Another month, another set of home cinema products to review. We have been treated to a variety of models, from 4K projectors to Dolby Atmos soundbars.
But all of that needs to be tested with the very best movies and TV shows. We've got quite the range in our monthly Now Showing column for you, including old-school horror and one major new release that we can't wait to get into the test room.
Without further ado, here are our current top picks for testing.
X the Unknown (1956)
Words by Robyn Quick
If you’re a horror fan, then the cult classic X the Unknown is certainly one to add to your list. Released way back in 1956, it uncovers the cause of a string of mysterious deaths on a military base in rural Scotland. The culprit? A sentient blob simply called 'X'.
Its oozing presence is surprisingly disturbing as it terrorises the nearby sleepy town. The blob’s powers extend to burning and melting skin, which makes for unsettling viewing via the movie's tangible practical effects.
Hammer has just released a 70th anniversary collector's edition of the film in 4K, and it's a brilliant restoration. The crisp and detailed picture looks like it could have been shot yesterday, even in black and white.
There’s no Dolby Atmos, but the 5.1 mix is still a good test of your sound system to hear how it handles the dramatic soundtrack filled with brassy stings.
Buy X the Unknown on 4K Blu-ray from Hammer
The Odyssey (2026)
Words by Harry McKerrell
I might be the last person in the country to do so, but I finally made my own personal pilgrimage to see Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Honestly, Odysseus got home quicker than I managed to pop down to my local cinema to see 2026’s biggest release.
Well, second biggest, but I wasn’t in the mood for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
What else is there to say about one of the most discussed films in recent memory? The first feature-length movie ever to be shot exclusively using IMAX cameras, Nolan’s epic has all of the sweeping scope and fantastical spectacle you’d hope for from an adaptation of what is arguably Western literature’s most definitive tale, all while keeping the narrative grounded in its very human roots.
Ok, you won’t get the full benefit of IMAX if you’re just watching at your local picture house, but there’s still so much to be said for immersing yourself in that half-mythical world with a decent-sized screen and a full-blooded surround sound system, if only to enjoy Ludwig Göransson’s enchanting, earthy and often eerie masterwork of a score.
Odysseus took a total of 20 years to get back from the Trojan War. The least you can do is drive 15 minutes to the cinema to watch The Odyssey.
Like seeing craggy Ithaca once again, it’s totally worth it.
Buy The Odyssey soundtrack on Amazon
The Bear – Season 5
Words by Daniel Furn
Once a surprise breakout and now a critical darling and recipient of more than a few controversial Emmys in the comedy category, the stress-inducing culinary show The Bear struggled after its first two stellar seasons, with the third and fourth helpings suffering from meandering plotlines, distracting celebrity cameos and a lack of focus.
There’s clearly been a conscious decision to change things for this fifth and final serving, however. The first change is visual, with the show shifting to a widescreen look shot with anamorphic lenses. There’s a plot reason, however – gone are the tight, claustrophobic close-ups of Carmy’s chaotic reign, and in is a wider, more teamwork-oriented framing as the kitchen staff start to bond under Sydney’s more measured leadership.
Hans Zimmer is yet another welcome addition, making a rare crossover to the world of television with a jittery, peppery score that is perfect for the stressful goings-on of a high-end Chicago kitchen on a spectacularly busy night. And while there’s still no Atmos support, the clinking of cutlery and a season-long rainstorm give the surrounds a surprising amount of work this time around.
The third big change? The Bear’s final season all takes place over one particularly dramatic and stormy day. It may be better off binged as, in true The Bear fashion, we have a few aimless early episodes.
However, it all builds to one truly captivating, satisfying and occasionally nail-biting final service, as pretty much every character gets to wrap up their character arc and showcase five seasons of growth. Chef’s kiss.
Stream The Bear on Disney Plus
MORE:
Check out our list of the best 4K Blu-ray players
These are the best TVs you can buy right now
And these are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, too
