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Re-recording Near-field Mixes for Dolby Atmos Blu-rays[teaser]Dolby was kind enough to invite HDD to its Burbank Laboratory for an in-person demonstration given by Atmos re-recording sound mixer, Tim Hoogenakker, and to watch 'The Expendables 3' on Blu-ray in their Home Theatre room.[/teaser] Full disclosure: in addition to excellent audio, I was plied with hefeweizen and pizza, and, therefore, have subsequently started burning all of my DTS-encoded Blu-rays and will now say pretty much anything Dolby wants.[1] You can read my full thoughts over at 'The Expendables 3' Blu-ray review, so let's get into the Dolby Atmos Blu-ray re-recording process. Inside Dolby's Burbank Lab, The Atmos Project Studio is a smallish mixing room where all the current Atmos Blu-rays have been re-recorded -- Paramount and Lionsgate titles including 'Transformers: Age of Extinction', 'Step Up All In', 'The Expendables 3', and the upcoming 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'.[2] Other titles have been mixed here too, though they can't yet say which ones. Warners too is excited about Atmos -- with the already announced 'Gravity' Diamond Luxe Edition hitting stores in February -- and has their own on-lot studio room. In addition to ProTools gear, Dolby's Atmos Project Room features a 9.1.4 configuration -- left, center, right, two pairs of side surrounds, two rear surrounds, and four overhead speakers -- but all of the Atmos mixes thus far have been mixed in 7.1.4 (only one pair of side surrounds running). Genelec 1037B active studio speakers (they cost almost $6,000 each!) handle left, center, and right channels. Niles DS8HD in-walls (and in-ceilings), driven by Crown Drivecore 300N amps, service all surrounds. Two Ken Kreisel subs (which Dolby "LOVES") -- one for mains bass management and LFE, and one for the surrounds -- pump out the low end. First new fun fact learned: in the absence of an Atmos AVR, all Dolby Atmos Blu-rays fold down to 7.1 TrueHD even if the film was originally mixed in 5.1 like 'Step Up All In'. They're also capable of folding down to 5.1 or 2.0, of course, but there aren't going to be any Atmos titles that fold down to 5.1 on a 7.1 system unless the studio provides a separate 5.1 option. That should also mean, for example, the new 'Gravity' Blu-ray will be an audio upgrade regardless of whether or not you have already adopted Atmos. Cool. We first met re-recording mixer Tim Hoogenakker a few years ago when he was up-mixing 5.1 theatrical mixes to 7.1 Blu-rays for clients like Lionsgate. When Tim sets out to do what's called a Near-field Mix, he typically receives the film's theatrical Atmos sound mix in the form of a ProTools session. Inside this file, Tim will find the 5.1 or 7.1 channel bed that includes dialog, music, and sound effects PLUS hundreds of individual sound objects that have been positioned using a special Dolby Atmos controller like this: Pardon my iPhone Photography. Sigh. This blurry image was taken as we played the Dolby "Unfold" Atmos trailer (embedded below). The left monitor houses all of the tracks. Eight of those handle that 7.1 bed, with the others are individual objects. On the right monitor, you'll see two windows. The left window is a map of a 7.1.4 Atmos configuration as seen from above. When mapping an object to the soundscape, re-recording mixers like Tim are able to position individual effects and music stems to specific channels or the space between channels, and add height. In this window, the yellow dots are smallest at ear level, and become larger when you pull object up to height channels. The right window (on the right monitor) is a 3D map of all the individual objects moving through space in real time. Since this is a Dolby Atmos demo trailer designed to show off the format's full capabilities, original mixer Erik Aadahl used 118 separate objects to create an orchestra of sound ping-ponging all around the audiences. Many Atmos mix moments are much more simple -- a lone helicopter moving, a bit of the orchestral score pulled up into height channels, for example -- but all mixes are filled with dozens of little sounds designed to enhance story and build emotion. Tim's job, as the near-field re-recording mixer, is to preserve the integrity of filmmaker intent; he wants to make sure the theatrical experience and the home entertainment experience match. The challenges comes from the fact that most professional cinema auditoriums are (obviously) much larger than our living rooms, media rooms, and dedicated home theatres. Basically, theatrical surround mixes need to "move a lot of air." A near-field mix is essentially 95% theatrical mix. Yet, if you don't adjust for the home, your Blu-ray might be too loud, all of these moving objects may drown out the dialog, muffled sound or overly bright sounds can be exaggerated, and lastly LFE can overload and become a mess of booming noise. Tim's tweaking generally includes bass management, ensuring dialog clarity, balancing volume levels, and, overall, just making sure you can hear everything the filmmakers intended you to hear. 