Netflix Remasters 'Breaking Bad' To Stream In 4K And 5.1 Surround Sound

Episodes of “Breaking Bad” streaming on Netflix may soon start to look and sound a lot better, at least for people with high-end entertainment setups.

Netflix confirmed Thursday that the hit AMC drama that concluded its five-season run in September has been remastered for 4K resolution to take advantage of state-of-the-art, ultra-high-definition televisions. “Breaking Bad” will also support 5.1-channel surround sound, so viewers can hear the bullets wiz around them as Walter White fights for his methamphetamine empire.

While few will benefit, as TVs that support 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels, about twice the amount of viewable pixels as standard HD) are still pretty expensive, Netflix is betting that 4k will eventually become the standard. The Netflix original series “House of Cards” is already available in 4K, and Netflix said all of its original shows will be filmed in the ultra-HD format.

Several manufacturers are planning 4K TVs for less than $1,000, and Best Buy will soon have areas dedicated to showcasing ultra-HD TVs from Sony and Samsung.

The real question is whether or not the world really needs to see Bryan Cranston’s tighty-whities in better focus.