🚪A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) In Dolby Atmos: Not What You'd Expect

2 Out of 5 Bags 💰💰

Written by Jonathan Garcia

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

Finishing up this interesting journey I'm shocked to give my first 2 bag review! The acting was good, but the energy in this movie overall felt strange. The story was pretty good and pretty fun. If you’re a fan of “Re-Zero” the anime, where you get thrown in the middle of a story with no background or context -- this is kind of that vibe. Let's enjoy the ride and let's talk about the big beautiful Atmos!

🎧 Dolby Atmos

Unfortunately, the Atmos was not as big and beautiful as one would expect. The intro started out stereo and then it stayed feeling stereo. With a lot of things happening on screen and a lot potential for moving audio to be present, I was expecting more. It kind of felt super 5.1 with everything leaning forward. The rear half of the theater felt empty more often than not. When the music kicks in it’s the most energetic the film gets but still very front focused or front height focused for music at times. There were a lot of environments and room changes that stayed forward and went from slightly audible to inaudible throughout. Even the rain didn’t immerse us (like a storm outside that we had to walk in) nor the pitter patter of the raindrops on the ceiling. There were scenes much later into the movie where we would hear characters continue off screen but this was sparse. Again, the most immersive parts about this film is the music. Specifically one piano that may have been in the same place the entire film, but gosh darn that was some good placement! I even waited in hopes for a banging outro & credits scene. Strangely the music felt centered with no low end and not immersive at all. There were some good immersive tastes but nothing too big or beautiful on this Atmos journey.  

🔊 Dynamics & Loudness

The film wasn’t loud. There was nothing over compressed or painful to listen to at any point. The vocals felt louder than everything else, by like 10dB to 15dB (except for that piano). Overall there were dynamics in the film but it felt as if the balance was off. The overall audio felt thin as if it were missing something in the lower end of the frequency spectrum like 200Hz and below. 

🎚️LFE

When the LFE was used it felt great! That being said it felt used sparingly. The low end of the film felt a bit underused. Even in big moments as doors open or thunder storms. When it was used though, that really helped the film and the audience feel at least somewhat immersed.

⚡️ Interesting Moments

Rental Car Warehouse: We’re in this HUGE space and it doesn’t sound like it, maybe slightly sometimes with a rear reflection.

LFE: When it’s used the lfe really ties the entire audio and visual image together for the viewers on this one. 

The Piano: Throughout the movie there is a piano that plays. It really is placed in an immersive way. Sometimes it can feel like too much, it can get as loud if not louder than the dialogue? 

Lighthouse: This had interesting placement, especially that snare drum during this scene!

Deer Incoming: This is a great use of Atmos that really feels like we’re with the main characters at this moment.

Hospital: As the nurses and residents are leaving the scene. We can still hear them as they pass by. Great use of Atmos to continue and finish the viewer's image.

Outro Guitars: These were immersive and needed more of them throughout the film.

You Are Home / Family song: This by far was the best atmos of the entire film and it’s towards the end.

💡 Final Thoughts

2 Out of 5 Bags 💰💰

I would probably watch the sequel no 🧢 lol I recommend this if you found interest in the movie's trailer or are a fan of the actors and writers. If you have high Dolby Atmos expectations get ready for the big boring journey. Although this was full of amazing acting and randomly deep and adventurous heart felt moments, It felt as if there was a disconnect and I don’t know why. The Atmos was glorified stereo with some balancing issues. I feel the Dolby Atmos could have helped this movie translate its story, meaning and emotional intent much better to the audience than what we were presented with. 2 out of 5 bags.