AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on December 02, 2022, 08:22:45 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/luslOZ7.jpg)
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: November 29, 2022
Rating: R
Film: 3/5
Plot
Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack (Harry Styles) are lucky to be living in the idealized community of Victory, the experimental company town housing the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project and their families. The 1950’s societal optimism espoused by their CEO, Frank (Chris Pine)—equal parts corporate visionary and motivational life coach—anchors every aspect of daily life in the tight-knit desert utopia.
While the husbands spend every day inside the Victory Project Headquarters, working on the “development of progressive materials,” their wives—including Frank’s elegant partner, Shelley (Gemma Chan)—get to spend their time enjoying the beauty, luxury and debauchery of their community. Life is perfect, with every resident’s needs met by the company. All they ask in return is discretion and unquestioning commitment to the Victory cause.
But when cracks in their idyllic life begin to appear, exposing flashes of something much more sinister lurking beneath the attractive façade, Alice can’t help questioning exactly what they’re doing in Victory, and why. Just how much is Alice willing to lose to expose what’s really going on in this paradise?
My Thoughts
And along comes another blind watch, which seems to be getting more of a routine than an oddity around my house. When I popped the movie in last night to finally watch it, my wife asked, “What’s it about?” I replied, “I have no freaking idea, but let’s give it a shot.” I actually think I enjoyed the movie better this way—it was a mystery from start to finish.
Pugh is excellent playing the lead as her idyllic life starts to spin out of control. Styles, who is known more for his singing than his acting, does a decent job as her spouse, but be prepared for some pretty saucy romantic scenes between the two!
Overall, we thought it was just OK and felt the ending could have been better executed and while I mostly understood the twisted plot, there are still a few loose threads that I need to think about before watching it a second time.
The 4K presentation is excellent overall. The shots of Victory are outstanding and feature bold and bright colors, but it’s the Dolby Atmos track that’s the star of this presentation. The sound design is awesome and for this reason alone makes the movie worth watching at least once.
Video 9.5/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- The Making of Don’t Worry Darling
- Alice’s Nightmare Deleted Scene
- UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgmnKsED-jU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgmnKsED-jU)
Conclusion
I almost didn’t include the above trailer because I think going in blind to this is the way to experience it. The writing is quite good and I really loved Pugh’s performance—it wouldn’t surprise me if she receives some attention from the award shows this winter. All that being said, the Atmos track is THE reason to watch the movie—it’s one of the best jobs of sound design I’ve ever heard.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion F110 Subwoofer x 2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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Thanks for the review, David.
I was on the fence about this one, but your comments on the Atmos soundtrack have piqued my interest so it's been added to our queue.
Scott
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Going in blind is my kind of way to watch. What genre is it?
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Going in blind is my kind of way to watch. What genre is it?
Mystery/Thriller/drama/with a slight sci-fi element. It's not a great, but is watchable and will challenge you to think.
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Greetings,
Nice review Dave. I more or less agree with your sentiments about the film. I also enjoyed the video presentation. I was less impressed with the Atmos track, finding it to be more laid back than present.
Regards,
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Greetings,
Nice review Dave. I more or less agree with your sentiments about the film. I also enjoyed the video presentation. I was less impressed with the Atmos track, finding it to be more laid back than present.
Regards,
While the LFE wasn't as deep as I usually like, I thought the imaging (especially in the rear and overhead channels) was excellent. Maybe it was the Trinnov processing :D
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My wife and I watched this tonight, and we both liked it quite a bit. And you're right, this is best to go in blind, or you risk trying to outguess what's actually going on in the movie.
I also agree with you on the sound design; I thought there were some interesting and unique effects that added to the mystery, and the music sounded lively and fit the mood of the movie.
The script had some witty and sharp dialog, but some of the exposition could have been handled with more subtlety and nuance. Not to the point of distraction, but it was hard to listen to without thinking that we're being spoon-fed backstory instead of just a natural exchange of dialog.
The ending was kind of a mixed bag, and raises a number of questions, most of which can't be discussed without spoiling the plot, but one of the simplest ones is what exactly is the business model looked like for the Victory Project? (Then again, I'm also someone that spent way too much time thinking about how insurance claims are supposed to be handled in The Purge universe.)
One thing worth mentioning is that although this film had a definite agenda (just watch the making of extra if you're unsure), it never interfered with or stood in the way of the storyline. It actually did a good job of maintaining a theme without sacrificing the plot. That isn't to say that some of the characters weren't used as simple foils, but that's hardly unusual today, with or without the filmmakers pushing their various causes.
Scott
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My wife and I watched this tonight, and we both liked it quite a bit. And you're right, this is best to go in blind, or you risk trying to outguess what's actually going on in the movie.
I also agree with you on the sound design; I thought there were some interesting and unique effects that added to the mystery, and the music sounded lively and fit the mood of the movie.
The script had some witty and sharp dialog, but some of the exposition could have been handled with more subtlety and nuance. Not to the point of distraction, but it was hard to listen to without thinking that we're being spoon-fed backstory instead of just a natural exchange of dialog.
