JB Hi-fi STACK #262 August 2026 from Sat 1 August 2026

INSIDE:

STACK

Issue 262

AUGUST 2026

“Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.”

ISSUE

262

AUG ’26

jbhifi.com.au/stack

PERKS

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WIN!

FOUR-VS-FOUR ACTION IN

MARVEL TOKON: FIGHTING SOULS

SYDNEY’S DMA’S ARE BACK WITH A FRESH NEW ALBUM

YOUR TO MOVIES, TV, MUSIC, GAMING & TECH

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

WI

N

A NEW RELEASE EZVIZ

SMART HOME SYSTEM

FREE

MAGAZINE

TECH

6-7 The new Samsung foldable family unpacked

8

What’s new with the Galaxy Watch9 and Watch Ultra2

10 Make the most of your smartphone

14 Meet the new Motorola Razr range

16 The new OPPO Reno16 series is here

20 Better coffee starts with these handy tips

22-26 Find your perfect coffee maker

28 Top tips for cleaner ﬂ

oors

30-32

Find your perfect vacuum

34 Small changes for better shaving

36 Philips All-in-One multigroomer range

38 Check out the new Braun shavers

40 Wahl’s new trimmers for every routine

42

Skullcandy’s new Crusher 1080 ANC headphones

44

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Headphones review

46 Budget-friendly big screens from FFALCON

48 The WHOOP tracker band difference

MOVIES & TV

FLIP MAG AND

READ FROM BACK

4 Take 5/Charts/Cinema highlights/Bob J’s Film

Buff Baf

ﬂ

ers

6 Hail yeah! Project Hail Mary

8 Timothée Chalamet’s big game: Marty

Supreme/

Michael biopic is off the wall

9 Flawless victory! Mortal Kombat II/

Maid to kill! They Will Kill You

10 An ewe-dunnit! The Sheep Detectives/

What lurks below? Bone Keeper

11 What’s out this month?

12 30 years of madness: Madman Entertainment

turns 30

14 Reel classics: New from Imprint Films

16 4K all the way

GAMING

18 Take 5/Charts/Q5/Wham,bam, game exam!

22-23

Assemble! Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Q+A

24 Send in the clones! Star Wars Zero Company

interview

26 Instant attraction! Razer Huntsman V3 HE

Magnetic keyboards

28 It’s Eevee-lution! Razer | Pokémon Espeon &

Umbreon Collection

30 What’s out this month?

MUSIC

32 Take 5/My ﬁ

rst album/STACK exchange

34 Back to where it began: DMA’S interview

35 New album: Kate Miller-Heidke -

The Kiss and the Abyss

38 New albums: Katseye - Wild/

Phoebe Bridgers - Lost Weekend

39 New albums: Phil Jamieson - 10Charlie/

Peking Duk - Paradise

40-41 What’s out this month?

42 Vital vinyl: Spiderbait - Ivy and the Big Apples

Samsung’s recent Galaxy Unpacked event

revealed a new generation of foldable

smartphones, but perhaps the biggest story isn’t

just what’s new – it’s how each device targets a

different type of user. Rather than taking a one-

size-fits-all approach, Samsung’s new foldable

family offers three distinct experiences.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is aimed at those who love

to consume content, with a redesigned wider

display that can make streaming, reading, and

browsing feel more immersive.

Step up to the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and you

have Samsung’s multitasking marvel, combining

a spacious display for juggling multiple apps,

flagship performance, and an upgraded camera

system.

Then there is the Galaxy Z Flip8, proving that

compact doesn’t have to mean compromise.

Slimmer, lighter, and even easier to slip into a

pocket, the latest Flip brings signature clamshell

convenience and more creative camera moments

via its versatile FlexCam.

Across the range you’ll also find welcome

refinements including faster charging, bigger

batteries, smarter Galaxy AI features, clever

camera tools, and more.

Samsung’s latest lineup isn’t just about

upgrades and redesigns – it’s about giving users

a foldable phone that genuinely fits their lifestyle.

Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

WELCOME

Founder

Nic Short

Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones

Tech Editor Scott Hocking

Games & Online Editor

Amy Flower

Movie & TV Editor Glenn Cochrane

Creative Director Gary Siewert

Movies Consultant Kerrie Taylor

Games Consultant Sachi Fernando

Music Consultant Mike Glynn

Marketing Manager Fleur Parker

Chief Contributors

Gill Pringle, Bob Jones, James O’Connor

Contributors

Jeff Jenkins, Billy Pinnell, Bec Summer,

Dan Nicholson, Trista McConville,

Michael Caverzan

Social Media Manager

Glenn Cochrane

Production Manager

Craig Patterson

Correspondence

STACK

[email protected]

Disclaimer

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or reliance therefrom, howsoever caused, and it remains your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any such content.

Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor. By the very nature of this publication, things change daily and we cannot take

responsibility for any changes or inaccuracies that occur subsequent to going to press.

Recommended

for mature

audiences

Not suitable for people

under 15. Under 15s must

be accommpanied by a

parent or adult guardian

Parental

guidance

recommended

Restricted

to 18 and over

General

RATINGS

GUIDE

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CONTENTS

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ISSUE

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AUG

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-perks-ezviz-august-26 JB Hi-Fi Perks members who

are Australian residents may enter. The Promoter is JB Hi-Fi Group Pty Ltd (ABN 37 093114 286) of Podium Level, 60 City Road, Southbank VIC 3006

(“Promoter”). Entrants must login to their JB Hi Fi Perks account (or alternatively join JB Hi-Fi Perks and login) and enter on the competition page.

Entrants must remain a JB Hi-Fi Perks member until the date the competition is drawn. The competition commences on 01/08/26 at 12:01 PM and

closes 31/08/26 at 11:59 PM. The winner will be the best valid entry as judged by the judging panel, having regard to skill, creativity, and originality,

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A NEW RELEASE EZVIZ SMART HOME SYSTEM

Samsung has unpacked its new foldable phone family.

Leading the lineup are the redesigned Galaxy Z Fold8

and ﬂ

agship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, while the Galaxy

Z Flip8 continues to reﬁ

ne the compact clamshell

formula. Check out what’s new...

Words Scott Hocking

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TECH

FEATURE

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Samsung’s Galaxy Z

Fold8, Fold8 Ultra,

and Flip8 have

been revealed!

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

Best for: The ultimate device for viewing content

Samsung Galaxy Z

Fold8 Ultra

Best for: Multitasking and mighty

performance

Sporting a lighter

premium design,

the Galaxy Z Fold8

Ultra is the ﬂ

agship

of Samsung's new

foldable range and the

only model equipped

with a 200MP lens

in the triple camera

system, alongside an upgraded 50MP

ultra-wide and 10MP tele-zoom camera.

Packing a 5,000mAh battery, plus

upgraded 45W super-fast charging, you

can comfortably power through the day,

while the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor

keeps usage smooth and speedy.

The 8-inch unfolded main display is

a multitasking marvel that can ideally

function as a mobile workspace when

replying to emails, editing documents,

joining video meetings, or juggling

multiple apps.

The Ultra also features the foldable

range’s Split View function for opening

multiple windows simultaneously. That

means if you’re sending an email in

one window and want to add a photo,

simply open your gallery in another to

drag and drop.

Galaxy AI* features can unlock next-

level productivity and allow you to stay

in the multitasking zone. These include

intuitive one-tap actions to easily set

reminders and pin locations in follow-up

screens that open up in multi-windows.

What's new?

Sleek and lighter premium design

Faster ﬂ

agship performance + improved

multitasking

Enhanced Galaxy AI productivity tools

Bigger battery at 5,000mAh + 45W

super fast charging

What's new?

Wider form factor

4:3 aspect ratio on main

display

Bigger battery at 4,800mAh +

45W super fast charging

Display brightness boosted to

3,000 nits (up from 2,600)

The biggest talking point of the

Galaxy Z Fold8 isn't just its suite of

features – it's the new form factor.

Samsung has reworked the Fold

with a noticeably wider “passport-

style” design with a 5.5-inch cover

display in the 16:10 aspect ratio –

ideal for viewing short form social

videos.

Unfolded, you get a bright

7.6-inch main screen built for

browsing, streaming, scrolling,

or working across multiple apps.

It displays

content in the

4:3 aspect

ratio, which

means it

can reduce

the black bars that frame certain

movies, articles, and eBooks – and

your photos will ﬁ

t perfectly into

the display.

It also packs a bigger battery

at 4,800mAh plus faster 45W

charging compared to the Fold

7, and is powered

by the same

Snapdragon 8 Elite

Gen 5 processor as

the Galaxy Z Fold 8

Ultra – Galaxy’s best

chipset to date.

Samsung’s ProVisual Engine – the

suite of AI-assisted camera and

editing tools that can enhance photo

clarity - powers the pro-grade 50MP

dual rear camera system, keeping

shots sharp and vivid.

7

FEATURE

TECH

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

Best for: Pocket-friendly compactness and

everyday camera moments

The compact, clamshell Galaxy Z Flip8 features

an improved design that makes it even more

pocket-friendly. Indeed, it’s Samsung’s lightest

and thinnest ﬂ

ip phone yet at just 6.1mm thick

unfolded.

Folded shut it slips easily into pockets, jackets,

or bags, while an Armour Aluminium hinge and

frame provides extra durability for constant ﬂ

ipping and folding.

The versatile FlexCam lets you capture hands-free selﬁ

es, candid

shots from the cover screen, and creative photos from multiple angles

with the pro-grade 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide lens. Flip

it to a 90° angle and grip it like a camcorder or action camera to capture

super-steady video.

The Flex Window cover screen has been upgraded to put up to 16

more apps at your ﬁ

ngertips, which can be launched without unfolding

the phone. It can also be customised to check notiﬁ

cations, reply to

messages, and get instant personalised Now Brief updates – simply

unﬂ

ip if you need a larger display.

Galaxy AI can help with real time reminders and intuitive prompts,

while Flex Mode keeps Now Brief front and centre for better

organisation.

Running the next-gen Exynos 2600 processor and packing the same

long-lasting 4,300mAh battery as its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip8 is

ready for late nights, endless scrolls, and weekend getaways.

What's new?

More apps on the cover display Reﬁ

ned compact design

Samsung’s lightest and thinnest Flip

Social-ready clips

Available across the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra and Flip8, My

FamCam is an on-device camera feature that can automatically

reframe your videos to keep a subject centred, making it easier

to create social-ready clips.

For example, if you have video footage of a basketball game

and want to focus on one particular player, simply select the

subject and Galaxy AI helps with perfect framing, so the clip is

ready for sharing.

Horizontal Lock, Samsung’s advanced video stabilisation

feature, will also be available on all three models.

Smart Switch gets smarter

Get ready for easier data transfers if you’re switching from an

iOS phone to a Galaxy. An update to Samsung’s Smart Switch

tool is set to enable you to move data across by simply scanning

a QR code on your new Galaxy phone with the old iOS device.

Moreover, Android’s QuickShare will now also work with

AirDrop on iOS devices for easier sharing of ﬁ

les between

platforms.

*Samsung account login may be required for certain AI features. Visit samsung.com for details. Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced

features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI basic features are those services listed under

“Advanced intelligence” in the current Samsung Services Terms and Conditions.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

Display: Main 7.6”, Cover 5.5”

Camera:

Rear 50MP + 50MP ultra-wide, Cover 10MP

+ Main 10MP

Battery: 4,800mAh + 45W super fast charging

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Storage: 1TB, 512GB, 256GB

Durability: IP48

Colours: Cream, Graphite, Lavender

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Display: Main 8”, Cover 6.5”

Camera: Rear 200MP + 10MP telephoto + 50MP

ultra-wide, Cover 10MP + Main 10MP

Battery: 5,000mAh + 45W super fast charging

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Storage: 1TB, 512GB, 256GB

Durability: IP48

Colours: Cream, Graphite, Violet Shadow

Samsung

Galaxy Z Flip8

Display: Main 6.9”, Cover 4.1”

Camera: Rear 50MP + 12MP ultra-wide, Front 10MP

Battery: 4,300mAh + 45W super fast charging

Processor: Exynos 2600

Storage: 512GB, 256GB

Durability: IP48

Colours: Cream, Graphite, Pink

What’s new with Galaxy AI

Now Nudge, introduced on the Galaxy S26 series, will be

integrated across the new Fold and Flip phones out of the box. This

smart Galaxy AI tool can anticipate your next action based on what’s

currently on your screen, and offer helpful suggestions.

Now Brief also becomes a more useful companion across the

range, with greater customisation and more info to share.

Galaxy AI has also been tailored to each foldable, with features

that make the most of each device’s unique design.

Specs at a glance

From bigger adventures to better sleep, the new

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9

combine smarter Galaxy AI features, improved

performance, and longer battery life to deliver more

meaningful health insights and practical coaching.

Words Bec Summer

Samsung Galaxy

Watch Ultra2 and

Galaxy Watch9

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Samsung

Galaxy Watch

Ultra2

Best for: Outdoor adventure

and endurance training

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2

is Samsung's toughest

smartwatch yet, built for

extreme adventures such as

trekking and diving. Indeed,

strong water resistance at

IP69K and 10ATM means it

can plunge to depths of up to

100m.

The new Outdoor Adventure

Companion feature will beneﬁ

t

hikers and trekkers, keeping

them on track with route

navigation, climb guidance,

and elevation change

management, as well as all-

important hydration alerts.

Another new addition is

Direct Sensor Connection,

which supports third

party sensors for cycling,

performance tracking, power,

speed, cadence, and distance

in real time.

SOS and Fall Detection have

been enhanced; auto power

saving mode can now be

activated using gestures in the

event of an emergency.

Battery life, too, has been

bumped to more than double

Samsung Galaxy

Watch9

Best for: Tracking everyday health

and wellbeing

From sleep tracking and heart rate

monitoring to activity coaching and recovery

insights, the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 aims

to turn everyday health data into simple

actions that ﬁ

t naturally into your routine.

The Watch9 will be available in 40mm

and 44mm for both small and large wrists,

with Bluetooth or LTE connectivity options.

The 40mm will be available in Graphite and

Cream, and the 44mm in Graphite and Silver.

Battery size is larger than its predecessor,

at 390 and 445mAh for the 40mm and

44mm models, respectively.

One of the biggest updates arrives via

the refreshed Samsung Health app, which

introduces new tools that can turn collected

health data into more meaningful insights.

Galaxy AI also helps turn collected health

data into personalised insights

and practical coaching.

The new Vitals feature

collates ﬁ

ve key sleep

metrics – heart rate, heart rate

variability, respiratory rate, skin

temperature, and blood oxygen

levels - into a single daily

snapshot. This can help users

better understand how their

body is responding to factors

such as sleep, activity, and daily

routine.

Samsung Health also

introduces a Heart Health Score, which

combines multiple

wellness indicators

to provide a broader

view of cardiovascular

wellbeing over time.

The feature can

highlight trends and

encourage healthy

habits, giving users a

clearer picture of their

overall wellness.

that of the Watch Ultra,

offering up to 100 hours

battery life, plus fast charging

support.

The Watch Ultra2 also packs

the powerful Snapdragon

Wear Elite processor to boost

performance and extend

overall battery life, while a

brighter display at 5,000 nits

provides greater visibility in

direct sunlight.

As for design tweaks, the

Ultra2 sports a 10.7mm body

that’s 20% slimmer than the

previous generation, plus a

softer band for better all-day

comfort. Colour options

include Titanium Silver and

Titanium Grey.

While built for outdoor

adventure with a suite of

specialised features, the

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 also

brings essential smartwatch

tracking for activity, heart rate,

sleep monitoring, and more.

What's new?

Slimmer body and brighter

display

Longer battery life

Snapdragon Wear Elite

processor

Support for third party

sensors

Outdoor Adventure

Companion

Enhanced SOS and Fall

Detection

What's new?

AI-powered Samsung Health insights

Bigger battery

Reﬁ

ned all-day comfort

What’s new?

Titanium Silver

Titanium Grey

Silver

Cream

Graphite

Your phone is undoubtedly the device you use the most,

yet many users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

From managing storage and battery life to discovering

clever built-in features, here are some simple tips that can

help your phone perform at its best for years to come.

Words Bec Summer

SMARTPHONE

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Make the most of your

A full phone can happen at the worst possible

moment, but the good news is that a few simple habits

can help you stay ahead of the storage warning.

What's taking up the space?

Photos and videos are usually the biggest culprits, especially if you shoot in high

resolution. Apps also grow over time as they store downloads, updates, and

cached data, while ofﬂ

ine movies, music, maps, and messaging apps can quietly

consume gigabytes.

What can you safely

remove?

Start with duplicate photos, unwanted

screenshots, old downloads, and apps you

no longer use. Also check messaging apps,

which often store years of shared photos,

videos, and GIFs. Make it a habit to check

your available storage every month.

Cloud storage keeps memories safe

Services such as iCloud, Google Photos, OneDrive, and Dropbox can

automatically back up your photos and videos, freeing valuable space while

keeping them available across your devices.

Need more room?

Many Android phones support expandable microSD storage, allowing you to

add extra space for photos, videos, and ﬁ

les. iPhones rely on built-in storage

and cloud services, although many models can also connect to external storage

devices for transferring or accessing larger ﬁ

les.

Planning your next upgrade

If you regularly record video, download movies, or keep thousands of photos,

consider moving from 128GB to 256GB or more next time. Buying enough storage

upfront can help give you the space you need for longer.

128GB – Great for everyday use, social media, streaming,

messaging, and taking photos

256GB – Ideal if you shoot lots videos and photos, download

movies for travel, or keep a large photo library

512GB / 1TB – Best suited to content creators, mobile

gamers, or anyone planning to keep their phone for

several years

Charge smarter,

not harder

Smartphones are generally clever

enough to manage charging on their

own, but a few habits can help keep the

battery healthier over time.

Heat is one of the biggest causes

of battery wear, so avoid leaving your

phone in the car on a hot day.

If possible, don't let the battery

regularly drop to 0% before charging,

and use quality chargers and cables

designed for your device.

Many recent smartphones include

battery protection features that slow

charging overnight, so your phone

reaches 100% just before you wake up.

Software updates often include important security

patches, improve battery efﬁ

ciency, enhance camera

performance, and ﬁ

x bugs you may not even realise

are there.

If your phone supports automatic updates, it's

usually worth leaving them enabled so you're always

running the latest version.

Keep the camera lens clean

If photos suddenly look soft or hazy, the camera isn’t

necessarily to blame.

Your phone spends all

day in pockets, bags, and on

tables, so ﬁ

ngerprints can

quickly build up on the camera

lenses.

A quick wipe with a

clean microﬁ

bre cloth could

noticeably improve image

quality in just a few seconds.

Smartphones include many useful features that

many owners never explore.

Leave your wallet at home – many phones can

securely store payment cards, tickets, and loyalty cards

Scan documents –

create PDFs using built-in camera tools

Translate on the go –

use your camera or live translation

tools (if supported)

Reduce distractions – Focus modes can

help separate work, study, and downtime

Stay safe –

features like Emergency

SOS and Medical ID can be invaluable if

supported by your phone

How much storage do I really need?

Storage solutions

Always install updates

Make your phone do more

Small when you want it, big when you need it.

Motorola’s new Razr 70 Ultra and Razr Fold give you

more screen space to get things done.

Words Bec Summer

Motorola Razr 70 Ultra 5G

Motorola’s most powerful Razr yet is a ﬂ

agship

ﬂ

ip phone that combines powerful performance, a

premium build, and a compact pocket-friendly design.

The large external display makes it easy to browse

apps, reply to messages, control music, or check

directions with full app access – all without opening

the phone. Handy during busy commutes, at the

gym, or when your hands are full.

The versatile triple 50MP camera system features

AI photography tools and uses a new LOFIC image

sensor to capture more natural-looking photos across

The new

Motorola Razr range

brings big screen

versatility

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Motorola Razr 70 Ultra

specs at a glance

Display: Cover 4.0”, Main 7.0” Camera: Main 50MP + 50MP

ultra-wide, Front 50MP Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite

Battery: 5,000mAh Storage: 256GB Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7,

BT v5.4 Durability: IP48 Colour: Orient Blue

Motorola Razr Fold 5G

The Razr Fold

gives you the

portability of

a smartphone

along with an

expansive 8.1-

inch inner display

f

or multitasking,

reading,

streaming,

gaming, or editing

documents

without constantly switching between apps.

Split-screen apps make it easier to work

when travelling, while optional pen support

adds ﬂ

exibility for note taking, sketching, and

annotating. Plus, intelligent multitasking tools

make it easier to juggle multiple apps.

The triple 50MP camera system can

capture stunning photos and cinematic video

and includes a dedicated periscope telephoto

lens for improved long distance shots, along

with dual front cameras.

The large 6,000mAh battery keeps it going

f

or up to 43 hours, with ultra-fast 80W wired

c

harging to reduce downtime.

The precision-engineered hinge and

reinforced glass give the phone a polished

feel while helping it withstand the demands

of daily use.

Whether you’re working, creating, or

relaxing, the Razr Fold gives you the screen

space of a small tablet with the smartphone

features you need.

Motorola Razr Fold specs at a glance

Display: Cover 6.6”, Main 8.1”

Camera: Main 50MP + 50MP ultra-

wide/macro + 50MP periscope telephoto, Front 20MP + 32MP

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Battery: 6,000mAh

Storage: 256GB Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, BT v6.0

Durability: IP49 Colours: Lily White, Blackened Blue

What's new compared to the Razr 60 Ultra?

New Snapdragon

8 Elite processor for

faster performance

and AI features

New LOFIC main

camera sensor

for signiﬁ

cantly

improved dynamic

range

Larger 5,000mAh

battery for up to 36

hours

Brighter internal

and external

displays for better

visibility outdoors

Reﬁ

ned hinge

design and

upgraded Gorilla

Glass Ceramic

increase durability

New PANTONE

ﬁ

nishes add a more

premium look and

feel

c

hallenging lighting conditions. Moreo

v

er

,

the ﬂ

ip design is perfect for hands-free

selﬁ

es, group shots, video recording, and

creative capture from almost any angle.

The 5,000mAh battery can deliver over

36 hours of use from a single charge,

with fast wired and wireless charging to

get you back up and running in minutes.

Pop Cam

Instant personality

for your photos

Pop Cam lets you switch the mood of a photo

with a tap. Digicam recreates the nostalgic

look of early digital cameras; Instant Film

adds classic white borders, while Light Leak

overlays warm, vintage-inspired lighting

effects. It's an easy way to give photos a

fresh look, with no editing app required.

What's new compared with the OPPO Reno15 series?

AI Remix Collage:

Combine videos and

motion photos into

layered, share-ready

creations

3.5x Telephoto Vibe

Portrait adds more

atmosphere to portrait

shots

Pop Cam introduces

creative and nostalgic

looks and lighting effects

Improved performance

from the new MediaTek

Dimensity 8550 Super

(Pro) and AI HyperBoost

3.0

3D Pop Planet Design

creates a distinctive new

ﬂ

oating visual effect

The OPPO Reno16 F and Reno16 Pro combine creative

camera features, AI tools, and long battery life to help you

capture and share more.

Words Bec Summer

Picture perfect

The Reno16 F’s 50MP ultra-wide selﬁ

e camera

can ﬁ

t more subjects into the frame, while 4K

Auto Straighten Video helps keep handheld

footage level.

A dedicated 50MP telephoto camera

introduces 3.5x Telephoto Vibe Portrait for more

natural-looking portraits with greater reach.

The OPPO Reno16 Pro adds a 200MP Ultra-

Clear main camera for greater cropping and

editing ﬂ

exibility.

Create more,

edit less

The AI Remix Collage feature combines

videos and motion photos into layered,

share-ready creations, while Popout 2.0 can

transform everyday images into eye-catching

compositions.

Dual-View Video records both sides of the

moment, making travel clips, live gigs, and

unboxing videos feel more personal.

Helpful by design

OPPO’s inbuilt AI tools quietly simplify

everyday tasks.

AI Snap Key provides instant shortcuts to

screen recording and voice memos; AI Mind

Space can organise screenshots, notes, and

saved content in the one place; while AI Menu

Translation and AI Live Translation are handy

travelling companions.

Transferring ﬁ

les between your OPPO phone,

iPhone, and Mac is made refreshingly simple too,

using O+ Connect.

Ready when you are

Both models combine bright OLED displays with

IP69-rated durability.

The OPPO Reno16 F combines a 6,500mAh

battery with 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge,

while the OPPO Reno16 Pro pairs a 6,000mAh

battery with faster 80W charging.

New MediaTek processors, AI HyperBoost 3.0,

and AI LinkBoost 4.0 keep gaming, streaming,

and multitasking running smoothly.

Which Reno16 is right for you?

The OPPO Reno16 F is best for everyday

creators wanting excellent battery life and

creative camera tools, while the Reno16 Pro is

the pick for photographers, content creators,

and power users.

OPPO Reno16 Series

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Built for creators,

ready for every day

Specs at a glance

Display:

Reno16 F 6.57” OLED | Pro 6.32” OLED 144Hz

Camera:

Reno16 F Main 50MP + 50MP telephoto + 8MP

ultra-wide, Front 50MP | Pro Main 200MP + 50MP ultra-wide

+ 50MP telephoto, Front 50MP

Processor:

Reno16 F Mediatek Dimensity 7300 | Pro Dimensity 8550 Super

Battery:

Reno16 F 6,500mAh + 45W fast charge |

Pro 6,000mAh + 80W fast charge

Storage:

Reno16 F 256GB | Pro 512GB

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.4 LE

Durability: IP69K

Colours:

Pop White, Twilight Violet (Reno16 F), Starlight Black (Pro)

The Reno16 Series introduces OPPO's

playful new 3D Pop Planet Design – a

distinctive ﬁ

nish that gives the range plenty

of personality.

Using HoloVerse 3D technology, the

rear panel creates the illusion of a planet

ﬂ

oating beneath the glass, adding depth and

movement as it catches the light.

3D Pop Planet

Design

OPPO

Reno16 F

OPPO

Reno16 Pro

50MP Ultra Wide Sele Camera

6000+ mAh Large Baery | AI Remix Collage

1. The product pictures are for reference only. Please refer to the actual product. 2. 5G connectivity may vary based on regional availability

and local carrier suppo. 3. OPPO AI features will vary due to devices, regional laws, and cloud-based capability of the user's location.

Available at

Want to get more from your coffee machine? A few simple

habits can improve ﬂ

avour, keep your machine perfor

ming

at its best, and help every cup taste even better.

Words Scott Hocking

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Fresh beans

make a

difference

Coffee beans gradually lose

ﬂ

avour once exposed to air.

Consider buying smaller quantities,

store them in an airtight container away from heat and

sunlight, and only ﬁ

ll the bean hopper with what you'll

use over the next week or two. Fresher beans usually

mean better ﬂ

avour in your cup.

Unlock ev

erything

your co

�

ee

machine can do

Modern coffee machines are

packed with clever features, but

you might only use a handful

of them. Spend a few minutes

exploring the menus and you

could discover new ways to

personalise your coffee, save time,

and enjoy a wider range of drinks.

Your coffee machine

can remember you

Many machines can store personalised drink

proﬁ

les, letting everyone in the household

save their preferred coffee strength, cup size,

and milk settings for one-touch convenience.

One machine, dozens

of drinks

There’s more to explore than espresso. Most

machines can prepare cappuccinos, ﬂ

at

whites, lattes, macchiatos, long blacks,

and more with the simple press of

a button.

Technology does

the hard work

Barista guidance, automatic

grind recommendations, intelligent

extraction, and adaptive brewing tech help

remove much of the guesswork, so it’s easier

to achieve consistent results.

Small tweaks, big difference

Adjusting coffee volume, milk texture, or

drink temperature lets you tailor each

recipe to suit your favourite mug

and personal taste. A few simple

changes could transform your

daily coffee.

Chill out

Many of today's machines can

also prepare iced coffee, cold

brew, or chilled coffee recipes

alongside traditional espresso brews.

Good coffee at home isn’t just about the machine, it’s about creating a

routine that works for you. Consider when, how, and why you drink coffee,

then set your machine up around that routine.

If mornings are rushed, save a simple one-touch favourite so your go-to coffee is ready in a ﬂ

ash.

On weekends, experiment with different recipes, milk textures, iced coffee, or a stronger brew.

Households with multiple coffee drinkers can beneﬁ

t from user proﬁ

les or saved favourites. One

might prefer a short, strong espresso, while another wants a larger milk coffee in a favourite mug.

Setting these up once can save time every day.

Make keeping the machine ready for the next coffee part of your routine. Top up the water tank, empty

the grounds container, rinse milk parts, and check beans. That way, your coffee machine becomes a part of your

daily ritual rather than just another appliance on the kitchen bench.

Cold milk

froths

better

Whether you use

dairy or plant-based

alternatives, keeping milk

well chilled before frothing can

noticeably improve texture and

consistency. Cold milk generally

creates smoother, silkier microfoam.

Automatic rinse and cleaning programs remove coffee oils and milk residue that gradually affect ﬂ

avour and

the performance of your machine. Running these cycles when prompted can help every coffee to taste its best,

while reducing long-term maintenance.

Experiment before

changing beans

Before buying different

beans, try adjusting

coffee strength, grind size,

extraction volume, or milk

texture. Small changes can

often produce a surprisingly

different ﬂ

avour and could

help you ﬁ

nd your ideal cup.

Filtered

water tastes

better

Using fresh ﬁ

ltered water can

improve ﬂ

avour while helping

reduce mineral build-up inside

the machine and the need for

frequent descaling.

Don't skip the clean cycle

Build your own coffee routine

Common mistakes almost

every co�

ee machine

owner makes

Leaving beans in the hopper for weeks

instead of keeping them fresh

Ignoring cleaning and descaling reminders

Using warm milk instead of cold for frothing

Never adjusting strength or grind

settings to suit different beans

Better

COFFEE

starts here

Cafe quality drinks,

without the guesswork

RAPID

COLD BREW

PERFECTLY BALANCED

FILTER COFFEE

EFFORTLESS

ESPRESSO

Find your

perfect

COFFEE

MAKER

From quick daily espressos to café-style ﬂ

at whites

and cold brews, there’s a coffee machine to suit

every taste, routine, and kitchen.

Words Scott Hocking

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Ninja Luxe Café Pro

Designed by David Beckham

Best for: Coffee lovers with an eye for design

If making coffee is as much about the experience as the drink

itself, this limited edition machine combines premium espresso

performance with a distinctive designer ﬁ

nish.

Designed to stand out

Designed in collaboration with David Beckham and inspired by the natural

materials of the English countryside, the Luxe Café Pro blends timeless style with

modern craftsmanship for a reﬁ

ned look that stands out in your kitchen.

Four machines in one

Behind the premium ﬁ

nish is a 4-in-1 system that can prepare espresso, drip

coffee, cold brew, and hot water for long blacks and tea. The integrated grinder

offers 25 settings for greater control, while Barista Assist tech recommends

the ideal grind size and brew settings. And for milk coffee lovers, the dual froth

system can create silky microfoam from both dairy and plant-based alternatives.

Part of your daily ritual

Great coffee is something to savour. The Ninja Luxe Café Pro can make every cup

feel just that little bit more special.

De’Longhi

Eletta Ultra

Automatic

Coffee Machine

Best for:

Coffee lovers who want it all

The Eletta Ultra is the premium bean-to-

cup machine for anyone who wants the

full café menu without needing barista

skills.

Over 50 coffee recipes

From ﬂ

at whites and cappuccinos to iced coffee

and cold brew in less than ﬁ

ve minutes, the

Eletta Ultra offers serious variety at the touch of

a button.

Milk drinks made easy

Multiple milk recipes make it simple to create

creamy café favourites at home, while automatic

milk texturing takes the guesswork out of

frothing.

Personalised your way

Adjust coffee strength, milk texture, and drink

size, then save your favourites so everyone in the

house can have their go-to coffee ready faster.

Former soccer superstar David Beckham worked alongside

the Ninja design team over a six-month development

process, helping reﬁ

ne the machine's appearance from early

prototypes through to the ﬁ

nished product. The result is an

exclusive ﬁ

nish featuring matte black stainless steel, black

chestnut wood-grain detailing and gold accents.

Available at

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The

Breville Nespresso

Creatista

family

Breville Nespresso

Creatista Pro

Best for:

Home baristas who want the

ultimate capsule experience

The Creatista Pro sits at the top of the

range, combining speed, customisation,

and premium milk control.

Fast café workflow

A three-second heat-up time and Dual ThermoJet

system mean it can extract espresso and texture milk at the same time.

Eight preset drinks

Choose from preset recipes, then adjust coffee volume, milk texture, and

temperature to suit your taste.

Long blacks done properly

A dedicated hot water spout helps create smoother, bolder long blacks,

while the colour touchscreen keeps the process simple.

Breville Nespresso

Creatista Plus

Best for:

Capsule coffee made simple

The Creatista Plus keeps the premium

milk experience but makes it easy

enough for everyday use.

Coffee shop favourites

Choose from seven recipes, including ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino,

latte, and ﬂ

at white.

Automatic microfoam

The automatic steam wand offers eight texture levels and 11 temperature

settings, so you can easily ﬁ

ne-tune milk for different drinks.

Fast and polished

A three-second heat-up time, stainless-steel ﬁ

nish, programmable cup size,

and sliding drip tray make it a stylish and practical daily coffee maker.

Breville Nespresso

the Vertuo Creatista

Best for:

Coffee drinkers who love v

ariety

The Vertuo Creatista is made for those who

want more than espresso, with ﬂ

exible

coffee sizes and easy milk recipes.

Five coffee sizes

Intelligent brewing reads each capsule and adjusts

settings for espresso, double espresso, gran lungo,

mug, or carafe.

Milk moments made easy

Auto MilQ milk texturing offers three milk temperature

settings and three texture levels for ﬂ

at whites,

cappuccinos, and lattes.

Built for bigger cups

The removable drip tray lets you brew straight into a travel mug or carafe,

while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth help keep the machine up to date.

Why choose a

Creatista?

All three Creatista machines use

Nespresso capsules, making them a

great choice if you want quality coffee

without grinding beans, tamping, or

manual extraction. They combine capsule

convenience with Breville milk texturing,

so you can enjoy café-style drinks with

less mess and less learning curve.

Find your perfect

COFFEE

MAKER

continued

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Philips 5500 Series

LatteGo Fully

Automatic Espresso

Machine

Best for:

Busy households that love variety

The Philips 5500 is ideal for homes where

everyone wants something different, from hot

espresso to iced coffee.

20 drinks on demand

With 20 hot and iced recipes, four user proﬁ

les, and an

intuitive display, it’s simple for each person to save their

coffee of choice.

More flavour

op

tions

The ceramic grinder offers 12 grind settings, while the Extra Shot

function adds more ﬂ

avour without extra bitterness.

E

asy daily upkeep

LatteGo creates silky milk froth and cleans in less than ten

seconds. Add QuickStart, SilentBrew technology, and AquaClean

ﬁ

ltration, and it’s ready to handle the busy morning coffee rush

with minimal fuss.

Philips LatteGo Series 4400

Fully Automatic Espresso

Machine

Best for:

Everyday bean-to-cup convenience

The Philips 4400 delivers many of the same everyday

beneﬁ

ts as the 5500, but in a simpler package for regular

coffee drinkers.

12 hot and

iced drinks

Choose from everyday favourites including

espresso, cappuccino, latte, and iced coffee,

then customise strength, length, and milk

volume.

Simple milk, simple cleaning

The LatteGo system creates smooth milk froth,

including support for plant-based alternatives,

and rinses clean in less than ten seconds.

Low-fuss bean-to-cup

SilentBrew tech, 12 grind settings, ceramic

grinders, QuickStart, and AquaClean ﬁ

ltration

make it a quiet, practical machine for your daily

coffee routine.

Choose the Ninja

Luxe Café Pro if...

You want a premium machine

that looks as impressive as

the coffee it makes.

Choose the

De’Longhi Eletta

Ultra if…

You want the biggest café-

style drinks menu, including

cold brew and lots of milk

recipes.

Choose the

Nespresso Creatista

Pro if…

You want the most premium

capsule experience, with fast

workﬂ

ow and more control.

Choose the

Nespresso Creatista

Plus if…

You want capsule coffee and

silky milk with minimal fuss.

Choose the

Nespresso Vertuo

Creatista if…

You enjoy everything from

espresso shots to full mugs

and travel-cup coffees.

Choose the Philips

LatteGo 5500 if…

Your household wants a

variety of hot and iced drinks,

with saved user proﬁ

les.

Choose the Philips

LatteGo 4400 if…

You want simple, low-fuss

bean-to-cup coffee every day.

Which

coffee maker

is right for

you?

Find your perfect

COFFEE

MAKER

continued

Philips 5500

and 4400 series

Today’s robot and cordless stick vacuums can better

clean your ﬂ

oors, and a few simple habits can help them

do it more effectively. Here are some easy ways to get

the most from your vacuum cleaner.

Words Bec Summer

VACUUM SMARTER

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Five-minute prep,

better results

While many robot vacuums are

equipped with obstacle avoidance

tech, they can often work best when

they’re given a clear and direct path.

Before sending it off to clean,

pick up charging cables, move pet

bowls, lift lightweight mats, and

open internal doors. Tucking dining

chairs beneath the table also helps

the robot reach more of the ﬂ

oor in a

single pass.

Spending just a few minutes

preparing a room can deliver a

noticeably better clean.

One of the biggest advantages of a robot

vacuum is that it doesn’t need you to be

home. Use the companion app to schedule

cleaning while you’re at work, doing the

school run, or walking the dog. You’ll come

home to

freshly

cleaned

ﬂ

oors without

needing to

vacuum or

work around a

robot vac.

Maximum suction isn’t always the best

choice. Many modern cordless stick and

robot vacuums can automatically detect

different ﬂ

oor types and adjust suction

power to suit.

Auto mode can improve battery life,

reduce noise, and still deliver excellent

cleaning performance, reserving

maximum power only for tougher messes.

Clean little and often

A big clean once a week isn’t always the most

effective approach. Robot vacuums are designed

to maintain your ﬂ

oors, so consider running them

every day or every second day.

Regular cleaning prevents dust, pet hair, and

crumbs from building up, making it easier for the

vacuum to stay on top of the mess.

High-traf

ﬁ

c areas like kitchens, hallways, and

entryways often beneﬁ

t from more frequent

cleaning than spare rooms or guest bedrooms.

The ﬁ

rst clean can take longer because

your new robot vacuum is creating a map

of your home.

Once it’s ﬁ

nished, take a few minutes

in the companion app to name rooms,

create no-go zones and set cleaning

schedules for different areas. Your robot

can clean more ef

ﬁ

ciently in future.

Mapping is one of the biggest

advantages of robot vacuums, but many

users never move beyond the default

settings.

For many households, robot vacuums now take care of the

everyday cleaning, running automatically to collect dust, crumbs,

and pet hair before they build up.

That leaves the cordless stick vacuum for stairs, upholstery,

quick spills, and the areas a robot vacuum can’t easily reach.

Instead of replacing each other, the two work best as a team.

Five minutes of monthly

maintenance

Even self-emptying vacuums beneﬁ

t

from a little care. Once a month, clean

or replace ﬁ

lters if required, remove any

tangled hair from the brush roll, wipe

robot sensors and cameras, and check

wheels and brushes for trapped debris.

Keeping your vacuum clean helps

maintain suction, improves navigation,

and can extend its lifespan.

Most stick vacuums include accessories

that rarely leave the box. A crevice tool

is perfect for skirting boards and tight

corners, a dusting brush works brilliantly

on blinds and shelves, while a mini

motorised tool is ideal for mattresses, pet

beds, and upholstered furniture. Using

the right attachment can often make

cleaning faster and more effective.

top tips for cleaner ﬂ

oors

Let your robot vacuum

learn your home

Put those

attachments to work

Schedule cleaning

while you’re out

Don’t leave Auto mode

switched off

Your robot handles the routine.

