Dolby Atmos sound is seemingly everywhere, from soundbars to phones, and soon you may even find it in your car. But if you have AV equipment that supports Dolby’s immersive audio tech, what should you be watching to ensure you are getting the most out of your system?
Atmos expands upon a traditional surround set-up by adding channels to bring sound from overhead. But Atmos is about more than just shoving some speakers in your ceiling and waiting for a chunky aeroplane sound effect. The technology is used by filmmakers in the mixing stage to place sounds and voices at exact points in the soundfield rather than more broadly assign them to discrete channels. So, in addition to the traditional combination of up to 9.1 channels, Atmos can deliver up to 118 simultaneous sound objects, creating an enveloping soundstage that is replicable by any kit with the capacity to decode it, from theatre systems to ‘virtual’ Atmos-enabled headphones.
As well as adding thrilling movement to action sequences, Dolby Atmos can subtly enhance perspective and immersion in both effects and music. In the hands of a great sound designer, it provides the flexibility to build sonic landscapes that can transport, terrify and move you…
The Power Of The Dog (2021) The Duelling Banjo
A particularly stark and minimalist sound design reflects the isolating impact of the Montana landscape while Dolby Atmos is used to subtly heighten the emotional stakes in this stifling setting. Signature sounds are used almost as leitmotifs to represent the repressed characters’ emotions. The film opens with hyper-macho bully Phil striding across the ranch, and the sound of his weighty boots and ringing spurs indicate his strength and domineering presence.
As Rose practises the piano so she might later impress her new husband’s dinner guests, Phil plays along on his banjo, deliberately trying to put her off. It’s an incredibly intense scene to watch, but with a Dolby Atmos system we not only see but feel his cruelty from Rose’s perspective. Atmos is used to locate Rose downstairs and the banjo in the rear corner of the roof. The mix pinpoints his location as he roams around, expanding to fill the ceiling giving the audience the impression that his taunts are now occupying all of Rose’s thoughts before the sound of his boots suddenly shocks Rose and brings the drama to a head.
No Time To Die (2021) Chase Through Matera
In the spectacular chase through the Italian town of Matera, there are plenty of wonderful details to be found, particularly if you get the
