (2002) (M) (DD) –
A great flick to show off your system, with the pursuit in the first ten minutes showcasing awesome driving skills and wonderful surround sound design. It starts at 4:25 with a very realistic gunshot, followed by an intense car chase through the narrow streets of Nice. Screaming engines, gunfire, screeching tyres, explosions, funky background music (mixed in some unique ways, such as 7:19) - all combine to create a highly entertaining action sequence. Rear speakers are highly active throughout most of the movie, carrying anything from ricocheting bullets to singing birds. The front soundstage is also impressively strong, and vocals come through the centre channel loud and clear. A favourite disc around these parts that really showcases what a well calibrated home theatre is capable of.

War of the Worlds (2005) (M) (DTS) –
A bleak and dark movie with a soundtrack that makes you sit back and go ‘WOW!’ The first lightning strikes at 15:10 will get your attention with their intensity, with the rear speakers being used to great effect. However, when the first Tripod appears around 22:40 the audio assault really quicks in. Almost overwhelming in places, action sequences are mixed at an extremely loud level into all five speakers. The hard-hitting sound effects create a scary and realistic impression of what it would be like to be there, in the thick of it, with Mr Cruise and Co. Bass is extreme at times, in terms of depth and volume level. Think you have a good subwoofer? You’ll soon know, as the better ones will shake your lounge and thump your chest, whereas those less capable will be left farting and over-extending in a hopeless attempt to amplify and reproduce the LFE signal they receive. Sound effects are supported by an ominous score that is effectively integrated into the movie, often through all five speakers for added impact. Nominated for Sound and Sound Editing Oscars.

Titanic: Deluxe Collector’s Edition (1997) (M) (DTS-ES Discrete) –
Always been a little disappointed with the soundtrack of the original DVD release of Titanic, especially compared to more modern movie soundtracks. The Collector’s Edition has been remixed to include both Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 soundtracks, and they are both a large improvement over the original. The addition of the sixth discrete rear channel in the DTS mix really does add ambience and improve the wrap-around effect in various sounds. Some of the best audio on this disc can be found in the moments before the ill-fated vessel first strikes the iceberg. Check out 134:00 to 138:00 (Disc 1). The scenes in the engine room are a sight to behold as well, from both a visual and engineering perspective. Won a million Oscars, including Best Sound Effects, Best Score and Best Sound gongs.

Mr and Mrs Smith (2005) (M) (DD) –
With Angelina for the guys, Brad for the girls and a typically annoying Vince Vaughan, how can you possibly go wrong? A surprisingly well-rounded movie from an audio perspective and very hard to fault, this soundtrack makes the film all the more enjoyable. Dialogue is clear, there’s a strong front soundstage, and there is both good channel separation and integration, depending on what the on-screen action calls for. Scenes at 6:00, 7:00, 32:00 to 34:00 and 47:20 are all worth listening out for.

Tears of the Sun (2003) (MA) (DD) –
A moving film that deals with some disturbing themes. Sound design is one of the best out there, and the African-influenced (plus highly orchestral) score blends well with the varied sound effects. Rear speakers are used almost continuously, whether it be background noises of the jungle (22:00) or the rotor blades of a helicopter (31:20). Fast forward to the ambush scene at 87:00 and get ready for one of most dazzling displays of discrete multi-channel sound.

The Way of the Gun (2000) (MA) (DD) –
An interesting movie that will not be to everyone’s liking. Something that will impress is the power and extremely high volume of this mix, especially the gunfire. Various firearms are used throughout this movie and each type has its own distinct sound, with the pistols guaranteed to test your tweeters’ power handling ability. Rear speakers also play a large supporting role, carrying ricochet and echo effects in a very localised and aggressive manner, especially in the shoot-out at 16:45. Also check out the robust front soundstage at 81:50 and climatic gun battle at 96:40.