You handle the rest.

Available at

From self-emptying robot vacuums that mop to powerful

cordless stick cleaners, today's vacs can do far more than

simply pick up dirt. Here are four options designed to make

cleaning easier and maintenance a little lighter.

Words Bec Summer

Find your perfect

VACUUM

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Dyson Spot+Scrub AI

Wet & Dry Robot Vacuum

Best for: Hands-free deep cleaning

The Spot+Scrub is equipped with AI, intelligent

navigation, and hygienic wet cleaning. It actively looks

for dirt, adapts its cleaning routine, and can scrub those

stubborn stains away.

Sees what you can't

An HD camera and AI smarts can recognise household

objects, identify hidden dirt and stains in real time, and

avoid obstacles such as cables, shoes, and toys.

Doesn't stop at one pass

The Dyson checks its work and automatically returns to stubborn stains, scrubbing them

repeatedly – up to 15 passes if required – for a more thorough clean.

Power where it's needed

Powerful suction can remove

dust, debris, and pet hair,

automatically boosting

performance on carpets while

lifting the wet roller.

Forget about

maintenance

A self-emptying cyclonic dock

can store debris for up to

100 days, while heated-water

roller washing helps keep

the mop clean – even during

cleaning cycles. That means

no soggy mops, dusty bags,

or constant emptying.

Dreame X3 Station

Cordless Vacuum

Best for: Busy homes with pets

If you love the ﬂ

exibility of a cordless

stick vacuum but could do without

the constant emptying, the Dreame

combines powerful cleaning with a self-

emptying Dust Removal Hub that helps

keep maintenance to a minimum.

No more tangled hair

TangleCut Dual Blades are designed

to reduce hair wrap, making the X3 a

practical choice for homes with pets or

anyone constantly cleaning up long hair.

Reaches where others can't

The clever 90-degree folding tube makes

it easy to vacuum under beds, couches,

and low furniture without awkward

stretching or bending, while powerful

suction tackles everything from ﬁ

ne dust

to larger debris across hard ﬂ

oors and

carpets.

Smarter everyday cleaning

Smart dirt and surface detection

automatically adjusts cleaning

performance as you move between

ﬂ

oor types, helping maximise battery life

while delivering the right amount

of cleaning po

w

er where it's

needed.

The dock does

the

dirty work

After cleaning

, the Dust

Removal Hub automatically

empties the

v

acuum into a

three litre dust bag that can

hold up to

1

0

da

y

s

of

debris

before needing empt

ying

.

It also recharges the

vacuum, so it's alw

a

y

s

ready for the ne

xt clean.

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MOVA V70 Ultra Complete

Robot Vacuum

Best for: Homes with challenging layouts

The Mova is designed for homes that push robot vacs

to their limits, combining exceptional suction with

innovative engineering to clean areas that many robots simply can't reach.

Cleans where others can't

MaxiReachX tech extends the mop by up to 17cm and the side brush by 12cm, helping the

robot reach deeper into tricky corners, along skirting boards and around furniture legs for

more complete edge cleaning.

Advanced obstacle avoidance

Raised door thresholds, small steps, and uneven ﬂ

oor transitions are no problem – the V70

can climb obstacles up to 9cm high. AI navigation also recognises hundreds of household

objects to help it clean around obstacles.

Serious cleaning power

With up to 42,000Pa suction, the V70

tackles everything from ﬁ

ne dust to larger

debris across hard ﬂ

oors and carpets,

making it an excellent choice for busy family

homes.

Less maintenance, more cleaning

A bagless EcoCyclone dock stores dust

for up to 100 days without the need for

disposable bags, reducing ongoing costs

while keeping maintenance to a minimum.

Shark PowerDetect Speed

Stick Vac

Best for:

Low-maintenance everyday cleaning

PowerDetect Intelligence automatically adapts to changing ﬂ

oor types,

while the self-emptying dock helps take the hassle out of everyday

cleaning.

Smarter cleaning with every pass

PowerDetect Intelligence automatically adjusts suction depending on

ﬂ

oor type, dirt levels, edges, and even the direction you're vacuuming.

Combined with Shark's TurboPro Detect ﬂ

oorhead, it sucks up more

dust and debris in both forward and reverse for a quicker and more

thorough clean.

Reaches where dust hides

The vac’s lightweight MultiFLEX wand bends to clean beneath lounges,

beds, and other furniture without awkward stretching, while a precision

blue light reveals hidden dust and ﬁ

ne debris on hard ﬂ

oors that can

easily go unnoticed.

Self-emptying convenience

Following every clean, the Shark automatically

empties into its Clean & Empty dock, sealing

away ﬁ

ne dust and allergens and providing

up to 45 days of maintenance-free emptying.

With up to 60 minutes of runtime in ECO

mode and automatic charging whenever it's

docked, this stick vac is ready to go whenever

you are.

Choose the

Shark PowerDetect

Speed if…

You want a lightweight

cordless vac that thinks

for itself, automatically

adjusting power as y

ou

clean.

Choose the

MOVA V70 Ultra

Complete if...

Y

ou need

maximum reach

around tricky

edges, corners,

and obstacles.

Choose the

Dreame X3

Station if...

You want

ﬂ

agship cordless

performance with a

self-empt

ying

doc

k.

Choose the

Dyson

Spot+Scrub if...

You want a robot v

ac that

intelligently ﬁ

nds stains,

vacuums, mops, and

largely looks after itself.

Which

vacuum is

right for

you?

Find your perfect

VACUUM

continued

Want a smoother shave, a sharper beard, and

better overall trimming? These practical tips can

make your daily routine in front of the bathroom

mirror quicker, easier, and more comfortable.

Words Scott Hocking

Small changes for

BETTER SHAVING

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One of the easiest mistakes to make is

trimming off too much in the ﬁ

rst pass. If

you're shaping a beard or tidying longer facial

hair, begin with a longer guide comb and

gradually work your way down until you're

happy with the length.

It's much easier to remove a little more hair

than wait for it to grow

bac

k. If y

ou're tr

ying

a ne

w beard st

yle

or shortening a full

beard, trimming in

st

ages also helps

y

ou judge the

shape as y

ou go.

Clean blades

for a better

shave

A clean cutting head

doesn't just look better

– it usually performs better

too. Hair trapped between

the blades can reduce cutting

performance and make your shaver work

harder than it needs to.

Brush away loose hairs after each use, and

rinse waterproof models. Some blades beneﬁ

t

from occasional oiling, while many newer self-

sharpening blades don't require it.

Spending a minute cleaning your shaver

after each use can help it stay sharper and

cut more ef

ﬁ

ciently, for a smoother and more

comfortable shave.

An electric shaver is designed to deliver a close

facial shave, while a beard trimmer gives you

greater control over stubble and beard length.

Body trimmers often use rounded blades and

skin guards for added comfort, and all-in-one

multigroomers combine several attachments so one

device can tackle almost everything.

Using the right attachment – or the right tool -

generally produces better results than trying to

make one blade do every job.

Electric shavers and trimmers can

do more than simply cut hair. Many

can automatically adjust motor

power when they detect thicker

beard growth, helping maintain a

smoother, more even trim.

Others use ﬂ

exible shaving

heads that move with the contours

of your face to maintain closer

contact around the jawline and neck,

while some body trimmers feature

rounded blade designs or skin

guards.

You may also ﬁ

nd AI-powered

guidance systems in premium

shavers, self-sharpening blades,

and interchangeable attachments

that can transform one tool into a

complete personal care system.

It's worth spending a few minutes

exploring everything your shaver or

trimmer can do – you might discover

features you've never used.

Always ready when you are

Most cordless shavers and trimmers use

batteries that don't need to be completely

drained before charging.

Keeping your device topped up is

recommended, and quick-charge functions

can often provide enough

power for a single shave

in just a few minutes.

If your model includes

a charging stand or

upright dock, use it so

it's always ready when

you are.

If you've got several days of

growth, trim before you shave

For a more even ﬁ

nish, move

against the direction of hair growth

when trimming

Stretch the skin gently around

the jawline and neck for a smoother

result

Don’t press harder. This can

increase irritation and stop the

shaving head moving as freely

across the contours of your face.

If you shave daily, try doing it at

roughly the same time so that beard

length stays more consistent.

When buying a multigroomer

or trimmer, don’t leave

attachments in the box to

be forgotten and unused.

Some are designed for

eyebrows, nostril, and ear

hair trimming or precision

edging, and learning what

each attachment does could

unlock more value from your

device.

Check the tech

Use the right tool for the job

Start longer than you think

Take another look in the box

5 habits

barbers

swear by

Shokz JointArc™ and contoured

silicone for a snug & secure fit

Incredible sound with upgraded

Dolby Audio

Open-ear clip-on design

for situational awareness

Up to 40 hours of

combined playtime

Interchangeable

left&right earbuds

Crystal-clear calls

with 3 micsi

Flagship Clip-On Earbuds

Light Clip, Incredible Sound

2026 New Arrival

Available at

Not every beard grows at the same density. Philips’ BeardSense Technology scans your beard up to

125 times per second and automatically boosts cutting power through thicker areas, helping deliv

er a

smoother, more consistent trim with fewer passes. Think of it as adaptive ‘cruise control’ f

or a trimmer

.

What is BeardSense Technology?

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From quick beard maintenance to head-to-toe personal

care, Philips' All-in-One Multigroomer range makes

it easy to look your best with one versatile tool.

Which model you choose comes down to how much

precision, ﬂ

exibility, and control you want.

Words Scott Hocking

Philips All-in-One Series

Every Philips All-in-One

Multigroomer can replace multiple

personal care tools with one

rechargeable device. Across the

range you'll ﬁ

nd self-sharpening

steel blades that never need

oiling, BeardSense Technology for

more consistent trimming, up to

120 minutes of cordless runtime

with quick charging, showerproof

designs for wet or dry use, and

attachments for facial hair, hair,

body, nose, and ear care.

Why choose a

Philips All-in-One

Multigroomer?

Philips All-in-One

Series 5000 10-in-1

Multigroomer

Best for: The everyday all-rounder

The Series 5000 is

designed for those who

want one reliable tool to

keep their beard, hair, and

body looking neat with

minimal effort.

One tool for the

essentials

Ten attachments cover beard trimming, haircuts,

and body hair, plus nose and ear hair, making

personal care easy.

Smart power when you need it

BeardSense Technology scans beard density up

to 125 times per second, automatically increasing

power through thicker growth for a more even trim.

Ready whenever you are

Seven cutting lengths from 0.5-16mm, self-

sharpening steel blades, up to 120 minutes of

runtime, quick charging, and a showerproof

design make it an ideal pick for everyday use.

Philips All-in-One

Series 7000 13-in-1

Multigroomer

Best for: Precision styling without the fuss

If you like a sharper,

more tailored look, the

Series 7000 adds greater

precision and specialised

attachments, while

remaining just as simple

to use.

Greater control

The premium precision comb offers 16 cutting

lengths, including ultra-ﬁ

ne 0.2mm adjustments

between 1mm and 3mm for detailed beard

styling.

Perfect the details

Dedicated detail, eyebrow, and nose/ear

attachments help create crisp lines and a

polished ﬁ

nish.

Comfort where it counts

A rounded body blade trims sensitive areas

comfortably, while BeardSense tech and self-

sharpening blades deliver consistent results.

Philips All-in-One

Series 9000 16-in-1

Multigroomer

Best for: Complete personal styling

The ﬂ

agship Series 9000

is Philips' most versatile

all-in-one tool, combining

premium materials with

maximum precision.

The ultimate in

precision

Philips’ most advanced

precision comb offers 26 cutting lengths

from 0.5-20mm, including ultra-ﬁ

ne 0.2mm

increments, providing exceptional control for

detailed beard styling.

Everything in one kit

Sixteen attachments cover facial hair, haircuts,

body trimming, eyebrows, and nose and ear hair.

Built to last

A stainless-steel body, ergonomic grip,

BeardSense Technology and long-lasting

battery combine to deliver Philips’ most reﬁ

ned

trimmer.

One tool for every style

A comfortable, close shave starts with the right electric shaver.

Braun’s new series builds from a dependable everyday model

through to premium options with smarter shaving technology,

making it easier to choose the right ﬁ

t for your routine.

Words Scott Hocking

A closer shave

starts with the new

Braun series

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Braun 52-M1200

Series 5 Electric

Shaver

Best for: Everyday simplicity and value

The Series 5 is for anyone who wants a fast,

comfortable shave. It's an excellent choice,

combining Braun's foil shaving system with

fast, everyday performance.

Easy and efficient

Three ﬂ

exible blades adapt to the contours of your face for a comfortable shave,

while Turbo Mode powers through heavier growth when you're short on time.

More than a shaver

The included Precision Trimmer attachment makes it easy to tidy up

sideburns, deﬁ

ne beard lines, or maintain facial hair between shaves.

Ready for every shave

The Series 5 offers up to 60 minutes of cordless runtime, a ﬁ

ve-minute

quick charge, and a waterproof design for wet or dry shaving.

Braun 62-S1000S

Series 6 Electric

Shaver

Best for:

Extra comfort and adaptability

If comfort is your priority, the Series 6

builds on the Series 5 with a shaving

head designed to stay in closer contact

with your skin while reducing pressure.

Adapts to your face

Braun's 2D Contour Adaptation head follows the curves of your face for

a close, comfortable shave, particularly around the jawline and neck.

Choose your shave

Switch to Turbo Mode for a faster shave, or use Gentle Mode when

comfort is the priority.

Comfort every day

Wet or dry operation, and up to 60 minutes of battery life with ﬁ

ve-minute

quick charge make it easy to keep the Series 6 ready for your next shave.

Braun 72-G1000S

Series 7 Electric

Shaver

Best for:

Smarter shaving performance

The Series 7 introduces Braun's most advanced

shaving technology, making it ideal for anyone

who wants a closer shave with less effort.

Braun's smartest shave

The 360° SkinFlex Head and three ﬂ

exible blades adapt to the contours

of your face, helping maintain close contact even in trickier areas.

Three shaving modes

Turbo Mode delivers Braun's fastest shave, Gentle Mode focuses on

comfort, while Standard Mode balances speed and everyday performance.

Ready for anything

With wet and dry capability, plus a 60-minute battery and quick

charging, it's designed to perform reliably for years.

Braun 72-C1200S

Series 7 Electric

Shaver

Best for: The premium all-rounder

The 72-C1200S combines everything

that makes the Series 7 an impressive

everyday shaver with the added

versatility of a Precision Trimmer

attachment.

Closer and faster

Braun's 360° SkinFlex Head, three ﬂ

exible blades, and three shaving

modes deliver a close, ef

ﬁ

cient shave while remaining gentle on the skin.

Everything in one kit

Alongside Braun’s advanced shaving system, the included Precision

Trimmer attachment makes shaping beard lines, tidying sideburns, and

maintaining facial hair simple, while the travel case keeps everything

organised when on the go.

Why choose a

Braun Series

electric shaver?

Every Braun Series electric shaver is

designed to make daily shaving quicker,

easier, and more comfortable.

Across the range you'll ﬁ

nd

waterproof wet and dry performance, up

to 60 minutes of cordless runtime, ﬁ

ve-

minute quick charging, and foil shaving

technology that follows the contours of

your face for a close, consistent shave.

As you move through the Series

range, you gain more advanced contour

adaptation, additional shave modes,

and greater versatility, making it easy

to choose the model that best suits your

routine.

Looking your best starts with the right tool. From

precise beard styling and comfortable body trimming

to versatile all-in-one solutions, Wahl’s latest range can

make everyday personal care a breeze.

Words Scott Hocking

Wahl’s new

trimmers are ready

for every routine

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Wahl Trim Ninja

Best for: Precision beard styling and touch-ups

The Trim Ninja is built for anyone who likes to keep facial

hair looking sharp. Compact and easy to control, it’s ideal

for deﬁ

ning beard lines, edging around the neckline, and

tidying sideburns between full trims.

Precision where it matters

The Everlast Blade trims, edges, and shaves with precise

accuracy, while being designed to last for the life of the trimmer, removing the need

for replacement blades.

Total control

A rugged non-slip grip gives you extra conﬁ

dence when shaping beard lines or

working around tricky areas that demand a steady hand.

Small tool, big versatility

A rotary attachment tackles pesky nose and ear hair, while three guide combs –

0.75mm, 3mm, and 5.25mm – make it easy to achieve a consistent beard length.

60 minutes of cordless run time from a 12-hour charge keeps it ready whenever

you are, while rinseable blades mean easy cleanup.

Wahl Primal Body Groomer

Best for: Comfortable full-body trimming

Designed to target body hair, the Primal Body Groomer

makes it easier to trim larger areas quickly while

remaining comfortable on sensitive skin.

Cover more in less time

Its extra-wide blade is 55% wider than a standard

trimmer, helping you trim your chest, back, arms, and

legs more ef

ﬁ

ciently.

Designed with comfort in mind

The Safe-Touch ballpoint blade is engineered for comfortable body

trimming, while the adjustable wraparound guide lets you choose lengths

from 3mm to 13mm. The interchangeable Detail Blade and Dual Foil Shaver

with cutter bar make it easy to switch between trimming, detailing, and

achieving a smoother ﬁ

nish.

Ready wherever you are

A waterproof IPX7 design, USB-C charging, travel lock, and 120-minute

cordless runtime make it a practical tool both at home and away.

Wahl Color Pro

Stainless Steel

Multigroomer

Best for: Head-to-toe personal care

If you'd rather own one

versatile tool than several

specialised ones, the Color

Pro is designed to do it all.

A complete personal

care kit

Four interchangeable blades

include a Standard Precision

Blade for beard and body

hair, a Dual Foil Shaver for a

smooth ﬁ

nish, a Detail Blade

for ﬁ

ner work, and a Vertical

Trimmer to keep nose, ear

hair, and eyebrows under

control.

Finding the right

length is easy

Eight reinforced colour-coded guide combs

make selecting your preferred cutting length

simpler, with no guesswork.

Built for versatility

The Color Pro boasts a waterproof design

for use in the shower, while the Advanced

Lithium Power 2.0 battery can deliver up to

four hours of cordless use from a one-hour

charge, with a one-minute quick charge for

fast ﬁ

nessing.

Every Wahl trimmer is built around

practical performance and everyday

reliability. Across the range you'll

ﬁ

nd durable stainless-steel blades,

cordless convenience, and designs that

are easy to clean, making them a great

ﬁ

t for regular use at home.

Depending on the model, you'll

also beneﬁ

t from waterproof builds,

long-lasting batteries, interchangeable

cutting heads, and adjustable guide

combs that make it easy to achieve

consistent results.

Why choose a

Wahl trimmer?

Combining Skullcandy's legendary adjustable Crusher

bass with premium Sound by Bose technology,

adaptive noise cancelling, and immersive spatial audio,

the Crusher 1080 ANC Headphones are built for anyone

who likes their playlists with more punch.

Words Glenn Cochrane

Bass you don't

just hear

Crusher has always been

Skullcandy's calling card, and

the 1080 ANC takes it to

another level.

Its patented adjustable

Crusher bass lets you dial

in everything from subtle

warmth to full chest-thumping

impact using the earcup controls

or companion app.

Unlike traditional

headphones that simply boost

low frequencies, Crusher

delivers a multi-sensory bass

experience, giving listeners

the freedom to ﬁ

ne-tune the

intensity instead of settling for

standardised sound.

First class quiet

These headphones pair

Skullcandy's signature sound

with Bose QuietControl

adaptive noise cancelling for

quieter commuting, travelling

or working. Should you

prefer to stay aware of your

surroundings, adjustable

Stay-Aware Mode mode

lets outside sound back in

when you need it to.

Six adaptive

microphones continuously

monitor your surroundings

and adjust the noise cancelling

in real time, helping keep

distractions at bay.

Sound that

surrounds you

Bose TrueSpatial technology

creates a wider, more

speaker-like soundstage,

placing music naturally in

front of you instead of inside

your head. Add head tracking

and the audio stays anchored

as you move, creating a more

realistic listening experience.

Skullcandy delivers the adjustable Crusher

bass that fans have loved for years, while

Bose brings its expertise in immersive sound,

adaptive noise cancelling, and clear voice

pickup.

Together, they create a listening

experience that's powerful without

becoming overwhelming, with plenty of

detail and balance when your playlist calls for

something more subtle.

It's this combination that makes the

Crusher 1080 ANC just as capable with

movies, gaming, and podcasts as it is with

bass-heavy playlists.

Totally addicted to

BASS

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Skullcandy Crusher

1080 ANC headphones

Why you'll love the

Crusher 1080 ANC

Feel every beat: Adjustable Crusher

bass delivers a unique multi-sensory listening

experience that can be personalised using the

earcup controls or Skullcandy app.

Escape the noise: Bose QuietControl

adaptive noise cancelling continuously

responds to your surroundings, while Stay-

Aware mode lets you hear what's happening

around you when required.

Bigger, more immersive sound:

Bose TrueSpatial and head tracking create a

more natural, cinematic listening experience

for music, movies, and gaming.

Key features

Crusher adjustable multi-sensory bass

Sound by Bose technology

Bose QuietControl ANC and Bose

TrueSpatial with head tracking

Up to 60 hours battery life plus Rapid

Charge (10 minutes = up to four hours

playback)

Crystal-clear voice pickup

Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio (Auracast)

Google Fast Pair and multipoint

connectivity

Fold-ﬂ

at, collapsible travel design

Available at

The Sennheiser Momentum 5 headphones don’t just sound

fantastic, they also encourage you to revisit your favourite

albums to discover details you never realised were there.

Words

Scott Hocking

SENNHEISER

MOMENTUM 5

HEADPHONES

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REVIEW

Hear more in your

favourite music

First impressions

Some headphones sound great. Others make

you rediscover your music collection. That’s

exactly what happened when we ﬁ

rst slipped

on the Sennheiser Momentum 5 for a test

drive.

From the premium ﬁ

nish and beautifully

balanced design to the rich, revealing sound,

these headphones exude luxury.

Three or four albums later, they still felt just

as comfortable – a good sign for long listening

sessions or frequent travel. After a while you

may even forget you’re wearing headphones,

until someone tries to get your attention.

Having spent years using Sennheiser’s

excellent Momentum 3 headphones, we

didn’t expect such a dramatic leap in sound

quality. The Momentum 5 doesn’t feel like an

incremental upgrade – it feels like a bona ﬁ

de

sound revelation.

It’s all in the details

The easiest way to describe the jump in sound

quality is with an analogy movie lovers will

immediately understand.

Revisiting a favourite ﬁ

lm in 4K HDR often

reveals details you never knew were there

– textures in clothing, subtle reﬂ

ections, or

objects hidden in the shadows. The Momentum

5 delivers the audio equivalent.

Inspired by the sound signature of

Sennheiser’s acclaimed HD 600-series studio

headphones, the Momentum 5 unlocks

previously unheard layers and nuances within

familiar recordings.

Listening to Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams, for

example, brought out extra texture in Mick

Fleetwood’s understated drumming, while

Stevie Nicks’s voice carried subtle inﬂ

ections

that are easy to miss on other headphones.

And Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody opens up

beautifully, with greater separation between its

stacked vocal harmonies, making it easier to

appreciate just how meticulously the track was

produced.

It’s not that these details weren’t there

before – they’ve simply been waiting for the

right headphones to bring them into focus.

Silence really is golden

Top-tier sound demands a quiet environment,

and Sennheiser’s latest active noise

cancellation creates something approaching a

cone of silence. Even with an unmuted TV

playing in the background, the music

remained the sole focus.

Transparency Mode is just as

impressive, allowing outside

sounds to ﬁ

lter back in naturally

for train announcements or

quick conversations without

needing to remove the

headphones.

Dolby Atmos done

properly

Dolby Atmos with head tracking adds another

dimension to listening when paired with

supported content.

Blinding Lights by The Weeknd in Dolby

Atmos creates an impressively stable

soundstage that remains anchored in front

of you as your head turns. It’s a subtle effect

rather than a gimmick, creating the sensation

of sitting between a pair of premium stereo

speakers rather than wearing headphones.

More than just great sound

While it’s easy to get caught up talking about

the sound, the Momentum 5 gets the practical

stuff right too.

The battery just keeps going. Even after

several days of regular listening, there was no

low-battery alert.

Call quality is also on point for Teams

meetings and phone calls – voices come

through clearly and naturally. These

headphones are as good for workdays as

they are for switching off afterwards.

The verdict

Premium wireless headphones have never

been more competitive, but the Sennheiser

Momentum 5 delivers something surprisingly

rare – it makes familiar music feel new again.

Rather than immediately hunting for new

music to test, we kept returning to favourite

albums simply to hear the uptick in sonic detail.

These are fantastic headphones. Put them

on, revisit your favourite tracks, and hear what

you’ve been missing.

Available at

Popular apps including Netﬂ

ix, Stan, Prime

Video, YouTube, and Apple TV are preloaded,

while built-in Chromecast lets you quickly cast

videos, photos, and music from compatible

phones, tablets, and laptops straight to the TV.

Stream from more devices

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy

setup and connection to compatible external

devices, while Apple users can also take

advantage of AirPlay and HomeKit support to

stream content or integrate the TV into a smart

home setup.

Made by TCL

Backed by TCL, one of the

world's largest TV manufacturers,

FFALCON delivers budget-friendly

TVs that focus on the smart

features most families use

every day.

Along with a generous 65-inch

screen, the U65A brings the

essentials, such as built-in Google

TV for quick access to your

favourite streaming apps.

Big screen viewing

for less

From family movie nights

and live sport to casual

gaming, the U65A is

an ideal pick if you’re

simply looking for a

big screen smart TV

that won’t stretch

your budget, but

will still deliver

a cinematic

experience.

With both 4K

Ultra HD resolution

and HDR10 support,

the U65A delivers sharper detail,

improved contrast, and richer colours

than a standard Full HD TV, helping

your entertainment look its best.

Smart and simple

The Google TV platform makes

it quicker to jump straight to your

f

a

v

ourite streaming apps, and search

f

or mo

vies and shows.

Big-screen TVs have become more affordable than

ever. The FFALCON U65A shows how today's budget-

friendly models deliver the smart TV features most

households actually need and use every day.

Words Scott Hocking

FFALCON U65A

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Why Google TV

makes viewing

easier

Google TV keeps your entertainment

organised in one easy-to-navigate interface,

so you're not constantly jumping between

apps to ﬁ

nd something to watch.

more contentious aspects of

his legacy.

Even so, Michael

succeeds as a celebration of

an undeniable musical legacy,

offering an entertaining

look at the performer who

changed pop music forever.

Gill Pringle

GENRE: Music biography

RUN TIME: 2h 7m

One of the most talked-about music biopics in years,

Michael takes on the daunting challenge of telling the

story of one of the most famous and controversial

entertainers who ever lived.

• Michael

is out Aug 12

Michael Jackson was a

passionate gamer. Following

his work with SEGA on Michael

Jackson's Moonwalker (1990), he

secretly contributed music to Sonic the

Hedgehog 3 (1994). While his name

never appeared in the credits, his

involvement was later conﬁ

rmed

by developers and

collaborators.

FUN

FACT

Inset: Jaafar Jackson

with director

Antoine Fuqua

To prepare

for the role, Timothée

Chalamet practised table

tennis between takes on ﬁ

lms

like Wonka and Dune: Part

Two, even travelling with

his own portable ping-

pong table.

FUN

FACT

• Marty

Supreme

is out

now

he’s fallen on hard times,” says

Urban. ”When Sonya Blade

and Raiden seek him out and

tell him that he’s been drafted

into the role of defender

of Earthrealm, he’s entirely

reluctant to get involved. He has

a complete lack of self-esteem.

”The journey for Johnny is one

of how he finds himself, how he

discovers his inner power, and

becomes the Johnny Cage fans

know and love from the games.”

Co-producer James Wan says

Urban was the perfect choice for

the role.

”I think what makes his

character so endearing is that he’s

kind of just like one of us. He’s a

B-movie action star like a lot of us

grew up with in the ’90s. We get

to make fun of him,

but also ultimately

really embrace him.”

Preparing for the role meant

more than learning dialogue.

Urban immersed himself in martial

arts culture before immediately

diving into the film’s ambitious

stunt work.

”When I landed at the airport

to start filming, they drove me

straight to a stunt rehearsal,” he

recalls. ”From day one, I was

thrown in at the deep end. We had

one of the best stunt teams I’ve

ever worked

with, and I’m

super excited

for audiences

to see what we came

up with.”

Whether you’re

a lifelong fan of the

games or enjoyed the

2021 reboot, Mortal

Kombat II promises

the biggest and

most faithful

cinematic

adaptation of

the legendary

franchise yet.

Gill Pringle

9

FEATURE

MOVIE

FLAWLESS VICTORY!

MORTAL KOMBAT II

Mortal Kombat II delivers

exactly what fans of the

blockbuster video game franchise

have been waiting for: bigger

fights, more iconic characters, and

a story that finally puts the brutal

Mortal Kombat tournament front

and centre.

Returning favourites Lewis

Tan, Jessica McNamee, Mehcad

Brooks, Ludi Lin, Chin Han, Joe

Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu

Asano, and Max Huang are joined

by Karl Urban as fan-favourite

Johnny Cage, with the The Boys

star bringing both humour and

heart to the action.

When audiences first meet

Cage, however, he’s far from the

confident fighter fans know.

”His career is in the tank, and

GENRE: Action adventure

RUN TIME: 1h 56m

MAID TO KILL!

THEY WILL KILL YOU

At first, the film feels a little familiar,

treading similar ground to the recent

Ready or Not movies. But from the moment

the first major twist smacks you in the face

(quite early on), all bets are off, and there’s no

telling where the heck it’s going next.

Directed by Russian filmmaker Kirill

Sokolov, whose previous films Why Don’t You

Just Die! and No Looking Back established

him as an exciting new voice in genre cinema,

the movie is a visceral smorgasbord of

oddities.

The story follows a woman named Asia,

who answers a housekeeper-wanted ad at a

mysterious New York City high-rise linked to

several disappearances. Once she’s hired...

well, that’s the thing. We can’t tell you what

happens next because They Will Kill You is

loaded with misdirections and twists from

beginning to end.

What we can say is that there is a satanic

cult involved and that the cast is stacked.

Patricia Arquette, Heather Graham, Tom

Felton, Myha’la, and Angus Sampson headline

this chaotic, ultra-violent romp. Adding to its

horror pedigree, the film is also produced by

Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the filmmaking

duo behind Stephen King’s It films.

The easiest way to describe They Will

Kill You is to imagine the comic book-style

ultraviolence of Kill Bill, the relentless

corridor chaos of Ready or Not, and a dash

of Rosemary’s Baby thrown in for good

measure.

Speaking ahead of the film’s release, Tom

Felton sang Sokolov’s praises.

”Kirill is so playful and

excited. He's almost like a

13-year-old child in a comic

book shop.”

Sokolov says the film

was built around subverting

audience expectations.

”We wrote a movie that

we would love to see as

an audience. So we started

with a trope, but then we

worked on how to make it

more twisted. This movie

turns itself upside down

every ten minutes and

immediately goes in

directions you don’t

expect.” Glenn Cochrane

GENRE: Horror action

RUN TIME: 1h 35m

FINISH THE FIGHT WITH THESE ANIMATED MORTAL KOMBAT ADVENTURES:

Mortal Kombat: Battle of the Realms, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge,

Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match, Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL

LOVE

THESE:

Kill Bill Vol 1 & 2, Boy Kills World, Evil Dead 2, Abigail, Random Acts of Violence

Karl Urban

Just when horror fans thought they’d seen it all comes

They Will Kill You, an outrageously fun, balls-to-the-wall genre

movie with a ﬁ

nal act that has to be seen to be believed.

• They Will

Kill You

is available now

Fun Fact:

So much fake blood was used

during ﬁ

lming that most of the cast

needed a manicure at the end of each

day’s shoot to clean it from their skin and

beneath their ﬁ

ngernails.

Inset: Director

Kirill Sokolov

Right: Zazie Beetz

• Mortal

Kombat II

is out Aug 5

DYK?

A third instalment is being developed. Where the ﬁ

rst movie was set before the tournament and the second during the tournament, the third ﬁ

lm will be set post-tournament.

Bigger ﬁ

ghts, iconic ﬁ

ghters, and Johnny Cage’s long-awaited arrival.

Director Simon McQuoid

Hugh Jackman stars as George, a kind-

hearted shepherd who reads detective

stories to his flock each night, never imagining

they understand every word. But when a

mysterious incident rocks the farm, the sheep

decide to put their knowledge to the test,

following clues and investigating suspects in an

unlikely quest to solve the case.

The result is a playful family film that blends

comedy, mystery, and plenty of heart, making it

an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.

Jackman was immediately drawn to the

script. “Comedy without heart isn’t satisfying. It

wears thin. This story is full of heart. That’s what

audiences want: to be moved, to be surprised,

to be transported.”

Although the Australian star briefly worked

on a sheep farm in his youth, he came to the

project with limited experience. During filming,

however, he developed a genuine affection for

his woolly co-stars, thanks

in part to the remarkably

lifelike puppets used on set.

“George is a fierce

protector who refuses

to harm his sheep,” says

Jackman. “None of them

will end up on your dinner

plate, but their wool

might keep you warm. I’ve played

superheroes before, but George is a

different kind of hero.”

While the sheep weren't real,

Jackman says performing alongside them

felt surprisingly natural. “I’m used to acting

with tennis balls on sticks, but this was so

much more. I got to perform opposite incredibly

lifelike puppets, operated by Tom Wilton, a

brilliant puppeteer and actor. Honestly, it felt like

the sheep were talking to me.”

Joining Jackman is an

impressive cast including

Emma Thompson, Bryan

Cranston, Rhys Darby, Bella

Ramsay, Nicholas Braun,

and Hong Chau.

For director

Kyle Balda,

the experience left a

lasting impression. “I’ll

definitely never see

sheep the same way

again. One thing that really

surprised me while researching

was just how many varieties of

sheep there are. There are

actually more varieties of

sheep than dogs, which is

incredible.” Gill Pringle

really going to help get this movie out is John.

And he did a fantastic job.”

”He is amazing,” adds Marks. ”His voice is

just another level of epicness. He carries so

much weight as well, doesn’t he?

And he’s such a lovely guy to be

around.”

With its immersive locations,

convincing mythology, and

memorable creature work,

Bone Keeper proves there’s

still plenty of life left in the

creature feature.

Glenn Cochrane

”Every single bit of it was on location,”

explains lead actress Sarah Alexandra

Marks. ”It’s as real as it gets. Those caves are

real, they’re dark, they’re dingy, freezing cold.

There was no comfortable green screen there

whatsoever.”

”The crew all caught what we called Cave

Lung within the first 24 hours,” adds Louis

James, the film’s second lead and Marks’

real-life partner. ”Everyone was coughing and

spluttering. It’s one thing being down there in

the caves, but it’s another thing getting down

there with the kits and the props.”

Bone Keeper is a subterranean horror tale

centred on a notorious cave system linked

to decades of missing persons cases. The

story follows a group of friends who venture

jbhifi.com.au

10

AUGUST 2026

MOVIE

FEATURE

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

AN EWE-DUNNIT!

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES

GENRE: Comedy mystery

RUN TIME: 1h 50m

WHAT LURKS BELOW?

BONE KEEPER

GENRE: Horror

RUN TIME: 1h 30m

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL

LOVE

THESE:

Babe, Knives Out, Paddington 2, Detective Pikachu, Stuart Little

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL

LOVE

THESE:

As Above So Below, The Thing, It Feeds, A Quiet Place, The Mist

Above: John Rhys-Davies

Inset: Louis James and

Sarah Alexandra Marks

Right: Hugh Jackman

Below: Emma Thompson

German author Leonie Swann’s hit 2005 novel Three Bags Full has been

transformed into the charming British mystery The Sheep Detectives.

Creature features and monster movies are a dime a dozen, but when

they're done well, they're pure entertainment. Bone Keeper is one such

ﬁ

lm, delivering well-executed horror that's as thrilling as it is intriguing.

• Bone Keeper

is out Aug 12

underground searching for one of their mothers,

who vanished while investigating the cave’s dark

mythology.

More than a straightforward fright flick, Bone

Keeper blends creature horror with mystery and

adventure. That mythology is strengthened by

the presence of screen icon John Rhys-Davies

as a reclusive researcher, shunned by the locals

and convinced something lurks beneath the

earth.

Marks and James were closely involved in the

film’s development alongside director Howard

J. Ford, making the casting of Rhys-Davies

especially rewarding.

”We had already written his character and

I was picturing those scenes and the gravitas

he brings to it,” says James. ”I thought what’s

• The Sheep

Detectives

is out Aug 26

DYK:

Leonie Swann has written two sequels to her bestselling novel Three Bags Full. The ﬁ

rst, Big Bad Wool, is a werewolf-themed mystery,

while the second, released this year in German as Widdersehen, is yet to receive an ofﬁ

cial English title.

WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH?

August brings the goods. Beyond the major releases featured elsewhere in this

issue of

STACK

, here's a look at some other must-see movies landing this August.

EDITOR’S

PICK

UNDERTONE

AID

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 5

GENRE:

Horror

FORMATS:

BD, DVD

One of the year's best and

most overlooked horror

ﬁ

lms, Undertone proves

that atmosphere can be far

more frightening than jump

scares (although it has those

too). Fans of Session 9,

Pulse, and Bring Her Back

will appreciate its brooding,

slow burn approach to terror.

This Canadian chiller builds

overwhelming dread through

minimalist ﬁ

lmmaking,

unsettling sound design,

and remarkable restraint.

Understated, intelligent,

and deeply unnerving, it

rewards patient viewers with

a chilling payoff that lingers

long after the credits roll.

Horror this

conﬁ

dent

doesn't

need excess

to leave a

lasting scar.

Don't let this

gem pass.

Words Glenn Cochrane

THE DRAMA

AID

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 5

GENRE:

Drama

FORMAT:

BD, DVD

From the director or Dream Scenario, The Drama

is an audacious romantic comedy that constantly

subverts expectations. Starring Zendaya and Robert

Pattinson, this sharply written relationship story explores love, trust,

and uncomfortable truths with biting humour and emotional honesty.

Darkly funny, provocative, and impossible to predict, it's a bold,

conversation-starting film that lingers long after the credits, proving

romance can still surprise audiences.

WINTER BATTLEGROUND

Defiant

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 12

GENRE:

Action

FORMAT:

DVD

Fans of The Terminator and The Creator should lock

onto Winter: Battleground. Set in a near-future

America where artificial intelligence has reshaped

society, this lean sci-fi action thriller follows a rogue soldier battling

elite assassins and cybernetic hunters on a desperate mission.

Starring Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and Johnny Messner, it's packed

with explosive action, gritty survival thrills, and old-school genre

entertainment.

MOTHER MARY

AID

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 12

GENRE:

Thriller

FORMAT:

BD, DVD

If Vox Lux and Smile 2 struck the right chord,

Mother Mary deserves your attention. Directed by

David Lowery, this bold musical psychodrama stars

Anne Hathaway as a troubled pop icon opposite Michaela Coel in a

haunting story of fame, creativity, and fractured friendship. Stylish,

emotionally raw, and loaded with eerie psychological tension, it's an

ambitious, genre-blurring experience that hangs around long after the

final encore and demands to be seen.

POWER BALLAD

Madman

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 26

GENRE:

Drama

FORMAT:

BD, DVD

Following the music-infused hit movies Once, Begin

Again, and Sing Street, Irish filmmaker John Carney

returns with Power Ballad, a heartfelt comedy-drama

about ambition, friendship, and songwriting. Starring Paul Rudd, Nick

Jonas, Jack Reynor, and Havana Rose Liu, this irresistible crowd-pleaser

has charmed critics with its warmth, humour, and soul. It’s another

winning reminder that nobody blends music and emotion quite like Carney,

delivering yet another unforgettable cinematic musical experience.

