Indholdsfortegnelse for Spring 2022 i Home Cinema Choice

King Richard (BD) A powerhouse performance from Will Smith anchors this involving biopic of the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. Dune (4K BD) The audiovisual grandeur of Denis Villenueve’s science-fiction spectacular makes the 4K BD an obvious new demo favourite. Black Cat: Deluxe Edition (BD) New remaster and extras and bring fresh life to this slick Hong Kong do-over of Luc Besson’s Nikita. La Llorona (BD) The shadow of Universal’s horror classics hangs over this landmark 1933 Mexican chiller lovingly restored on Blu-ray. Odd Couple (BD) Showcasing some of the greatest weapons duels ever committed to film, this restored Blu-ray is a must-own for action junkies.…

The high-end audio manufacturer that previously brought us the monstrous £29,000 Thor’s Hammer sub has set its sights on smaller rooms with its new LoKe model (pronounced ‘lowkey’). Intended as a partner for Wilson Audio’s TuneTot bookshelf speakers, or the smaller of its floorstanding options, the new sub features a custom-made front-facing 10in woofer, partnered by a 500W-rated amplifier incorporating technologies previously developed for the brand’s external ActivXO Dual Subwoofer Crossover. The LoKe’s cabinet also borrows from other Wilson products, using proprietary X-Material (a highly damped composite) for the external enclosure, and mix of X-Material and HDF elements in the internal bracing. Connections – including LFE and line-level in/out – are offered as both balanced and unbalanced. In its ‘standard’ finish options (Galaxy Gray, GT Silver, Quartz and Carbon), this…

Do you use your system to play videogames? Of course! What a waste to just watch movies through it when I can have the big-screen surround sound experience with my PS5 as well. Once you experience gaming that way, you never go back. Nick Guy No, save precious lamp hours for films. Walter White I am not a console guy, I play on PC. But if I had a console I would not use it on my projector screen, it would be way too uncomfortable. Ambroise Dupuis Of course! It’s the only way. Stewart Heed What you’re watching on your home cinema… I might give West Side Story a go, having been to see The Batman at a Dolby Cinema today. 10/10 for picture and sound, but 5/10 for the…

1 x SDP-75 High-spec processor with Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D decoding and JBL-enhanced iteration of Trinnov’s Optimiser room EQ platform. 16-channel model. £26,500 3 x SDA-4600 4 x 600W Class D power amplifier with custom DSP, bridgeable (2 x 1,200W). £5,000 each 2 x SDA-8300 8 x 300W Class D power amplifier with custom DSP, bridgeable (4 x 600W). £6,000 each 4 x DSI 2.0 MA4-D 4 x 750W Class D power amplifier with custom DSP, bridgeable (2 x 2600W). £3,500 each 3 x SCL-1 Two-way in-room loudspeaker with 3in horn-loaded compression driver and 2 x 12in woofers. £18,000 each 6 x SCL-4 Two-way in-wall loudspeaker with 1in horn-loaded compression driver and 7in woofer. £3,400 each 6 x SCL-5 Two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker with 1in horn-loaded compression driver and 7in woofer.…

The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T Fantastical 1953 flop (the only film written by Dr. Seuss) where a young boy dreams of a world ruled by a diabolical music teacher who enslaves children and makes them practise piano forever. Phantom of the Paradise Between Hitchcock homages Sisters and Obsession, Brian De Palma found the perfect outlet for his signature visual excess in this 1974 rock mash-up of The Phantom of the Opera and Faust. Xanadu A heavenly Olivia Newton-John joins Gene Kelly (in his final screen role) for this kitsch 1980 roller-disco fever dream about a Muse coming to LA to help a struggling artist open a nightclub. Labyrinth Teenager Jennifer Connelly wishes her baby brother away, navigates a farting swamp and refuses to be impressed by David Bowie’s bulging…

Meet the Citation 200, one of the more bijou models in Harman Kardon’s Citation range but easily the largest speaker on test today. This already makes it seem good value, before you factor in that it can often be found for less than the £299 list price. Its sizable near-cylindrical chassis is put to good use, housing a 4.75in bass/mid driver, 1in tweeter and 50Wrated amp stage. The top panel proffers control and status lights, the cabinet is wrapped in a nice Kvadrat cloth, and there’s a handle to help you lug it around. It all feels very well put together. Bluetooth is offered (natch) but with no support for aptX or AAC. This isn’t disastrous, however, as the priority playback medium for the Citation 200 is via Chromecast, and…

After a bumpy fourth year, Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon’s un-PC animated sci-fi comedy is back firing on all cylinders. As well as cooking up crazy setups for each hilarious new story, this run is perhaps most notable for delving into Rick’s past in a way that most fans never thought would happen. As the show’s most visually inventive season yet, it’s hardly surprising that it looks superb on Blu-ray, all crisp lines and rich colours. Extras are short but plentiful – and often very funny.…

→ THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS Keanu Reeves’ return to the world of The Matrix tries to be a sequel and a reboot, plus a meta criticism of sequels and reboots at the same time. And it’s inevitable that when a film is wearing that many hats, at least one of them is going to fall off. It’s a shame because there are some interesting ideas, and the initial premise is intriguing. We’re introduced to Thomas Anderson (Reeves), a successful video game developer trying to produce a sequel to his career-defining Matrix Trilogy. But Thomas can’t shake the feeling that despite his success there’s something wrong with the world… Unfortunately, the filmmakers play their hand way too early, and by constantly referring to (and even recreating) scenes from the first film, it’s…

Not one of John Carpenter’s best, but not as bad as its reputation suggestions, this 1996 Escape from New York sequel is a goofy romp that lets Kurt Russell’s anti-hero Snake Plissken do what he does best (shooting people and hoops) while Carpenter has fun satirising American celebrity culture. This vibrant, Dolby Vision-enhanced 4K encode represents a massive step forward over the flat old Blu-ray transfer, but does have the downside of making the film’s deservedly derided CG effects look even worse. As with previous formats, a trailer is the only extra feature.…

→ MAD MAX ANTHOLOGY George Miller’s Mad Max (1979), Mad Max: The Road Warrior (1981), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) don’t comfortably fit into the standard template for an ongoing cinematic franchise. Instead, they’re closer to the traditions of oral storytelling, where the same tale is retold again and again, gaining and losing details in the process. The resulting films vary in quality, but at their worst they add fascinating new wrinkles to a story that can’t help but entertain. At their best, they rank among the greatest action movies ever made. Picture: All four films on Warner’s slightly delayed 4K boxset feature HEVC 2.40:1-framed 2160p encodes with HDR10 grades. …Fury Road has been available on UHD since 2016 and it’s that same (gorgeous)…

Inspired by mummified monks displayed at a Mexico City museum, this landmark 1934 Mexican horror riffs on the ‘Old Dark House’ formula with its tale of travellers seeking shelter at a quite-clearly-haunted monastery. D’oh! Restored in 4K from the original negative, The Phantom of the Monastery hits BD with a robust 1.37:1 encode that belies the film’s age. Extras include a critics’ commentary and discussion of the film by Mexican cinema expert Abraham Castillo Flores.…

‘It’s a marvellous distillation of everything from my book… It’s the most realistic film I’ve ever seen,’ claimed author Truman Capote of this 1967 adaptation of his seminal ‘non-fiction novel’ charting the murder of a Kansas farming family and the eventual arrest and trial of their killers. Capote was likely biased, but he’s not wrong; In Cold Blood remains a superior example of true crime cinema. Alongside an excellent 4K restoration of the film, Criterion’s release houses eight new and archival interviews.…

Ghostbusters: Afterlife [UHD Blu-ray] Smart, funny and nostalgia-heavy sequel makes a spirited showing on disc courtesy of its scarily good 4K HDR10/Dolby Vision imagery and spooktacular Dolby Atmos sonics. HCC #329 No Time to Die [UHD Blu-ray] Daniel Craig’s last James Bond movie is also the franchise’s first to receive a 3D soundmix, and it’s an absolute doozy – as is the native 4K HDR picture. Some juicy extras here too. HCC #328 The Suicide Squad [UHD Blu-ray] Captured digitally at 6K and 8K and finished as a 4K DI, this superior, gore-splattered sequel arrives on disc with a stunning native UHD encode. Extras and soundmix impress too. HCC #327 Dune [UHD Blu-ray] The first part of Denis Villenueve’s new adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel dazzles on 4K BD…

Sony VPL-VW290ES → £5,500 Not as bright (1,500 Lumens vs 1,800 Lumens) as Sony’s VW590ES, but arguably more appetising considering the lower price tag. Those looking to step up to a native 4K HDR beamer should look here first. HCC #325 JVC DLA-NZ8 → £15,800 The price tag might make your wallet quiver, but unparalleled performance, long-life laser lighting, cutting-edge tech and future-proofed features make JVC’s HDMI 2.1-equipped 4K HDR projector the best in its class. HCC #329 Sony VPL-W590ES → £7,000 A conventional lamp PJ that’s less inherently punchy than Sony’s 790ES laser flagship (HCC #316), but half the price. It also ekes out better blacks and still looks lush (and sharp) with 4K HDR. HCC #318 JVC DLA-N5 → 6,500 The entry-level native 4K beamer in JVC’s range…

Dog Cop 7: The Final Chapter A bonus short on Sony’s Mitchells vs the Machines Blu-ray, this is animation at its simplest (the canine hero is a sock puppet) and funniest. We’d happily watch an entire series. HCC #327 Being James Bond A 45-minute retrospective that focuses on Daniel Craig’s 15-year stint as everyone’s favourite spy. Craig and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli chat while the on-set/finished film footage rolls. HCC #328 The Making of The Last Duel There’s a long tradition of Ridley Scott movies being joined on BD by must-watch Making of… docs. This one’s only a half-hour long, but is nevertheless revealing and crammed with detail. HCC #328 Aquarius Releasing: An Appreciation An extra on 88 Films’ release of The Tough Ones, this is a…

