Dateline: 09/08/2014
The Why, How, When, and How Much (cash) of Dolby Atmos continue to filter out as Dolby has now named the official first Dolby Atmos home release: Transformers: Age of Extinction (scheduled for September 30th - ). The Top Worldwide Summer Blockbuster of 2014 will be released with a Dolby Atmos-encoded soundtrack on Blu-ray Disc.

I had the opportunity to experience the giant robot rumble at the Dolby Atmos-equipped Arclight Cinema in La Jolla/San Diego (disclosure: courtesy of Dolby Labs).

Although I thought the movie was way too long (it could have been split up into two 90-minute films easily), and the visual presentation was slightly uneven in parts (not the fault of the theater - but choices made during production), the film has all the action and destruction you could want. As a result, the audio mix was intense and immersive - it should make for a great first Dolby Atmos experience for consumers at viewing at home.

Transformers: Age of Extinction is a Paramount release. In addition, both Paramount and Warner Bros have signed on as key sources of forthcoming Dolby Atmos-encoded content for home release. In fact, between several movies studios, there is currently about 150 films that have already been released with Dolby Atmos soundtracks that can be tapped into for home theater release, not to mention the large number to come in the next, and forthcoming years. Also, it is important to point out that almost all Blu-ray Disc players sold, or in use, are compatible with Dolby Atmos - no special player or firmware update needed (unless you have neglected to update your current player for the past few years).

It is also interesting to note that Dolby is also planning to have Atmos-encoded content available via streaming (by way of Vudu to start), although there are no specifics on titles or any additional requirements regarding internet streaming speed compatibility.

Of course, with both the Blu-ray and streaming formats, to get the full experience, you will need a Dolby Atmos home theater receiver and speaker setup, which brings me to the second part of Dolby's announcement.

With Dolby Atmos-enabled home theater receivers and speakers just now entering the market, beginning sometime in October 2014, Dolby Atmos systems will be installed and demoed at key Best Buy/Magnolia locations throughout the United States. Check out Best Buy's Initial Dolby Atmos Promotion Page

So, as you embark on your upcoming Holiday Shopping, you will probably see banners or store displays promoting Dolby Atmos - My suggestion, even if you aren't planning to dive in quite yet - it is definitely worth checking out.

For more details on Dolby's latest announcement, read the full press release.

For more on Dolby Atmos, ready my previous reports:

Dolby Atmos - From The Cinema To Your Home Theater

Dolby Gets More Specific On Dolby Atmos for Home Theater

Are You Ready For 64-Channel Surround Sound

Also, for more on Transformers: Age of Extinction:

Review: About.com Hollywood Movies.

Review for Parents and Teens: About.com Kids TV and Movies.