Bright Side Home Theater

dj@brightsidehometheater.com

The Home Theater Podcast That's All About The Experiences. The Sights! The Sounds! The Scenes! For more information, visit brightsidehometheater.com and join in on the fun.

  1. Take Over Tuesday: Featuring Buzz Schneider of the 1980 Miracle Team

    1 DAY AGO

    Take Over Tuesday: Featuring Buzz Schneider of the 1980 Miracle Team

    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 Miracle In 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 Show Resources mentioned (non-sponsor):  1980 Miracle Monument: 1980miraclemonument.org Netflix documentary: “The Boys of ’80.” Chapters 1. (00:00:00) Opening energy and setting the stage 2. (00:00:25) Introducing Buzz and recent gold win reactions 3. (00:02:04) Watching Team USA win gold again—emotions and goaltending 4. (00:03:41) Lake Placid statue project—vision, cost, and timeline 5. (00:06:50) Memories of the 1980 medal podium and team moment 6. (00:09:08) Origins of the USA chant and Lake Placid crowd 7. (00:10:10) Breaking down Buzzs goal vs. Tretiak and goalie talk 8. (00:12:29) On that soft goal narrative and cross-grain shooting 9. (00:12:50) Nickname Buzz, family roots, and the Miracle film 10. (00:15:04) Training, schedule, and being the best-conditioned team 11. (00:16:20) The legendary Norway Herbies skate and movie payback 12. (00:20:14) Kings fandom, hearing about the upset, and Al Michaels line 13. (00:22:00) Postgame memories, Tretiak encounters, and pulling the goalie 14. (00:26:00) Why 1980 remains unique vs. modern pro-on-pro gold 15. (00:29:41) Herb Brooks hybrid system and tough-love coaching 16. (00:33:32) Netflix Boys of 80 documentary and team reunion 17. (00:36:44) Miracle Fantasy Camp and the extended family vibe 18. (00:39:33) Returning to Lake Placids rink and emotions 19. (00:41:06) Coneheads line—Iron Range roots and chemistry 20. (00:44:40) Herbs lineup decisions, Jack Hughes cut, and team fit 21. (00:48:17) Dave Christian to defense and blue-line depth in 1980 22. (00:50:04) Not a miracle? Jim Craigs view and seeding belief 23. (00:52:05) East vs. Minnesota tensions and forging unity 24. (00:55:04) Shift lengths, late-game nerves, and player mindset 25. (01:00:00) Growth of USA Hockey, access, and rising costs 26. (01:04:02) Experiencing Miracle on film—sound, set magic, and Kurt Russell 27. (01:09:21) Herb Brooks passing and lasting impact 28. (01:11:24) How the Miracle film gave the story new legs 29. (01:12:22) Goaltending evolution—from stand-up to butterfly era 30. (01:14:11) Cultural resonance—why 1980 still gives goosebumps 31. (01:23:36) Approachability of the 1980 team and fan stories 32. (01:31:29) Context matters—college kids vs. Eastern Bloc pros 33. (01:36:19) Sports as a unifier and American story 34. (01:39:10) Buzz bombs, fanboying, and closing reflections Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    1h 42m
  2. Home Theater Experience: No Country for Old Men 4K Criterion Collection

    5 DAYS AGO

    Home Theater Experience: No Country for Old Men 4K Criterion Collection

    THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAY Pores, Bats, and Perfect Transfers: Our Big 4K Showcase The 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. CHAPTERS 1. (00:00:00) Steve returns sick; court tomorrow and voice woes 2. (00:08:40) Olympics fever: USA hockey wins; coaching discipline stories 3. (00:12:50) Curling jokes, Snoopy chat, and dog tales from beagles to wolves 4. (00:20:28) Show intro proper and the "all gold" night plan 5. (00:34:55) The Gray 4K Dolby Vision review: survival, CG wolves, big upgrade 6. (00:44:10) GOAT (2026) theatrical impressions: vibrant animation and audio fun 7. (00:52:00) End of Watch 4K SteelBook: realism, ride-alongs, and jaw-dropping detail 8. (01:03:00) From Dusk Till Dawn in 4K DV on Kaleidescape: rediscovering a classic 9. (01:17:20) Minority Report 4K: HDR showcase, greenhouse scene, and depth 10. (01:31:30) Miracle memories: Netflix doc vs film; USA hockey nostalgia 11. (01:37:10) No Country for Old Men (Criterion 4K): Deakins perfection and audio notes 12. (01:50:40) Wrap-up and teases for next week; thanks to chat and patrons Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    1h 53m
  3. Home Theater Plans: Good Experience or Bad Experience?

    13 FEB

    Home Theater Plans: Good Experience or Bad Experience?

    THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAY From Buckets to Brilliance: How to Start (and Keep Going) in Home Theater The 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! CHAPTERS 1. (00:00:00) Going live solo: audio hiccups and setup chaos 2. (00:03:35) Show intro and todays big question 3. (00:04:56) Teasing next weeks experiences and content 4. (00:06:03) Are we ever done with a home theater? 5. (00:08:05) Rolling through the live chat: hellos and housekeeping 6. (00:12:36) Plans vs. no plans: the case for having a plan 7. (00:14:55) When plans backfire: analysis paralysis and budgets 8. (00:18:49) There is no endgame: technology and taste keep moving 9. (00:22:12) Can you ever max out a room? Its about the mind, not the gear 10. (00:24:55) Enthusiast mindset and the joy of planning without getting stuck 11. (00:26:36) How it began: DIY origins in the 80s and learning by mistakes 12. (00:31:40) Community chat riffs: upgrades, value, and stalled temptations 13. (00:40:02) Why upgrades feel slower now: 4K, HDR, Atmos plateaus 14. (00:44:03) Small wins: firmware updates, enjoying what you have 15. (00:46:02) Just start: sit on a bucket and build around the screen 16. (00:47:53) Acoustic treatment 101: learn by tuning your own room 17. (00:51:09) Balancing bass, dialogue clarity, and personal taste 18. (00:53:18) Room is king: the hardest part of any plan 19. (00:56:18) Content first? Good movies, bad movies, and home theater 20. (00:58:24) Living room vs. dedicated room and what draws you downstairs 21. (01:00:24) Physical media vs. streaming: quality, risk, and longevity 22. (01:05:00) When tech nukes your plan: HDMI arrives and resets the roadmap 23. (01:08:00) The next big reset: a future beyond HDMI 24. (01:10:49) Dolby Vision today and talk of Dolby Vision 2 25. (01:15:03) Nothing changes overnight: markets, fear, and adaptation 26. (01:18:59) Budgets, shrinking markets, and adjusting dreams 27. (01:20:21) Dreaming bigger: infrasonics and ideas for under speakers 28. (01:21:52) So, is planning good or bad? Finding the balance 29. (01:23:44) Chasing tomorrow: why the best keeps moving 30. (01:26:59) Oppenheimer analogy: when impossible becomes possible 31. (01:28:39) Sports tangents and live show stamina 32. (01:31:02) Closing thanks, community love, and sign-off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    1h 34m
  4. Home Theater Experience: Out of Sight 4K

    6 FEB

    Home Theater Experience: Out of Sight 4K

    THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAY Primate Panic, Dogma Drama, and Field of Dreams in DTS:X What 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. CHAPTERS 1. (00:00:00) Live kickoff, weather banter, and warming up 2. (00:04:52) Apologies, studio banter, and chat welcomes 3. (00:05:57) Stone‑cold classics debate: Star Wars and beyond 4. (00:12:06) Ewoks, marketing, and trilogy tones 5. (00:21:10) Takeover Tuesday, film criticism vs. home theater concerns 6. (00:28:57) Criterion, Eyes Wide Shut, and the 10‑bit vs 12‑bit debate 7. (00:36:44) Kubrick talk: 2001, Clockwork Orange, Strangelove 8. (00:42:49) John’s encyclopedic mind and behind‑the‑scenes camaraderie 9. (00:46:56) Studio update: monitor mishap, mount fixes, and setup tweaks 10. (00:47:05) Theatrical review: Primate (gorier than expected) 11. (00:56:57) Home release: The Long Walk (Stephen King) 4K/Atmos impressions 12. (01:02:00) Greenland II: Migration—story, visuals, and Atmos take 13. (01:13:08) Out of Sight (1998) 4K Kino—gorgeous transfer, adult caper 14. (01:24:54) Dogma 4K: beloved film, mixed video and audio differences 15. (01:36:01) Field of Dreams 4K DTS:X—heart, picture depth, and whispers 16. (01:45:31) Wrap‑up: schedule, community shout‑outs, and sign‑off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    1h 49m
  5. Take Over Tuesday: Featuring Jon Thompson Eyes Wide Open: Bit Depth, Dolby Vision, and Defending Kubrick’s Intent

    3 FEB

    Take Over Tuesday: Featuring Jon Thompson Eyes Wide Open: Bit Depth, Dolby Vision, and Defending Kubrick’s Intent

    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 Thompson In 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. Chapters 1. (00:00:00) Opening banter and setting the agenda 2. (00:00:45) Eyes Wide Shut on Criterion sparks a quality debate 3. (00:04:40) Dolby Vision vs HDR10: history, licensing, and bit depth 4. (00:07:36) 8‑bit to 16‑bit: lessons from VFX, DCI testing, and standards 5. (00:12:19) Pixel depth over pixel count and the rise of HDR cinema 6. (00:16:43) Kubrick’s influence: obsession with perfection and process 7. (00:20:01) Case study: The Long Good Friday—12‑bit vs 10‑bit impact 8. (00:31:41) High‑end processors and niche features: Trinnov and pro Atmos 9. (00:41:26) Why file‑based playback can rival DCPs 10. (00:44:53) Film vs digital highlights, dynamic range, and capture choices 11. (00:50:13) Grain myths and proper grain management in scans 12. (00:56:42) Why not 12‑bit? QC, seamless branching, and costs 13. (00:59:31) Criterion’s track record, pricing, and likely silence 14. (01:03:15) Trickle‑down tech: DLP, big OLEDs, and falling prices 15. (01:05:41) Resolution vs HDR: when 2K is enough on smaller screens 16. (01:06:25) Why Kaleidescape images pop: ASICs and HDMI design 17. (01:10:27) Power supplies and noise: linear vs switch‑mode in AV 18. (01:19:41) Kubrick team lore: lenses, DPs, and preparation for Eyes Wide Shut 19. (01:26:48) AI accusations, editing tools, and writing voice 20. (01:45:02) Chroma subsampling 4:2:0 vs 4:2:2 vs 4:4:4 explained 21. (01:50:06) Digital archiving woes: lost tapes and fragile negatives 22. (01:54:05) Studios restoring classics and obsessive research culture 23. (02:03:00) Is streaming anti‑art? Group experiences and curation 24. (02:05:00) Context matters: then vs now in theatrical awe 25. (02:07:17) Community, tribes, and social media echo chambers 26. (02:12:00) Pre‑internet research, libraries, and conspiracy thrillers 27. (02:14:18) Bandwidth overkill and file sizes then and now 28. (02:16:49) From flying negatives to digital delivery timelines 29. (02:18:18) Cameras shrink, phones shoot 8K, and custom IMAX rigs 30. (02:21:36) Nolan, Odyssey, and managing IMAX spectacle 31. (02:25:35) What does space smell like? Humor and human details 32. (02:26:24) Moon landing conspiracies, restorations, and Armstrong’s tale 33. (02:33:11) Closing thoughts: Kubrick’s rigor and the 12‑bit ask 34. (02:42:43) Wrap‑up, meta on discourse, and sign‑off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    2h 45m
  6. Home Theater Experience: Primitive War

    30 JAN

    Home Theater Experience: Primitive War

    THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAY From Plows to Projectors: Primitive War, Minority Report 4K, and Classic Comedy Upgrades What 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. CHAPTERS 1. (00:00:00) Snowpocalypse webcams and childhood blizzards 2. (00:07:40) Driveways, pretreating roads, and storm prep tech 3. (00:08:45) Patriots back to the Super Bowl and sports-fan baggage 4. (00:11:45) “How was your summer?”—US culture decoded 5. (00:16:39) Kickoff: Bright Side Home Theater goes live 6. (00:18:05) A tough week, a heartfelt shout‑out, and chat roll call 7. (00:23:40) Live show scheduling and growing the audience 8. (00:27:50) XR glasses update: RealD 3D conversion tested 9. (00:33:50) Free feature, pros and cons, and VR ride immersion 10. (00:38:04) Criterion kerfuffle: Eyes Wide Shut Dolby Vision debate 11. (00:46:45) Primitive War (Blu‑ray) review: ‘Platoon meets dinos’ 12. (00:58:57) Cinderella Man (4K/Atmos) rewatch: crowd waves and punch weight 13. (01:10:14) Minority Report (4K DV) surprises: grain, glow, and detail 14. (01:21:54) Kingpin (4K) revisited: Farrelly humor still strikes 15. (01:34:16) Airplane II (4K) love letter: gag rate to the moon 16. (01:40:50) How to Train Your Dragon (live‑action 4K/Atmos): faithful, polished, restrained bass 17. (01:53:14) Wrap‑up: what’s next and sign‑off Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    1h 57m
  7. Home Theater Experience: Predator Badlands 4K

    23 JAN

    Home Theater Experience: Predator Badlands 4K

    THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAY Tron: Ares vs. Predator: Badlands—Streaming Showdowns and Early HT Demo Kings What 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! CHAPTERS 1. (00:00:00) Cold open, banter, and easing back into the show 2. (00:01:40) Tech, warfare, and ethics: guns, drones, and video games 3. (00:05:35) Schedule changes, life updates, and a resilient community 4. (00:08:45) Live chat roll call and welcoming new listeners 5. (00:16:00) Gear corner: AirPods Pro 3 noise canceling impresses 6. (00:21:55) XR glasses update: real 3D coming to Xreal and use cases 7. (00:27:45) Listener support shout‑outs and Patreon thanks 8. (00:32:55) Friends hearing the show and the oddity of being recognized 9. (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 Award 11. (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 wins 13. (00:51:45) Netflix spotlight: The Rip (Damon & Affleck) – story and mix 14. (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 gunfire 16. (01:08:00) Disc demo time: Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2 in 4K HDR and Atmos 17. (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 impact 19. (01:30:08) Predator: Badlands – stronger film, playful Atmos, vibrant HDR 20. (01:41:20) Variable aspect ratios: Oppenheimer vs Tron Ares preferences 21. (01:41:45) Catalog upgrade: Under Siege 4K (Arrow) – image and Atmos gains 22. (01:48:20) Die Hard in a… everything? Comparing genre clones with Under Siege 23. (01:53:16) Looking ahead, more reviews queued, and global listener count Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    1h 57m
  8. The Top 10 Home Theater Experiences of 2025!

    9 JAN

    The Top 10 Home Theater Experiences of 2025!

    THANK YOU for PUSHING PLAY What is the BEST Home Theater Experience of 2025? The Freddies Debut: Our Top 10 Home Theater Experiences of 2025 Steve 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. Chapters 1. (00:00:00) Kicking off awards week and top-10 prep 2. (00:03:12) Kaleidescape most-watched list and Tom Cruise talk 3. (00:07:04) Origins of their annual lists and guests shout-outs 4. (00:10:41) Debating predictions and the difficulty of rankings 5. (00:18:06) Show open hiccups and setting the stage 6. (00:20:30) Introducing the Freddies: the donkey award origin story 7. (00:29:02) Award logistics, categories, and chat roll call 8. (00:35:03) Method: scoring the combined top list 9. (00:38:46) Honorable mentions 29–23: streams and discs mix 10. (00:49:01) Honorable mentions 22–16: Dirty Harry to Daredevil 11. (00:55:01) Controversies: Superman and Weapons ranked lower 12. (01:10:04) Mission Impossible just misses the top 10 13. (01:14:29) Top 10 begins: Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut) 14. (01:17:40) #9 Novocaine: cringe, glass, and Atmos wizardry 15. (01:21:56) #8 Dangerous Animals: nasty fun without Atmos/DV 16. (01:27:52) #7 Ballerina: neon noir and flamethrower mayhem 17. (01:33:00) Clarifying formats and the exception cases 18. (01:33:56) #6 Death of a Unicorn: vivid HDR and Jurassic roars 19. (01:37:51) Freddies awarded: Inspirational pod, Best Video, Best Audio 20. (01:49:59) #5 K‑Pop Demon Hunters: 1080p DV/Atmos stunner 21. (01:54:56) #4 Wolfman: jaw-dropping audio, story debates 22. (01:58:05) #3 Sinners: VAR cinematography and immersive pacing 23. (02:02:00) #2 House of Dynamite: tension masterclass on Netflix 24. (02:10:15) #1 F1: the complete home theater experience 25. (02:17:23) Full rankings recap and reflections on the year 26. (02:20:16) Looking ahead to 2026: Odyssey, Predator, and more 27. (02:23:46) Closing laughs and sign‑off with technical gremlins Follow & Say Hi to the Guys on Twitter DJ - Bright Side Home Theater (@BrightSideHT) / Twitter John - John Circone ⚽️ (@JohnCircone) / Twitter Steve - Steve George (@LegalBeagleOK) / Twitter And if you’d like to contribute to the show… Here are Two Ways YOU CAN BE ON THE SHOW Email 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! Links Patreon: patreon.com/brightsidehometheater Twitter: @BrightSideHT email: brightsidehometheater@gmail.com web: Brightsidehometheater.com Merch: www.teepublic.com/user/bright-side-home-theater Thanks to: Theme Music by Jeff Bernheart/Throne Vault Productions. https://thronevaultproductions.bandcamp.com/

    2h 25m
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About

The Home Theater Podcast That's All About The Experiences. The Sights! The Sounds! The Scenes! For more information, visit brightsidehometheater.com and join in on the fun.

Information

  • Creator
    dj@brightsidehometheater.com
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    515
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @ 2025 Nerdy Legion
  • Show Website
    Bright Side Home Theater

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