This year was a pivotal year for film and TV. We’re finally back in the groove after several delays and cinema closures due to Covid-19, with many delayed movies hitting the big screen this year. It’s been a pretty good year for TV shows too, with Disney+ picking up steam with many Marvel and Star Wars shows, the return of Game Of Thrones on Sky and HBO. DC even launched the first TV series in its movie universe.
However, some stood out above the rest for us, with these TV and movie picks representing the best of the best for 2022 in our opinion. There’s some great content here to test out your AV setup, and it helps that they’re awesomely fun watches too – so sit back, grab your popcorn and start binging, it’s what the holidays are all about after all…
Best TV Shows of 2022
Boundless with Chris Hemsworth
Rebecca Roberts, editor in chief
Disney+ has listed a number of must-sees from this year: The bear, Only kills in the building and Werewolf at night, to name just three. Horror fans can look forward to one of the most acclaimed horror movies of 2022, Barbarian, also arrives on the service on January 4. But for something more light-hearted to binge over the holidays (because that’s all we really need from TV watching over Christmas, isn’t it?), Boundless, starring Chris Hemsworth and created by Darren Aronofksy and Ari Handel, is a six-part version that I highly recommend. It sees the Thor actor on a mission to discover how we can live better for longer, with each episode a science-led exploration of a theme directly related to improving our longevity (fasting, for example). Not only is it downright interesting (and features a life-changing revelation for Hemsworth himself), but the physical challenges he takes on lend themselves perfectly to the solid 4K HDR presentation.
Current Boundless with Chris Hemsworth on Disney+ (opens in new tab)
The rehearsal
Ruben Circelli, staff writer
Since the magic of Nathan for you, fans have been waiting for Nathan Fielder’s next project that deftly blends reality TV, stand-up comedy, and real-life drama into an experience unlike any other. And in 2022, thanks to that HBO money, this wish has finally come true The rehearsal. This totally unique show follows Nathan starring as himself as he embarks on a quest to lessen the world’s uncertainty by creating elaborate “rehearsals” for everyday real-life experiences, whether sharing a secret with a friend, telling the truth, or figuring out what you want out of life. It’s hilarious but touching; smart but foolish; and finally another Fielder original with his signature true-to-life tone and style. If you’re ready for a fascinating journey through the first season, go check it out The rehearsal on HBO. Plus, season two is confirmed!
Current The rehearsal on Now (UK) (opens in new tab)
Current The Rehearsal on HBO Max (US) (opens in new tab)
Peacekeeper
Andy Madden, Deputy Editor
Peacekeeper has it all. Ridiculous and ridiculously catchy intro sequence? To check. Brilliant glam rock-inspired soundtrack that’s also a good test for your sound system? To check. A WWE wrestler turned Hollywood actor who delivers a surprisingly outstanding leading role. To check.
It is a spin-off of the 2021 film The Suicide Squad (both are directed by James Gunn) in which Peacemaker is tasked with destroying evil parasitic “butterflies” that take up residence in and can control the brain of their human host. The colorful, comedic, and slightly OTT action will keep you coming back for more, as does John Cena’s performance hitting all the right notes as the hero (and sometimes villain) of the play. And with just eight episodes to consume, we guarantee you’ll struggle not to binge-watch them all in record time.
Current Peacemaker on Now (UK) (opens in new tab)
Current Peacemaker on HBO Max (US) (opens in new tab)
The bear
Jonathan Evans, magazine editor
This remarkable comedy-drama (actually more drama than comedy) is worth the price of Disney Plus access alone. The story of an award-winning young chef who comes home to the Chicago deli bequeathed to him by his recently committed suicide brother is beautifully written, beautifully directed and superbly acted. It’s such an intense, engaging ride that once you’re done, it’s hard to accept that the series only has eight half-hour episodes. Carmen (a mesmerizing Jeremy Allen White) must deal with the grief of losing his brother, a business that is clearly going down at a rapid pace, and the family and staff that inevitably come with it. If you can watch this with a surround pack or at least a decent soundbar, I’d urge you to do so; the sounds of a commercial kitchen operating at full throttle are a big part of the story here, and the confusion, clatter and screaming are worth being thoroughly unnerved by. Strongly recommended.
