If you’re an Xbox One or Xbox One S owner with a compatible Dolby Atmos audio system, or have any 2017 LG OLED TV, then you’re first in line to enjoy Netflix’s support for the Dolby Atmos audio standard.
Netflix has finally launched its new original Ojka movie today, mixing live action with amazing animation, as you’ll see in the video below.
The news was announced in Netflix’s latest blog post, heralding Atmos’ arrival, which you can read here.
The company reminds us that “Dolby Atmos delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment to life all around you, all in the comfort of your own living room.”
Naturally, immersive and captivating audio can add a greater dimension to storytelling, and Netflix says it is starting the journey with its new Okja movie.
Now, it’s important to note that you’ll need an Xbox One, an Xbox One S, or any 2017 LG OLED TV, along with compatible Dolby Atmos speakers to enjoy this new frontier in sound, with Netflix stating that, “over time, we plan to add support to more devices, making the experience more accessible to Netflix members everywhere.”
Your Xbox One or One S will need to be connected to a “Dolby Atmos enabled home theater system, TV or soundbar, or via headphones using the new Dolby Atmos for headphones feature available for purchase through the Dolby Access app in the Xbox Store.”
Meanwhile, 2017 LG OLED TVs already have “built-in Dolby Atmos capabilities that create a 360° sound field around you without the need to connect an external sound system,” so if you have one of these amazing TVs, you're set to go - although of course, there's nothing to stop any 2017 LG OLED TV owner having a separate and amazing Dolby Atmos speaker setup.
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Now, you’re probably wondering what Atmos sounds like, and why it’s such a big deal.
Well, in Netflix’s blog post, Greg Peters, the Chief Product Officer at Netflix, wants us to envision what Dolby Atmos sounds like with his descriptive word pictures, and asks us “imagine watching your favourite TV show or movie without the sounds that truly moved you and made you feel the impact of each moment.”
“In creating an immersive atmosphere,” Peters adds, “sound is just as important, if not more important, than the picture itself. It is a critical tool to extend the storytelling beyond the screen and draw audiences into the narrative.”
Peters said: “I’m pleased to announce the addition of Dolby Atmos support on Netflix beginning with Okja, a critically praised film directed by Bong Joon Ho that recently debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, and is available globally on Netflix starting today.”
Peters continues explaining, stating: “Much like how 4K and HDR bring more stunning and realistic visuals to the screen, Dolby Atmos delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment to life all around you, all in the comfort of your own living room.”
Peters’ word pictures continue weaving sounds for your ears as he states: “Imagine being surrounded by the sounds of the scene you’re watching - an airplane passing overhead, or the subtlety of the wind rustling tree leaves all around you. Having the extra dimension of immersive audio is a game changer for experiencing the realism of a story, and feeling like you’re a part of it.”
Peters noted Netflix’s happiness to “being providing this cutting-edge experience to our members and to the artists we work with, providing another creative tool to help them bring their vision to life in a more meaningful way for viewers.”
To better explain this concept from a creative point of view, Peters then points us to “a few words from Director Bong after he heard the Dolby Atmos mix for Okja,” which you’ll see in the embedded video below, after which we’ll learn of other upcoming Netflix titles that will support Dolby Atmos audio.
So, what other titles will soon support Dolby Atmos?
Netflix says it expects “the catalog to grow over time,” but that a select number of titles with support are coming soon, with the initial set being as follows:
- Okja (June 28)
- BLAME! (July 28)
- Death Note (August 25)
- Bright (December)
- Wheelman (2017)
Peters notes that “many of these titles will also be available in 4K and HDR, delivering spectacular visuals to complement the immersive sound.”
More information on Dolby Atmos requirements on Netflix is here.
However, in short, to stream Dolby Atmos audio as of publication today, you’ll need the following:
- A Dolby Atmos capable audio system
- A “4 Screens + Ultra HD” Netflix plan.
- A Netflix capable device with Dolby Atmos support
- Streaming quality set to High or Auto.
- Xbox One or
- Xbox One S or
- Any 2017 LG OLED TV which already has Dolby Atmos speakers built-in
- An internet connection speed of at least 3 megabits per second to stream titles with Dolby Atmos audio
Here's a screenshot of the Okja page with the ATMOS badge:
