Just because you can watch a blockbuster movie at home does not mean you’re getting a cinematic experience. A small flat-panel television cannot replace the immersive image delivered by a large projection screen. Over the past few years, this article has listed some of the best streaming movies available each month to watch on a projection system. Since there are so many great movies available, we decided to take a look each month at one of the most notable titles being introduced and our experience viewing it on a projector.
Given that blockbuster movies are released in theaters or on streaming services during the summer, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to kick off our experience and reviews of the best streaming movies available.
We wish to thank BenQ for sponsoring our Monthly Streaming Movie Review
Wolfs
Release Date: September 27 Service: Apple TV+
Wolfs (2024) is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, starring Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Directed by Jon Watts, best known for his work on the Spider-Man MCU films, Wolfs is an action-comedy that brings these two A-list actors together for the first time in over 15 years, following their success in films like Ocean's Eleven.
Wolfs premiered in theaters on September 20, 2024, with a limited theatrical release in select cities. However, most people will catch it on Apple TV+, where it started streaming globally on September 27, 2024.
This release strategy, combining both theaters and streaming, caters to various viewing preferences. The good news is that a projection system will let you enjoy the big-screen experience in the comfort of your home.
For viewers who demand a theatrical-level experience at home, watching Wolfs on a large screen with a powerful sound system is highly recommended. The movie's quick pacing, combined with its action sequences, benefits from high refresh rates and minimal motion blur—something that’s noticeable if you’ve invested in a top-tier home theater system.
The Plot
The plot revolves around two lone-wolf fixers, played by Pitt and Clooney, who are unknowingly assigned to the same high-stakes job: covering up a prominent New York official’s mistake. Over the course of one explosive night, their clashing egos, conflicting methods, and grudging respect for each other unravel in a series of twists and turns. Amy Ryan, as the troubled official who initiates the chaos, delivers a strong supporting performance, while newcomer Austin Abrams shines as a nervous young man who becomes an unlikely part of the duo’s misadventures.
The movie is driven by witty banter, reminiscent of Ocean's Eleven, but leans more into action-comedy with a healthy dose of suspense. The dynamic between Clooney's and Pitt's characters—a pair of reluctant partners—creates much of the film's comedic appeal, while also allowing for quieter, character-driven moments that add depth.
My Impressions
BenQ provided me with one of their flagship W5800 Home Theater projectors to use as my reference projector. The BenQ W5800 is a 4K DLP projector designed for demanding home cinema enthusiasts who value accurate color reproduction and better optics over maximum brightness and smart features.
The unit's 2600 ANSI lumens of brightness combined with BenQ's proven CinematicColor technology delivers a bright image with accurate colors when viewing SDR and HDR content. This projector, combined with my 123-inch Screen Innovation slate screen and my Marantz and Bowers & Wilkins audio system, delivered an experience that rivals most small theater metroplexes.
This doesn’t mean I still don’t go to movie theaters to watch certain movies, but due to the experience I can get at home, I normally hunt out the best cinemas in my area to make the ticket price worthwhile and only for certain movies.
If you're a home theater enthusiast who cares about plot and audiovisual quality, Wolfs promises to deliver on all fronts. For projection aficionados, Wolfs is a perfect addition to your 2024 watchlist. Available exclusively on Apple TV+, the film streams in 4K Ultra HD resolution along with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. This ensures you get the most out of the film’s vibrant New York City backdrop and its stunning night sequences. From dimly lit streets to neon-soaked diners, the movie is visually crafted to shine in a home theater setting.
A lot of the movie is shot in dark rooms or outside late at night. The Brad Pitt and George Clooney also wearing dark clothing. These types of HDR scenes can be challenging for many projectors. While the BenQ W5800 does not support Dolby Vision, it does an excellent job of tone mapping the HDR10 version, so the projector does a good job displaying bright, highlight detail while maintaining good full-screen brightness and shadow detail.
The dark scenes will test a projector's HDR tone mapping capabilities and contrast
Cinematographer Bill Pope, known for his work on The Matrix and Spider-Man, ensures that each frame is a visual feast, with sharp contrasts, vibrant colors, and intricate lighting designs. Home theater owners with premium home theater projectors like the BenQ W5800 will particularly enjoy the film’s dynamic range, especially in darker scenes where shadow detail and color accuracy become crucial.
Another reason why I chose the BenQ W5800 as my reference projector because BenQ calibrates each unit before it leaves the factory. According to the calibration report included with my W5800 sample, the average delta error is just 1.1, which is extremely low. The W5800 can also reproduce 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
A Major picture deserves a big sound to accompany a massive image. On the audio front, Wolfs is mastered in Dolby Atmos. Whether it's the fast-paced car chases or the more intimate, dialogue-heavy moments in small New York diners, the movie’s sound design balances clarity with a full surround-sound experience. Composer Theodore Shapiro’s score blends elements of suspense, action, and wit, echoing the musical styles of films like The Untouchables. This, combined with Ennio Morricone-inspired orchestration during the film's action sequences, enhances the experience for anyone with a high-end sound system.
Whether you're a fan of Brad Pitt or George Clooney or just a home theater enthusiast who loves the high-quality imagery provided by a projection system, Wolfs is an ideal choice. Its action-packed plot, sharp dialogue, and polished cinematography will appeal to both casual viewers and those who appreciate fine audiovisual experiences. Available in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos, the movie is sure to shine on premium setups, making it a must-watch for 2024.
From a technical standpoint, Wolfs is a treat for those who appreciate cinematography and visual storytelling. Director Jon Watts, stepping away from his Marvel work, uses a more grounded aesthetic while still incorporating some visual flair. With a New York setting and fast-paced action, the film boasts a polished, yet gritty, feel that home theater setups can truly take advantage of. The sleek visuals are further enhanced by Watts' careful use of practical effects, keeping the action tangible and immersive
The movie’s limited theatrical release catered to those who prefer the traditional cinema experience, but its release on Apple TV+ makes the film accessible to those who enjoy the convenience of streaming.
Apple TV+ continues to set the bar high with its 4K HDR content offerings. If you have an Apple TV 4K user, Roku, or have a compatible smart video display, Wolfs will take full advantage of these capabilities. Streaming at a high bitrate, Apple TV+ delivers pristine quality in both video and audio formats, which is something not all streaming services achieve consistently.
Combining the enveloping imagery provided by the BenQ W5800 with my high-end Dolby Atmos sound system pulls you into the action. So, viewing Wolfs on your projection-based home theater system will undoubtedly provide a thrilling, immersive A/V experience.
This is just one of the notable streaming titles being released in late September/early October, so below are some other movies you should explore. Also, make sure you continue to check out our Best Streaming Movies article because we add great new movies every month.
