Bright Side Home Theater

It’s Take Over Tuesday where you the listener run the podcast.And this week’s episode is featuring Buzz!  Buzz Schneider on Legacy, Lake Placid, and the Making of a MiracleIn this special episode, DJ sits down with 1980 “Miracle on Ice” gold medalist Buzz Schneider,  filmmaker Paul and Ara fro the HT Guys to relive the emotions of Team USA’s newest gold, reflect on the legacy from Lake Placid, and connect it all to the power of community—on the ice and in our home theaters. Buzz shares vivid memories from ’80: the Coneheads line chemistry, the famous Norway “Herbies,” what he saw on his goal versus Tretiak, and how Herb Brooks blended European puck control with North American grit to forge a team-first identity. They talk goaltending then and now, the evolution of USA Hockey, the bonds formed at the annual Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp, and why that final 10 minutes against the Soviets felt like hours. The guys also dive into the Miracle film—Kurt Russell’s spot-on Herb, on-set stories, and how sound and score shape the tension we feel at home—plus the lasting impact of the new Netflix documentary. Paul spotlights a grassroots effort to commemorate the team with a 20‑player statue at Lake Placid’s arena, capturing the medal-stand moment for future generations.  From goalie lore to team-building lessons, blue-collar roots to modern superstars, this conversation celebrates how hard work, humility, and shared passion still bring us together—on the ice and in our living rooms. So much Fun!If you don’t believe it…Push Play and Hear for yourself!Links from the ShowResources mentioned (non-sponsor): 1980 Miracle Monument: 1980miraclemonument.orgNetflix documentary: “The Boys of ’80.”Chapters1. (00:00:00) Opening energy and setting the stage2. (00:00:25) Introducing Buzz and recent gold win reactions3. (00:02:04) Watching Team USA win gold again—emotions and goaltending4. (00:03:41) Lake Placid statue project—vision, cost, and timeline5. (00:06:50) Memories of the 1980 medal podium and team moment6. (00:09:08) Origins of the USA chant and Lake Placid crowd7. (00:10:10) Breaking down Buzzs goal vs. Tretiak and goalie talk8. (00:12:29) On that soft goal narrative and cross-grain shooting9. (00:12:50) Nickname Buzz, family roots, and the Miracle film10. (00:15:04) Training, schedule, and being the best-conditioned team11. (00:16:20) The legendary Norway Herbies skate and movie payback12. (00:20:14) Kings fandom, hearing about the upset, and Al Michaels line13. (00:22:00) Postgame memories, Tretiak encounters, and pulling the goalie14. (00:26:00) Why 1980 remains unique vs. modern pro-on-pro gold15. (00:29:41) Herb Brooks hybrid system and tough-love coaching16. (00:33:32) Netflix Boys of 80 documentary and team reunion17. (00:36:44) Miracle Fantasy Camp and the extended family vibe18. (00:39:33) Returning to Lake Placids rink and emotions19. (00:41:06) Coneheads line—Iron Range roots and chemistry20. (00:44:40) Herbs lineup decisions, Jack Hughes cut, and team fit21. (00:48:17) Dave Christian to defense and blue-line depth in 198022. (00:50:04) Not a miracle? Jim Craigs view and seeding belief23. (00:52:05) East vs. Minnesota tensions and forging unity24. (00:55:04) Shift lengths, late-game nerves, and player mindset25. (01:00:00) Growth of USA Hockey, access, and rising costs26. (01:04:02) Experiencing Miracle on film—sound, set magic, and Kurt Russell27. (01:09:21) Herb Brooks passing and lasting impact28. (01:11:24) How the Miracle film gave the story new legs29. (01:12:22) Goaltending evolution—from stand-up to butterfly era30. (01:14:11) Cultural resonance—why 1980 still gives goosebumps31. (01:23:36) Approachability of the 1980 team and fan stories32. (01:31:29) Context matters—college kids vs. Eastern Bloc pros33. (01:36:19) Sports as a unifier and American story34. (01:39:10) Buzz bombs, fanboying, and closing reflections Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYPores, Bats, and Perfect Transfers: Our Big 4K ShowcaseThe duo is back together!  PHEW!Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.Steve is back on the mic—croaky voice and all—and he and DJ dive straight into a lively, anything-goes session that ranges from courtroom war stories to Olympic fever and a whole lot of home theater goodness. They kick off with the nerves (and wins) of solo live hosting, lean on the chat as their safety blanket, and share some hearty laughs about wolves, dogs, and curling before settling into the real meat: a stack of premium 4K home theater showcases. DJ recaps a family trip to the movies for GOAT (a vibrant, bassy, crowd-pleasing animated sports romp), and then they tag-team a run of absolute bangers: The Grey (DV, demo-tier upgrade), End of Watch (staggering 4K clarity with pores-for-days detail), From Dusk Till Dawn (Dolby Vision revelation that makes it feel brand-new), and a fresh spin on Minority Report (a reference-level remaster where HDR turns the greenhouse and cityscapes into jaw-dropping set pieces). The guys close by crowning the Criterion 4K of No Country for Old Men as a perfect video transfer—calm lenses, razor detail, and sublime shadow handling—plus a heartfelt nod to Miracle (both the new Netflix doc and the film) during peak Olympic vibes. Along the way: chat roll call, a quick SVS/Ara speakers giveaway update, a tease of upcoming titles (some you’ll love, one DJ absolutely won’t), and plenty of A/V geekery about HDR, grain, upmixing, and why some films feel like they were shot for 4K decades before it existed. Croak and coughs included—gold all night.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Steve returns sick; court tomorrow and voice woes2. (00:08:40) Olympics fever: USA hockey wins; coaching discipline stories3. (00:12:50) Curling jokes, Snoopy chat, and dog tales from beagles to wolves4. (00:20:28) Show intro proper and the "all gold" night plan5. (00:34:55) The Gray 4K Dolby Vision review: survival, CG wolves, big upgrade6. (00:44:10) GOAT (2026) theatrical impressions: vibrant animation and audio fun7. (00:52:00) End of Watch 4K SteelBook: realism, ride-alongs, and jaw-dropping detail8. (01:03:00) From Dusk Till Dawn in 4K DV on Kaleidescape: rediscovering a classic9. (01:17:20) Minority Report 4K: HDR showcase, greenhouse scene, and depth10. (01:31:30) Miracle memories: Netflix doc vs film; USA hockey nostalgia11. (01:37:10) No Country for Old Men (Criterion 4K): Deakins perfection and audio notes12. (01:50:40) Wrap-up and teases for next week; thanks to chat and patrons Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYFrom Buckets to Brilliance: How to Start (and Keep Going) in Home TheaterThe show must go on….    even if its SOLO! Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this solo episode of Bright Side Home Theater, DJ takes the mic without Steve (down with the “man flu”) and turns the show into a live community conversation. He dives into the big question: should you plan your home theater or just build and evolve as you go? He share stories from his early, plan-free days in the ’80s, the pitfalls of “analysis paralysis,” and how strict plans can stall projects—while smart, flexible goals keep the passion alive. They talk budget realities, chasing “endgame” that never arrives, why acoustic treatments can be a game-changer, and how content and technology (HDMI then, Dolby Vision 2 and beyond now) constantly reshape our path. The chat weighs in on upgrading, streaming vs physical media, room-first priorities, and why the experience—not the gear list—defines a true home theater enthusiast.Huge thanks to the live chat for keeping it lively and pushing the conversation. Next week, Steve and DJ will be back with a packed slate of home theater experiences—until then, go push play!CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Going live solo: audio hiccups and setup chaos2. (00:03:35) Show intro and todays big question3. (00:04:56) Teasing