Current The Bear on Disney+ (UK) (opens in new tab)
Current The Bear on Hulu (US) (opens in new tab)
House of the Dragon
Lewis Empson, staff writer
Perhaps a controversial choice as this show has no merit to test as Sky and Now both managed to butcher the first broadcast – I recommend House Of The Dragon instead as it did the impossible. Game Of Thrones infamously ended 2019 with a finale that infuriated almost every fan of the show, so news of a prequel series was rightly met with great caution. However, House Of The Dragon somehow managed to defy all odds, with compelling characters, adrenaline pumping action and stunning vistas all reinforcing the fact that Game Of Thrones is back, and it’s back with a vengeance. If you’re a fan of the original series, give this one a shot despite the deserved skepticism.
Current House Of The Dragon on Now (UK) (opens in new tab)
Current House Of The Dragon on HBO Max (US) (opens in new tab)
Best movies of 2022
Prey
Kashfia Kabir, hi-fi and audio editor
300 years in the past in the Northern Great Plains and targeting a Native American Comanche tribe, Prey is a refreshing and exciting take on the Predator franchise. With a lean script, great action and beautiful cinematography, it’s a damn shame it never got a proper theatrical release. Watch it at home in full 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, though, and you’ll be rewarded. The lush forests are beautiful, deep green, and also expansive and oppressive – adding to the sense of dread and suspense as there’s something lurking in the woods that isn’t just a big bear.
It’s a fresh spin on the usually overly macho Predator format, with the petite yet determined young warrior Naru (a brilliant Amber Midthunter) using all of her skills to hunt, stalk and take down the more technically advanced Predator. The sparse dialogues and soundtrack make it all the more atmospheric. The best system has you immersed and tense with every branch that breaks in the silent forest, while the vibrant splash of green Predator blood looks stunning against the natural landscape.
Current Prey on Disney+ (UK) (opens in new tab)
Current Prey on Hulu (US) (opens in new tab)
Top gun: Maverick
Andy Madden, Deputy Editor
Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell returns for another dogfight, expertly assisted by what sometimes feels like the firepower of the entire United States Navy. The biggest Hollywood blockbuster of 2022 won’t disappoint, whether it’s your first time at fight school or you’re here for the supersonic tour full of nods to the original. As you’d expect, the cinematography is out of this world with breathtaking on-screen action sequences that look stunning in 4K resolution, especially those filmed in IMAX’s 1.90:1 format. And they’re backed by a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that makes even the most capable surround sound setup sound submissive. Fighter jets, cannon fire and rockets fill your speakers and fly between them. The only thing you miss is the smell of jet fuel. An absolute feast for the senses.
To buy Top Gun: Maverick on 4K Blu-ray at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Rent Top Gun: Maverick on Amazon (opens in new tab)
The batter
Lewis Empson, staff writer (UK)
The batter is the superhero movie we needed, but not the one we deserved. This spectacularly gritty superhero movie brings the Dark Knight back to the dingy streets of Gotham. It’s a welcome return to the more realistic take on Batman after some questionable appearances in the DC movie universe that saw the world’s best detective team up with Superman and The Flash. Robert Pattinson inherits Ben Affleck’s cape and cowl, and despite fan outcry at this initially controversial casting, it’s clear that Battinson is the best take on the character since Nolan and Bale’s iconic trilogy. Add in a brilliant supporting cast of dubious heroes and demented villains and you’ve easily got the best DC movie we’ve seen in over a decade. It also helps that this movie looks and sounds incredible, with a thunderous soundtrack, a growling Batmobile and a Gotham city drowning in dark shadows and buzzing neon lights – this movie is right at home on an OLED TV.
Rent The Batman now on Amazon (opens in new tab)
To buy The Batman 4K Blu-ray on Amazon (opens in new tab)
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