FINDING EMILY

AID

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 12

GENRE:

Comedy

FORMAT:

DVD

From the makers of Bridget Jones’s Diary comes

Finding Emily, one of the year’s best romantic

comedies. Starring Australian favourite Angourie Rice

alongside Spike Fearn and Minnie Driver, this witty, feel-good crowd-

pleaser puts a fresh Gen Z spin on modern dating, social media, and

campus life. Warm, funny, and effortlessly charming, it proves the

rom-com still has plenty of heart and something new to say. This one’s

full to the brim with British charm.

THE DEB

AID

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 26

GENRE:

Comedy

FORMAT:

DVD

Australian musicals are a rare treat, making The Deb

all the more reason to celebrate. Fans of Bran Nue

Dae and Goddess will find plenty to love in Rebel

Wilson’s directorial debut, in which she also stars. Bursting with

catchy songs, big laughs, and heartfelt charm, this coming-of-age

comedy follows a country teenager determined to reinvent herself

before debutante season. It’s funny, uplifting, and unmistakably

Australian.

HOME DELIVERY

Eagle

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 12

GENRE:

Comedy

FORMAT:

DVD

If The Family Stone and Little Miss Sunshine are

your kind of comfort movies, Home Delivery belongs

on your watchlist. When a plus-size supermodel

invites her entire family to witness the home birth of her first child,

long-buried secrets, clashing personalities, and plenty of hilarious

chaos follow. Featuring a terrific ensemble cast, it's a warm, funny,

and surprisingly heartfelt celebration of family.

DOLLY

Madman

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 26

GENRE:

Horror

FORMAT:

BD, DVD

This one’s for the sickos, and we mean that

affectionately. Fans of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

or Wrong Turn should put Dolly at the top of their

watchlist. Shot entirely on 16mm for an authentic ’70s exploitation

aesthetic, it stars Seann William Scott, Ethan Suplee, Fabianne

Therese, and Max the Impaler. Disturbing, depraved,

and unforgettable,

this backwoods nightmare will haunt you long after the credits roll.

PREVIEWS

MOV

I

E

S & T

V

XX

PREVIEWS

MOVIES & TV

Celebrating 30 years of Madman Entertainment, co-founder

and CEO Paul Wiegard reﬂ

ects on a legacy built alongside

ﬁ

lm lovers, STACK, and JB Hi-Fi.

Words Glenn Cochrane

For 30 years, Madman

Entertainment has been

one of the driving forces

behind Australia's home

entertainment industry,

introducing audiences to

everything from cult anime

and arthouse cinema to Oscar

winners and home-grown

classics. Along the way, the

company has forged a decades-

long partnership with JB Hi-Fi

and STACK, helping bring those

stories into homes across the country.

”Our ﬁ

rst ever DVD release was Robert

Connolly's ﬁ

lm The Bank, and JB helped grow

the format throughout Australia through its huge

expansion of stores, so

we were fortunate,” says

Wiegard. ”We were one of

their major suppliers and

have been ever since. So

that in itself is almost 25

years.”

Madman has come a

long way since distributing

manga and anime on VHS. Today, the company

spans production, theatrical distribution, digital

streaming, and physical media, with Wiegard

pointing to the transition from VHS to DVD, Blu-

ray, and 4K UHD as deﬁ

ning milestones.

”We established a print packaging company

back in 2003, which, funnily enough, is the same

year JB Hi-Fi went public. Then we established a

post-production authoring suite. That gave us the

ability to invest more into the products we were

distributing.

”I feel like we're having

a renaissance period.

There's a much greater

interest in collectible

editions now.”

Whether it's the

recent restoration

of Crocodile Dundee or

upcoming re-releases of Kenny,

Animal Kingdom, and Hunt for the

Wilderpeople, Madman continues

to champion ﬁ

lm preservation

while reinforcing the enduring

appeal of physical media.

”It's been fantastic going full circle back to ﬁ

lms

we released ten or 20 years ago,” says Wiegard.

”The restoration work is incredible. We couldn't do

it to the degree we're doing

now even ten years ago.”

Madman's evolution

also saw the company

become a signiﬁ

cant force

in Australian production,

backing emerging ﬁ

lmmakers

while nurturing long-term

creative partnerships. Among

its notable productions are Animal Kingdom,

High Ground, Gold, Pike River, and its enduring

collaboration with Academy Award-winning

animator Adam Elliot, from Harvie Krumpet

through to last year's acclaimed Memoir of a Snail.

”Establishing our own theatrical distribution

arm gave us the ability to manage all the rights,”

Wiegard explains. ”We've invested in well over

half of our productions at the script level, giving

us a long-term relationship with those ﬁ

lms and

ﬁ

lmmakers.”

Asked which releases he's proudest of,

Wiegard admits it's almost impossible to choose.

”Parasite

has to be one. We've had a long-

running association with Bong Joon Ho since

The Host, and to participate in

Parasite was

incredible.”

He also singles out Warwick Thornton's

Samson and Delilah.

”It has so much to say. The beauty and the

tragedy, and Warwick's cinematography is just

sublime.”

Another standout is That Sugar Film, whose

impact continues to be felt in classrooms around

the country.

”Damon Gameau's work is still a reference

in so many secondary schools. His ability to

raise awareness around health was incredibly

successful, and that's an in-house production I'm

really proud of.”

Other personal favourites include What We

Do in the Shadows and The Zone of Interest, but

it's The Australian Dream that carries particular

signiﬁ

cance.

”This is Adam Goodes'

story, but it's not just

his story,” says Wiegard.

”Helping to produce that

ﬁ

lm and seeing it open the

Melbourne International Film

Festival, then resonate with

audiences across Australia,

was incredible. Everything

came together, from the story to the artwork. It

was just an incredible execution.”

Thirty years on, Madman continues to evolve,

but its mission remains unchanged: championing

great storytelling, supporting ﬁ

lmmakers, and

ensuring audiences can discover, revisit, and

collect the ﬁ

lms that matter.

YEARS

OF

MADNESS!

jbhifi.com.au

12

AUGUST 2026

STACK

’S

TOP 20

MADMAN

PICKS

1. Seven Samurai

2. Kenny

3. Chopper

4. Leon the Professional

5. Parasite

6. Pig

7. Power Ballad

8. Nightcrawler

9. Hunt for the

Wilderpeople

10. Paris, Texas

11. Pike River

12. The Zone of Interest

13. Anatomy of a Fall

14. Nirvanna the Band

the Show the Movie

15. Memoir of a Snail

16. Stop Making Sense

17. The Trip

18. Tina

19. Sirat

20. Flow

MOVIE

FEATURE

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

MADMAN

Format milestones:

The ﬁ

rst year of Madman

(1996-1997)

Every journey starts somewhere, and for Madman it began with the anime

Bubblegum Crisis, the company's ﬁrst VHS release. It soon expanded its horizons

with Terry Zwigoff's acclaimed documentary Crumb and Tony Gatlif's Latcho Drom, its ﬁ

rst scripted

feature under licence from Potential Films. Then came a deﬁ

ning moment: Neon Genesis Evangelion

broke into the mainstream when SBS broadcast the landmark anime immediately after the cultural

phenomenon South Park, introducing a whole new generation of Australians to Japanese animation.

CEO of Madman

Entertainment,

Paul Wiegard

Parasite

The

Australian

Dream

Neon Genesis Evangelion

First VHS:

Bubblegum Crisis

First DVD: Ghost in the Shell (anime)

& The Bank (live action)

First Blu-Ray:

Transformers: The Movie

First 4K:

Weathering with You

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF MADMAN

SHOP THE MADMAN 30TH COLLECTION AT

jbhifi.com.au

14

AUGUST 2026

MOVIE

FEATURE

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.com.au/stack

• The new Imprint range is for a limited time only, while stocks last.

DOWNFALL

(2004) -

Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray

Hardbox + Hardcover Booklet

Downfall remains one of the most

powerful World War II dramas ever

made, anchored by Bruno Ganz’s

extraordinary portrayal of Adolf

Hitler during the Third Reich’s

ﬁ

nal days. This limited edition

three-disc release presents the

acclaimed ﬁ

lm in a stunning 4K

restoration, alongside the extended

cut on Blu-ray. Bonus features

include an audio commentary, the

feature-length documentary Hitler’s

Final Days: The Movie ’Downfall’,

interviews,

and a 44-page

hardcover

booklet, making

this a must for

ﬁ

lm lovers.

Out Aug 19

From wuxia classics and animated detective adventures to gothic Italian horror,

this month’s slate of new Imprint releases has something for every collector. Here

are some of the standout additions deserving a place on your shelf.

Words Glenn Cochrane

DANGER: DIABOLIK

(1968) - Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray

Hardbox + Hardcover Booklet

Mario Bava’s

Danger: Diabolik

is a gloriously

psychedelic

blend of comic

book style,

outrageous

action, and

tongue-in-cheek

humour. Starring

John

Phillip Law as the iconic master thief,

this cult classic arrives in a limited

edition two-disc set, restored in

stunning 4K from the original 35mm

negative. Bonus features include

audio commentaries, featurettes, a

video essay, multiple audio options,

and a 60-page hardcover booklet,

making this an irresistible release for

cult cinema fans.

Out Aug 19

HERCULES AND THE

CAPTIVE WOMEN/

HERCULES IN THE

HAUNTED WORLD

(1961) - Limited Edition Blu-ray Hardbox

Sword-and-sandal adventure

meets gothic horror in this limited

edition pairing of Hercules and the

Captive Women and Mario Bava’s

visually spectacular Hercules in

the Haunted World. Starring Reg

Park as the legendary hero, the two

1961 classics deliver mythological

action, monsters, and supernatural

thrills in equal measure. Presented

in 1080p high deﬁ

nition, the set

includes new audio commentaries,

interviews, featurettes, trailers, and

the original Italian cut of Hercules

and the Captive

Women, all housed

in a premium

hardbox. Out Aug 19

SUSPIRIA

(2018) - 4K UHD

+ Blu-ray SteelBook + Poster in

Limited Edition Lenticular Hardcase

Following its earlier limited edition

release, Imprint revisits Luca

Guadagnino’s haunting reimagining

of Suspiria with a stunning

new steelbook edition. Led by

unforgettable performances from

Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton,

and Chloë Grace Moretz, this

atmospheric nightmare is housed

in an exclusive steelbook with a

lenticular hardcase and collectible

poster. It’s the perfect excuse

for collectors to see this modern

classic for the ﬁ

rst time, or double-

dip on one of modern horror’s most

visually arresting ﬁ

lms. Out Aug 19

THE CINEMA OF KING HU: VOLUME ONE

(1965-1973) - Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray Hardbox + Hardcover Booklet

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE COMPLETE

COLLECTION

(1991-1992) - Limited Edition Blu-ray Hardbox

One of the world’s most beloved comic book heroes, Hergé’s intrepid young reporter

comes to Blu-ray in The Adventures of Tintin: The Complete Collection. This lavish

eight-disc set gathers all 39 beautifully animated episodes from the acclaimed

1991-92 television series, restored in 1080p high deﬁ

nition, alongside the three

classic Belvision animated feature ﬁ

lms. As a bonus, two feature-

length documentaries explore the enduring legacy of Tintin and his

creator. Presented in a premium hardbox, the

collection also includes both the original French

audio and English dub, making it the ultimate

release for lifelong fans and adventurous

newcomers alike. Out Aug 19

BLAKE AND MORTIMER: THE COMPLETE

COLLECTION

(1997) - Limited Edition Blu-ray Hardbox

Making its worldwide Blu-ray debut, Blake and Mortimer: The Complete

Collection brings Edgar P. Jacobs’ beloved comic book heroes to life in a lavish

four-disc collector’s edition. Produced by the team behind The Adventures of

Tintin, the acclaimed animated series follows Captain Francis Blake and Professor

Philip Mortimer as they battle their arch-nemesis Colonel Olrik through tales of

espionage, ancient mysteries, and rogue science.

The set includes all 26 episodes in both upscaled

high-deﬁ

nition widescreen and original standard-

deﬁ

nition presentations, with French and English

audio options, plus a premium hardbox and a 40-

page hardcover booklet for collectors. Out Aug 19

Few ﬁ

lmmakers have shaped martial arts cinema like King Hu. Long before the modern wuxia revival, Hu redeﬁ

ned the

genre with balletic action, breathtaking visuals, and stories steeped in folklore. The Cinema of King Hu: Volume One (1965-

1973) is a dream release for collectors, bringing together six landmark

ﬁ

lms across a lavish ten-disc set. Come Drink with

Me, Dragon Inn, and A Touch of Zen receive stunning 4K UHD presentations, while the remaining ﬁ

lms are presented on

Blu-ray. Add an exclusive bonus disc, hours of special features, and a beautifully produced 100-page hardcover booklet, and

you’ve got an essential tribute to a true cinematic pioneer. Out Aug 5

Strong

coarse

language

NEW TO BLU-RAY™ & DVD | OWN IT NOW

*while stocks last

WHILE STOCKS LAST

Pa

trick Swayze gets rough-and-tumble in

Road House

(1989), the ac

on classic now available

on Limited Edi

on 4K UHD + Blu-ray SteelBook

release. Housed in a hardcase with poster,

individually numbered, and ready to bust heads.

The Complete Series of

Freaks and Geeks

comes

to Blu-ray! Navigate the perils of a Michigan

highschool circa 1980 with a stellar ensemble

cast including Linda Cardellini,

Jason Segel,

Seth Rogan and

James Franco. Also on DVD.

The crew are back in

Carry On… Film Collec

on 5

!

Includes four of the iconic Bri

sh



lms on Blu-ray

for the



rst



me worldwide:

Carry On Camping

(1969),

Carry On Again Doctor

(1969),

Carry On Up

The Jungle

(1970), and

Carry On Loving

(1970).

Wan

t

o

p

l

a

y

a

g

a

m

e

?

S

a

w

I

-

I

V

(

2

0

4

-

2

0

7)

comes to Special Edi

on 4K UHD, and brings

the

rst four



lms in the iconic horror series

helmed by Jigsaw to a 4-disc slipcase set,

alongside hours of Special Features.

Relive the Australian TV favourite series and

winner of 13 Logie Awards with Packed to the

Ra

ers: The Complete Collec

on

! Includes

all six seasons, plus the sequel series -

Back to the Ra

ers - across a mammoth 35 discs.

Karl Urban is Dredd

(2012) in a violent,

dystopian future America. This 4K UHD release

sees the law enforcement execu

oner and

Judge caught up in a brutal high stakes war

against a drug lord (

Lena Headey).

The Jury Prize winner at the Cannes Film Fes

val,

Sound of Falling (2025), is now yours to own on

DVD! The German drama weaves together the

lives of four adolescent girls, who each spend their

youth in the same farmhouse over the last century.

OUT

5 A

UG

OUT

12 A

UG

OUT

19 A

UG

OUT

5 A

UG

OUT

5 A

UG

OUT

12 A

UG

OUT

19 A

UG

jbhifi.com.au

16

AUGUST 2026

4K UHD

HIGHLIGHTS

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

Words Glenn Cochrane

It’s another juicy month for 4K collectors, with a bunch of cult classics and fan favourites getting the Ultra HD

treatment. Here are a few highlights to whet your whistle. Then head to JB’s website for plenty more.

OLIVER!

AID

Winner of six Academy Awards, including ‘Best Picture’,

Oliver! remains one of the greatest movie musicals

ever made. Carol Reed’s joyous adaptation of Charles

Dickens’ classic ﬁ

nally makes its Australian 4K debut,

presented in native 4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision,

HDR10, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. Boasting

unforgettable songs, spectacular production design, and

an outstanding cast led by Ron Moody and Oliver Reed,

this timeless classic has never looked or sounded better.

You’ll be begging for “more!”

Out Aug 5

ROAD HOUSE

VIAVISION

Patrick Swayze is at his charismatic best in Road House,

the gloriously over-the-top action classic that turned a

philosophising bouncer into an unlikely ‘80s icon. Packed

with bone-crunching ﬁ

ghts, memorable one-liners, and

scene-stealing support from Sam Elliott, it remains

irresistible cult entertainment. This limited edition

steelbook presents the ﬁ

lm in native 4K (2160p) with

Dolby Vision and HDR10, plus DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

and LPCM 2.0 stereo, making it the deﬁ

nitive edition for

fans of classic action cinema.

Out Aug 19

MATILDA

AID

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since Matilda

ﬁ

rst charmed audiences, because Danny DeVito’s

delightful adaptation remains every bit the family

classic. Arguably the best Roald Dahl adaptation since

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, it continues

to enchant with heart, humour, and unforgettable

performances. Presented in native 4K (2160p) with Dolby

Vision, HDR10, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, this

anniversary edition gives the beloved favourite the

magical presentation it deserves.

Out Aug 12

JERRY MAGUIRE

AID

Jerry Maguire

ﬁ

nally makes its Australian standalone 4K

debut, giving Cameron Crowe’s beloved comedy-drama

the premium presentation it deserves. Tom Cruise stars

as the idealistic sports agent, while Cuba Gooding

Jr. earned a well-deserved Academy Award for ‘Best

Supporting Actor’ as the unforgettable Rod Tidwell.

Presented in native 4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision, HDR10

and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, this 30th anniversary

edition is the deﬁ

nitive way to revisit one of the ‘90s

most quotable classics.

Out Aug 19

MARS ATTACKS

(STEELBOOK)

AID

Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! is a gloriously bonkers

sci-ﬁ

satire, packing an all-star cast, outrageous alien

mayhem, and some of the funniest B-movie chaos of the

‘90s into one unforgettable ride. Presented in native 4K

(2160p) with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and DTS-HD Master

Audio 5.1, this long-awaited upgrade looks better than

ever. Better still, the JB Hi-Fi exclusive steelbook is a

limited edition, so if you want one in your collection, get

in quick while stocks last.

Out Aug 19

ENEMY AT THE GATES

AID

Enemy at the Gates

ﬁ

nally makes its Australian 4K

debut, bringing Jean-Jacques Annaud’s gripping World

War II thriller to the format for the ﬁ

rst time locally.

Set during the Battle of Stalingrad, it follows a deadly

game of cat and mouse between a gifted Soviet sniper

(Jude Law) and his ruthless German counterpart (Ed

Harris). Presented in native 4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision,

HDR10, and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio, this is an essential

upgrade for war movie fans and collectors.

Out Aug 26

AMERICAN PIE 2

AID

Following the recent 4K release of American Pie, the

outrageous ﬁ

rst sequel gets the Ultra HD treatment.

Jim and the gang from East Great Falls return after

graduation, determined to make the most of one

unforgettable summer. Naturally, good intentions give

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What’s your earliest video

gaming memory?

Since I was born in the early 2000s,

my earliest memory would be from the

Nintendo Wii or DSi era of gaming. I

distinctly remember my ﬁ

rst ever game

was The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal

Night on my DSi.

If every single copy of Tears of the Kingdom was

destroyed and it was sold again for $500, I would

still buy it in a heartbeat. So, I’d say the Nintendo

Switch.

You can only have one games console from any

era – what would it be and why?

What have you been playing

most lately?

I just ﬁ

nished playing the original Ocarina of Time

on the virtual console, in preparation for the new

remake. And I’ve just started playing The Legend

of Zelda: The Minish Cap on my old Game Boy

Advance SP!

What’s your all-time favourite game or game series?

My absolute all-time favourite game series is The

Legend of Zelda, which may sound boring at ﬁ

rst

but what’s interesting is that my favourite game

from the series – and just favourite game of all

time - is Tears of the Kingdom.

CEO and co-founder

of Fumi Games,

developer of

Mouse: P.I. for Hire

MATEUSZ MICHALAK

’

s

R

O

V

I

N

G

R

E

P

O

R

T

E

R

God of

W

ar

What’s the best thing about working in games at JB?

