But what happens when you're watching films that offer more than thunder and crashes? Are you still experiencing the best possible sound when you're listening to such subtle effects as dramatic whispered conversations, the sounds of nature or music?

Lifestyle® DVD home entertainment systems from Bose go beyond conventional home theater systems with our Videostage® 5 decoding circuitry. This unique technology gives you a 5.1 surround sound experience from non-5.1 encoded sources. What does that mean? You can enjoy VHS tapes, stereo CDs, and older TV programs with surround-enhanced audio. (See below for more on 5.1.)

One of the most important goals for Lifestyle® systems is reproducing full, natural sounding music and effects, along with clear and distinct dialogue. A case in point is Amadeus, the 1984 award-winner for best sound. The film's inspiring Mozart soundtrack was fundamental to its drama, impact and success. In fact, some say it created a whole new generation of Mozart fans.

Now you can experience all that impact at home as Videostage® 5 decoding circuitry delivers the full range of sound to all five channels. At the same time, you're fully immersed in the film's dialogue—whether in a noisy concert hall, an elegant salon, or an intimate conversation. The dialogue never gets lost in the mix.

The same can be said when you're listening to CDs, watching old VHS tapes or enjoying your favorite TV shows of the past. You could even be watching Gilligan's Island reruns, the Honeymooners or I Love Lucy. Videostage® 5 decoding circuitry technology helps you enjoy it all with a more updated audio experience.

For DVD titles to help you experience this innovative technology, even for older films, here's a few past Best Sound award winners. Enjoy the show—and the sound:

2001 Black Hawk Down
1992 The Last Of The Mohicans
1990 Dances With Wolves
1985 Out Of Africa
1984 Amadeus
1982 E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
1979 Apocalypse Now
1965 The Sound Of Music
1962 Lawrence of Arabia
1959 Ben-Hur

What is 5.1 Surround Sound?
A 5.1 surround sound system should consist of no fewer than five speakers and a low frequency module. The front left, center and front right channel speakers usually deliver most of the dialogue, sound effects and music associated with on-screen action. Separate or "discrete" left and right surround channel speakers located on the sides or in the rear help create depth to the sound, like following the roar of a car's engine as it races from left to right onscreen.

Finally, the .1 channel delivers the impactful low tones that add heightened intensity to action and special effect sequences. To enjoy movies encoded with 6.1, you'll also need a rear center channel speaker that deliver even more effects, so the action seems to be coming at you from every angle.

*NOTE: To enjoy movies in either 5.1 or 6.1, you need a receiver capable of decoding the signals. Check your owner's manual for compatibility.