Incredible Stereo Image!!!

[Jamington2004]

I watched Prometheus through my sky box the other night - and my phantoms are a good 8ft to the side and 4ft to the front of the telly - with me sat only a couple of foot further back

I was totally bewildered by the voices coming from the TV rather than the speakers, yet with effects coming from the speakers when intended 

I had to keep checking the TV was muted it was so surreal. 

Then I watched an older TV programme yesterday and it sounded like the voices were coming from the speakers

I have no clue about surround sound and all that - what was happening to make the good film project the image so amazingly?? 

Thanks!
Jamie