Beyond Dolby (Stereo): Cinema in the Digital Sound Age

by Mark Kerins

Since digital surround sound technology first appeared in cinemas 20 years ago, it has spread from theaters to homes and from movies to television, music, and video games. Yet even as 5.1 has become the standard for audiovisual media, its impact has gone unexamined. Drawing on works from the past two decades, as well as dozens of interviews with sound designers, mixers, and editors, Mark Kerins uncovers how 5.1 surround has affected not just sound design, but cinematography and editing as well. Beyond Dolby (Stereo) includes detailed analyses of Fight Club, The Matrix, Hairspray, Disturbia, The Rock, Saving Private Ryan, and Joy Ride, among other films, to illustrate the value of a truly audiovisual approach to cinema studies.

378 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Marcus Ionis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and well thought out book on the theories of surround sound entertainment. Recommended for audio professionals; however I encourage picture editors to read it as well. Many insightful points and thoughts on the relationship of picture editing and enhancing the sound landscape.