In August 2026, a variety of new 4K Blu-ray discs were tested for their picture and audio quality using some of the latest and most advanced home theater equipment. The testing involved the LG G6, one of the best OLED TVs of the year, the Panasonic DP-UB820, considered the top 4K Blu-ray player on the market, and the Samsung HW-Q990C, a highly respected 11.1.4 soundbar system. The discs tested included "Project Hail Mary," "Michael," "Troy," "West Side Story (1961)," "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey," "Hunt For The Wilderpeople," and "Mars Attacks!" Each disc was evaluated for its visual and audio fidelity, showcasing the latest in home entertainment technology. "Project Hail Mary," based on the novel by Andy Weir, follows a schoolteacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. The disc features a Dolby Vision soundtrack that delivers clear, detailed sound across the rear speakers. Its colors are vibrant yet accurate, with space scenes rendered with a high degree of realism. "Michael" is a biographical film chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to the height of his Bad World Tour. The disc includes a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that balances instruments and crowd noise effectively. The picture quality is crisp and polished, with colors that are both vivid and true to life. "West Side Story (1961)" is a classic musical inspired by Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet," following a romance between two young people from rival gangs. The 4K restoration of this film is notable for its use of a 70mm 6-channel master, resulting in a DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack with rich detail. Visually, the restoration brings out vibrant colors and intricate textures, preserving the film’s original look. "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey," a sequel to the 1989 comedy, follows the duo as they face off against evil robots in the afterlife. The disc features a DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack that delivers a surprising amount of detail, using every speaker channel effectively. The film’s visuals are enhanced with accurate colors and clear textures. "Hunt For The Wilderpeople" is an adventure film set in New Zealand, following a young orphan and his foster uncle as they escape into the wilderness. The disc highlights the beauty of the New Zealand landscape with vibrant, accurate colors. The DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack captures the natural sounds of the environment, from birdsong to the crunch of leaves underfoot. "Mars Attacks!" follows aliens who invade Earth, with the film’s highlight being its exaggerated portrayal of Las Vegas. The disc features vivid colors and cleaned-up textures, while the Dolby Atmos soundtrack delivers rich bass and accurate sound placement, especially for the alien weapons.