My absolute favourite part about working in

games is when customers, typically parents, are

looking for a gift for their kid and they ask for my

recommendation. I get to pick out the perfect one.

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BLACK FLAG RESYNCED

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GROOVE

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007 FIRST LIGHT

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LIVING THE DREAM

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STAR FOX

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JULY 2026

BEST SELLERS

at

!

GAME

EXAM

ANSWERS on page 30

1. What was the title of the

ﬁ

rst arcade Marvel ﬁ

ghting game released by Capcom?

2. What massive video game (and beyond) franchise did Game Freak create?

3. In which real-world war was 2021’s Hell Let Loose set?

4. In 1998’s Metal Gear Solid on PlayStation, what number needed in-game was found

on the physical case?

5. What was the full title of the

ﬁ

rst A Plague Tale game?

6. In relation to Star Wars games, what does

K.O.T.O.R. stand for?

7. Which well-known fantasy author contributed worldbuilding to Elden Ring?

8. The heir of which legendary

ﬁ

citonal vampire features in this month’s Moonlight Peaks?

Are you up to answering all eight of this month’s game related posers?

jbhifi.com.au

18

AUGUST 2026

1

What was the ﬁ

rst game that you played? My first “real” gaming experiences came with the Commodore Amiga 500, where I spent

countless hours playing games like Superfrog and Cannon Fodder.

2

What was the last game that you ﬁ

nished? I often find myself not finishing games, not because I lack the time, but because I’m

especially captivated by their beginnings. The early stages of a game feel fresh and exciting: I’m discovering a new world, learning its

mechanics, and watching the story begin to unfold. There is a strong sense of mystery and anticipation about what lies ahead. Every new

location, early conversation, and opening battles spark my curiosity and keep me engaged.

3

What’s your favourite video game/series of all time? I would say that my favourite video game series of all time is God of War,

specifically the original trilogy set in Ancient Greece. The first three games had something really special for me. They were intense,

brutal, and cinematic in a way that just felt ahead of their time. It was the perfect mix of gameplay and storytelling that made it feel like

you were playing through a movie.

4

What do you think is the most underrated video game of all time?

There are many games that fly under the radar or deserve better

recognition, but if I had to pick one, it would be Sleeping Dogs. I remember it as a really strong experience, with great atmosphere,

solid gameplay, and a unique setting. It had a lot of personality, but for some reason it never really became part of the long-term gaming

conversation in the same way that other open-world titles did.

5

What’s the game that you most wish you’d worked on? If I had to choose a game that I would have loved to work on, it would be

The Witcher. The original title felt like a pioneering moment for both Polish game development and CD Projekt Red as a studio. There is

something special about being part of a project that helps define an industry locally while also still trying to find its identity globally. That

mix of ambition, experimentation, and limited resources makes it really inspiring to me.

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MARVEL T

ŌKON:

FIGHTING SOULS

PLAY WITH FRIENDS

ON PS5®

AVAILABLE

7 AUGUST 2026

©

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Classic arcade-style biffo returns to the Marvel universe

this month, in the all-new Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls.

Developed by Japanese brawler legends Arc System Works,

we ﬁ

nd out more from the game’s producer, Takeshi Yamanaka,

and game director and lead battle designer, Kazuto Sekine.

Words Amy Flower

Arc System Works has a reputation for

amazing 2D and 2.5D arcade-styled ﬁ

ghting

games, including the Guilty Gear and

Blazblue series. This is your ﬁ

rst Marvel

game – how did you approach creating

a brawler within such an established

universe?

TY: Marvel has a very long history, including

within the world of ﬁ

ghting games. As such

we did our best to uphold the cherished

memories fans have with its characters

and world building. Threading this line

along with adding our own ﬂ

air to the

mix has been one of the main points of

focus during this whole project.

KS: Being an IP with a long history and

having been part of many people’s

lives, many may have ideas of what

each Marvel character should be

like based on when they personally

had their ﬁ

rst or strongest

impression of said character.

So, what we tried to do is to keep

the essential cues of their traditional design

and put our own spins on top of that based

on Arc System Works’ interpretation of these

characters. The end result came from an

exercise of balancing between both these

things.

Can you please quickly summarise the story

that plays out in Marvel Tōkon: Fighting

Souls?

TY: In the world of this game, the Champion of

the Universe, a character always searching for

strong opponents to ﬁ

ght, has set his sights

on Earth. Earth’s heroes and villains alike have

to make teams of four to defeat him. The

Promoter, who accompanies the Champion,

sends an invitation to Captain America, Storm,

Spider-Man, Ghost Rider, etc… so they can

build teams and protect the Earth.

How did you go about selecting the roster

of (at launch) 20 Marvel characters

from the huge array available to

choose from? Did you have any

speciﬁ

c suitability requirements that

you looked for in a character?

TY: Marvel having a lot of wonderful

characters, it was honestly quite hard to

narrow down our roster to 20 of them.

The ﬁ

rst criteria for the roster was to

have variations in battle styles. Also, we

of course couldn’t NOT include Marvel’s

main faces, etc...

By ﬁ

rst deﬁ

ning these

“must have” conditions for

inclusion in the roster, we

proposed lineups to PlayStation

and Marvel one after the other

and got their feedback, which

ended up forging what was to

become the roster as it is today.

KS: Concerning the base roster,

Arc System Works proposed a

lineup that consisted both of

characters chosen because they

were known by everyone and others because

they had potential to bring something unique

and interesting through their speciﬁ

c abilities.

Some of them have never been featured in

ﬁ

ghting games, and even more niche characters

are not widely known by the general public.

You’ve developed an exciting ﬁ

ghting

system that sees more characters join the

fray as a battle progresses. Please can you

explain how this system plays out, and what

inspired it?

KS: One thing I really wanted to accomplish

was recreating the sort of battle you’d see in

Marvel comics or movies. They often start out

with fewer characters ﬁ

ghting, and as the battle

goes on, new allies join the fray to further up

the intensity before the climax of the ﬁ

ght. I felt

the 4v4 format was a must from the start to

create that impact.

When I brought up this suggestion within

Arc to Yamanaka, as well as PlayStation Studios,

I remember how wide their eyes went. If

that was the sort of response it would get

from the players, too, that only solidiﬁ

ed my

determination to make the game a 4v4. I was

often asked, ‘Can this really work?’, but I felt it

was up to my own abilities to make it happen!

Also, when I set out to create a tag ﬁ

ghter,

I went back and played different games in the

genre again. It made me realise how consistent

the game rules have been across titles. It’s

certainly a well-reﬁ

ned genre

in that sense, but I felt it would

be challenging to really create

something brand new within

the existing rules, and that

there’s room to make changes

to them... which led to what you

see in the game today.

What’s your secret to keeping

a classic 2.5D arcade ﬁ

ghter

so fresh and playable?

KS: I would say it’s ensuring

jbhifi.com.au

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FEATURE

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ASSEMBLE!

FORMAT: GENRE: Fighting

MULTIPLAYER: Yes

• Marvel Tōkon:

Fighting Souls

is out Aug 7

A TOP TIP!

Advises Sekine-san,

“I’d recommend

starting out by

focusing on your

favourite character,

rather than trying

to learn all four

characters at once.”

23

FEATURE

GAMING

that there are always new things to discover

and experience. Players are free to play

however they want, but I feel they’ll eventually

grow tired of the same thing over and over.

I want to make sure they have the option to

search for new discoveries for themselves to

do different things, rather than a rote gameplay

experience.

There’s a lot of depth to ﬁ

ghting

games as a genre, with new

discoveries coming up the more

you play. In Tōkon, each team

shares a single health bar,

meaning players can start

out controlling one character

and then move on to learning

the next character after they

get used to it or grow tired of

that character. Each individual

character offers a lot to learn,

making the gameplay experience

already rewarding even when just

playing as one character.

One thing I feel can cause people to shy

away from ﬁ

ghting games is the idea that they

must be played as a hardcore competitive game

against other people, but that isn’t the case.

We’ve included a lot of single player content,

such as Episode Mode and Challenge Mode,

so players can enjoy other content as well and

learn about the world and characters.

Did the previous Marvel vs. Capcom ﬁ

ghting

games have any inﬂ

uence?

TY: More than a few select works, we drew

inspiration from a very wide array of movies,

anime, and manga, and proceeded with

development while paying respect and homage

to them.

KS: Marvel has a long history with many

great games. We moved forward with this

project having a lot of respect for these, while

searching for ways to bring something unique

that could only be done by Arc System Works.

How do you go about tuning the enemy AI

for challenging but fair play in single player

bouts?

TY: Not only do we have playtesting in-house,

but we've also been working closely with

PlayStation’s specialised research team and

external partners to help us obtain feedback.

From all these contributions, we balanced

the game so that the dif

ﬁ

culty feels

satisfying for a wide array of players

ranging from casual to seasoned

ﬁ

ghting game veterans.

KS: We adjusted the starting

dif

ﬁ

culty so it could be beaten

by most players. However,

there is a large spectrum of

skill levels among ﬁ

ghting game

players, so we had multiple

dif

ﬁ

culty levels made to cater to

eac

h skill level.

What do you most hope that players –

both Marvel fans and lovers of your brand of

ﬁ

ghting games - will take away from their

time with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls?

KS: We really wanted to show a new Marvel

world building vision, and have people excited

about it.

We poured a lot of care and love into the

Episode Mode, character poses, animations,

lobby avatars, backgrounds, and so much more,

so we really hope players will enjoy it.

Also, we really had a lot of fun making this

game, putting Easter eggs here and there for

Marvel fans to spot, and of course we’d be

happy if ﬁ

ghting game veterans enjoyed those

too.

We intend to make this game evolve along

with its player base, so I’m looking forward to

seeing what we can build together!

TY: For all players, we hope this game will bring

something good to your life, as small as it may

be, which would be our utmost joy – and was

the main motivator for us to develop it.

Kazuto Sekine is

nicknamed Pachi and is

legendary in the Japanese

ﬁ

ghting game community.

Before he designed games,

he was a top-level

competitive ﬁ

ghting

game player.

DYK?

The Star Wars video game universe expands this

month with the arrival of Star Wars Zero Company.

A turn-based strategy affair, it’s a collaboration

between new development team Bit Reactor, and

old hands with Star Wars games Respawn. We

chatted with lead producer Caydence Funk and

narrative director Aaron Contreras to learn more.

Words Amy Flower

Story-wise Zero Company deftly weaves

original content in with established Star

Wars lore, as Contreras explains.

“You’ll play as Hawks, a fully customisable

character who is the leader of Zero Company,

an elite squad operating during the height of

the Clone Wars. The unit soon ﬁ

nds itself locked

in a deadly conﬂ

ict with the Inﬁ

nite Coil, a

paramilitary cult infected with the malevolent

Shadow Plague.”

Inspiration for this new story came from all

over the Star Wars universe.

“A New Hope

is my creative north star for

Star Wars storytelling,” admits Contreras. “We

also drew direct inspiration from the prequel

trilogy, The Clone Wars animated series, Andor,

and Rogue One; those latter two are especially

relevant for our grounded, squad-scale action.”

But Contreras tells us that the team also

looked beyond established Star Wars territory.

“We've infused the story of Zero Company

with select ingredients of screwball comedy,

ﬁ

lm noir, mid-century espionage thrillers, and

psychedelic horror. We want to give players an

experience that feels fresh and original while

remaining authentic to the heart and soul of the

great Star Wars stories that have come before.”

Turn-based strategy will be new to many fans

of Star Wars, however Funk – who is just one of

several former XCOM developer Firaxis people

now at Bit Reactor - reassures us that players

new to the genre will feel welcome.

“We made this game with the goal of

bringing in new players to the tactics genre.

There are a lot of Star Wars fans out there and

we wanted to engage and encourage them

all to play Star Wars Zero Company. We made

it a mission to be considerate in crafting the

dif

ﬁ

culty selections.

“It’s why we wanted to provide a story

dif

ﬁ

culty mode to make our game more

accessible. That way, anyone can easily jump in

and engage with the story.”

However, established fans of the genre – and

of Firaxis games such as

XCOM and Civilization

- will also feel right at

home.

“We also still have

challenging modes

for people who want

them,” says Funk. “We

wanted a game that was

approachable for Star Wars

fans who don’t know tactics,

and a tactics game for people who

might not know Star Wars. Both factions have

an entry point to jump in and play.”

The Bit Reactor team saw Zero Company as

a chance to introduce some new and exciting

features to the turn-based strategy genre.

“We can’t wait for people to try out the

teamwork and bonds system in the game,”

enthuses Funk. “We’ve crafted a system that

adds an extra layer of immersion and narrative

for players and their squads.

“When building the narrative in Zero

Company, it was essential for us to emphasise

the feeling of positive and negative bonds with

teammates and how relationships are affected

in combat through conversations in The Den.

We want people to feel the weight of their

choices and have a connection to the characters

as they embark on missions.”

The Star Wars universe

has given us so many

stories, yet Zero Company

offers its players a chance

to forge their own unique

tales, which really excites

F

unk.

“We hope players take

away their own story. While

there is a shared narrative that

players will have as they progress

through the game, what really

comes out of it is the team that

you’ve built was forged in combat. You

have a unique and personal story of your Zero

Company that you can share with others – what

your Hawks did, how Cly helped at a pivotal

moment, or a character you created that you

brought with you as a healer that rescued the

team.

“These moments create stories that players

can keep with them for years to come. I have

stories like this from games I’ve played. It’s so

impactful to have something you can build and

keep with you, and we’re grateful to give that

opportunity to our community.”

jbhifi.com.au

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FEATURE

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IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL

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FORMAT:

GENRE: Turn-based tactics

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while eight Razer Chroma R

GB lighting

zones bring 16.8 million colours.

T

his af

f

ords

extensive customisation and dynamic ef

f

ects

across hundreds of Chroma-integrated games.

In the added niceties department, dedicated

backlit media keys offer quick control over

playback, brightness, and volume, while

a magnetic soft-touch wrist rest provides

essential support for extended use.

Razer

Gigantus V2 Soft

Gaming Mouse Mat

T

his is a w

onderfully soft gaming mouse pad

that’

s built for smooth swipes and accurate

aiming.

Its textured micro-weave cloth

surface enhances mouse accuracy

and responsiveness, while the high

thread count ensures effortless

gliding.

Rounding out the package, a

thick 3mm rubber base stays ﬂ

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and adds wrist cushioning, while

also preventing slippage during

intense gamepla

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jbhifi.com.au

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AUGUST 2026

GAMING

FEATURE

visit jbhiﬁ

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Evolving from Eevee through deep friendship,

Espeon and Umbreon represent two sides of

the same bond. Together, they represent loyalty

shaped by day and night – one guided by insight,

the other by endurance.

Espeon

is a Psychic type, who channels heightened intuition

and radiant precision, using its gem and tail to anticipate

attacks with graceful clarity.

Umbreon

is a Dark type, embodying patience and stealth.

Its glowing rings and shadowborn defence making it a calm

and hardy protector.

Meet Espeon and Umbreon

• The Razer

Espeon &

Umbreon

Collection

is available

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jbhifi.com.au

30

AUGUST 2026

WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH?

No matter what style of game is your vibe, there’s sure to be something to get

excited about amongst these fresh new releases heading to JB this month.

Coming in SEPTEMBER

EDITOR’S

PICK

MARVEL TŌKON:

FIGHTING SOULS

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 7

GENRE:

Fighting

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

Yes

If you love your 2D ﬁ

ghting

games, then you’ll likely have

played something in the

Guilty Gear series, or perhaps

even one of the Blazblue

games. These all came from

now legendary Japanese

developers Arc System

Works.

Now they’ve turned

their extensive skills to a

collaboration with Marvel,

bringing 20 of the esteemed

comic company’s characters

into this brand-new brawler.

Its roster features a clever

mix of Marvel characters

that runs the gamut from

household names like Spider-

Man and Hulk through to

deeper cuts such as Magik

and Peni Parker.

The story tying the

biffo together involves the

Champion of the Universe

choosing Earth as his next

target. It’s up to our Marvel

heroes to defeat him and stop

Earth from being destroyed.

No pressure!

What’s new and exciting

is that teams of four ﬁ

ght

other teams of four, offering

numerous combinations of

combos and strategies.

With exciting anime art

and the promise of more

characters joining the roster,

whether you’re a ﬁ

ght fan or a

Marvel aﬁ

cionado, you’ll want

to get right onto this one.

GAMING

PREVIEWS

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

Words Amy Flower

Answers: 1. X-Men: Children of the Atom

2.

Pokémon

3.

World War II

4.

140.15 5.

A Plague Tale: Innocence

6. Knights of the Old Republic 7. George R.R. Martin

8.

Dracula

GAME EXAM

!

BEAST OF REINCARNATION

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 4

GENRE:

Action RPG

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

Yes

Developers Game Freak are spreading

their Pokémon wings with this wholly

new action RPG that sees Emma, an outcast, and Koo, her

blighted canine companion, trek across a post-apocalyptic Japan.

Their bond deepens as they face loneliness, shifting forests,

and brutal foes, soon becoming humanity’s final hope as you

customise their skills, gear, and spirit stones to shape your

combat style.

RESONANCE: A PLAGUE

TALE LEGACY

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 27

GENRE:

Action adventure

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

No

Set 15 years before the 2022 sequel

Requiem, step into the shoes of Sophia, a fierce young plunderer

who’s determined to uncover her past, all while surviving the deadly

mysteries of Minotaur’s Island. You’ll navigate deadly trials and

trails, and solve puzzles, all while evading a relentless army that’s

stalking your every move as you search for truth. This physical

edition adds the Heritage Pack DLC plus an in-game digital artbook.

HELL LET LOOSE: VIETNAM

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 13

GENRE:

Shooter

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

Yes

Get ready to be immersed in the Vietnam

War’s fiercest battles through dense

jungles, winding rivers, and towering gorges in epic 50-vs-50

warfare. Fighting as the US Armed Forces or North Vietnamese

Army, choose from any of 19 roles, mastering authentic weapons,

and vehicles such as helicopters and patrol boats. Six large-scale

maps and multiple game modes demand coordination and tactics

to conquer.

STAR WARS ZERO

COMPANY

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 27

GENRE:

Turn-based tactics

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

No

Crafted by a team that includes former

XCOM developers, command Hawks and his elite Zero Company

in a gritty single-player turn-based tactics experience set at the

end of the Clone Wars. You’ll recruit a diverse squad and forge

battlefield bonds, making life-or-death decisions that shape each

mission as you build your base, deploy informants across the

galaxy, and leverage intel to stay ahead of a rising threat.

MORTAL SHELL II

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 20

GENRE:

Action RPG

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

No

Arise as the Harbinger and cleanse

a devastated world in this faster,

streamlined standalone evolution of the original. Possess fallen

warriors, wield their strengths, and evolve your own combat style

as you explore a challenging interconnected open world featuring

60-plus dungeons. You’ll hunt grotesque guardians, reclaiming the

Undermether’s stolen eggs and overthrowing false gods to claim

what’s rightfully yours.

ELDEN RING:

TARNISHED EDITION

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 28

GENRE:

Action RPG

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

Yes

Elden Ring ventures onto Switch 2, taking

us through the Lands Between, a fantasy world concocted by Dark

Souls creator Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, the best-

selling author responsible for TV’s Game of Thrones. This release

delivers expansive landscapes and complex dungeons to explore,

with a vast selection of weapons, magical abilities, and skills to

be unearthed, and includes the

Shadow of the Erdtree

expansion.

METAL GEAR SOLID:

MASTER COLLECTION VOL. 2

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 27

GENRE:

Action adventure

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

Yes

Strap yourself in for more legendary

Metal Gear action with the arrival of Guns of the Patriots and

Peace Walker on modern consoles. With updated controls,

user experience improvements, and preserved co-op and versus

modes, there’s plenty to love while revisiting two seriously solid

classics. The Day One Edition adds 2000’s handheld debut

Ghost

Babel, plus a new digital soundtrack and exclusive in-game items.

