LATEST ADDITIONS

As a kid I was more of a Robin Hood guy, first Errol Flynn and then Disney, but by the time I was first asked "What's your favorite movie?" I recall answering, "The Three Musketeers," meaning Richard Lester’s wildly entertaining version from 1973. Alexandre Dumas’ source novel has it all: love, war, friendship, honor, treachery, bravery, betrayal. Few movies have for me ever captured the pure spirit of swashbuckling adventure, a tale too big to fit into a single film and therefore cleaved in twain.

Disney's live-action adaptations of beloved animated movies have met with varying degrees of pushback over the years, but one welcome upside has been the habit of marking the occasion with the 4K release of the originals that spawned them. Such is the case with Lilo & Stitch, its initial popularity only seeming to grow over the past 23 years into a deeply devoted fanbase. (Any seasoned pin trader knows how fast anything with the little blue guy on it disappears from the boards.)

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb vocal clarity
Excellent object placement in surround sound
Music is supported in surround sound as instruments play around the room
Direct wireless connectivity
Minus
No on-screen settings or home screen
Difficult to change settings on the scrolling front LED—must use phone app.
Music is acceptable, but highs are occasionally shrill.

THE VERDICT
The home theater experience created by the HW-Q990F system is surprising—a true alternative to an AV receiver and individual speakers. The AI controls create a clear, immersive experience with excellent dialog for movies and clear vocals for music that automatically calibrates to your room. It's an excellent home theater sound choice.

The HW-Q990F is the next-generation Samsung flagship soundbar following the HW-Q990D. Like its predecessor, it comes with a front soundbar, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. This year's model is smaller than the Q990D, yet it's designed to increase power and efficiency with dual opposing eight-inch woofers that use AI Dynamic Bass Control to optimize the lower frequencies.