John Archer: The experienced TV tester cut his teeth as an early HCC staffer Jon Thompson: Film producer and post-production expert delves into Hollywood and AV Steve May: HCC’s former Ed. is one of the UK’s most respected AV journos Anton van Beek: Our avid movie watcher and disc collector cut his teeth on Total DVD Richard Stevenson: Former Editor of the UK CE trade journal ERT Ed Selley: Audiophile Ed mixes his home cinema passion with a love of vinyl Steve Withers: Movie fan, display calibrator and object-based audio obsessive…

Aiming to bring ‘clear extended bass’ to Denon’s Home Sound Bar 550 or a standalone Home speaker is the imaginatively titled Denon Home Subwoofer. A compact 33cm-wide wireless model with downfiring 8in driver and ‘high-power’ Class D amplifier, it’s compatible with HEOS multiroom, enabling control over crossover, phase and output through the HEOS app. Only a black finish is available (so no colour-matching with white Home speakers). The launch price is £450. www.denon.com…

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore April 8: Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander is back, this time joining Dumbledore (Jude Law) on a mission to stop dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) from waging war against the muggles. The Northman April 15: A Viking prince seeks revenge for his father’s murder in this historical epic from director Robert Eggers. Alexander Skarsgård leads an all-star cast including Nicole Kidman, Anna Taylor-Joy and Willem Dafoe. Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness May 5: Sam Raimi helms this Marvel sequel set in the aftermath of Spider-Man: No Way Home that finds the titular doc joining forces with the Scarlet Witch on a journey into the multiverse……

April 11 Flee Crystal Lake Memories: Complete History of Friday the 13th The List of Adrian Messenger: Premium Collection Nineteen Eighty-Four [1954] Scream 4K [2022] The Silent Enemy Three Monster Tales of Sci-Fi Terror Winning: Premium Collection April 18 Dexter: New Blood Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer 4K Rogue Cops and Racketeers: Two Crime Thrillers by Enzo G. Castellari Stingray: The Complete Series Deluxe Edition Tavernier: The Essential Collection April 19 The Witch: Limited Edition 4K April 25 Sing 2 12 Monkeys 4K The 400 Blows Blood of the Vampire Dreadnaught Jules et Jim Knockabout Johnny Mnemonic Moonfall One for the Road Singin’ in the Rain 4K Species Collection Too Beautiful to Die Twisting the Knife: Four Films by Claude Chabrol Zeder: Deluxe Collector’s Edition May 2 Chucky: Season…

Getting ‘juiced up It looks like a sequel to the 1988 movie Beetlejuice (pictured) is finally happening. Not only is Brad Pitt’s company Plan B set to produce the film, but the rumour mill has Michael Keaton and Wynona Ryder getting ready to reprise their roles. Alien resurrected Don’t Breathe director Fede Álvarez is set to write and shoot a new Alien movie for US streaming platform Hulu (also home to the upcoming Alien TV series). Details are hush-hush, but it’s understood the film is unconnected to previous franchise instalments. Living legends Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan are joining forces to both star in and produce a sequel to Smith’s 2007 blockbuster horror-thriller I Am Legend. Akiva Goldman, who penned the first film, is also confirmed to be writing…

Readers of a certain vintage may remember Mission’s 770 speaker, which launched in 1979 and became a UK fave. Now, over 40 years later, the company has launched a ‘re-engineered’ version, once again sporting a distinctive white laminated baffle and real-wood veneer cabinet. Priced £3,500, the new Mission 770 follows the same design ethos, but naturally upgrades driver, crossover and cabinet in pursuit of an improved performance. It also comes supplied with matching open-frame stands. www.mission.co.uk…

The Band Wagon Warner Bros., BD (US import) Where better to start with a list of must-own musicals than one starring one of the legends of the genre? Made towards the end of his career in 1953, this stars Fred Astaire in self-reflexive mode playing an ageing musical star who hopes for a career comeback on a Broadway show, only for an egotistical director and his prima ballerina co-star to threaten to derail it. A modest success on its original release, The Band Wagon’s stature has grown over the decades thanks to its masterful dance numbers, most notably the gangster-chic thrills of the Mickey Spillane-inspired Girl Hunt Ballet in the film’s dazzling climax. The Blues Brothers Universal, Pictures 4K BD Born out of a series of sketches performed on US…