next weeks experiences and content4. (00:06:03) Are we ever done with a home theater?5. (00:08:05) Rolling through the live chat: hellos and housekeeping6. (00:12:36) Plans vs. no plans: the case for having a plan7. (00:14:55) When plans backfire: analysis paralysis and budgets8. (00:18:49) There is no endgame: technology and taste keep moving9. (00:22:12) Can you ever max out a room? Its about the mind, not the gear10. (00:24:55) Enthusiast mindset and the joy of planning without getting stuck11. (00:26:36) How it began: DIY origins in the 80s and learning by mistakes12. (00:31:40) Community chat riffs: upgrades, value, and stalled temptations13. (00:40:02) Why upgrades feel slower now: 4K, HDR, Atmos plateaus14. (00:44:03) Small wins: firmware updates, enjoying what you have15. (00:46:02) Just start: sit on a bucket and build around the screen16. (00:47:53) Acoustic treatment 101: learn by tuning your own room17. (00:51:09) Balancing bass, dialogue clarity, and personal taste18. (00:53:18) Room is king: the hardest part of any plan19. (00:56:18) Content first? Good movies, bad movies, and home theater20. (00:58:24) Living room vs. dedicated room and what draws you downstairs21. (01:00:24) Physical media vs. streaming: quality, risk, and longevity22. (01:05:00) When tech nukes your plan: HDMI arrives and resets the roadmap23. (01:08:00) The next big reset: a future beyond HDMI24. (01:10:49) Dolby Vision today and talk of Dolby Vision 225. (01:15:03) Nothing changes overnight: markets, fear, and adaptation26. (01:18:59) Budgets, shrinking markets, and adjusting dreams27. (01:20:21) Dreaming bigger: infrasonics and ideas for under speakers28. (01:21:52) So, is planning good or bad? Finding the balance29. (01:23:44) Chasing tomorrow: why the best keeps moving30. (01:26:59) Oppenheimer analogy: when impossible becomes possible31. (01:28:39) Sports tangents and live show stamina32. (01:31:02) Closing thanks, community love, and sign-off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYPrimate Panic, Dogma Drama, and Field of Dreams in DTS:XWhat a week and what a show! And it could’t have come at a better time! Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this lively Bright Side Home Theater session, Steve and DJ kick off with banter about winter weather acclimation, chat hijinks, and a spirited film-nerd debate: Is Return of the Jedi a stone-cold classic alongside A New Hope and Empire? From there, they dive into a wide-ranging conversation on modern classics since 2000 (No Country for Old Men, Gladiator, Master and Commander), and the sometimes tense crossroads between film criticism and home theater accuracy—spotlighting Criterion’s Eyes Wide Shut 10-bit vs. 12-bit controversy and why technical nuance matters for serious cinema and large-screen systems.  The Guys also share a fun studio gear update and shoutouts to the community. Home theater highlights include: theatrical take on the brutal, practical-effects-driven horror Primate; the tense Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk on 4K; the apocalyptic sequel Greenland 2: Migration; a glowing reappraisal of Out of Sight’s excellent Kino 4K; a split take on Dogma’s new 4K (UK disc), with great audio upmixing but video concerns; and a heartfelt celebration of Field of Dreams’ 4K/DTS:X mix, where the ethereal voice and score wrap around the room. They wrap up with community Q&A, disc/streaming comparisons, and notes on upcoming coverage.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Live kickoff, weather banter, and warming up2. (00:04:52) Apologies, studio banter, and chat welcomes3. (00:05:57) Stone‑cold classics debate: Star Wars and beyond4. (00:12:06) Ewoks, marketing, and trilogy tones5. (00:21:10) Takeover Tuesday, film criticism vs. home theater concerns6. (00:28:57) Criterion, Eyes Wide Shut, and the 10‑bit vs 12‑bit debate7. (00:36:44) Kubrick talk: 2001, Clockwork Orange, Strangelove8. (00:42:49) John’s encyclopedic mind and behind‑the‑scenes camaraderie9. (00:46:56) Studio update: monitor mishap, mount fixes, and setup tweaks10. (00:47:05) Theatrical review: Primate (gorier than expected)11. (00:56:57) Home release: The Long Walk (Stephen King) 4K/Atmos impressions12. (01:02:00) Greenland II: Migration—story, visuals, and Atmos take13. (01:13:08) Out of Sight (1998) 4K Kino—gorgeous transfer, adult caper14. (01:24:54) Dogma 4K: beloved film, mixed video and audio differences15. (01:36:01) Field of Dreams 4K DTS:X—heart, picture depth, and whispers16. (01:45:31) Wrap‑up: schedule, community shout‑outs, and sign‑off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

It’s Take Over Tuesday where you the listener run the podcast.And this week’s episode is featuring Jon!  Not ‘Good Enough’: Inside the Eyes Wide Shut 4K Debate with Jon ThompsonIn this lively, wide-ranging conversation with post-production veteran John Thompson, DJ and Jon dig into the controversy around Criterion’s Eyes Wide Shut 4K release and why 12‑bit Dolby Vision (Profile 7) matters for preserving filmmakers’ intent—especially for Kubrick. Jon breaks down bit depth, chroma subsampling, Dolby Vision’s cinema vs. TV profiles, and how downsampling can rob highlights, depth, and color nuance. They branch into the history of film vs. digital (from DCI and IMAX to ACES and grain management), why presentation is part of the art, and how home theater standards influence the entire ecosystem. Along the way: Kaleidescape vs. disc, power supplies and noise, lenses and bokeh, the economics of high-end vs. mid-market gear, AI hype vs. reality, and vivid anecdotes about Kubrick’s process, Neil Armstrong’s “one small step,” and the enduring value of striving for better over “good enough.”Bottom line: If you care about fidelity, consistency, and honoring the work, asking for the best available delivery format isn’t nitpicking—it’s the point.Chapters1. (00:00:00) Opening banter and setting the agenda2. (00:00:45) Eyes Wide Shut on Criterion sparks a quality debate3. (00:04:40) Dolby Vision vs HDR10: history, licensing, and bit depth4. (00:07:36) 8‑bit to 16‑bit: lessons from VFX, DCI testing, and standards5. (00:12:19) Pixel depth over pixel count and the rise of HDR cinema6. (00:16:43) Kubrick’s influence: obsession with perfection and process7. (00:20:01) Case study: The Long Good Friday—12‑bit vs 10‑bit impact8. (00:31:41) High‑end processors and niche features: Trinnov and pro Atmos9. (00:41:26) Why file‑based playback can rival DCPs10. (00:44:53) Film vs digital highlights, dynamic range, and capture choices11. (00:50:13) Grain myths and proper grain management in scans12. (00:56:42) Why not 12‑bit? QC, seamless branching, and costs13. (00:59:31) Criterion’s track record, pricing, and likely silence14. (01:03:15) Trickle‑down tech: DLP, big OLEDs, and falling prices15. (01:05:41) Resolution vs HDR: when 2K is enough on smaller screens16. (01:06:25) Why Kaleidescape images pop: ASICs and HDMI design17. (01:10:27) Power supplies and noise: linear vs switch‑mode in AV18. (01:19:41) Kubrick team lore: lenses, DPs, and preparation for Eyes Wide Shut19. (01:26:48) AI accusations, editing tools, and writing voice20. (01:45:02) Chroma subsampling 4:2:0 vs 4:2:2 vs 4:4:4 explained21. (01:50:06) Digital archiving woes: lost tapes and fragile negatives22. (01:54:05) Studios restoring classics and obsessive research culture23. (02:03:00) Is streaming anti‑art? Group experiences and curation24. (02:05:00) Context matters: then vs now in theatrical awe25. (02:07:17) Community, tribes, and social media echo chambers26. (02:12:00) Pre‑internet research, libraries, and conspiracy thrillers27. (02:14:18) Bandwidth overkill and file sizes then and now28. (02:16:49) From flying negatives to digital delivery timelines29. (02:18:18) Cameras shrink, phones shoot 8K, and custom IMAX rigs30. (02:21:36) Nolan, Odyssey, and managing IMAX spectacle31. (02:25:35) What does space smell like? Humor and human details32. (02:26:24) Moon landing conspiracies, restorations, and Armstrong’s tale33. (02:33:11) Closing thoughts: Kubrick’s rigor and the 12‑bit ask34. (02:42:43) Wrap‑up, meta on discourse, and sign‑off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYFrom Plows to Projectors: Primitive War, Minority Report 4K, and Classic Comedy UpgradesWhat a week and what a show! And it could’t have come at a better time! Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.Steve and DJ went live on a snowy week and kicked things off with winter war stories, from New England plow piles and driveway disasters to UK gridlock after a few inches. That led into home-theater chat galore: Xreal’s new RealD-style 3D conversion on AR glasses, why it’s a neat free upgrade with mixed results, and some fun tests like Disney’s Rise of the Resistance POV. They also touched on online debates over Criterion’s Eyes Wide Shut mastering and why expertise matters in restoration talk. Reviews this week spanned dinos-in-’Nam mayhem with Primitive War (surprisingly ambitious on a small budget), a knockout 4K upgrade for Cinderella Man with standout Atmos crowd work and nuanced punch design, and a stellar new 4K/DV pass on Minority Report that made it feel fresh again. The guys laughed their way through classic comedy upgrades with Kingpin and Airplane II, then closed with the live-action How to Train Your Dragon—gorgeous HDR visuals, faithful to the original, with restrained Atmos. They wrapped by planning next week’s regular Tuesday slot and teasing more discs on deck.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Snowpocalypse webcams and childhood blizzards2. (00:07:40) Driveways, pretreating roads, and storm prep tech3. (00:08:45) Patriots back to the Super Bowl and sports-fan baggage4. (00:11:45) “How was your summer?”—US culture decoded5. (00:16:39) Kickoff: Bright Side Home Theater goes live6. (00:18:05) A tough week, a heartfelt shout‑out, and chat roll call7. (00:23:40) Live show scheduling and growing the audience8. (00:27:50) XR glasses update: RealD 3D conversion tested9. (00:33:50) Free feature, pros and cons, and VR ride immersion10. (00:38:04) Criterion kerfuffle: Eyes Wide Shut Dolby Vision debate11. (00:46:45) Primitive War (Blu‑ray) review: ‘Platoon meets dinos’12. (00:58:57) Cinderella Man (4K/Atmos) rewatch: crowd waves and punch weight13. (01:10:14) Minority Report (4K DV) surprises: grain, glow, and detail14. (01:21:54) Kingpin (4K) revisited: Farrelly humor still strikes15. (01:34:16) Airplane II (4K) love letter: gag rate to the moon16. (01:40:50) How to Train Your Dragon (live‑action 4K/Atmos): faithful, polished, restrained bass17. (01:53:14) Wrap‑up: what’s next and sign‑off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYTron: Ares vs. Predator: Badlands—Streaming Showdowns and Early HT Demo KingsWhat a week and what a show! And it could’t have come at a better time! Spoiler alert: we have a couple of potential Home theatre experiences of the year… In January!!Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this week’s Bright Side Home Theater, Steve and DJ shake off the rust after a brief schedule shuffle, catch up with a lively live chat, and dig into a stack of fresh home theater experiences. The guys debate the surprising quality of IMAX Enhanced streaming for Tron: Ares on Disney+, weigh it against the Kaleidescape version, and discuss why—story quibbles aside—it’s the early front-runner for Home Theater Experience of the Year. They then jump to Apple’s digital release of Predator: Badlands, where the Atmos mix and inky black levels (even on the stream) make it a thrilling at-home upgrade over our theatrical viewings. On Netflix, The Rip (Affleck/Damon) delivers punchy gunfire and rock-solid HDR even if the plot is predictable fun. They also hit the big screen for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple in 4K HDR Barco—great psychological swings and a notable commercial HDR presentation, though they still prefer the home setup.Disc-wise, they celebrate Arrow’s new 4K/Atmos Under Siege—impressively tasteful HDR and a room-filling mix with smart overhead cues—and rave about DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda 4K upgrades: Part 1 is demo-grade video with lively Atmos, while Part 2 is very strong with a few jaw-dropping HDR moments. Along the way they guys talk AirPods Pro 3 ANC, Xreal glasses’ incoming real 3D update, variable aspect ratios vs. fixed, the value of calibration for streaming HDR, and a viral “home theaters are a boomer waste” take that gets properly set straight. They close with community shout-outs, a Patreon welcome, and a quick world tour—hello to our first listener in China!CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Cold open, banter, and easing back into the show2. (00:01:40) Tech, warfare, and ethics: guns, drones, and video games3. (00:05:35) Schedule changes, life updates, and a resilient community4. (00:08:45) Live chat roll call and welcoming new listeners5. (00:16:00) Gear corner: AirPods Pro 3 noise canceling impresses6. (00:21:55) XR glasses update: real 3D coming to Xreal and use cases7. (00:27:45) Listener support shout‑outs and Patreon thanks8. (00:32:55) Friends hearing the show and the oddity of being recognized9. (00:33:55) Debate: are home theaters a "boomer" waste or a passion?10. (00:37:55) Awards talk: Hashtag Dork picks F1 for Bright Side HT Award11. (00:42:45) Theatrical review: 28 Years Later – The Bone Temple (format notes)12. (00:50:55) Cinema vs home: HDR Barco projection and why home still wins13. (00:51:45) Netflix spotlight: The Rip (Damon & Affleck) – story and mix14. (00:56:35) Artists, AI writing, and streaming economics (Artists Equity)15. (01:01:00) Home theater take on The Rip: dark‑scene HDR and punchy gunfire16. (01:08:00) Disc demo time: Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2 in 4K HDR and Atmos17. (01:15:40) Top home theater contenders: Tron Ares (IMAX Enhanced stream)18. (01:21:55) A/B talk: streaming vs disc for Tron Ares and VAR impact19. (01:30:08) Predator: Badlands – stronger film, playful Atmos, vibrant HDR20. (01:41:20) Variable aspect ratios: Oppenheimer vs Tron Ares preferences21. (01:41:45) Catalog upgrade: Under Siege 4K (Arrow) – image and Atmos gains22. (01:48:20) Die Hard in a… everything? Comparing genre clones with Under Siege23. (01:53:16) Looking ahead, more reviews queued, and global listener count Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYWhat is the BEST Home Theater Experience of 2025?The Freddies Debut: Our Top 10 Home Theater Experiences of 2025Steve and DJ give you the Bright Side Home Theater Top 10 Home Theater Experiences of 2025!PLUS,What is the NEW NAME of the Bright Side Home Theater Award?What Movie or Movies will win?Is there a NEW Bright Side Award this Year?Was this the Best Year for Home Theater?Do you agree?Did they miss anything?Steve and DJ are handing out their first-ever Freddies and revealing their Top 10 Home Theater Experiences of 2025. After months of rewatches, calibrations, and a few last-minute binges, they lock in a list where any of the top nine could have taken the crown. From explosive streamers to reference-grade discs, they cover the full spectrum—celebrating best use of video (Sinners), best use of audio (Wolfman), a surprise top-five animated streamer (K-Pop Demon Hunters), and their overall Home Theater Experience of the Year. They also debut the origin and meaning of the “Freddies,” give a one-time award to the podcast that inspired them, and explain how their scoring blended three different lists into one definitive ranking.Expect quick-fire honorable mentions, spirited debate on titles like Superman, Weapons, and Kingdom of Heaven, plus why Netflix quietly dominated multiple categories this year. The guys close with what they're excited for next year and why Odyssey might be the one to beat. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let the Freddies begin.Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences !So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.Chapters1. (00:00:00) Kicking off awards week and top-10 prep2. (00:03:12) Kaleidescape most-watched list and Tom Cruise talk3. (00:07:04) Origins of their annual lists and guests shout-outs4. (00:10:41) Debating predictions and the difficulty of rankings5. (00:18:06) Show open hiccups and setting the stage6. (00:20:30) Introducing the Freddies: the donkey award origin story7. (00:29:02) Award logistics, categories, and chat roll call8. (00:35:03) Method: scoring the combined top list9. (00:38:46) Honorable mentions 29–23: streams and discs mix10. (00:49:01) Honorable mentions 22–16: Dirty Harry to Daredevil11. (00:55:01) Controversies: Superman and Weapons ranked lower12. (01:10:04) Mission Impossible just misses the top 1013. (01:14:29) Top 10 begins: Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut)14. (01:17:40) #9 Novocaine: cringe, glass, and Atmos wizardry15. (01:21:56) #8 Dangerous Animals: nasty fun without Atmos/DV16. (01:27:52) #7 Ballerina: neon noir and flamethrower mayhem17. (01:33:00) Clarifying formats and the exception cases18. (01:33:56) #6 Death of a Unicorn: vivid HDR and Jurassic roars19. (01:37:51) Freddies awarded: Inspirational pod, Best Video, Best Audio20. (01:49:59) #5 K‑Pop Demon Hunters: 1080p DV/Atmos stunner21. (01:54:56) #4 Wolfman: jaw-dropping audio, story debates22. (01:58:05) #3 Sinners: VAR cinematography and immersive pacing23. (02:02:00) #2 House of Dynamite: tension masterclass on Netflix24. (02:10:15) #1 F1: the complete home theater experience25. (02:17:23) Full rankings recap and reflections on the year26. (02:20:16) Looking ahead to 2026: Odyssey, Predator, and more27. (02:23:46) Closing laughs and sign‑off with technical gremlins Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYCatch Me If You Can (In 4K): Holiday Rewatches, Sisu Surprises, and a New Christmas ClassicWell, for the last show of 2025, we had a BLAST!! This week: there’s maths, beards, rentals, bits and conniving kids!! Enjoy!! Happy New Year!!Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this lively year-end episode, Steve and DJ kick things off with an unexpectedly deep tangent on math as a “language,” universality, and why measurement and observation aren’t the same—before they pivot into what you came for: home theater fun. DJ shares a surprise Christmas reveal that’s perfect for the show—a custom Captain Bright Side shield—and they swap stories on holiday traditions, collecting discs, and the eternal Die Hard-as-Christmas debate. Reviews this week include a Prime Video watch of The Rental (solid premise, but a miss for Steve), a fresh revisit of Die Hard in 4K (still the gold-standard action classic with pleasing surround ambience), Sisu: Road to Revenge on Kaleidescape (gorgeous 4K imagery but a surprisingly front-heavy Atmos mix), and Catch Me If You Can in 4K (stunning HDR presentation and a stealthy Christmas movie with heart). The big discovery: 8-Bit Christmas—a new instant Christmas Eve tradition that nails 80s nostalgia, family feels, and delivers a shockingly great 4K/Atmos streaming presentation. The guys wrap up with plans for next week’s Best of 2025 Home Theater Experiences show and lots of listener shout-outs. Movies discussed: The Rental (Prime Video), Die Hard (4K UHD), Sisu: Road to Revenge (Kaleidescape), Catch Me If You Can (4K UHD/streaming), 8-Bit Christmas (4K streaming).CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Cold open: Taxes, math anxiety, and universality debate2. (00:12:40) Show kickoff: Home theater talk and a mystery Christmas reveal3. (00:17:45) Gadgets chat: AirPods Pro 3, translation, and noise cancelation4. (00:18:50) Ultimate gift reveal: Captain Bright Side shield5. (00:25:00) Skills, ambidexterity, and coaching stories6. (00:29:40) Live chat roll call and year wrap vibes7. (00:33:00) Holiday routines: Decorations, timing, and traditions8. (00:38:33) What to watch: Kicking off reviews with The Rental (Prime Video)9. (00:46:28) Die Hard 4K revisit: Picture, audio quirks, and Christmas cred10. (00:56:06) Home theater criteria and eligibility chat11. (00:56:27) Sisu: Road to Revenge—stunning visuals, restrained Atmos12. (01:08:05) Catch Me If You Can 4K: Whimsy, family, and Christmas through-lines13. (01:26:00) Hidden gem discovery: 8-Bit Christmas setup14. (01:31:50) 8-Bit Christmas review: ’80s nostalgia, heart, and home theater take15. (01:44:26) Year-end outlook: 2025 home theater picks preview and sign-off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYGo Push Play: Our Holiday Watchlist from Pandora to Peppermint-Fueled Punch-UpsThis week: we wish everyone a Merry Christmas (in lots of languages!!) and talk about some REFERENCE 4K HT experiences!!Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this festive, freewheeling episode, Steve and DJ kick off with holiday banter, retail war stories, and global greetings before diving into the meat: home theater greatness and year‑end plans. DJ's revisit Avatar (Collector’s Extended Cut) and Avatar: The Way of Water on 4K UHD—calling the first film’s disc a jaw‑dropping reference for picture and sound, with its HDR depth and DTS-HD MA upmixed to Neural:X rivaling theatrical thrills, while Way of Water impresses but feels less consistently three‑dimensional and a bit baggy in pacing.  They discuss the new Avatar: Fire and Ash and why a 3.5+ hour runtime makes a theatrical trip tough during the holidays. From there, DJ spins Iron Man 3 (Dolby Vision/Atmos) as his Christmas comfort watch, praising its crisp dynamics, punchy bass, and razor‑sharp detail, and returns to Violent Night for gleefully over‑the‑top, graphically violent Christmas action—great bass, crunchy effects, and a wink to Home Alone. Steve covers The Conjuring: Last Rites with its surprise variable aspect ratio and solid Atmos jolts (fun for series fans, not essential). They also riff on Netflix signing Barstool’s podcasts and what it could mean for pod/video platforms and creator loyalty, brainstorm names for our own annual awards, and share a few listener‑powered ideas. The guys wrap up with holiday well‑wishes, a nod to mental health, and gratitude to our global community. Go push play and enjoy the season!Note: They ignore sponsor talk and stick to the movies, tech, formats, and audience Q&A highlights.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Holiday banter, shirts, turkeys, and retail war stories2. (00:18:52) Show intro and Christmas vibes: Bright Side Home Theater3. (00:20:49) Awards brainstorming: Naming the Bright Side movie awards4. (00:36:04) Industry news: Netflix signs Barstool podcasts and platform loyalty5. (00:47:50) Avatar revisit part 1: Collectors Extended Cut impressions6. (01:02:06) Streaming vs disc upgrades: why physical still stuns7. (01:05:32) Avatar Way of Water: strengths, bloat, and AV comparison8. (01:18:10) Avatar 3 theater hesitation and franchise fatigue9. (01:19:39) Iron Man 3 is a Christmas classic: Dolby Vision & Atmos delight10. (01:29:05) MCU tangents: Downey Jr., Civil War, and Doomsday speculation11. (01:33:24) Horror corner: The Conjuring Last Rites and surprise IMAX-style ratios12. (01:36:26) Counter-programming: Violent Night holiday carnage review13. (01:50:39) Dream theaters: IMAX at home, intimacy vs scale14. (01:57:20) Wrap-up: gratitude, mental health, and holiday sign-off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

Welcome to the Bright Side Home Theater SEVENTH annual Christmas Eve tradition!Yippee-Ki-Yay, Christmas Eve: Our Annual Die Hard Deep DiveDJ sits down with both his boys, Joe and Greg, for the annual Holiday discussion of Die Hard from 1988.“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!In the seventh annual Die Hard Christmas tradition, DJ is joined by Joe and Greg to revel in the timeless debate: yes, Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie—and they brought receipts. From on-screen “Christmas” word counts and plot mechanics that only work on Christmas Eve, to FBI playbooks, detonators, and Nakatomi party logistics, the guys break down why the holiday is essential to the story. They also compare viewing setups—headphones, home theaters, and formats—and dive into fresh audio/visual details they each noticed this year, from echo nuances and elevator atmospherics to continuity quirks and that glorious jet flyover. Along the way: the Fox Plaza sighting IRL, favorite fight beats, improvised lines they love, and new nitpicks that only make our affection for the film grow. Seven years in, they're still finding new things to laugh at, analyze, and celebrate—and they’re already counting down to next Christmas Eve. They also meander through format hunts (disc vs. streaming), Atmos vs. DTS surprises, and the legacy of Die Hard resetting the ‘80s action genre—plus some personal traditions, snack confessions, and a quick look ahead to the series’ sequels. It’s cozy, it’s nerdy, it’s festive, and it’s our favorite holiday ritual: push play on Die Hard, argue about glass and shoes, and wish you all a Merry Christmas. Yippee-ki-yay, see you next year.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Kicking off the 7th annual Die Hard Christmas tradition2. (00:01:57) How many times have we seen Die Hard? Joe, Greg, and DJ compare notes3. (00:04:03) Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Stats, arguments, and Home Alone debate4. (00:12:02) Where and how we watched: gear, formats, and streaming pains5. (00:17:00) Sound talk: jets, elevators, echoes, and Atmos vs. DTS MA6. (00:23:18) Spotting continuity quirks: sunset light, wind cuts, and timing oddities7. (00:27:48) Seeing Nakatomi (Fox Plaza) in real life and LA tangents8. (00:31:00) Rubble, reverb, and falling debris: new audio details discovered9. (00:32:58) Cops, welders, and flashbangs: tactical choices we love to roast10. (00:35:00) Detonators, playbooks, and Dwayne: why the authorities miss the point11. (00:41:06) Fights, dancers, and gun posture: Carl, Marco, and 80s action style12. (00:44:49) The watch-side theory: good guys vs. bad guys wrist tells13. (00:49:46) How Die Hard reset 80s action: grounded stakes vs. one-liners14. (00:52:49) Fist with your toes to glass on your feet: small setups, big payoffs15. (00:57:04) Hans’ notebook, Ode to Joy, and little touches we still chase16. (01:03:04) Sequels, timelines, and the McClane family tree17. (01:07:04) Takagi, Ellis, and Rickman’s micro-acting masterclass18. (01:09:54) Early-plane scene oddities: soft dialogue and shaky shot debate19. (01:12:00) California moments: yoga pants, culture beats, and 80s airport vibes20. (01:16:00) Snacks, side chatter, and closing the annual tradition Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYFrom Grandpa Joy to Giant Snakes: A Festive 4K WatchlistAnother week and another very fun show… 2 hours of chatting all kinds of nonsense was MUCH needed!! This week: We meet ‘Papa DJ,’ a ‘Little Greg’ and Steve is careful with the word ‘Chuck.’Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this lively, holiday-tinged episode, Steve and DJ kick things off with some big family news—welcoming DJ's first grandchild, Greg the Third—and the chat jumps in with congrats as they swap stories about delivery-room marathons, new-dad duties, and the joy (and future Paw Patrol marathons) ahead. From there, Steve and DJ dive into a jam-packed watchlist: DJ grabs a new holiday action-comedy gem with Red One (4K Dolby Vision/Atmos on Kaleidescape) that surprised him with great chemistry between The Rock and Chris Evans and a near-reference presentation; Steve brings an unexpected Stephen King standout, The Life of Chuck (4K UHD, DTS-HD MA 5.1), a genre-defying, heartfelt piece with an astonishing bass-heavy “stars disappearing” sequence you’ll feel in your seat. They also have fun with the gloriously goofy 4K Sony disc of Anaconda (Dolby Atmos)—bad in the best way, Voight going full Tony Montana, and a hilarious “reverse waterfall” moment—plus a strong new 4K Atmos release of Sam Mendes’ Jarhead that shines with an immersive boot-camp sequence and striking HDR in the oil-field scenes. For true holiday comfort, the guys revisit National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation in 4K—brilliant colors, iconic gags, and still one of the most family-friendly crowd-pleasers. They cap it all with some quick looks ahead: Nolan’s The Odyssey buzz, Avengers: Doomsday teasers, Minority Report’s new 4K release, and Sisu: Road to Revenge landing on Kaleidescape. A cozy, spirited mix of home-theater demos, seasonal favorites, and community vibes to kick off the holidays right.Movies discussed (highlights): The Life of Chuck (4K UHD, DTS-HD MA 5.1), Anaconda (4K UHD, Dolby Atmos), Red One (4K DV/Atmos), Jarhead (4K UHD, Dolby Atmos), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (4K UHD), plus quick mentions of Minority Report 4K, Sisu: Road to Revenge 4K DV/Atmos, and upcoming tentpoles.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:01) Cold open: chips, CHiPs, and grandpa jokes2. (00:01:21) Becoming "papa": birth story and hospital marathon3. (00:06:59) First photos, home theater baby cameo, and Bluey talk4. (00:10:12) Car chat: Lamborghini Diablo, photography, and paint blending5. (00:14:28) Show kickoff: rough cut, audio polish, and busy week6. (00:17:01) Thankfulness, tough cases, and the chat roll call7. (00:21:24) Seasonal vibes: decorations, Christmas in July, memory lapses8. (00:23:23) Queueing up experiences and what to start with9. (00:24:30) The Life of Chuck (2024): genre-bender and star-thump demo10. (00:37:01) Netflix detour: Jingle Bell Heist—"a movie that exists"11. (00:43:39) Giant snake time: Anaconda (1997) 4K Atmos nostalgia12. (01:02:24) Red One (2023): Rock vs. Evans, festive home theater fun13. (01:10:06) Teasers and trailers: Avengers Doomsday, The Odyssey buzz14. (01:23:11) New drops: Kaleidescape and 4K upgrades round-up15. (01:23:27) Jarhead (2005) 4K Atmos: Desert Shield grit and sound design16. (01:34:08) Holiday classic: Christmas Vacation gets a 4K glow-up17. (01:45:05) Wrap-up: patrons, scheduling, and year-end traditions Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYLive, Loud, and Unscripted: First Blood Deep Dive + Tron, F1, and Lethal Weapon in 4KThis was such a fun show to do as always… This week: the guys say ‘F-yeah’ to F1, give massive props to The Mask and discuss the AMAZING Tron: Aries!Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this off-the-cuff, post-livestream debrief, Steve and DJ reflect on their surprise deep dive into First Blood and how it evolved into a broader conversation on live podcasting, community, and home theater joys. They talk about the spontaneity of going live, the balance between engaging with chat and staying in the cinematic groove, and the joy (and nerves) of sharing personal stories with a respectful audience. From there, the guys jump into movie talk galore: the rumored Rambo prequel (great idea or leave it alone?), hilariously bad and oddly lenient film ratings over the years (Temple of Doom, Gremlins, Watership Down), and global Die Hard title translations. They also celebrate home theater experiences with fresh spins on F1 (disc vs. stream), Tron: Ares (Dolby Vision/Atmos fireworks), The Mask’s shockingly great Arrow 4K Atmos release, Lethal Weapon’s reference-grade 4K Director’s Cut, and the gorgeous yet grounded First Blood 4K. They wrap with Movember raffle winners, big thanks to our partners, and why some movies just hit different at Christmas time.Plus: behind-the-scenes home updates (chimneys, fans, ice-glazed roofs, and a backyard turkey parade), CEDIA 2025 plans, and what might be our next in-depth film breakdown after First Blood.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Cold open banter and yesterdays live stream vibes2. (00:02:55) Recapping the First Blood deep dive and missed Is it a Christmas movie? note3. (00:06:00) On going live, audience engagement, and comfort sharing personal stories4. (00:08:55) Surprise streams, notifications, and social media spillover5. (00:09:50) Debating a Rambo prequel: hopes, fears, and odds of success6. (00:18:27) Dark humor tangent and writing-room jokes7. (00:19:29) Quick life detour, then a film-ratings question for the chat8. (00:20:03) Misrated movies: Five Nights at Freddys vs. Watership Down9. (00:22:38) Disaster films on TV, Poltergeist PG, and parental guidance realities10. (00:24:50) Temple of Doom, Gremlins, and the birth of PG-1311. (00:29:41) Translation corner: global Die Hard titles and language laughs12. (00:41:38) Movember raffle winners and prize choices revealed13. (00:51:48) Turkey facts follow-up and home projects: stoves, roofs, and icy escapes14. (00:58:11) Experiences segment kickoff15. (00:58:53) F1 on disc vs. stream: video perfection and an Atmos placement quirk16. (01:10:11) Tron: Ares 4K DV/Atmos first impressions and series ranking17. (01:18:40) Arrows The Mask 4K with Atmos: a surprise reference-grade upgrade18. (01:18:59) Audience notes on Tron volume and dynamics19. (01:25:18) Holiday classic revisit: Lethal Weapon Directors Cut (4K DV/Atmos)20. (01:34:06) First Blood 4K experience: image excellence, dated mix, enduring power21. (01:44:37) Closing thanks, Movember partners, and sign-off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

It’s Take Over Tuesday where you the listener run the podcast.And this week’s episode is featuring Steve!  Welcome to Hope: A Deep Dive into First Blood’s Heart, Hurt, and HeroicsIn this surprise live recording session of Takeover Tuesday, DJ sat down with Steve to dive deep into First Blood (1982) from a host’s-eye view—less an action flick, more a character-driven drama with seventies DNA. They trace John Rambo’s journey from that soulful Jerry Goldsmith overture and the “Welcome to Hope” irony, through small-town escalation, to a raw, devastating finale that remains some of Stallone’s finest acting.  The guys unpack how the film critiques institutions—law enforcement, civilian attitudes, and the military—while centering the human cost and mental health fallout of Vietnam, contrasting the film’s restraint with the novel’s darker, bloodier path and the sequels’ eighties bombast. They trade first-watch memories, real-world military anecdotes, and the symbolism of uniforms, knives, and that “body bags” warning—plus why Rambo’s restraint shapes our empathy and why this movie is endlessly "talk-about-able". The Bright Side Boys also touch on Troutman’s layered presence, the National Guard satire, iconic quotes, and why First Blood is, yes, a holiday classic set in a tinsel-trimmed Hope. Later "today" they're back to break down the home theater experience and mixes—because this classic deserves a proper play-through.So much Fun!If you don’t believe it…Push Play and Hear for yourself!Chapters1. (00:00:00) Cold open banter and surprise live stream setup2. (00:02:23) Timing mix-up and deciding to go live without notice3. (00:04:40) Introducing the topic: First Blood as a holiday classic4. (00:06:22) Hope as symbolism and ties to Star Wars: A New Hope5. (00:07:56) When they first saw First Blood and 1980s action context6. (00:12:23) Impact of Vietnam films and shifting from war epics to personal stories7. (00:15:56) Personal story: Almost joining the Rangers and family PTSD revelations8. (00:24:19) Military paths, Rangers vs. National Guard, and helicopter anecdotes9. (00:31:56) UK video certifications, home video era, and discovering the film10. (00:34:57) Vietnam: war vs. "police action" and narrative focus11. (00:45:15) Goldsmith’s score setting a mournful tone and sound design12. (00:52:03) Rambo’s plan, Delmar Barry, and burning the past13. (01:00:20) Teasel’s motives: vagrancy, uniform, and respect vs. disrespect14. (01:18:23) Jail sequence: abuse, PTSD triggers, and the breakout15. (01:28:41) Town chase, stunt work, and heading into the woods16. (01:30:59) Wilderness tactics: dogs, camouflage, and the cliff jump17. (01:39:19) Escalation cycle, National Guard portrayal, and the mine18. (01:53:00) Trautman vs. Teasel: command, containment, and Crenna’s performance19. (02:00:59) Book vs. film: sociopath reading, alternate ending, and themes20. (02:18:00) Is First Blood an action movie or a 1970s-style drama?21. (02:22:38) Favorite lines, politics of the sequels, and cultural impact22. (02:31:00) Closing thoughts, knives and memorabilia, and audience Q&A wrap Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYCharity Wins, Cinephile Grins: Sisu 2 Slays and Karate Kid SurprisesEvery week is fun on the The Bright Side podcast… But THIS week was more fun than most… Tune in to hear DJ and Steve talk Turkey, see in the new Season, talk Together, and listen about Legend and Karate Kid: Legends!Enjoy!Lets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.Happy holidays, home theater nerds! In this festive, freewheeling episode, Steve and DJ kick off by drawing winners for the Movember charity raffle and celebrate raising $2,262.61 for a great cause—thanks to our amazing community. The guys then dive into fresh home theater talk: DJ hits the cinema for Sisu 2 and declares it an even bigger, blood-soaked blast than the original with a killer wrap-up and big-time bass moments. Steve brings the surprising standout Karate Kid: Legends—beautifully shot, fun, and genuinely rejuvenating for the franchise, with crisp action choreography and strong Atmos—plus a heartfelt, clever coda. They also explore the wild, body-horror indie Together (gorgeously shot with a nerve-jangling sound design that turns the room into a character), and the Tom Hardy double-turn in Legend, which delivers a razor-detailed 4K transfer and a cool, American-tinged take on London gangster lore.Beyond the reviews, there’s plenty of seasonal banter—snow stories, turkey sightings, and chat-room camaraderie—along with gratitude for patrons and supporters who helped us give back. The boys wrap up by teasing next week’s Takeover Tuesday on First Blood. Until then… go push play!CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Festive kickoff, cough warning, and snowy travels2. (00:06:41) Storm chat, snow lines, and viewer roll call3. (00:09:45) Feel-better movies: Star Wars, holidays, and comfort picks4. (00:12:06) Bad horror chat and community favorites from the 80s5. (00:17:06) Show intro proper and giveaway setup6. (00:20:00) Raffle rules and secret screenings sidebar7. (00:24:50) Thanksgiving turkey tales and wild turkey surprises8. (00:33:32) Hunting laws laughter and neighborhood wildlife9. (00:39:56) Movember raffle draws: winners announced10. (00:50:30) Totals raised and gratitude to the community11. (00:57:45) What we watched: "Together" (body horror) review12. (01:07:09) Cinema trip: "Sisu 2" Road to Revenge impressions13. (01:21:26) UK crime biopic "Legend" 4K impressions14. (01:31:00) Surprise hit: "Karate Kid Legends" reactions15. (01:49:53) Wrap-up, thanks, and next week’s plan (First Blood) Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYBlood, Blades, and Brain-Benders: Sisu 2, Sunny, and a Bond/Predator ThrowbackAnother week and another very fun show… This week: we say Chào buổi sáng Việt Nam! Plus, lots of AWESOME HT experiences and a discussion about what life is all about!Enjoy!https://www.brightsidehometheater.com/movemberraffleLets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this episode, Steve and DJ dive into a packed week of home-theater talk and reviews. They kick it off with Apple TV+’s new mind-bender “Plur1bus,” debating its big philosophical swings and why it’s such addictive, water-cooler TV—plus how the playful Atmos design and gorgeous cinematography make it a must-watch in the theater. From there, Steve slices into Netflix’s “Last Samurai Standing,” praising the sharp visuals and nonstop, inventive swordplay while wishing for a beefier audio mix. DJ braves the cinema for “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” and shares why the overcooked acting and predictable reveals left him cold, even if the theatrical sound was solid—then cleanse the palate with a reminder of how much better the original “Now You See Me” still plays at home. Steve hits the big screen for “Sisu 2: Road to Revenge” and declares it a blood-soaked, 90-minute blast that ups the insanity (and will be demo-worthy at home), and celebrates the anniversaries of “GoldenEye” and “Predator 2” with spirited revisits that still deliver great fun and surprisingly strong mixes. The guys wrap up with housekeeping on next week’s Movember charity raffle drawing and holiday well-wishes to the community. Movie and series discussed (spoiler-light): Plur1bus (Apple TV+), Last Samurai Standing (Netflix), Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (theatrical), Now You See Me (4K/Atmos), Sisu 2: Road to Revenge (theatrical), GoldenEye (Blu-ray/4K), Predator 2 (4K).CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Pre-show banter, tech hiccups, and German joke2. (00:08:57) The Blair Witch theater of Northampton and bad cinemas3. (00:16:04) Show start: Bright Side worldwide and Vietnam shoutouts4. (00:24:28) Catches of the week: tee-up for reviews5. (00:25:21) Apple TV+ series Plur1bus discussion: philosophy, humanity, and sound design6. (00:42:59) Family Plan 2: light laughs, light A/V, lighter story7. (00:49:04) Netflix pick: Last Samurai Standing—gorgeous 4K, thin 5.18. (00:57:11) Now You See Me 3 (theatrical): sleight of hand that underwhelms9. (01:04:34) SISU 2 hype: bug‑nuts action and theatrical scarcity10. (01:14:10) Revisit: Now You See Me (2013) holds up; Atmos modest11. (01:20:22) ’90s twofer: GoldenEye turns 30—snappy Bond with punchy mix12. (01:28:40) Predator 2 at 35: urban jungle mayhem and sweaty 4K fun13. (01:39:12) Closing: Movember raffle details, thanks, and Thanksgiving prep Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

It’s Take Over Tuesday where you the listener run the podcast.And this week’s episode is featuring Holger!  Skywalker Stories, LaserDisc Legends, and a No Excuses Cinema "Under The Roof"#Movemberhttps://www.brightsidehometheater.com/movemberraffleIn this Takeover Tuesday, DJ is joined by Holger from Germany for a wide-ranging, enthusiast-to-enthusiast chat that hits everything from home theater obsession to mountain biking zen. Holger shares how DJ nudged him toward a Lumagen and walks you through his projector-based, totally blacked-out attic cinema—complete with the challenges of heat, access, and neighbor-approved bass. They dig into disc players (OPPO nostalgia vs. Panasonic prowess), massive local libraries and NAS backups, and the realities of media fragility that drove him to digitize nearly 2,000 titles. Holger recounts an unforgettable visit to Skywalker Ranch during the Fight Club mix, THX lore, and the “Banned from the Ranch” legend. They compare IMAX vs. Dolby Cinema consistency, ponder Avatar’s future, and debate Star Wars’ theatrical prospects—including hopes for an original-cut New Hope in 4K. They guys also trace the format journey from VHS to LaserDisc to UHD, celebrate great restorations, and talk global release quirks, dubbing pitfalls, and the pure fun of planning and building—no excuses, even if your theater lives in the attic. If you want to come on the show, it only takes one email. You'll talk shop, bikes, attics, and everything in between—then you'll go push play.So much Fun!If you don’t believe it…Push Play and Hear for yourself!Chapters1. (00:00:00) Cold open and welcoming Holger from Germany2. (00:01:52) Enthusiasm for movies and starting the show3. (00:03:12) Listener participation and overcoming nerves4. (00:04:08) Holgers Lumagen story and first impressions5. (00:05:28) Home theater setups, projectors, and speakers6. (00:06:43) 4K players, Oppo vs Panasonic, and HDR optimization7. (00:10:58) Disc rot scare and digitizing a large library8. (00:15:01) Mountain biking passion and riding in winter storms9. (00:23:25) Skywalker Ranch visit: THX days and Stag Theater10. (00:29:19) THX home theater room and LucasArts stop11. (00:33:10) IMAX vs Dolby Cinema consistency debate12. (00:46:41) Mandalorian movie expectations and Star Wars futures13. (00:52:39) From VHS to 4K: Holgers collecting journey14. (01:02:46) Ownership vs streaming: the future of media15. (01:09:29) Whats next: 3D without glasses, VR, and bitrate16. (01:18:59) German dubbing culture vs original language tracks17. (01:34:36) Building under the roof: design, absorbers, new ceiling18. (01:51:12) No excuses: the attic theater spirit19. (01:53:01) Wrapping up, invites to listeners, and giveaways Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYDinos, Destinations, and DTS: The Running Man ReturnsAnother week and another fun show! This week, we take another trip back to the 80s and Steve busts out some more French! There be AWESOME HT experiences ahead!!Enjoy!https://www.brightsidehometheater.com/movemberraffleLets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this week’s show, Steve and DJ kick off with a behind-the-scenes livestream hiccups and a fun chat about physical media, from steelbooks to the current state of 4K discs and where they still shine over streaming. They swap travel-and-tech stories (yes, movie glasses on public transit can be awesome) before diving into a packed slate of home theater experiences: Crocodile Dundee II’s surprisingly stellar 4K presentation, a lukewarm but Atmos-noteworthy moment in the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, and the delightfully over-the-top Jurassic World: Rebirth, which is big, loud, and inoffensively fun at home. The boys also dig into two Running Man entries—Schwarzenegger’s 1987 classic with a shockingly aggressive room-filling DTS-HD mix that plays like an 80s sonic time capsule, and Edgar Wright’s grounded reimagining with Glenn Powell, which we found entertaining, timely, and primed for a great future home release. Plus, DJ gushes over Apple TV+’s Pluribus: an immaculately mixed, reference-worthy streaming track with subtle but precise Atmos work and razor-sharp HDR that’s already a standout of the year. They wrap with Movember updates and the stacked raffle: a Kaleidescape M, SVS SB 1000 Pro subwoofer, custom-built bookshelf speakers by Ara Derdarian, an Indiana Jones box set, and a 2026 CEDIA trip package. All details, terms, and how to enter are on the site—every donation supports men’s health, and winners pick prizes in order drawn. Thanks to everyone in the live chat for the laughs, questions, and recs—keep those home theater demos coming!CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Backstage banter, backgrounds, and stream quirks2. (00:06:36) Acting craft talk: repetition, emotions, and direction3. (00:07:40) Steves public transport private theater: XR glasses + ANC4. (00:13:18) Wearables in public, Apple Vision Pro, and etiquette5. (00:15:45) Idiocracy, prescience, and week-in-review6. (00:24:42) Livestream hiccups, greetings, and global audience roll call7. (00:25:55) Will physical media die? Pricing, steelbooks, and players8. (00:34:59) Best Buy memories, Suncoast days, and disc hunting lore9. (00:45:12) Local shop talk, state lines, and road-trip media runs10. (00:46:39) Kaleidescape extras vs. discs: what you get11. (00:47:57) Review: Crocodile Dundee II 4K image, audio, and fun12. (00:57:18) Review: I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) 4K/Atmos13. (01:05:26) Apple TV+ spotlight: Pluribus premise and standout audio14. (01:16:02) Review: Jurassic World Rebirth 4K/Atmos inoffensive fun15. (01:25:00) Classic revisit: The Running Man (1987) 4K/DTS-HD review16. (01:46:16) New take: The Running Man (2025) theatrical impressions17. (01:56:04) Wrap-up: Movember raffle, thanks, and sign-off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAYCrocodile Dundee, Del Toro’s Frankenstein, and a Predator Left TurnAnother week, another very fun show… This week, we go into Landscape AND Portrait mode! Loads of great HT experiences discussed and a unique perspective on The Big Bang Theory! Enjoy!https://www.brightsidehometheater.com/movemberraffleLets get into ALL our Home Theater Experiences!So much fun!