The ending was kind of a mixed bag, and raises a number of questions, most of which can't be discussed without spoiling the plot, but one of the simplest ones is what exactly is the business model looked like for the Victory Project? (Then again, I'm also someone that spent way too much time thinking about how insurance claims are supposed to be handled in The Purge universe.)
One thing worth mentioning is that although this film had a definite agenda (just watch the making of extra if you're unsure), it never interfered with or stood in the way of the storyline. It actually did a good job of maintaining a theme without sacrificing the plot. That isn't to say that some of the characters weren't used as simple foils, but that's hardly unusual today, with or without the filmmakers pushing their various causes.
Scott
Glad you enjoyed it. Totally agree about the agenda....not in your face, but it's definitely there if you look hard enough.
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I LOVED this movie. Suspenseful. Great sound (deeeeep bass even without a beq) great picture. She’s hot AF.
Just a cool flick. Thanks again!
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I LOVED this movie. Suspenseful. Great sound (deeeeep bass even without a beq) great picture. She’s hot AF.
Just a cool flick. Thanks again!
I am so on the fence about this movie. But then you post this. The 4K Blu-ray needs to drop way down in price.
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Also the soundtrack is right up my ally as is the 50’s America vibe
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I LOVED this movie. Suspenseful. Great sound (deeeeep bass even without a beq) great picture. She’s hot AF.
Just a cool flick. Thanks again!
Glad you enjoyed it. Did you go in blind as well?
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Glad you enjoyed it. Did you go in blind as well?
yessir as i do with almost all movies.
Im actually shocked you commented it was lacking deep bass. its actually a very deep hard/hot hitting bass movie as is. Im trying to get the graph of it but my crowsons/subs were rumbling and wobbling
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Bass wasn't bad, but could have dug a tad deeper....maybe I may need to bump my LFE another dB or two. How many dBs hot are you running your subs?
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i run +4db house curve in DIRAC but I also have 4 18" sealed subs and crowsons in a tiny room. so I am flat to 5Hz. . this movie Definitely dug into the low double digits if not single digits. what are your capabilities below 20hz?
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i run +4db house curve in DIRAC but I also have 4 18" sealed subs and crowsons in a tiny room. so I am flat to 5Hz. . this movie Definitely dug into the low double digits if not single digits. what are your capabilities below 20hz?
I start rolling off at about 20Hz. If I configured my SVS to its 16Hz port, I can gain a bit more output below 20, but then I give up some SPLs in the 20-30Hz region and it makes it harder to integrate with my other subs. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make though, since I'm using both ported and sealed subs in my room (which is open to other rooms, so I don't get the benefit of keeping all the energy in one space. Unless I win the lottery, I'm not going to add on to my home to get a dedicated theater--I contemplated doing that at one point, but I don't want to work another couple of years to fulfil this dream. I'm happy with my room as is :)
As you can see below, I have a house curve enabled since I don't listen at reference volume (that's too damn loud anyway!).
(https://i.imgur.com/QREaMKm.jpg)
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I start rolling off at about 20Hz. If I configured my SVS to its 16Hz port, I can gain a bit more output below 20, but then I give up some SPLs in the 20-30Hz region and it makes it harder to integrate with my other subs. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make though, since I'm using both ported and sealed subs in my room (which is open to other rooms, so I don't get the benefit of keeping all the energy in one space. Unless I win the lottery, I'm not going to add on to my home to get a dedicated theater--I contemplated doing that at one point, but I don't want to work another couple of years to fulfil this dream. I'm happy with my room as is :)
As you can see below, I have a house curve enabled since I don't listen at reference volume (that's too damn loud anyway!).
(https://i.imgur.com/QREaMKm.jpg)
well that explains why you didn't think it dug low ;) I dont mean that in a mean way at all! I respect your decisions based on your setup as they are the best...but you are missing anything below 20hz because although you have SOME response there you just need a TON of SPL to feel any of it ;)
this movie has a LOT of 15hz and below warble to it
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well that explains why you didn't think it dug low ;) I dont mean that in a mean way at all! I respect your decisions based on your setup as they are the best...but you are missing anything below 20hz because although you have SOME response there you just need a TON of SPL to feel any of it ;)
this movie has a LOT of 15hz and below warble to it
Well...I've been spending all day on my subs and will get more output below 20Hz now :)
I have a raised foundation, so generally I feel the bass if it's below 20Hz because the ground doesn't absorb it like it would on concrete. For the first time, I have my SVS-Ultra tuned to 12Hz....I've got 3 subs summed right now, but my damn HSU is giving me some headaches trying to get it involved....having an issue with a null at 51Hz that I can't seem to get right....I'll get it though...lots of trial and error.