If you’re reading this magazine, you probably love a bigscreen viewing experience. You might even dream of either being able to afford a monster-sized 100in TV, or having somewhere to install a projector without messing up your day-to-day living space. And thanks to Hisense’s latest Laser TV, the 100L9GTUK, you might have to dream no more. The appeal of this product is wickedly simple. It combines an ultra-short-throw laser projector, built-in 40W audio system and high reflectivity, 100in ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen to give you a TV-like experience at home cinema dimensions. It does this for £4,499, just a fraction of what a 100in TV would cost. The 100L9GTUK is not Hisense’s first Laser TV rodeo. It is, however, the first time in the UK that a DLP-based Hisense…

THIS CANNY SPECIAL Edition update to Sennheiser’s mid-range noise-cancelling ‘450BT headphones improves voice assistant support over its predecessor, so now works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. The design, common to Sennheiser’s more affordable over-ears, looks smart enough; they’re light at 238g and the matte finish is fashionable, but there are no touch-sensitive controls, so buttons for power, music, volume and pairing ring the right-hand cup. A 2.5mm jack is offered for a wired connection, should that prove necessary. Sonically, these cans get the balance about right. They don’t shy away from deep bass, yet avoid overt boom. The piano, vocals and silky smooth harmonies of Tears for Fears’ Rivers of Mercy are presented with considerable finesse. And when the Borg appear in Picard (Prime Video, S2) and set…

THE PULSE FLEX 2i is the most affordable member of Canadian brand Bluesound’s multiroom family, meaning it rubs shoulders with models including the Pulse Soundbar+ and Powernode streaming amp, and is able to access every aspect of the BluOS ecosystem – a boon, as even if not used with other BluOS compatible devices, you still get streaming services galore and a brilliant control app. Out of the box it requires a mains connection, but an optional battery pack (£79) lets you take it outdoors, using either Bluetooth (aptX HD is supported, but not, it seems AAC) or Wi-Fi. Internally, a 4in bass/mid and 1in tweeter are powered by a claimed 25W of amplification. Slick streaming Available in black and white finishes, the Flex 2i is well made and finished, but…

Boy am I glad of the words used in your response to Paul Kelly’s question about his Denon receiver not playing video files via USB [Feedback, HCC #329]. I’ve been meaning to write in for a few months now about a certain subject and a certain product… Before I get to that, I was lucky enough not to buy from the Denon X*700 range when it launched. I’d saved my money, visited local audio shops via appointment-only time slots due to Covid, and then heard that Marantz’s SR*015 amps were coming out. This made me wait as I wanted to hear both, purely because I do like a lot of stereo listening as well as movie watching, and I was hearing the Marantz amps were better at playing music than…

1. Go big. Set your camera to take images at the largest possible size, and at the highest resolution. Don’t worry about cropping or resizing – we will make them print-ready. 2. Get in focus. Make sure your photos are as sharp and clear as possible. If you have one, use a tripod, or place your camera on a flat, steady surface and take pictures on a delay. The sharper they are, the bigger we can print them. 3. Let some light in. While we tend to watch movies in the dark, our cinema systems look their best when they are lit. If you can shoot with natural daylight, do so. If your room doesn’t get a lot of light (a garage conversion, for instance) then switch on whatever lights…

Not a comedy-horror as delicious as their 2019 hit Ready or Not, but the Radio Silence team’s deft ‘requel’ is a worthy continuation of Wes Craven’s meta slasher franchise. Captured digitally at 3.4K, this new Scream hits UHD with a pristine 2160p encode that recaptures the warm autumnal tones of Craven’s original, albeit with the addition of bright primaries (further heightened by HDR10/DV grades). Disappointingly, despite the film being mixed in Atmos this platter packs a DTS-HD MA 7.1 track. Extras include a filmmaker commentary, three deleted scenes and three featurettes.…

Starring Robert De Niro as the reanimated monster, Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 adaptation of Frankenstein is source-faithful but overblown – subtlety isn’t one of the film’s strengths. Still, this proves key to the success of this 4K presentation, which (following a deliberately hazy opening) delivers a refined 1.85:1 picture that doesn’t push its grading too far, even if the DV grade runs warmer than vanilla HDR10. Included DTS-HD MA 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 mixes are a touch quiet. Plentiful extras include Edison Studios’ silent 1910 adaptation.…

Good Bigfoot movies are as hard to find as the beast itself, and you’d struggle to call this former video nasty A-grade cinema. However, if you fancy something a bit daft and very gory, then this 1980 shocker fits the bill, and restored and fully uncut on Blu-ray it’s a world away from the grotty old copies fright fans grew up with. 88 Films’ dual-disc set adds a host of goodies, including interviews with specialists in Bigfoot cinema and analysis of the legendary Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage!…

Desi Arnaz, Jr. joins genre stars Vincent Price, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in a clunky 1983 horror-comedy from director Pete Walker. Arnaz stars as the author who makes a bet with his publisher that he can write a novel in 24 hours and heads off to an abandoned Welsh estate to do just that – only to be interrupted by various creepy weirdos. In addition to a decent Full HD encode that copes rather well with the gloomy imagery, the BD includes a chat track and feature-length doc.…