'The Expendables' re-recording sessions provided their own unique challenge because this Blu-ray includes both theatrical and unrated cuts fused together by seamless branching. Why so hard? First, only the theatrical cut was mixed in Atmos (a 7.1 bed, plus objects). The unrated cut files were delivered in 5.1 stems, leaving Tim to first up-mix the new sound elements -- dialog, sound effects, and music -- to 7.1, and then to Atmos so that anyone watching the Blu-ray could watch either cut of the film, and not know -- from a sound perspective -- where new material branched in. This meant matching reverb and positioning and tones and all other sorts of very intricate aural variables. As the final part of Tim's demonstration, he played three or four 'Expendables 3' sequences, ranging from action mayhem to a quiet club scene where he had to level the voices of two lead characters. It was also fun to demo individual objects (ie, no other sounds or music) like a helicopter as it whirred around our heads. Interesting to note: Atmos really works well for scores, given mixers a chance to pull the music into the height channels to give a wider feeling. We then moved from the professional mixing environment to a well-equipped home theatre with awesome KEF speakers. The crazy part? It wasn't a downgrade. Sure, fifteen grand in KEFs isn't exactly a budget setup for everyone. You expect it to sound pretty damned great. But what blew my (feeble) mind was how well bounce-off-the-ceiling Atmos on Blu-ray sounded in a very good, but imperfect room... in direct comparison to in-ceiling Atmos via the original ProTools session in the literal room where it was mixed. Virtually identical. That's how incredibly good Atmos in the home sounds when we crack open a Blu-ray. As I personally prepare to upgrade to Atmos, which may or may not be in the immediate future, I can't help but use these Dolby Events as personal demos -- what sounds the best to the pros? What configuration do I need? What can I afford? At this time, consider me fully in love with 7.1.4 as an optimal Atmos configuration, but perhaps more impressive than this format's ability to recreate The Studio Master, its flexibility to adapt to multiple listening environments. I still don't know if I'll end up with add-on modules or in-ceiling speakers, but I'm happy to note there's zero trade-off between the two. Okay, studios, your ball. What titles are you releasing next? When do we get to hear Atmos via VUDU? ~~~ [1]...he said, joking, tongue firmly planted in his cheek... or is it? #willwriteforbeerandpizza #andhealthinsurance #andspeakers [2] 'Hercules' too was announced for Atmos, but arrived with a soundmix encoded in 7.1 DTS-HD MA; I'm not sure if it was mixed for Atmos or not.Posted Mon Nov 24, 2014 at 08:05 AM PST by: -
1989 Academy Award Best Picture Nominee 'My Left Foot' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The acclaimed drama starring Daniel-Day Lewis and Brenda Fricker in their Oscar-winning roles has now been fully detailed for Blu-ray. Pre-orders are now available. [/teaser] As previously reported, Lionsgate is working on 'My Left Foot' for Blu-ray on January 13. This cinematic masterpiece is the brilliant portrayal of legendary Irishman Christy Brown (Day-Lewis) who, despite crippling cerebral palsy, learned to use his one controllable extremity -- his left foot -- to become an accomplished artist and writer. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: The Real Christy Brown and An Inspirational Journey: The Making of My Left Foot. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $14.99. You can find the latest specs for 'My Left Foot' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 13. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Nov 24, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
The Heartfelt Drama 'The Identical' from Director Dustin Marcellino Planned for Blu-ray[teaser]The movie stars Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, and Seth Green. Pre-order your copy here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cinedigm is preparing 'The Identical' for Blu-ray on January 13. The Identical follows twin brothers unknowingly separated at birth during the Great Depression, Drexel Hemsley and Ryan Wade (both portrayed by Rayne). Drexel, raised by his birth parents, grows up to achieve rock-n-roll stardom twenty years later, and Ryan, adopted by a reverend and his wife, struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his parents who believe he has been called on by God to become a preacher. Against his parents' wishes, Ryan chases a musical career, embarking on an unpredictable journey where he eventually finds his stride, ironically enough, as a Drexel Hemsley impersonator, and uncovers his hidden family secret, leading him to question everything he's ever believed about God, family and his own identity. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: The Music of The Identical; The Making of The Identical; Behind-the-Scenes w/Cast Commentary; Zaxby's Promotional Video; Deleted Scenes; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Identical' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 13. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Nov 24, 2014 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'2014 World Series Film' Blu-ray Slides into Home on November 25[teaser]Fans can celebrate the San Francisco Giants' championship win on Blu-ray later this month, and pre-orders are now live. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, A&E Home Video is preparing '2014 World Series Film' for Blu-ray on November 25. A separate 'Collector's Edition' will also be available on December 2. '2014 World Series Film' - The Official 2014 World Series Film follows the Giants as they win every series in the 2014 Postseason, besting every team from perennial contenders to squads with some of the game's best young superstars. They became the first team ever to win four rounds of Postseason play. And now they stand alone as World Series champions for the third time in five seasons. General Manager Brian Sabean filled a clubhouse with players whose character exceeded their amazing talent. But talented they were, riding "Mad Bum" to the championship while Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence hit everything in sight. As a result of the big moments from Manager Bruce Bochy's cast of Travis Ishikawa, Michael Morse, Ryan Vogelsong, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik, the San Francisco Giants are the 2014 World Series Champions. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Behind-the-Scenes Interviews and Footage. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. Order the Blu-ray '2014 World Series Film: Collector's Edition' - Experience every inning, play and unforgettable moment of the 2014 World Series all over again in the San Francisco Giants 2014 World Series Collector's Edition including all seven games of the Fall Classic™, as well as a bonus disc including the pennant-clincher - NLCS™ Game 5 - featuring Travis Ishikawa's walk-off home run. From exciting veteran pitching to Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence's relentless hitting, Manager Bruce Bochy's San Francisco Giants played with an all-hands-on-deck attitude to endure a seven-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Steady pitching performances, flashy defense and a phenomenal relief outing by World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner clinched the Giants third World Series championship in five years. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: The Complete NLCS Game 5; Four Audio Channel Options: TV, home radio, away radio and Spanish-language broadcast; and SLEEVESTATS™ Insert with game trivia, official stats and more. Suggested list price for the 8-disc Blu-ray is $69.99. Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for '2014 World Series Film' and '2014 World Series Film: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under November 25 and December 2.Posted Fri Nov 21, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Jess Franco's 'She Killed In Ecstasy' & 'Vampyros Lesbos' Are Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]Two cult horror films from the Spanish director will prey on Blu-ray audiences next year. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Severin Films is preparing 'She Killed In Ecstasy' and 'Vampyros Lesbos' for Blu-ray sometime in 2015. 'She Killed In Ecstasy'- Dr. Johnson (Fred Williams) lives in bliss with his beautiful wife ('Vampyros Lesbos'' Soledad Miranda) until his unorthodox experiments with human embryos cause a medical committee to reject his findings and order him to discontinue his work. The unstable doc does the only sensible thing: slashing his wrists in the bathroom. Devastated, his wife vows to seduce and kill the three men and one woman "responsible# for the suicide. Erotic and chilling, this twisted shocker from the mind of Jess Franco ('Exorcism,' 'Eugenie') offers a catalog of carnal sins captured even more brilliantly in this digitally remastered edition, a must for fans of Eurocult cinema and classic prog rock/lounge music scores! 'Vampyros Lesbos' - Countess Nadine Carody, a vampire with an insatiable thirst for female blood, lures women to her isolated island to love...then kill...her victims! Linda Westinghouse comes to the island and falls under the vampire's seductive spell, only to find a living nightmare she may never be able to escape. A tripped-out mixture of nudity, softcore lesbianism, vampires, outrageous sets and world famous soundtrack, Vampyros Lesbos is now available for the first time ever on home video in the United States. Recently resurfacing as a cult classic after almost thirty years, Vampyros Lesbos has restarted a dance craze phenomenon across the globe with its psychedelic musical score! So, be sure to watch Vampyros Lesbos today...or Countess Carody just might Suck you dry! Specs, supplements, and suggested list prices have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'She Killed In Ecstasy' and 'Vampyros Lesbos' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under PENDING.Posted Fri Nov 21, 2014 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'The Congress' Starring Robin Wright Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Ari Folman's acclaimed fantasy planned for a Blu-ray release this holiday season has now been fully detailed. You can pre-order it here. [/teaser] As previously reported, Drafthouse Films will be releasing 'The Congress' on Blu-ray on December 2. More than two decades after catapulting to stardom with The Princess Bride, an aging actress (Robin Wright, playing a version of herself) decides to take her final job: preserving her digital likeness for a future Hollywood. Through a deal brokered by her loyal, longtime agent (Harvey Keitel) and the head of Miramount Studios (Danny Huston), her alias will be controlled by the studio, and will star in any film they want with no restrictions. In return, she receives healthy compensation so she can care for her ailing son and her digitized character will stay forever young. Twenty years later, under the creative vision of the studio's head animator (Jon Hamm), Wright's digital double rises to immortal stardom. With her contract expiring, she is invited to take part in "The Congress" convention as she makes her comeback straight into the world of future fantasy cinema. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Commentary track featuring director Ari Folman; Interview with star Robin Wright; Theatrical Trailer & Promotional Spot; 12-page booklet; and a digital download of the movie. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.97. You can find the latest specs for 'The Congress' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Nov 20, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Keep on Keepin' On' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Jazz legend Clark Terry is the focus in this music documentary set for Blu-ray. You can pre-order the film here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing 'Keep on Keepin' On' for Blu-ray sometime in the near future. 'Keep on Keepin’ On' depicts the remarkable story of 93-year-old jazz legend Clark Terry. A living monument to the Golden Era of Jazz, having played in both the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands. He broke racial barriers on American television and mentored the likes of Miles Davis and Quincy Jones, but his most unlikely friendship is with Justin Kauflin, a 23-year old blind piano prodigy. Justin, fighting a debilitating case of stage fright, is invited to compete in a prestigious competition, while Clark’s health takes a serious turn. The two face the toughest challenges of their lives. The result is an intimate portrait of two remarkable men–a student striving against all odds and a teacher who continues to inspire through the power of music. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'Keep on Keepin' On' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Nov 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Midsomer Murders: Set 25' Will Unravel on Blu-ray in February[teaser]The mystery series' latest batch of episodes is now up for pre-order. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Acorn Media is preparing 'Midsomer Murders: Set 25' for Blu-ray on February 24. The cozy villages of Midsomer County reveal their most sinister secrets in these contemporary British television mysteries. Inspired by the novels of Caroline Graham, modern master of the English village mystery, the series stars Neil Dudgeon ('Life of Riley') as the capable Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby, with Gwilym Lee ('Land Girls') as his new sidekick, Detective Sergeant Charlie Nelson. Guest stars include Michael Jayston, Sharon Small, Robert Bathurst, Ann Eleonora Jorgenson, and Hayley Mills. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Featurette about the 100th episode and an interview with Gwilym Lee. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Midsomer Murders: Set 25' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 24.Posted Thu Nov 20, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Casey La Scala's 'The Remaining' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The action-packed supernatural thriller will arrive on Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is preparing to release 'The Remaining' on Blu-ray on January 27. A group of close friends gather for a wedding, but the celebration is shattered by a series of cataclysmic events and enemies foretold by biblical end-times prophecies. The survivors face a horrifying, uncertain future as they scramble for safety, but as their world collapses around them in chaos and terror will they choose real life through faith, or just try to survive? The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include Deleted Scenes and Divine Revelations: Making The Remaining. You can find the latest specs for 'The Remaining' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 27.Posted Thu Nov 20, 2014 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
HBO Readies 'Olive Kitteridge' for Blu-ray in February[teaser]The miniseries starring Frances McDormand is set for Blu-ray in 2015. You can pre-order the show here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing 'Olive Kitteridge' for Blu-ray on February 10. A look at a seemingly placid New England town that is actually wrought with illicit affairs, crime and tragedy, all told through the lens of Olive, whose wicked wit and harsh demeanor mask a warm but troubled heart and staunch moral center. The story spans 25 years and focuses on Olive's relationships with her husband, Henry, the good-hearted and kindly town pharmacist; their son, Christopher, who resents his mother's approach to parenting; and other members of their community. Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Olive Kitteridge' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 10. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Nov 19, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by:
