# Recommend some movies to make the best use of my new TV! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [September 21, 2023, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489 "2023-09-21T14:27:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/21 "2023-09-22T16:01:02Z")
[The Fall](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTn5XUFP_iA) is colorful along the lines of The Fifth Element and The Cell. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/22 "2023-09-22T16:11:29Z")
Happy birthday! If you liked that you might also like [Life of Pi](https://youtu.be/3mMN693-F3U?t=10). I bet [City of Lost Children](https://youtu.be/U0HWDOzi2h0) would be amazing too (dunno if it is available in 4k) Much darker than the other two but still visually amazing. ETA: It seems City of Lost Children in available in 4k Ultra HD but at [$55 on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/City-Lost-Children-4K-UHD/dp/B0C11Y8BFF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VKATZAMHJUWZ&keywords=city+of+lost+children+4k&qid=1695399328&sprefix=city+of+lost+ch%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1) it is terribly expensive. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/23 "2023-09-22T16:23:54Z")
I’m seeing IMAX Enhanced or something like that in streaming movie descriptions. Not sure what it means. The movies do look pretty good that way, but so do plenty of 4k movies. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/24 "2023-09-22T16:26:51Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > There’s David Lean classics like _Lawrence of Arabia_ and _The Bridge on the River Kwai_. There was a recent release of Lawrence of Arabia on 4k that looks amazing. Don’t forget there are digital streaming options for 4k. They’re going to have some compression, and aren’t nearly as crisp as a physical disc - but they’re a lot cheaper and accessible. What sort of soundbar did you get? I upgraded to a Sonos Arc that had Dolby Atmos, but I can’t say I’m super impressed with it (I don’t get a ton of opportunities to really crank it up to take advantage of it, though). My audio recommendations are to 3:10 to Yuma (specifically the train scene at the end), Blade Runner 2049, Top Gun: Maverick, and 1917. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/25 "2023-09-22T16:37:22Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > If you liked that you might also like [Life of Pi](https://youtu.be/3mMN693-F3U?t=10) That’s another good suggestion. The opening of _Life of Pi_ is stunningly gorgeous cinematography. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/26 "2023-09-22T16:49:10Z")
IMAX Enhanced is a pseudo-format IMAX developed with several leading electronics manufacturers that purports to offer a superior experience when playing back IMAX Enhanced content on supported hardware. According to [this](https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-imax-enhanced/) article, one of the main differences is that in IMAX Enhanced films the aspect ratio is 1.9:1 instead of the common 2.39:1 “scope” ratio. Although the article calls this a “huge chunk of screen real estate,” IMHO the difference is subtle and not very noticeable. The film was shot with the scope ratio in mind, so there isn’t likely to be much in that extra strip at the top and bottom that makes a difference. IOW, it’s all just marketing BS. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/27 "2023-09-22T16:50:47Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > One thing to keep in mind before you upgrade other equipment to 4K (if you haven’t already) is viewing distance. > > > [@InternetLegend](#): > > > > When we bought our first 4K TV (because Mr. Legend needed it _for work_), we got one that was way too big for our teensy living room. It’s good to know that we’ve been properly appreciating our video quality! One thing to keep in mind with this is viewing angles. Too close and you are turning your head or the edges are in your peripheral vision. Think of a cone drawn form your nose to each edge of the TV. IIRC the ideal angle is 30-40 degrees. Also, people who mount their TV high (e.g. above the mantle) will have to look up at the TV to watch which is not great either. [![](https://i.rtings.com/images/fov-compare.png) ](https://i.rtings.com/images/fov-compare.png) ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/28 "2023-09-22T17:02:45Z")
I’m going to go the opposite way of everyone else’s suggestions of wide-open expanses and recommend something more claustrophobic, like **The Descent**. Turn off all the lights and _you’re there_ in the cave with them. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/29 "2023-09-22T17:06:23Z")
While not claustrophobic (at all) I will add to “going the other way” on colorful movies to something like [Ran by Akira Kurosawa](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwP_kXyd-Rw) (basically “King Lear” set in Japan). Amazing cinematography (and I guess it is colorful in its own way…a stark juxtaposition of color and bleakness). ---
**Author:** ![JohnGalt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johngalt/32/184_2.png) [@JohnGalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnGalt)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/30 "2023-09-22T17:24:17Z")
A few more recent movies: _Nope_ and _Asteroid City_. Not huge effects but the color palettes are subtle yet gorgeous. I bet _Barbie_ would look great in hi-res. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/31 "2023-09-22T17:29:53Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > One thing to keep in mind with this is viewing angles. Too close and you are turning your head or the edges are in your peripheral vision. Think of a cone drawn form your nose to each edge of the TV. IIRC the ideal angle is 30-40 degrees. Roger Ebert once described his ideal viewing angle. He said he liked to estimate the width of the screen and then sit that distance from the screen. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/32 "2023-09-22T19:35:42Z")
What you’re going to notice more than anything is modern TVs’ HDR (high dynamic range) capabilities. This basically describes the light/dark range that the TV can display- TVs with HDR 10.10+ or Dolby Vision or HLG are all competing HDR standards. TVs with good HDR are spectacular looking, even with regular old 1080 content, relative to non HDR televisions. That said, the Netflix “Sandman” show has some of the most stunning visuals I’ve run across since I got my new TV last year (55" LG C2). ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/33 "2023-09-22T19:39:34Z")
A collection of 6 stories that are hit and miss, but the cinematography in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is simply breathtaking on a large high definition set. ---
**Author:** ![Celtic\_Kitsune](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/celtic_kitsune/32/12086_2.png) [@Celtic\_Kitsune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celtic_Kitsune)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/34 "2023-09-23T12:52:13Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > One thing to keep in mind before you upgrade other equipment to 4K (if you haven’t already) is viewing distance. You have to be really close to a 4K tv to notice the difference between 4K and HD. Interesting, thanks. I’ve bought a 55" Samsung and I suppose I sit about 7’ to 9’ away from the screen. > [@Munch](#): > > What sort of soundbar did you get? A Sony HT-G700, on the advice of the salesman, I really know little about these things. Thanks for the recommendations everyone! ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/35 "2023-09-23T13:01:18Z")
Not a movie, but I have to suggest the Planet Earth documentaries (two series). Visually stunning, and you have the subwoofer that you need for David Attenborough’s voice. ---
**Author:** ![Celtic\_Kitsune](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/celtic_kitsune/32/12086_2.png) [@Celtic\_Kitsune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celtic_Kitsune)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/36 "2023-09-23T13:07:00Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Happy birthday! I wondered what that cake was about, thanks! > [@Riemann](#): > > ie, but I have to suggest the Planet Earth documentaries (two series). Visually stunning, and you have the subwoofer that you need for David Attenborough’s voice. Good idea, I can watch some arctic-foxes in glorious high-definition 😉 ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/37 "2023-09-23T16:15:01Z")
An interesting experiment for you might be Stephen King’s/Frank Darabont’s, “The Mist.” See how the mist looks on your TV and what disappears into it or comes slithering out of it. Then go inside the supermarket and see how the monsters hold up. The photography was fantastic – two cameramen with hand-helds were weaving in and out of the crowd and over/under each other and the result is very _in your face_ which adds to the suspense. The few splashes of blood throughout will probably jump right out at you, seeing how much of the film is gray. Or, you could just watch Darabont’s B&W “Drive-in movie” version and compare. Let me know, please, I’m curious. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/38 "2023-09-23T17:45:36Z")
The Spider-Verse movies. Every frame is a work of art. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/39 "2023-09-23T18:05:24Z")
In a totally different direction, I found that the way my new TV enhanced black images made old black and white movies (like Dr. Strangelove) look fantastic. Color movies looked better also, but the black and white improvement was amazing. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489/40 "2023-09-23T18:18:45Z")
Good idea. If the OP has not yet seen Raging Bull on a good screen this would be the time. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-movies-to-make-the-best-use-of-my-new-tv/990489.md?page=3)