Based on the exploits of Royal Navy diver Lieutenant Lionel ‘Buster’ Crabb (played here by Laurence Harvey), this rousing WWII adventure sees him trying to stop Italian manned torpedo attacks that have been sinking allied ships in Gibraltar’s harbour. The film that reportedly inspired Thunderball’s underwater action scenes, The Silent Enemy surfaces on Blu-ray with another top-notch restoration from Studiocanal, accompanied by a fascinating discussion of the real Crabb by novelist Tim Binding, 1956 newsreel footage, and gallery.…

Arrow Video’s Ultra HD upgrade of its feature-packed 2019 Limited Edition Blu-ray sports 4K restorations of both the 103-minute DIrector’s Cut and 102-minute Theatrical Cut, with HDR10 and Dolby Vision grades. A new Dolby Atmos track was created by Arrow, joining DTS-HD MA 2.0, DTS-HD MA 4.0 and DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundmixes. The set also includes a poster, art cards and an 80-page booklet. Double-bill it: Starship Troopers A decade after RoboCop, director Paul Verhoeven and writer Ed Neumeier joined forces again for this $100m adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s popular 1959 sci-fi novel. True to form, the result was equal parts an ultra-violent bug-busting shoot ‘em up and a satirical condemnation of Facism. Still awaiting a 4K release in the UK, Starship Troopers was treated to a 20th Anniversary…

Panasonic DP-UB9000 → £850 Supporting both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and incorporating useful image adjustments, this premium deck is at the leading edge of UHD BD playback. The build quality and provision of VOD apps heightens its appeal. HCC #292 Pioneer UDP-LX800 → £2,200 A phenomenal universal disc spinner, which adds audiophile-grade music playback to 4K BD talents including Dolby Vision support and metadata information display. Build quality is staggering. HCC #293 Panasonic DP-UB450 → £200 Panasonic lowers the price for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ playback with this featurelite 4K deck – there’s no Wi-Fi or VOD apps, or the brand’s HCX processor to fine-tune imagery. HCC #303 Pioneer UDP-LX500 → £1,000 Lacks the audiophile features (including the XLR output) of the UDP-LX800, but this universal deck still sounds sublime…

SVS SB-1000 Pro → £550 The budget sub to beat. SVS adds its EQ app to its entry-level range, and squirrels a new 12in driver into a cabinet that’s barely any bigger. There’s bass extension and power to spare – factor in the price, and the SB-1000 Pro becomes irresistible. HCC #322 REL S/812 → £2,300 A fine update of REL’s upper-tier Serie S, with a new driver design, punchier amp and revised signal filtering delivering a powerful, poised performance from a glamourous cabinet with stacking potential. HCC #305 Bowers & Wilkins DB1D → £3,750 This sequel to the DB1 moves EQ to an app and changes driver/amp design. Beautifully controlled performance with depth and detail. Gorgeous bodywork. HCC #277 SVS SB16-Ultra → £2,500 A 16in driver and 1,500W amp…

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K → £50 This streaming dongle brings 4K HDR (HDR10+; Dolby Vision) and Dolby Atmos to your movie den. Voice control aids search, while a quad-core processor yields quick load times and stream optimisation. A little stunner. HCC #295/#326 Bluesound Node → £550 Preamp/DAC now includes HDMI eARC, a smarter control system and upgraded processing. As with earlier generations, it’s a winning mix of comprehensive features and beguiling sonics. Perfect for adding music to your system. HCC #324 Audio Technica AT-LP5x → £350 Our favourite affordable turntable. Easy to set up with in-built phono stage and USB for PC hookup, plus 33/45/78rpm speed control, the LP5x has good pitch stability and a rhythmic, energetic sound. HCC #318 Apple TV 4K (2021) → £190 (64GB) Upgraded processing,…

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar → £2,200 The audio specialist’s debut soundbar makes a dramatic entrance. 13 drivers, including 4in woofers, create a cinematic soundstage, with impressive immersion via Atmos, DTS:X and Sennheiser’s Ambeo processing. Big and bold. HCC #302 Samsung HW-Q950A → £1,250 A premium sound system that loves a Hollywood blockbuster, Samsung’s 11.1.4-channel flagship marries convenience with superb power, detail and immersion. A pity that auto calibration is only an option for Samsung TV owners, though. HCC #324 JBL Bar 2.0 All-In-One → £150 Affordable and stereo-only, this compact HDMI ARCequipped ‘bar earns its keep by sounding powerful and purposeful, and being blissfully simple to set up and use. HCC #306 Sony HT-A7000 → £1,200 This soundbar’s 7.1.2 speaker array sounds sublime with movies and music thanks to its sense…