MOONLIGHT PEAKS:

NINTENDO SWITCH 2 EDITION

RELEASE DATE:

Aug 28

GENRE:

Life simulation

FORMAT:

MULTIPLAYER:

No

You’re Dracula’s rebellious heir, aiming to

escape your father’s legacy – and castle - to build a kinder afterlife

in a supernatural town that’s bulging with witches, werewolves,

mermaids, and other supernatural creatures. As you restore your

haunted homestead, grow magical crops, wield ancient powers, and

form relationships – including romance - you’ll uncover the secrets of

seven mystical families. Yes, even vampires can choose compassion!

MARVEL’S WOLVERINE

(Sep 15)

THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER

(Sep 3)

FIRE EMBLEM: FORTUNE’S WEAVE

(Sep 17)

Available at

*Please note that bonus offers are ONLY available online at www.jbhiﬁ

.com.au and only during the pre-order period. All offers are subject to availability, while stocks last.

ANGUS & JULIA STONE

Karaoke Bar

RELEASE DATE: Sep 4, 2026

SPECIAL OFFER:

Pre-order online and

get a slick card signed by Angus & Julia

Stone! Online pre-order only,

while stocks last.

Offer ends 3/9/2026*

BEARTOOTH

Pure Ecstasy

(JB Hi-Fi AU Exclusive Emerald Ghost Vinyl)

RELEASE DATE: Aug 28, 2026

SPECIAL OFFER:

Pre-order the JB

Hi-Fi AU Exclusive Emerald Ghost

Vinyl

and get a slick card signed by Beartooth!

Online pre-order only, while stocks last.

Offer ends 27/8/2026*

JB’s

BONUS OFFERS

jbhifi.com.au

32

AUGUST 2026

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

CLAIRE AITKEN

@ JB Bundaberg, QLD

’

s

R

O

V

I

N

G

R

E

P

O

R

T

E

R

The ﬁ

rst albums I really fell in

love with weren’t ones I bought

myself. They were Paint the Sky

with Stars by Enya and Talk on

Corners by The Corrs, both of

which I discovered in my parents’

CD collection when I was 11 or

12.

I became completely obsessed with

Enya’s Caribbean Blue, convinced I was

some kind of little woodland fairy. It felt

so magical and transportive. At the same

time, I was captivated by The Corrs. I went

through a phase of absolutely loving Irish

jigs, and there was something so joyful

and alive about that music. My sister and

I would dance around the living room as

toddlers, pretending we were in Riverdance

or Lord of the Dance

, convinced we were

one of Michael Flatley’s dancers.

I can hear little traces of both artists

in what I create. Enya gave me a love

of atmosphere, escapism, and creating

worlds, while The Corrs sparked my

fascination with melody, folk inﬂ

uences,

and the violin. I don’t think I realised it then,

but those albums quietly planted the seeds

for the artist I would become.

VERA BLUE

#1

MY FIRST

ALBUM

Modern Rituals

by Vera Blue is out Aug 21

via Island

In the hotseat this month is

TOBY DUNDAS

from The Temper Trap, who have just released

their ﬁ

rst album in ten years.

Five words to describe

yourself: No good at counting.

Your all-time favourite

album? Radiohead – OK

Computer.

What did your most

memorable school report

say? Toby is no longer required

for the school band.

What would be your Hard

Quiz expert subject? Let’s go

with Melbourne Football Club

in the AFL era.

Song you wish you’d

written? The Stranglers –

Golden Brown.

If you weren’t a rock

star, what would you be?

Unemployed musician.

Last album you bought? Ecca

Vandal – Looking for People to

Unfollow.

Aside from yourself, which

musician would you most

like to be? David Bowie.

What’s the most ridiculous

item you’ve ever put on your

rider? Lottery tickets.

Your funeral song? Godspeed

You! Black Emperor – F# A#

∞

(the whole album).

Happiness is… A temporary

state.

What’s an early, cherished music memory?

Listening to my dad’s War of the Worlds record and

thumbing through the vinyl booklet at the artwork.

Which recent album do you currently

have on repeat?

Paul Dempsey’s Shotgun Karaoke Vol II.

S

T

ACK

Photo credit: Dave Jenkins Jr

What’s your all-time

favourite album and

why?

Mellon Collie and the Inﬁ

nite

Sadness by The Smashing

Pumpkins because it is an epic

and, having seen the band live

in the last few years, they still

hold their own so magniﬁ

cently.

The songs remind me of great

memories in my own life.

Do you have a vinyl collection?

If so, how did it begin, and

expand?

I have! I’ve had to take out a separate insurance

policy on it because it’s the most valuable

(ﬁ

nancially and emotionally) thing I possess. My

ﬁ

rst purchase myself was MGMT’s Oracular

Spectacular but my dad had also contributed

some of his Police and Beatles records to the

collection to get me started. I now have almost

500 across various genres.

What do you enjoy most about

working in music at JB?

I applied for a job at JB BECAUSE of my love for

music back in 2012 and was the CD and DVD coordinator

in that store. I love working with other staff who have both

similar and different music tastes, and I have grown my own

collection of favourite bands because of them. I love talking

about music, I love physical media, and I’m proud to work

for a company who still holds it so dear. Now as an Ops

Coordinator there is nothing better than unloading a truck

and coming across a box of fresh vinyl to unpack.

Sungazer

by

The Temper Trap is out

now via Mushroom

AUGUST

MICHAEL JACKSON

The Deﬁ

nitve Collection

MUSE

The WOW! Signal

QUEEN

Greatest Hits II

TEARS FOR FEARS

Songs from the Big Chair

DON WALKER

Love Songs

FOO FIGHTERS

Your Favorite Toy

TAME IMPALA

Currents

TAME IMPALA

Deadbeat

LUKE COMBS

The Way I Am

THE ROLLIING STONES

Forty Licks

COLD CHISEL

50 Years - The Best of

QUEEN

Greatest Hits

JB Hi-Fi AU Exclusive

Opaque White Colour Vinyl

JB Hi-Fi AU Exclusive

Gold Vinyl

OUT

AUG 21

OUT

AUG 28

jbhifi.com.au

34

AUGUST 2026

MUSIC

FEATURE

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

Back to where it began

It’s always a good month when

DMA’S release new music.

The Sydney band unveils their

eponymous fifth album this

month, their first since 2023’s

How Many Dreams?

Formed in 2012, the trio of

lead vocalist Tommy O’Dell, lead

guitarist Matt Mason, and rhythm

guitarist Johnny Took released

their debut, Hills End, a decade

ago.

Crafting a distinctive British

indie guitar sound, the band

quickly found traction with

UK audiences through

relentless touring – and

that popularity has

never waned.

“Tommy’s dad is

a scouser, so I think

he’s kind of inherited

his Liverpool energy,”

Matt Mason tells

STACK.

“When we first went to

the UK, we toured with the

Courteneers – who were fairly

popular at the time – and they

introduced us to the Northern

English music scene.

“We obviously play a

‘90s-inspired Britpop kind of

sound, and I think Tommy’s

characteristics, mannerisms, and

philosophy, coupled with the fact

that we were Australians playing

that kind of music, made us

more welcome. It’s an interesting

one!”

Mason wrote the bulk of

the new self-produced album,

recorded in the band’s own

Sydney studio, revisiting the

sound of their earlier work.

“We went on a bit of a tangent

sonically on the last couple of

albums, so we thought it was

time to revisit the earlier sound.”

“But it’s been ten years since

our first album, and although

our aim was to get to the same

place, we’ve changed a lot as

songwriters – we’re more refined

now.

“It’s really hard to replicate

what you did a few years ago

when you’re in a totally different

headspace. But it’s us – just

we went to L.A. with who added

some production to a few things.

Usually, it’s just the three of us

in a studio banging it out in a

month, very rough, but this time

there was a bit more of a blend.”

The result is a strong record,

packed with anthems set to land

well when the band hits the road

later this year.

“This one is my favourite

album,” says Mason, smiling.

“It’s been very rewarding. We’ve

already learnt a few of the songs

when we rehearsed the other

day.

“They came together quickly –

the band could play them straight

away. I’m really looking forward

to playing them live.” Paul Jones

a little more refined,” explains

Mason.

“I really wanted to make this

record for the fans who’ve been

with us since the beginning – I

feel like they’ve sort of been

forgotten for the longest time.”

This hands-on approach

to production extended to

the writing process too, with

the band bringing in outside

collaborators for the first time.

“This is the first album we’ve

done session writing on. There’s

a guy called Styalz Fuego; he

works with Troye Sivan a lot and

has done quite a few big things.

He co-wrote Killing Time.

He continues: “And then there

were two Norwegian producers

DMA’s: Matt Mason, Tommy O’Dell, and Jonny Took

Sydney’s DMA’S are back with a banger. We spoke with Matt Mason about the band’s new

self-titled album and how they’re taking their sound back to the beginning.

DMA’S recorded the

new album at their own

Sydney studio in Glebe,

formerly ATA Studios.

The premises were once

owned by Australian rock

and roll pioneer Col Joye,

who hosted sessions

there with the likes of

David Bowie, Bruce

Springsteen, and the Bee

Gees. It gives the band’s

ﬁ

rst self-produced record

an interesting connection

to a rich slice of music

history.

Home

advantage

The

DMA’S

LONG

PLAYERS

2016

Hills End

2018

For Now

2020

The Glow

2023

How Many

Dreams?

2026

DMA’S

by DMA’s is out Aug 21

via Wunderlick

Photo credit: Roman Jody

1

FEATURE

MUSIC

INTO THE ABYSS

Kate Miller-Heidke is impossible

to pigeonhole. She’s funny.

She’s dramatic. She’s

performed at Coachella,

Eurovision, and the New

York Metropolitan

Opera.

Her catalogue

ranges from the

comedic I’m

Growing a Beard

Downstairs for

Christmas to the

Kate Miller-Heidke

The Kiss

and the Abyss

by Kate Miller-

Heidke is out

Aug 14 via

Universal

Kate the Great releases her sixth studio album, her ﬁ

rst in six years.

Kate has had four

Top 10 albums, with

two albums – 2008’s

Curiouser and 2012’s

Nightﬂ

ight - peaking

at number two

CHART

FACT

ABBA

Dancinag Queen

(50th Anniversary Edition) (Online Only)

WESTSIDE COWBOY

It Goes On

VERA BLUE

Modern Rituals

AMY SHARK

soft pop

OCEAN SLEEPER

Peace When I’m Dead

MIKE D

Thank You

PHOEBE BRIDGERS

Lost Weekend

SLEEP TOKEN

Even in Arcadia (Instrumental)

AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST AT

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poignant Top 10 hit The Last Day

on Earth.

Diverse is a word that was

invented for artists such as Kate,

whose new album, The Kiss

and the Abyss, has been

labelled “gothic folk”.

Kate wrote the album

with her husband and

long-time collaborator

Keir Nuttall. And they

made the record in

London with producer

Tom Iansek,

who’s one-half

of the Aussie

duo Big Scary.

Kate

previewed

the record with the single Holiday,

which is not a cover of Madonna’s

first Australian hit. “It’s about

needing a holiday so much that you

sabotage your own holiday,”Kate

explained.

“You anticipate it for

months, and then somehow it all

goes spectacularly wrong. I think

everyone has experienced that.”

“I can’t stop scratching these

three mosquito bites,” Kate sings.

“I am pondering the futility of

existence/ I’m drinking too much,

and my sunburn keeps me up at

night.” Jeff Jenkins

Photo credit: Simon Lekias

aa

Electric Callboy

TANZNEID

Electric Callboy return with TANZNEID, their

most ambitious album to date, blending

metalcore, EDM and pop into a sound that’s

become unmistakably their own. Out now

on CD, Black Vinyl & JB Hi-Fi Exclusive

Dualwave Fusion Vinyl.

The Script

The User’s Guide to

Being Human

The Script’s eighth album, reuniting Danny

O’Donoghue with Andrew Frampton, Steve

Kipner and Jimbo Barry, whose previous

collaborations produced hits including The

Man Who Can’t Be Moved and Breakeven.

Keb’ Mo’

The Breakdown

The Breakdown ﬁnds ﬁve-time Grammy

winner Keb’ Mo’ in a new, more intimate

space as he explores marriage, mortality

and the human experience.

Sam Smith

Hazel Eyes

Hazel Eyes is the highly anticipated

ﬁfth studio album from Grammy award

winning artist Sam Smith, out 21st

August.

Steve Kilbey

of skins and heart (acoustic

sessions vol. 1)

To celebrate The Church’s upcoming November

tour, Steve Kilbey reimagines the classic debut

in a predominantly acoustic setting, featuring

inspired new takes on timeless songs.

In This Moment

Witch

In This Moment release Witch balances riffs,

cinematic atmosphere, haunting melodies,

and the unmistakable vocals of Maria Brink,

delivering a collection that is both emotionally

vulnerable and unapologetically powerful.

Role Model

Chuck Timely & The

Hourglass

Role Model’s highly anticipated third

studio album, Chuck Timely & The

Hourglass, out 7th August.

Mike D

Thank You

Mike D releases album Thank You on

28th August, marking ﬁrst full-length

new music from a Beastie Boys alum

since 2011.

Steve Lacy

Oh Yeah?

Steve Lacy returns with Oh Yeah?

The self-produced follow-up to his

Grammy winning Gemini Rights.

Out now on CD and Opaque Grey Vinyl.

Brandon Flowers

THRASHER

Brandon Flowers is back with his ﬁrst

solo album in over a decade. New album

THRASHER out 21st August.

Vera Blue

Modern Rituals

Modern Rituals is Vera Blue’s most personal

album to date and captures the cycles of the

human experience. Created across multiple

writing sessions, Celia draws inspiration

from artists as varied as Madonna, Nine Inch

Nails, Aurora and Enya.

Paul Kelly

Seventy

The deluxe edition of the acclaimed

album from Paul Kelly, featuring a new

recording of the Hoagy Carmichael

classic Stardust and exclusive photos.

OUT

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Jungle

Sunshine

Jungle return with their eagerly

anticipated new album Sunshine set for

release on August 14th.

Peking Duk

Paradise

Finally the debut album from multi-

platinum duo, Peking Duk. Available on

JB Hi-Fi exclusive Hi Vis Paradise Yellow

Transparent Vinyl.

Alex Warren

WILDCHILD

Alex Warren’s vulnerable sophomore

album WILDCHILD explores grief, healing

and self-discovery through soaring,

cinematic pop anthems.

Phil Jamieson

10CHARLIE

On 10CHARLIE, Phil Jamieson transforms

personal loss and growth into a

compelling collection of heartfelt rock

songs.

Classic 100: Greatest

of All Time Highlights

Various Artists

Classic 100 is one of the most

anticipated events on the Australian

classical music calendar. This year’s

theme is the Greatest of All Time.

Airbourne

On their forthcoming, self titled album,

Airbourne promise bombastic, beer-

soaked, dangerous, sexy rock ’n ’roll.

Jack White

Frozen Charlotte

Frozen Charlotte is an intense rock ’n ’roll

and blues punch, feeling right at home

with long time fans while leaving an

inviting open door to newcomers alike.

Interpol

This Mirror Weighs a Ton

The New York rockers are back with a

brand new studio album produced by

Miike Snow.

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jbhifi.com.au

38

AUGUST 2026

MUSIC

FEATURE

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

If you’re going to see Phoebe Bridgers on

The Lost Tour, make sure you leave your

phone at home.

The American star announced the run of

dates with a simple Insta message: “I’m

going on tour, no phones.”

Yep, no filming, no photos, and no social

media posts during the show. Fans will be

forced to focus on the music.

Lost Boys, the lead single from Phoebe’s

new album Lost Weekend, is believed

to feature a line about the perils of the

smartphone:

“This machine is killing me.”

Or that’s how some

critics have read it. When

Phoebe did a pop-up show

in New York to preview the

tour, she told the crowd:

“If any of you have figured

out how to stick an Apple

Watch up your arse or

whatever to record, just

please don’t put it on the

internet.”

Lost Boys was co-

produced by Jack Antonoff, and

Phoebe’s boygenius buddies Julien

Baker and Lucy Dacus contribute

backing vocals.

Phoebe’s record company announced the

new album via a press release, declaring the

record finds the artist at the “height of

her powers, a master, taking nothing

more seriously than this craft, refining

here many of the motifs that

distinguished her work previously

on this new album that’s

otherwise, everywhere, full of

surprises”.

Phoebe’s fans have

speculated about the origins of

the album title.

BORN TO BE WILD

Three decades after

the Spice Girls took

Girl Power to the top

of the charts, the world

has a new girl group

phenomenon: Katseye.

Meet Sophia

Laforteza, 23; Daniela

Avanzini, 22; Lara Raj,

20; Megan Skiendiel, 20;

and Yoonchae Jeung, 18.

Vanity Fair says they

“look like life-size Bratz dolls

fresh from the box”. And the

women say they’re living

their real-life Hannah

Montana dream.

Katseye was put

together by Hybe –

the South Korean

company behind

BTS - and Geffen

Records. Their aim?

To create a K-pop-

inspired girl group to

conquer the world.

More than 120,000

girls auditioned; 20

were selected for

a three-month boot

camp, which became

the Netflix series Pop

Star Academy. An

Australian contestant,

Ezrela Abraham, finished

eighth.

“I think Katseye

could have easily been very

artificial,” Lara admits.

“But we got really lucky

with who was chosen,

because all of us are

very authentically

ourselves.”

August brings

the group’s third

EP, Wild, which

Lara says is “a more

mature evolution

from our last era”.

LOST & FOUND

Lost

Weekend

by Phoebe

Bridgers is out

Aug 14 via Rocket

Phoebe Bridgers

Katseye

Wild

by Katseye is

out Aug 14 via

Universal

Global girl group Katseye go Wild on their new release.

Phoebe Bridgers returns with her ﬁ

rst solo album in six years.

Katseye took their name from

the gemstone chrysoberyl,

which is known as “cat’s eye”.

THE NAME GAME

Katseye have had

three Top 40 singles

in Australia, with Pinky

Up from Wild hitting

number 19.

CHART

FACT

Phoebe’s

previous solo album,

2020’s Punisher,

hit number 12 in

Australia.

CHART

FACT

It follows a difficult period for

Katseye after the group’s sixth

member, Manon Bannerman,

stepped away in February

“to focus on her health and

wellbeing”.

The label called Manon’s

departure a “temporary hiatus”,

with the singer saying: “I’m really

grateful for the patience and

kindness everyone has shown

during this time.” Jeff Jenkins

Katseye were nominated

for ‘Best New Artist’ at this

year’s Grammy Awards. The

trophy went to Olivia Dean.

AWARD WATCH

Music’s most famous “lost weekend”

was the 18 months that John Lennon spent

estranged from Yoko Ono. He spent most of

that time in Los Angeles and New York with

May Pang.

Phoebe has called Lennon “easily

the best Beatle”, highlighting that he

was “such an icon for so many

people who are my heroes, like

Elliott Smith and Daniel Johnston”.

Phoebe also sang about Lennon in

Moon Song:

“And we fought about John

Lennon until I cried.” Jeff Jenkins

Phoebe has won four Grammy

Awards, including ‘Best

Alternative Music Album’ for

The Record, the debut album by

boygenius.

AWARD WATCH

39

FEATURE

MUSIC

Reuben Styles delivered

the announcement on

social media. It was ominously

headed, “A statement regarding

the future of Peking Duk”.

“After 16 amazing years,

Adam and I have made the

difficult decision to end this

chapter of our lives. We have

cherished every moment of this

journey with you. Every sweaty

club show and every festival

we’ve headlined has truly been

a dream come true. But deep down

we know it’s time for us to evolve.

So we finally made a move we

thought we’d never make.

“We recorded an album.”

RETURN TO PARADISE

Paradise

by

Peking Duk is out

Aug 14 via Inertia

FLIGHT OF FANCY

What do you do

on the road

when you no longer

drink? When the other

members of Grinspoon

and their buddies were

indulging in the band’s

bountiful rider – a mind-

numbing 256 standard

drinks - singer Phil

Jamieson would retire

to his hotel room and

write songs on GarageBand.

He never thought they would

be released. But when he played

them for his publisher, Origin

Music, they told him he

had the makings of a great

album, so Phil booked a

studio in Melbourne,

and five days later

emerged with his

second solo album,

10Charlie.

It’s a deeply

personal record: funny,

sad, and everything in

between. As Phil says,

he was “trying to find

little pockets of joy in

turbulent times”.

10Charlie – which

follows Phil’s solo debut,

2022’s Somebody

Else - features Blue as

the Sunlight, which the

singer explains is about

“unconditional love, not

just for others but for yourself

as well.

“The drama of the song

comes from me trying to

communicate that on my

own personal journey, I’ve

unlocked a way to spread

love and do it in an

unconditional manner.

I’m not always great at

it, but I try.”

Phil is spreading the

love with his massive

PJ AIR tour, taking off

CHART

FACT

Peking Duk

have had three

Top 10 singles.

Aussie dance duo Peking Duk

– Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles -

have been together since 2010 when

they started out in Canberra. But

despite a swag of hit singles, 400

Phil Jamieson

10Charlie

by Phil Jamieson

is out Aug 14

via Inertia

Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson releases a sparkling second solo album.

Peking Duk have ﬁ

nally taken the plunge. And they’re taking us to Paradise.

So, who or what is 10Charlie?

When Phil came to naming

the album, he reﬂ

ected on

the fact that he’s a frequent

ﬂ

yer. He says 10C refers to a

seat number on a plane. Phil

describes the record as an

“emotional boarding pass” that

will transport the listener to

different destinations.

THE TITLE

Phil has had

nine Top 10

albums with

Grinspoon.

CHART

FACT

AWARD

ALERT

Peking Duk have

won two ARIA

Awards – ‘Best

Dance Release’

for High in 2014,

and ‘Song of the

Year’ for Stranger

in 2017.

to every state and territory for

more than 40 shows. And in a

great move for fans, the artist has

capped ticket prices at $50.

But don’t forget to fasten your

seatbelt – it might be a bumpy

night. Jeff Jenkins

Politics isn’t the only thing that’s happening in Canberra. The nation’s capital has given the world a

stack of cool music acts, including Genesis Owusu, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, 78 Saab, Saﬁ

a,

and Hands Like Houses. And The Church’s Steve Kilbey started his music career in Canberra.

FAR FROM

CAN-BORING

million streams, massive shows,

and a stack of awards, they’ve

never released an album. Until

now.

The record is called Paradise.

“It’s something new for us,”

Reuben says. “It’s adventurous

both sonically and thematically.”

It sees Adam return to

Peking Duk after his successful

assault on the pop charts as Keli

Holiday. Adam says his alter ego

is “a very confused, heartbroken

man that still thinks he’s the sh-t.”

Peking Duk say Paradise explores

“the everyday poetry of Australia”.

“We promise it was worth the

wait.” Jeff Jenkins

Peking Duk:

Reuben Styles

and Adam Hyde

jbhifi.com.au

40

AUGUST 2026

MUSIC

FEATURE

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

EDITOR’S

PICK

CASEY BARNES

Made for This

ROCKET

Casey Barnes doesn’t muck

around. The Aussie country

king connects directly with

his fans. His songs, like the

best country music, are

heartfelt and great to have a

quiet – or not so quiet - drink

to. His eighth studio album

has already made an impact,

with the title track adopted

as a rugby league anthem.

And a duet with Pete Murray,

Time to Burn, sees Barnes

broadening his base, with a

moving tale about the advice

that fathers give their sons.

The hard lessons the artist has

learned along the way are all

here. “It’s got a few dings,” he

sings, “learned a few things,

came out better for it, least I

think.” Yep, Casey Barnes was

made for this.

Whether it’s a voyage of musical discovery

or a sonic reacquaintance with a favourite

band or artist, check out these fresh

releases heading to JB this month.

WHA

T’S OUT T

LAURA VEIRS

Temple Songs

MGM

For her 14th solo album,

Laura Veirs – who has

just announced an

Australian tour - found

herself all alone in her

home studio. The

American artist decided that for the ﬁ

rst

time in her career she didn’t need any

outside help. Instead, she played everything

herself (aside from the saxophone, which

was provided by a “secret special guest”).

The result is a record that gently lures you

in and then won’t let go. An intimate gem.

CINDY BLACKMAN

SANTANA

Coherence

MGM

American drummer Cindy

Blackman married Carlos

Santana in 2010. The

guitar great proposed

after her drum solo on

stage. Carlos pops up on

six tracks on Cindy’s new album, which is

a thrilling fusion of jazz and rock. And

another guitar great, John McLaughlin,

also appears.

GETDOWN SERVICES

Massive Champion

ROCKET

Anyone who caught UK

duo Getdown Services

– Ben Sadler and Josh

Law - on their recent tour

knows that they’re highly

entertaining. Though

they playfully abuse the crowd, they

deliver a collection of good-time bogan

rock and pop. They say their second album

is about “self-pity and realising that maybe

all of the healing your inner child stuff you

hear about isn’t actually total bollocks”.

Check out the track I Can’t Die Like That.

LUKAS GRAHAM

Good Times

INERTIA

Lukas Graham, the

Danish band fronted by

Lukas Forchhammer,

have dug deep on their

ﬁ

fth album, Good Times,

connecting with

Forchhammer’s Irish roots. They recorded

with “people my dad knew. People who

had slept on a couch in my mum and dad’s

living room. It was very important to me

that we got a hold of some of these

musicians and got that cultural

connection”.

ELECTRIC CALLBOY

Tanzneid

SONY

Their genre is called

“electronicore”, which

means it’s heavy

electronic music. But

Electric Callboy also

have a wicked sense of

humour – they prefer the descriptor “porno

metal”. The German band is yet to crack

the Australian Top 40, but that should

change with this record – their seventh

studio album - which features a

collaboration with The Offspring, the aptly

titled Let The Good Times Roll.

INTERPOL

This Mirror Weighs a Ton

INERTIA

New York’s Interpol will be

celebrating their 30th

anniversary next year. This

Mirror Weighs a Ton is

their eighth studio album,

and it welcomes longtime

touring musicians Brad Truax (bass) and

Brandon Curtis (keyboards) as permanent

members of the band. Singer Paul Banks says

he improvised the lyrics to the title track,

explaining it “frankly doesn’t make a whole

lot of sense and that’s sort of the point”.

MIKE D

Thank You

UNIVERSAL

Michael Diamond, the artist

we got to know as Mike D

in the Beastie Boys, is

ﬁ

nally releasing his ﬁ

rst

solo album, the ﬁ

rst time a

Beastie Boy has released

new music since Adam Yauch’s passing in 2012.

The emphasis is on fun. “And I just hope it’s fun

for others and not overly serious,” Mike notes,

“because let’s be real, I’m releasing this music

into a very strange and dark and power-ﬁ

xated

world that really devalues art and feelings and

compassion and empathy and equality.”

EVERLAST

Embers to Ashes

ROCKET

Embers to Ashes is the

ﬁ

rst solo album in eight

years for America’s

Everlast. “I don’t paint

when I’m not in the

mood to paint,” he

points out, explaining the gap between

records. “I’m not a machine.” Produced by

fellow rapper Yelawolf, the record ﬁ

nds

Everlast in ﬁ

ne form, telling some

powerful stories.

KEB’ MO’

The Breakdown

UNIVERSAL

Kevin Moore, the artist

we know as Keb’ Mo’,

has delivered a powerful

and personal record. “It

felt like everything in my

life was breaking down,”

the bluesman explains. “My health, my

relationship, my whole world. The only

way I knew how to respond was to break

the music down, too.”

PRINCE

Timeless

SONY

Prince died a decade

ago, less than two

months after his ﬁ

nal

Australian tour. But his

music lives on. One of

the most proliﬁ

c artists

in music history, the vaults at Paisley Park

have been opened for this archival album,

gathering ten tracks that Prince recorded

between 1977 and 2016. The aptly titled

collection stands as testament to his

artistry and genius.

41

FEATURE

MUSIC

Previously released in 1988, this

23-track Greatest Hits album

includes some key tracks that were

not on theoriginal compilation.

It’s available on two-LP black

vinyl and as a two-CD release.

After founding member, guitar-

ist, songwriter, and singer Peter

Geen left the band in 1970, they

ﬂ

oundered. While they remained

a popular live act, no one in their

various lineups was capable of

writing a hit single.

In 1974 the band relocated to

California where guitarist, singer,

and songwriter Bob Welch left the

band. Then a sliding doors moment

changed the band’s life

Drummer Mick Fleetwood, who

at the time was also managing

the band, sought advice from Los

Angeles studioengineer/producer

Keith Olsen about the possibility

of them recording at his studio. To

demonstrate the room’s ambience,

Olsen chose, at random, a demo

of an obscure LA act, Buckingham

Nicks, that he’d been engineering.

Mick liked Lindsey Bucking-

ham’s guitar sound so much, he

met with him and asked if he’d join

Fleetwood Mac.

“Only if you hire my partner as

well,” was his reply.

And the rest, as they say, is

history.

The new lineup’s ﬁ

rst two al-

bums – with songs mostly written

by the two new members who

also became lead singers - were

well represented by million-selling

singles such as Rhiannon, Don’t

Stop, and Go Your Own

Way, which

are all present on this outstanding

release.

Radio legend Billy Pinnell presents

Billy Pinnell’s Musical Moments on YouTube.

T’S OUT THIS MONTH?

FLEETWOOD MAC

Greatest Hits

(Deluxe Edition)

INERTIA

Coming in SEPTEMBER

ANGUS & JULIA STONE Karaoke Bar (Sep 4)

NATALIE IMBRUGLIA Algorithm (Sep 4)

JULIA JACKLIN The Gem (Sep 25)

BIL

�

Y’S PICK

THE SCRIPT

The User’s

Guide to Being Human

UNIVERSAL

Ireland’s The Script

celebrate their 25th

anniversary with their

eighth studio album,

which follows 2024’s

Satellites. That record

dealt with the tragic passing of guitarist

Mark Sheehan. This album, explains singer

Danny O’Donoghue, ﬁ

nds the band in a

more optimistic mood. “You never lose

grief,” he says, “you just grow around it... I

can start to ﬁ

nally see a little bit of light at

the end of the dark.”

WEEZER

Weezer

INERTIA

No bones about it, Rivers

Cuomo is a genius. And

Weezer are one of the

greatest American bands

of all time. Thirty years

after their masterpiece,

Pinkerton, comes their 20th studio album,

their seventh self-titled set. After the Blue

Album, then Green, Red, White, Teal, and

Black, comes the Gold.

ROWENA WISE

Bad Things Feel Good*

ROCKET

Triple J Unearthed music

director Claire Mooney

succinctly summed up

Diamond in the Rough,

one of the singles from

Rowena Wise’s second

album, calling it “one of those songs that’ll

make you stop whatever you’re doing”.

The track had me thinking of America’s

Aimee Mann – high praise, indeed. It’s a

song about not doubting yourself. “You are

enough,” Rowena sings. And she is. A

captivating live performer, she’s not afraid

to go deep and dark. “I wrote this album

over the last couple of years through some

big life changes, through some difﬁ

cult

experiences with my mental health,

heartbreak, and shifts in my core identity.”

The result? Yes, bad things feel good.

VERA BLUE

Modern Rituals

UNIVERSAL

We got to know Celia

Pavey when she came

third on the second

season of The Voice.

Then she launched her

recording career under

the name Vera Blue. During the making of

her third album, Modern Rituals, she

discovered something about herself. “I

have come to realise that Celia Pavey and

Vera Blue are not separate entities. They

are one.” The track Rituals is one of the

great pop singles of 2026. A song about

embracing who you are – the good and the

bad - it’s stark and simple but remarkably

powerful. Making mistakes is a big theme

of the record. “How many wrongs till I get

it right?” she asks. But with Modern

Rituals, Vera Blue has created a diverse

delight that succeeds on every level.

GRACE CUMMINGS

Bloodhorse!

INERTIA

Every Grace Cummings

song sounds epic. Like

Nick Cave, she can create

a mood with her voice.

Remarkably, she was

suffering from pneumonia

when she recorded My God, one of the many

highlights of her fourth album. “The God

here is the dark forces that are wrapping

around us, that we scroll through, the toxic

energy that binds us together in this modern

world, and the fear we feed it every day,”

the Melbourne artist explains. “I use the

word ‘God’ in my music because it’s the

biggest word there is. I don’t know what it

means, but I feel it in a lot of things.” Again

working with American producer Jonathan

Wilson – who also helmed her acclaimed

2024 release Ramona - Grace Cummings has

delivered an album of dark beauty.

AIRBOURNE

Airbourne

INERTIA

Airbourne’s Joel

O’Keeffe is one of

the more

extraordinary

frontmen in the

history of Australian

music. He’s like Bon Scott and Angus

Young. The band, which started in

Warrnambool, has deservedly built a

following around the world, notching

up four Top 10 albums in Germany

and Switzerland, and four Top 40

albums in the UK. They thought about

calling their sixth album – their ﬁ

rst in

seven years - “Gutsy”. They ended up

going down the self-titled route,

delivering an album that was inspired

by advice that the late-great Lemmy

from Motörhead gave them: “Make

music that your roadies will like.”

DON WALKER

Love Songs

MGM

Paul Kelly calls Don

Walker “the Clint

Eastwood of Australian

rock”. Piano player and

songwriter for the hugely

successful Cold Chisel,

he has been making peerless solo records

since the band’s break-up in the ’80s.

Don, however, remains an enigmatic

ﬁ

gure, though his songs tell you everything

you need to know. As Jimmy Barnes

observed, Don has “the ability to write

intuitively about the human experience”.

For his ﬁ

fth solo album, he sings about

love – in all its forms. And the last word

goes to Paul Kelly: “Some people might

call Don’s voice lugubrious, perhaps

comparing it to Leo Kottke’s description of

his own singing – ‘geese farts on a muggy

day’ - but I like it. Sort of a tuneful, deeper

Bryan Brown.”

AUSSIE RELEASES

jbhifi.com.au

42

AUGUST 2026

MUSIC

FEATURE

visit jbhiﬁ

.com.au/stack

Words: Bec Summer

V

I

N

Y

L

V

I

T

A

L

SPIDERBAIT

IVY AND THE BIG APPLES

(30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

When Spiderbait released

Ivy and the Big Apples

in October 1996, Australian

alternative music was riding a

creative wave. Grunge had shaken

up the music world, Triple J was

becoming a tastemaker, and a

generation of local bands were

proving they could stand alongside

international acts. Into that

environment came an album that

was loud, playful, unpredictable,

and unmistakably Australian.

Formed in the Riverina town of

Finley, NSW, Spiderbait had already

built a devoted following through

relentless touring and a pair of

acclaimed albums. Their mix of

punk, alternative rock, pop hooks,

and offbeat humour made them

dif

ﬁ

cult to categorise, but easy to

love. By the time work began on

their third album, the trio of Kram,

Janet English, and Damian Whitty

had developed a chemistry that

few bands could match.

Recorded between Sydney’s

Studios 301 and Rockinghorse

Studios near Byron Bay, Ivy and

the Big Apples captured Spiderbait

at exactly the right moment.

Producers Phil McKellar and

Paul McKercher helped sharpen

the band’s songwriting while

preserving the raw energy that

had earned them a loyal audience.

The result was an album that could

shift effortlessly from noisy garage

rock to melodic pop and back

again.

The record’s breakout moment

arrived with Buy Me a Pony. Driven

by one of the most recognisable

riffs in Australian rock, the single

became the ﬁ

rst Australian song

to top Triple J’s Hottest 100. It

was a landmark achievement that

announced Spiderbait as one

of the country’s biggest bands.

Follow-up singles, including

Calypso and

Hot Water & Milk,

only strengthened the album’s

reputation.

Commercial success soon

followed. Ivy and the Big Apples

reached No. 3 on the ARIA Albums

Chart, achieved double platinum

sales, and won the 1997 ARIA

Award for ‘Best Alternative Release’.

More importantly, it showcased a

band entirely comfortable being

themselves. Whether delivering

infectious pop melodies, punk-

fuelled chaos, or tongue-in-cheek

humour, Spiderbait never sounded

like they were following trends.

Nearly three decades later, the

album remains a deﬁ

ning release

of the Australian alternative rock

boom. Its songs continue to

receive regular airplay, while new

generations of listeners discover

the record’s infectious energy.

Ivy and the Big Apples

(30th Anniversary Edition)

by Spiderbait is out now via

Universal Music

WHAT’S

THE 30TH

ANNIVERSARY

EDITION ALL

ABOUT?

Thirty years after its original

release, Ivy and the Big Apples

returns on a striking red-and-

black splatter vinyl pressing that

looks every bit as energetic as it

sounds. The anniversary edition

celebrates one of the deﬁ

ning

Australian albums of the 1990s,

featuring classics including

Buy Me a Pony, Calypso, Hot

Water & Milk, and Jesus. For

long-time fans it’s a chance

to revisit a landmark record,

while newcomers can discover

the album that helped redeﬁ

ne

Australian alternative music and

cement Spiderbait’s place in

local rock history.

Buy Me a Pony became the ﬁ

rst Australian song to ﬁ

nish at No. 1

in Triple J’s Hottest 100.

The album title was inspired by a local Finley woman named Ivy

who sold oversized apples.

Calypso reached an international

audience after appearing in the teen

classic 10 Things I Hate About You.

Ivy and the Big Apples won the 1997

ARIA Award for ‘Best Alternative Release’.

FAST FACTS

FROM FINLEY WITH NOISE

Spiderbait’s story began in the small town of Finley, where

drummer and vocalist Mark “Kram” Maher, bassist and vocalist

Janet English, and guitarist Damian Whitty formed a band built

on friendship and a shared love of loud music. Remarkably, the

trio has remained intact throughout its career. Their relentless

touring schedule and strong support from Triple J helped build

a national following during the early ‘90s. By the time Ivy and

the Big Apples arrived, Spiderbait had already become one of

Australia’s most exciting live acts. The album transformed them

from underground favourites into household names.

Spiderbait:

Damian Whitty,

Mark “Kram” Maher,

and Janet English

DECKS

BACK

ON

THE

*While stocks last

GREAT VINYL BACK IN STOCK AT

KYLIE MINOGUE

Light Years

LINKIN PARK

Hybrid Theory

CONAN GRAY

Wishbone

BILLIE EILISH

Happier Than Ever

At JB Hi-Fi we love to

turn our customers

on to NEW MUSIC

Read on to get the lowdown on TWO of the best new releases around!

See and

hear more

in our

stores

this

month

ORDER

ONLINE

HERE

Aug 6 -

Oct 31, 2026

Albums

available at

MASSIVE ATTACK

Mezzanine

QLD: AUG 6 | NSW: AUG 9

| VIC: AUG 11

TOUR DATES:

SLAYYYTER

WOR$T GIRL in

AMERICA

NSW: AUG 9 - 10 | QLD: AUG 14

| VIC: AUG 17 - 18

TOUR DATES:

THE CAT EMPIRE

Bird in Paradise

NSW: AUG 27 - 29

TOUR DATES:

TISM

COLLECTED

VERSUS:

THE

COMPLETE TISM

SINGLES

VIC: OCT 7, 8, 10 | NSW: OCT 30, 31

TOUR DATES:

THE STROKES

Reality Awaits

Produced by Rick

Rubin, Reality Awaits

is the seventh album

from The Strokes.

Out now on CD, Black Vinyl

& JB Hi-Fi Exclusive Metallic

Gold Vinyl.

Out now.

DMA’S

Australian trio

DMA’S return with

their expansive ﬁ

fth

studio album, DMA’S, a conﬁ

dent, self-

titled statement that captures the band

at a deﬁ

ning moment in their career.

Out 21st August on CD, Red Vinyl and

JB HI-FI Exclusive Red Yolk Vinyl.

Out August 21.

JB Hi-fi - Latest Catalogues and Specials