The best musicals for your surround-sound system

The arrival of surround sound and spatialization has considerably enhanced immersion for home theater. Musicals have also benefited from this evolution in sound. Blending cinema and music, these works offer the best of both worlds, with fantastical stories and sometimes breathtaking soundtracks. Discover our selection of the best musicals to experience surround sound.

Annette (Leos Carax, 2021)

The musical Annette tells the story of Henry, a stand-up comedian, and Ann, an opera singer. Their lives are turned upside down with the birth of their daughter Annette, endowed with a mysterious gift. The film explores themes of love, fame and sacrifice with a poetic narrative. The soundtrack is composed by the band Sparks, known for their unique, avant-garde style. Their compositions add an extra dimension to the story, with songs that reflect the emotions of the characters.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 aspect ratio, 1.85:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1), French (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)
Allociné: 3.4/5
IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Rocketman (Dexter Fletcher, 2019)

Rocketman is a musical biopic that traces the life of Elton John. The film follows his rise to fame, his personal struggles and his iconic music, offering an intimate insight into the artist. The film’s soundtrack consists mainly of Elton John’s songs, performed by actor Taron Egerton. The arrangements and interpretation of the songs add new depth to these beloved classics.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.39:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (Dolby Atmos), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Allociné: 3.4/5
IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Bohemian Rhapsody (Bryan Singer, 2018)

Bohemian Rhapsody follows the life of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen. The film traces the band’s formation through to their legendary performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert, exploring Mercury’s personal and professional challenges. The music is, of course, Queen’s own, with performances re-recorded and remastered for the film. Legendary songs such as Bohemian Rhapsody and We Are the Champions are at the heart of this cinematic and musical experience.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.39:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (Dolby Atmos), French (DTS Digital Surround 5.1)
Allociné: 3/5
IMDb rating: 7.9/10

A Star Is Born (Bradley Cooper, 2018)

A Star Is Born tells the story of a seasoned musician who discovers and falls in love with a talented young singer. The film explores the themes of love, fame and personal challenges in the music industry. The soundtrack, performed by lead actors Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, was also composed by Lukas Nelson, Diane Warren, Anthony Rossomando and Mark Ronson. Their musical collaboration resulted in memorable songs that play a central role in the film’s narrative.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.40:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (Dolby Atmos TrueHD), French (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)
Allociné: 3.3/5
IMDb rating: 7.6/10

The Greatest Showman (Michael Gracey, 2017)

This musical film is inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum and the creation of the Barnum Bailey circus. It celebrates the spirit of innovation and spectacle with a rousing soundtrack and vibrant performances. The film’s songs, composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, are a particular highlight. Titles such as This Is Me and The Greatest Show have become inspirational anthems for many viewers.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.39:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (Dolby Atmos), French (DTS Digital Surround 5.1)
Allociné: 2.7/5
IMDb rating: 7.5/10

La La Land (Damien Chazelle, 2016)

La La Land tells the story of the romance between an aspiring actress and a jazz pianist in Los Angeles. The film explores the challenges of artistic careers and the balance between personal dreams and reality. Justin Hurwitz composed the film’s score, which includes jazz tunes and original songs performed by lead actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Both the soundtrack and the song City of the Stars won Oscars.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.55:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (DTS:X, DTS:X Headphone), French (DTS:X, DTS:X Headphone)
Allociné: 4.4/5
IMDb rating: 8/10

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Tim Burton, 2007)

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street tells the story of an unjustly imprisoned barber who returns to London to seek revenge. The dark, gothic film combines elements of tragedy and musical comedy with impressive vocal performances. Stephen Sondheim composed the music, known for its complex melodies and dark lyrics. The songs reinforce the story’s sinister, tragic atmosphere.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, cinema aspect ratio 1.78:1
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (Dolby TrueHD 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Allociné: 3.7/5
IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (Daisuke Nishio, Hirotoshi Rissen, Leiji Matsumoto, 2003)

Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem is an animated musical film based on Daft Punk’s album Discovery. It combines the duo’s electronic music with a science-fiction story, offering a unique visual and auditory experience. Daft Punk’s music plays a central role, with each song from the album corresponding to an element of the plot. The Discovery album is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, creating a perfect symbiosis between the sound and the picture.

