The object-based approach to the sound mix means that effects are steered around in three dimensional space, whether that's in front, to the side, at the rear or above you. Once the action kicks off the the entire sound field springs to life with gunshots echoing around the room and zinging past your head. Almost as soon as the film starts a helicopter flies directly overhead and then there's a rain soaked funeral with raindrops falling down from above you. All the fantastic audio attributes mentioned by Simon above with regards to the 5.1-channel experience are equally as applicable in Atmos but with a whole new level added.
Steve Withers reviewed the audio on the US disc using a 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos setup - In much the same way as the film itself is a masterclass in action choreography, this Dolby Atmos soundtrack is a shining example of what a more immersive sound design can achieve. Bass level is excellent, gun shots and explosions benefit from some chest thumping while the whole track is levelled to keep the neighbours awake – and this is just the track to do it.
#JOHN WICK 2 BLU RAY OTTUMWA IOWA HYVEE FULL#
The score too makes full use of the surround. Dialogue is well layered into the mix so as to remain audible throughout the mayhem happening on screen, it is natural sounding and given all the direction it needs.
and being an action film there are plenty of opportunities to add effects that place you in the centre of the action: gun shots, punches/kicks explosions are just some. The steering of the stereo effects around the room is incredible, there are times when the sound travels above you when moving from front to rear (and back!).
Simon Crust reviewed the audio on the Dutch disc using a standard 5.1-channel setup - Three words: stunning surround environment. The Blu-ray release of John Wick comes with a single Dolby Atmos soundtrack and the disc has English and Dutch subtitles, both of which can be removed. Being digital it is a pristine print also. The directors point to some black crush during their commentary and how it enhances the DVD, all I can say is I did not spot any on this Blu-ray presentation, similarly there is no white clipping.ĭigitally there are no compression problems or edge enhancement and save some very occasional banding no other issues. It is the black level that adds so much to the colour pallet. Flesh tones are naturalistic within the confines of the bold colour scheme.Ĭontrast and brightness are set to give punch and depth to the picture, blacks are deep and, at times, impenetrable, though there is some shadow detail when required. There is never any hint of wash or bleed, though look carefully and you can spot the occasional bout of banding. Again pointing towards the Red Circle nightclub where the primaries come alive and fluorescent, colours beam from the screen. Colouring is both vivid and muted depending on which ‘world’ you are in Wick’s ‘real’ world is far more earthy in nature, while the ‘assassin’ world is far, far more wild and ‘graphic novel’ in appearance – it is here where the picture really comes alive.