Manhattan T3 Freeview Play 4K, £80 Do you need an HDD PVR in the streaming era? This Freeview Play box loads up catchup via a responsive UI, offers welcome Watchlist functionality, and is ready for 4K HLG HDR Sky Q, £subscription Sky’s new top-tier product offering dazzles with its image-rich user interface, wireless multiroom skills and recording flexibility delivered by the PVR’s 12 tuners. Now supports 4K content Humax Aura, £varies The PVR honcho teams up with Google for this Android-powered triple-tuner Freeview Play machine in 1TB (£250) and 2TB (£280) flavours. 4K HDR capable, it uses voice search and slick UI to make operation a joy. Humax DTR-T4000, £subscription This YouView-based PVR is required to get BT Sport’s new Ultra HD channel – available to those with BT fast…

KEF LS50 Wireless II, £2,250 At the top of KEF’s LS50 collection, you’ll find this revamped active stereo system that blends lush looks and great connectivity (including HDMI eARC) with sparkling sonics JBL Charge 5, £160 JBL’s battery-powered, portable Bluetooth speaker stalwart continues to impress in its fifth-gen iteration. IP67 waterproof rated and built to last, it packs a surprisingly potent performance from a small chassis Denon Home 350, £600 Denon’s HEOS speaker range is reborn and this six-driver model is a fine flagship. Its sound is expressive and dynamic, with real mid-range drive, and the HEOS streaming platform remains super-slick Klipsch The Fives, £830 Active stereo pair with horn-loaded tweeters, 4.5in midbass drivers and a claimed 160W power plant. Dynamic performance is backed up by extensive connectivity including HDMI…

Following its debut on the LS50 Meta standmount speaker last year, KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) has been added to the UK company’s luxury Blade floorstanders and five models across its Reference Series. Co-developed with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, the ‘Meta’ aspect of KEF’s latest coaxial Uni-Q driver is a dual-layer, circular disc with a ‘highly complex maze-like structure’ at the back of the array that aims to dampen rear output and subsequently improve mid and high-frequency response, for a cleaner, more accurate performance. This upgraded driver features on the pricey Blade One Meta (£30,000) and Blade Two Meta (£22,500) floorstanders, yet also finds a home in five new Reference Series models, enabling a fully ‘Meta’ home cinema system. Descending in price, KEF’s new Reference Meta models are the flagship…

Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, collectively known as Tears for Fears, are sitting in the plush Dolby Europe HQ screening room in London, having just listened to the Dolby Atmos mix of their long-awaited album The Tipping Point. ’It’s fantastic,’ enthuses Smith. ‘This is the second time I’ve listened to the Dolby Atmos mix, and it sounds even better here than it did in Capitol Studios, Los Angeles. I was blissing out.’ ’Really?’ asks Steve Wilson, founder of Porcupine Tree, and prolific multichannel music producer. It was Wilson who handled the remix, and he’s also in the theatre. The two exchange some banter. ’Perhaps it’s the space?’ says Smith. ‘There’s literally more here than when you’re sitting in a mix room. I guess it gives you far more separation? There…

The first season of the HBO Max sci-fi series Raised by Wolves has finally been announced for a UK Blu-ray release, debuting on June 6 nearly two years after it first aired, and after the recent conclusion of Season Two. The belated three-disc boxset from Warner Bros. will give non-Sky TV customers a chance to savour the initial 10 episodes of the Ridley Scott produced future-set drama, where a fledgling human colony on a far-flung exoplanet is being ‘raised’ by a pair of androids……

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Disney’s first animated feature (from 1937) set the template for what was to come, enlivening its retelling of the well-known fairy tale with unforgettable songs like Whistle While You Work and Someday My Prince Will Come. The Jungle Book Based on Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name, this 1967 box office smash is arguably the king of Disney’s swingers, boasting some of the catchiest musical numbers in the studio’s songbook. Beauty and the Beast Having rediscovered its mojo with The Little Mermaid, Disney followed it with this acclaimed 1991 fantasy – and the first animated film to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar (beaten by The Silence of the Lambs). The Nightmare Before Christmas The brainchild of former Disney animator Tim Burton,…

If your love of home cinema means you want films and TV to look as close as possible to how they did in the mastering suite, you may want to get your TV (or projector) professionally calibrated. This involves engaging the services of an ISF-certified calibrator, who will come to your home and use test signals and advanced measuring equipment to fine-tune pretty much every aspect of your TV’s picture, from white balance and gamma through to the separate red, green and blue core image values. The process factors in the specific characteristics of both your TV’s panel and your room environment, all with a view to delivering images that follow established video standards. The cost of an ISF calibration can vary based on travel distance and TV complexity, but…

While OLED had new brighter panels to shout about in 2021, the story of the year for rival LCD technology was definitely the arrival of mini LED backlighting. Samsung, in particular, showed how moving to much smaller LEDs, coupled with an increase in a TV’s number of local dimming zones, could rewrite the LCD picture quality rule book in terms of contrast precision. Now it returns with a second-gen model to hopefully wow us again. The first major new TV release of 2022, the QE65QN95B (which is available at 85in, 75in and 55in sizes, plus the 65in model tested here) bristles with on-paper promise. Its mini LED lighting system works in conjunction with 720 separately controlled dimming zones, and it’s bright too: rated by Samsung at 2,000 nits, but capable…

‘MULTIFUNCTIONALITY’ IS A very of-the-moment word, both in AV and the wider technology world. Products that can do more than just one thing are on-trend, and this applies to Bluetooth speakers too. For instance, if you are hunting for a smallscale desktop device for a room in your house – perhaps a kitchen, office or bedroom – the idea of choosing a battery-powered one that can also go with you on holiday, or just to the bottom of the garden, is appealing. The Bluetooth speaker market is extensive and wide-ranging in price, and even if you narrow down to a sweet spot – as we have here – choosing the balance of functions and what works best for you is not entirely straightforward. Do you want a wireless speaker that…

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Squid Game star Wi Ha-joon plays a serial killer engaged in a game of cat-and-mouse with a deaf woman (Jin Ki-joo) in this new South Korean thriller. Clocking in at just 103 minutes, the relentless Midnight doesn’t have a single wasted second of screentime, cranking up the tension from the get-go until it reaches nerve-shredding proportions. In addition to an immaculate 2.40:1 Full HD transfer of the film loaded with deep blacks and vibrant colours, the BD offers a commentary and a look at the history of Korean horror movies.…

→ HOUSE OF GUCCI Ridley Scott’s latest film is also his most playful and mischievous since 2001’s Hannibal. Where that serial killer sequel was an over-the-top slice of Grand Guignol that kept winking to the camera at its own outrageousness, House of Gucci is true crime story made over as knowingly camp melodrama with an all-star cast. Kicking off in the late 1970s, the film stars Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, a young woman who catches the eye of law student Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), who also happens to be heir to a 50 per cent stake in the Gucci fashion house. Disinherited by his disapproving father Rodolfo (Jeremy Irons), Maurizio marries Patrizia, and the pair are eventually taken under the wing of uncle Aldo (Al Pacino) – owner of…

Arriving hot on the heels of last year’s UHD Collector’s Edition, this ‘standard’ edition ditches that set’s gallimaufry (souvenir programme, poster, etc) and lets you grab a 4K copy of Orson Welles’ 1941 masterpiece at a more agreeable price. A good thing, too, as the set’s extras (a direct port of existing BD material) fall far short of the abundant bonuses featured on Criterion’s US 4K release. At least the all-important 2160p treatment of the film itself is first-rate, with the HDR10 grade bringing nuance and depth to the black-and-white photography.…

One of many low-budget Alien knockoffs doing the rounds in the early ‘80s, the Roger Corman-produced Galaxy of Terror doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but the talent both in front of the camera (Robert Englund, Sid Haig, Grace Zabriskie) and behind it (production by one James Cameron) makes it watchable. Fans will be pleased to see it looking as good as it does on this BD transfer, although perhaps the real highlight, among the extras, is the hour-long Making of… doc.…

Dennis Hopper stars as real-life outlaw Dan Morgan in this 1976 Aussie Western from future Howling III: The Marsupials helmer Philippe Mora. Well-known for its leading man’s off-camera behaviour (he was arrested and deported after production wrapped) Mad Dog Morgan is flawed but fascinating. It’s presented here in new restorations of both the 103-min Director’s Cut and 94-min UK/US Theatrical Cut. Excellent extras include commentaries, interviews, vintage behind-the-scenes doc and more.…

Second Run dusts off more ‘60s Czech cinema with František Vlácil’s historical drama/political allegory about the clash between science and faith. While the sleeve notes indicate the Blu-ray was sourced from the ‘best existing original materials,’ The Devil’s Trap could do with additional restoration given the dirt and damage affecting parts of the otherwise solid 1.37:1 b-&-w encode. Similarly, the LPCM mono soundtrack is prone to pops and hisses. Short docs about the director and Czech cinema in the ‘60s are included.…

The final film to be released under the 20th Century Fox banner, this $80m creature-feature seemingly got lost in the shuffle during Disney’s buyout of the studio, making only a cursory appearance at UK cinemas in February 2020 (netting a little over £400,000 at the box office) and still awaiting a physical media release here. But after a two-year absence, Underwater has bobbed into view on Disney’s streaming platform, under the Star banner. Was it worth the wait? A throwback to the likes of Leviathan and Deep Star Six (both 1989), Underwater follows the survivors of a catastrophic disaster on a drilling platform at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, who soon discover that finding a way back to the surface isn’t their only problem: there’s something hostile down there…