Available on DVD and HD Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, cinema format 1.33:1
Audio (HD Blu-ray): English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)
Allociné: 3.5/5
IMDb rating: 7.8/10

8 Women (8 femmes, François Ozon, 2002)

8 Women is a French musical set in the 1950s. The film follows eight women who find themselves trapped in a house after the discovery of a murder, each revealing their secrets and hidden truths through song. The film’s score, composed by Krishna Levy, includes songs performed by the cast, which add depth to the characters and reinforce the mysterious, theatrical plot.

Available on DVD and HD Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.35:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray): French (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)
Allociné: 4.2/5
IMDb rating: 7/10

Moulin Rouge! (Baz Luhrmann, 2001)

Moulin Rouge! is a musical comedy set in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The film follows the love story between a young writer and a cabaret singer, blending contemporary songs with a rich, colorful visual aesthetic. The film’s soundtrack, supervised by Craig Armstrong, includes covers of modern songs rearranged to suit the era and style of the film. Interpretations by the lead actors add a unique touch to these famous songs.

Available on DVD and HD Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.35:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray): English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1), French (DTS Digital Surround 5.1)
Allociné: 3.7/5
IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Dancer in the Dark (Lars von Trier, 2000)

Dancer in the Dark tells the story of a Czech immigrant in the USA who works hard to save her son from hereditary blindness. The film blends the genres of musical comedy and social drama, with moving musical sequences. Björk, who also plays the lead role, composed the music. Her songs, full of emotion and despair, are integrated into the plot and reflect the feelings of the main character.

Available on DVD
Image (DVD): native 16:9 format, 2.35:1 cinema format
Audio (DVD): English (DTS Digital Surround 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Allociné: 3.7/5
IMDb rating: 7.9/10

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion animated film that tells the story of Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king, who discovers Christmas and decides to celebrate it in his own way. Tim Burton’s feature film combines a unique aesthetic with memorable music and songs composed by Danny Elfman, bringing a unique touch to the film’s fantastical universe.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, cinema aspect ratio 1.66:1
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Allociné: 4.8/5
IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Grease (Randal Kleiser, 1978)

Grease is a musical comedy set in the 1950s. The film tells the story of the love affair between Danny and Sandy, two high school students who are at odds with each other. With catchy songs and memorable performances, it captures the spirit of the era. The music, composed by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, includes classics such as You’re the One That I Want and Summer Nights. The songs perfectly reflect the energy and charm of the rock’n’roll era.

Available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, 2.35:1 cinema format
Audio (HD Blu-ray / 4K Blu-ray): English (Dolby TrueHD 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Allociné: 2.4/5
IMDb rating: 7.2/10

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Jim Sharman, 1975)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult musical parodying the horror and sci-fi B-movies of the 1950s. The film follows a couple who find themselves in a strange mansion populated by eccentric, offbeat characters. The music, composed by Richard O’Brien, includes songs such as Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite that have become iconic in pop culture. The musical performances contribute to the film’s unique and subversive character.

Available on DVD and HD Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, cinema format 1.66:1
Audio (HD Blu-ray): English (DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1)
Allociné: 4.8/5
IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Phantom of the Paradise (Brian De Palma, 1974)

Phantom of the Paradise is a rock adaptation of the novel The Phantom of the Opera. The film follows a disfigured composer who seeks revenge on a corrupt music producer. It blends horror, satire and rock music in a captivating story. Paul Williams composed the music, with songs that combine rock and opera. The tracks reinforce the film’s satirical and dramatic tone, offering an unforgettable musical experience.

Available on DVD and HD Blu-ray
Image (HD Blu-ray): native 16:9 format, cinema format 1.85:1
Audio (HD Blu-ray): English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1), French (DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0)
Allociné: 4/5
IMDb rating: 7.3/10

With the re-release of certain musical comedy classics, it’s possible to enjoy 5.1 sound for greater immersion in these films. More recent productions also feature Dolby Atmos, capable of creating a sound bubble around the listener. There’s no shortage of ways to get the most out of your system, from soundbars to home theaters.