“If you can’t laugh while talking Home Theater, you’re doing something wrong.”Right?Push Play and hear for yourself.In this lively episode, Steve and DJ kick it off with a thoughtful, surprisingly deep dive into media through the lens of real‑world law and ethics, then pivot hard into home theater goodness. They spotlight the powerful documentary Return to Auschwitz: The Survival of Vladimir Monk (thanks to filmmaker Paul Frederick), why it’s a must‑experience and how it plays in a calibrated theater. From there, the guys have fun revisiting Crocodile Dundee in 4K (and what’s different in the newer cut), the immersive Apple TV+ firefighter drama The Lost Bus (Greengrass + McConaughey + excellent Atmos), and a shockingly demo‑worthy Blu‑ray in A Monster Calls with reference‑grade sound design. They also sample season 3 of The Diplomat and its sneaky overhead helo pan, then dive into Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix—gorgeous presentation with divisive storytelling—before closing with Predator: Badlands, where expectations, genre shifts, and theater tech (hello laser projection and captions) collide, and why a 4K rewatch at home could change the game.Along the way Steve and DJ compare theatrical vs. home viewing, note streamers’ often top‑tier audio/video masters, and share updates on our Movember fundraiser and worldwide audience growth. Lots of laughs, plenty of strong opinions, and a stack of watch‑list additions—all about the experiences, as always.CHAPTERS1. (00:00:00) Cold open chaos, jokes, and going live mishaps2. (00:03:10) Chat roll call and vertical vs. horizontal stream links3. (00:04:56) Busy weeks, euphemisms, and Movember mustaches4. (00:09:10) Show start: Bright Side intro and last weeks audio fiasco5. (00:11:21) Debate: Big Bang Theory, coercive control, and shifting norms6. (00:24:00) Welcoming the audience across platforms and countries7. (00:27:18) Review: Return to Auschwitz The Survival of Vladimir Monk8. (00:38:31) Home theater pivot: Crocodile Dundee 4K impressions9. (00:56:05) Apple TV+ pick: The Lost Bus (Greengrass/McConaughey) audio/visuals10. (01:05:01) Series sidebar: The Diplomat S3 and a subtle Atmos moment11. (01:13:16) Sleeper reference disc: A Monster Calls (Blu-ray 7.1)12. (01:26:00) Netflix feature: Frankenstein (del Toro) story vs. spectacle13. (01:39:18) Main event preview and segue to Predator: Badlands14. (01:40:40) Theatrical experience: laser projection, captions, and Badlands take15. (01:53:04) Wrap-up: world listener map, Movember drive, and thanks Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

It’s Take Over Tuesday where you the listener run the podcast.And this week’s episode is featuring more clips form the 25 hour show!  Film Love, Real Talk: Funding Docs, HDR History, and Tinkering With The Perfect Room#Movemberhttps://www.brightsidehometheater.com/movemberraffleIn this Takeover Tuesday, DJ kick things off acknowledging last week’s audio hiccups and jump into a rich, multi-part conversation about passion projects, filmmaking realities, and home theater obsession. They open with Paul Frederick and Jon Thompson discussing Paul’s documentary “Return to Auschwitz: The Survival of Vladimir Munk”—how it was self-funded during the pandemic, got on 98% of PBS stations, later hit digital platforms, and even won a regional Emmy. Paul shares the emotional impact of returning with Vladimir to Auschwitz, the challenge of financing indie films, festival timing, distribution economics, and the value (and cost) of visibility. They also talk about classroom screenings, combating Holocaust denial through lived testimony, and the craft choices—music, pacing, and the 5.1 mix—that shape audience experience.From there, They pivot into the home theater deep end with Khris Deering and crew: HDR history (BrightSide to Dolby Pulsar), contrast math, why projector tech evolves slowly, and the harsh business realities behind DLP vs. LCOS, three‑chip systems, and modular laser light engines. They get candid about valuing expertise, supporting local dealers, and the fine line between consultation and “free cheeseburgers.” Then DJ hangs with Mikey, Johnny Speakers, and Omar on real‑world setups: Lumagen magic (auto aspect ratio and tone mapping gains), HDMI handshakes, projector vs. OLED tradeoffs, room isolation vs. calibration challenges, SIM racing rabbit holes, and the irresistible urge to tweak racks, wiring, and gear just for the fun of it. They wrap with quick takes on the F1 movie’s Maverick‑style thrills and an open invite to join our ongoing community conversations.Chapters(00:00:00) Opening, audio fixes, and episode roadmap(00:02:47) Paul Frederick introduces "Return to Auschwitz"(00:08:29) Oscar campaigns, costs, and YouTube as lifeline(00:12:35) Viewer reaction: impact of Vladimir’s story on the big screen(00:19:06) Why the film was made: memory against denial(00:21:44) Holocaust denial confronted and the tattoo’s meaning(00:24:09) 5.1 mix, music choices, and editing under constraints(00:28:06) Recognition: Emmy win, sensitivity, and giving Vladimir his plaque(00:31:31) What’s next for Paul and regional documentaries(00:33:06) Giveaways and CEDIA trip setup(00:33:52) Projector black levels and the Christie Eclipse debate(00:35:29) Display tech deep‑dive: HDR, backlights, and contrast math(00:45:34) Why high‑end projection stays expensive(01:03:01) Is home theater dying or just harder to discover?(01:09:19) Paths into the hobby and doing the right thing(01:10:48) Kris signs off; camaraderie and debate among friends(01:16:04) Lumagen auto aspect switching and input routing(01:22:01) Video processors as tools, not necessities(01:26:24) AB testing, FOMO, and hearing hidden details(01:31:11) Chasing reference vs. late‑night listening compromises(01:36:42) Designing two rooms: theater vs. podcast studio(01:39:37) Sim racing rabbit holes and resisting demos(02:03:30) Projector temptations: Valeria Max vs. JVC(02:06:47) Processing matters more: shootouts and tone‑mapping(02:23:38) Speaker choices, room acoustics, and shows vs. home(02:27:15) Advice without context and influencer caveats(02:30:06) The joy of tinkering: cable management and mistakes(02:36:27) F1 movie thrills vs. realism and why cinema exaggerates(02:39:25) Wrap‑up, Movember raffle reminders, and sign‑offLinks from the ShowRyan’s Movember Pagehttps://us.movember.com/mospace/5466773?mc=1&utm_medium=share&utm_source=dynamic&utm_campaign=copy-clipboard Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on TwitterDJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / TwitterJohn - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / TwitterSteve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / TwitterAnd if you’d like to contribute to the show…Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOWEmail the guys and put “HT Experience” in the subject line they will talk about your comment on the Podcast.  Email or DM Them on Twitter to schedule to record a Take Over Tuesday episode.A movie you liked or a Movie you hated? A favorite scene?  Good or Bad Experience with Home Theater gear? Comments about past Bright Side Home Theater podcasts?Anything about your Home Theater Experience, just let them know and you’ll be on the show!LinksPatreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheaterTwitter: @BrightSideHTemail: brightsidehometheater@gmail.comweb: Brightsidehometheater.comMerch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theaterThanks to:Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions.https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/