Marvel’s Hawkeye [Disney+] This first solo outing for the Avengers’ resident archer hits the bullseye, delivering some sensational action scenes amongst the quip-filled dialogue. Fantastic fun. HCC #327 Freaky [Sky Cinema] Dumped onto DVD in the UK last year, this slick and inventive body-swap horror-comedy from the brains behind Happy Death Day can now be enjoyed in all its gory 4K HDR/Atmos glory on Sky Cinema. HCC #329 Kate [Netflix] This Mary Elizabeth Winstead assassin thriller has a plot you’ve seen before, but it’s delivered with action movie panache and vivid visuals that make the most of its Japan setting. The Atmos track plays it safe. HCC #325 Red Notice [Netflix] An A-list cast (topped by Gal Gadot, The Rock and Ryan Reynolds) and monster budget can’t quite make up…

Denon AVR-X4700H → £1,400 Denon’s first AV amplifier to support 8K and 4K/120fps isn’t just playing games. This nine-channel model sounds powerful and entertaining, and drips with feature tricks (including IMAX Enhanced, HEOS and Bluetooth headphone support). HCC #314 Arcam AVR30 → £5,000 Arcam adds a new aesthetic, expanded features (including Wi-Fi and Auro-3D) and 16-channel processing to the seven-channel Class G topology and Dirac EQ of the previous AVR850 – the result is home cinema nirvana. HCC #313 Anthem MRX 740 → £2,800 Premium price for a seven-channel AVR, but the MRX 740 adds 11-channel processing, ARC Genesis room EQ and HDMI 2.1 upgrade path to a sound performance that mixes power and delicacy. HCC #321 Emotiva XPA-11 → £2,400 11-channel amplifier that offers supreme bang-for-buck, delivering 300W to…

Halo Infinite This new adventure for Master Chief takes the flagship Xbox first-person-shooter series into open-world gameplay territory, but loses none of the Halo charm. Play on Series X in both 4K/60fps and 120fps at 1440p. HCC #327 Hades The BAFTA-winning isometric action game – where arenas are randomly created every time you die – finally lands on PS and Xbox after dazzling on PC and Switch. Fun, addictive and smartly scripted. HCC #324 Life is Strange: True Colors Definitely not one for adrenaline junkies, this narrative-driven, third-person adventure story instead appeals thanks to its beautiful visuals, evocative soundtrack and sweet, measured writing. HCC #325 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart The best showcase yet for the PlayStation 5’s visual prowess and SSD memory tricks, this multi-zone platform shooter rips along…

Mae West in Hollywood, 1932-1943 Deluxe packaging, a cornucopia of bonuses and excellent transfers for ten of the 12 movies that ‘blonde bombshell’ Mae West made during her censor-baiting Hollywood career. HCC #327 Shawscope: Volume One A kick-ass Blu-ray boxset featuring some of the finest examples of 1970s Hong Kong action cinema. Eleven movies in total, all accompanied by various goodies, plus two soundtrack CDs and a 60-page book. HCC #327 The Karate Kid: 3-Movie Collection [UHD Blu-ray] These remastered 4K Dolby Vision presentations of the 1980s martial arts trilogy are a huge step-up from the older Full HD transfers. Atmos remixes join the fight too. HCC #328 Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy Three excellent feature films from the Irish animation studio (including Wolfwalkers, making its disc debut) housed in…

Carlito’s Way [UHD Blu-ray] This 1993 thriller reuniting Brian De Palma and Al Pacino as partners in crime makes a welcome appearance on 4K. The 2.35:1 image looks gorgeous and the new DTS:X mix expands the soundtrack scale. HCC #326 Armour of God: Deluxe Collector’s Edition 88 Films gives you both the Hong Kong Theatrical and International cuts of Jackie Chan’s Indy-inspired 1986 action adventure. Extras include an 88-page book. HCC #326 Misery [UHD Blu-ray] The 1991 adaptation of Stephen King’s claustrophobic thriller looks utterly gorgeous on US label Kino Lorber’s UHD release. Good selection of extras, too – although most are on the accompanying Region A-locked BD. HCC #327 Mulholland Dr.: Collector’s Edition [UHD Blu-ray] Arrow Video’s big box re-release of David Lynch’s surrealist masterpiece comes with all the…

Focal Celestee, £1,000 Oh-so-high-quality wired headphones. There’s a level of performance ability here – detailed and musical, spacious yet thrillingly muscular – that dovetails with the Celestee’s premium build and price Meze Audio 99 Classics, £270 These wired cans look lovely and offer a level of audiophile fidelity you might reasonably expect from models costing twice as much. Not a bass beast, but that’s kinda the point Audio Technica ATH-Mx50BT, £180 Cable-free Bluetooth update of a wired design, with 45mm drivers and lengthy battery life (claimed to hit 40 hours). Sturdy and comfortable, and a great sound for the money Bowers & Wilkins PX7, £360 Plush noise-cancelling cans with B&W’s largest ever (43.6mm) driver design. A slick mix of comfort, feature set (including aptX Adaptive) and immersive, full-range performance Sony…