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Well...I've been spending all day on my subs and will get more output below 20Hz now :)
I have a raised foundation, so generally I feel the bass if it's below 20Hz because the ground doesn't absorb it like it would on concrete. For the first time, I have my SVS-Ultra tuned to 12Hz....I've got 3 subs summed right now, but my damn HSU is giving me some headaches trying to get it involved....having an issue with a null at 51Hz that I can't seem to get right....I'll get it though...lots of trial and error.
Have you tried using MSO? It's been on my to-do list for a while now, and people have reported great success with it.
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Well...I've been spending all day on my subs and will get more output below 20Hz now :)
I have a raised foundation, so generally I feel the bass if it's below 20Hz because the ground doesn't absorb it like it would on concrete. For the first time, I have my SVS-Ultra tuned to 12Hz....I've got 3 subs summed right now, but my damn HSU is giving me some headaches trying to get it involved....having an issue with a null at 51Hz that I can't seem to get right....I'll get it though...lots of trial and error.
Ooops lol.
where are your subs located? Are you using a minidsp? what room correction ?
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Have you tried using MSO? It's been on my to-do list for a while now, and people have reported great success with it.
I didn't have great luck with MSO personally and prefer to do it on my own. I use both ported and sealed subs and I don't think the software likes that :)
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Ooops lol.
where are your subs located? Are you using a minidsp? what room correction ?
All over my room :)
My room is actually a family room that opens to other rooms, so it's not ideal.
Yes, I use a MiniDSP and a Trinnov Altitude 16. Here's what I came up with today. For the flat curve I set the range pretty low and it applied boost under 18Hz. I did this so the Trinnov wouldn't do any EQ on its own to the subwoofer at all. Once I finished the Trinnov calibration, I went back into my subs and re-EQ'd them with a House Curve from 70-30Hz (hence the bump in that range) so I don't have to listen at insane levels to get some good bass response.
(https://i.imgur.com/5Tb0H4l.jpg)
Here's how it looks with some specific movies (75dB playback level):
(https://i.imgur.com/vUU3t1i.jpg)
Hacksaw Ridge is the "Soften them Up scene"
Edge is the opening to "Edge of Tomorrow" with the Sine wave (regular BD, not the UHD)
Showman is the intro song to "The Greatest Showman"
Overall it's some great output between 20-30Hz, which is what I was gunning for. The sine wave was insane at 10Hz and really pushed my SVS hard....I don't think I could play it any louder that 75dB without risking damage to the driver....that is one insane opening and I'm glad they tamed it down on the UHD.
At some point, I'm going to only have sealed subs. In fact, if I could swing another M&K X15, I'd just use two of those because that sub is a damn monster. Two would be awesome to get rid of some room issues.
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Good response definitely.
Yeah you’re not gonna hear/feel much if anything under 20hz with that low output. But that’s ok. (Unless it’s distortion) you need to be well over 100db in that range. It’s a very small portion of movies. You would DEF benefit from crowson transducers. You get the best of all worlds! Cheaper than adding changing subs and give you the tactile response down to 5hz. I highly recommend them. Caution you’ll def want to use BEQ after getting them :)
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What gives? UHD disc online price is more than 2x the price of buying the movie from Apple iTunes or Kaleidescape!
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What gives? UHD disc online price is more than 2x the price of buying the movie from Apple iTunes or Kaleidescape!
hmm maybe they want you streaming it lol
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What gives? UHD disc online price is more than 2x the price of buying the movie from Apple iTunes or Kaleidescape!
What I do in these cases is just add it to my private Movies wishlist on Amazon. I occasionally check that for significant price drops. You can also set up an account at camelcamelcamel.com and create a price alert for Amazon, at least. Not sure they have alerts for other sources.
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What I do in these cases is just add it to my private Movies wishlist on Amazon. I occasionally check that for significant price drops. You can also set up an account at camelcamelcamel.com and create a price alert for Amazon, at least. Not sure they have alerts for other sources.
I do something similar; I'll add anything I'm interested in buying to my cart and then hit the Save for Later button. That way anytime I click on the cart it tells me of any price changes, either up or down.
Even then, it doesn't show you if a new coupon is available (yes, these even pop up for movies from time to time).
Scott
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What I do in these cases is just add it to my private Movies wishlist on Amazon. I occasionally check that for significant price drops. You can also set up an account at camelcamelcamel.com and create a price alert for Amazon, at least. Not sure they have alerts for other sources.
Same here. I have 880 movies - quite a few I have not had a chance to watch yet. I'll just watch those and wait for the price to go down. It always does.
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Black Friday ;)
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I do something similar; I'll add anything I'm interested in buying to my cart and then hit the Save for Later button. That way anytime I click on the cart it tells me of any price changes, either up or down.
Even then, it doesn't show you if a new coupon is available (yes, these even pop up for movies from time to time).
Scott
My wife does that. To me it becomes hard to organize; I have several categories of wishlists. If I have an upcoming birthday or something I can also move it to my main wishlist which is public (or shareable or whatever now, I think - not really public per se).
The wishlist will also tell you if the price has dropped since adding the item, and if there's a coupon available.