Director Denis Villeneuve and Sound Team on Dune | Sound + Image Lab

[@rushthezeppelin]

I just wish this movie could stay in theaters forever. So much of it just isn't going to as impactful without good theater sound. So glad I've at least seen it twice now on Imax.

[@lucyrobinson2814]

I've got at least 3 more viewings planned this week.

[@BairMendoza]

SAME. I grew up on this and it taught me how to navigate the world as an evolved human. I will be forever thankful for this version. I wish he was making Heretics of Dune. That and Chapterhouse were Frank Herbert’s Magnum Opus. 🥰

[@MC_1993]

I watched it with headphones on…was nuts

[@EatScrabbleGoo]

I wish I saw it in IMAX... But, I did watch it three times in theatres.

[@steampunkskunk3638]

I watched it in an IMAX and was disappointed... Not in the movie but in IMAX. The sound was either so loud it made me wince in pain or so quiet I could not hear people speaking clearly. I enjoyed it far more the 2nd time in a standard cinema. For part 2 I won't bother with IMAX.

[@AnninaMelissa]

Seeing Dune in IMAX a couple of times has raised the bars to new highs. It's true, it didn't feel like watching a movie, it felt like an experience. I've never felt this physically immersed in a movie before.

[@funkmachine9094]

if you enjoy slow and boring movies i guess

[@mauriciokrebs2913]

@@funkmachine9094 pew! soc! bang! wham!

[@rjfernandez7]

Same for me. On subsequent viewings I found myself looking forward to moments. Feeling joy when we were immersed certain scenes. Really each scene had sound qualities that were gratifying.

[@mauriciokrebs2913]

The point here is: the violence on this movue, and story, is meaningful

[@jessica5497]

If they don't get an Oscar i will riot.

[@vidalon3231]

collab?

[@gladiusso]

@@vidalon3231 riot collab. Count me in

[@bennygerow]

I volunteer as tribute.

[@maziarbozorgi4185]

we all riot! We choose Denis Villeneuve as our Lisan Al Ghaib

[@erilayne260]

@@maziarbozorgi4185 Idk why but this made me LOL 🤣 Thank you stranger, for making my day

[@wahn10]

The sound in this movie magnified the already spectacular visuals a thousand fold. The original Blade Runner for me was the first movie that put sound first in a huge way, and Dune took that philosophy to a whole new level.

[@Universal_Pig]

A sound that struck me powerfully was when Stilgar is coming to meet Duke Leto in Arrakine. The sound of his approach was so spot on what echoing voices in ancient/giant scale buildings sounds like. It gave me an instant sense memory of standing in the temple of Jupiter in Croatia.

[@ximono]

I thought you were going to say the sound of his spitting :)

[@D.A.D.D.Y.]

The best sound design I’ve ever experienced in the theater

[@blindbuymedia7798]

An incredible sound mix for an incredible film. Congrats to the creators.

[@Dolby]

Couldn't agree more!

[@evandickinson6393]

My first time experiencing a Denis Villeneuve movie was Arrival...and that movie blew my mind in so many ways...it was also one of the few times in a movie going experience that I fell head over heels in love with the SOUND! Denis brings such an unique group of talent to his movies...and it makes his movies unforgettable.

[@shiladitya_biswas]

I watched this in Atmos, and throughout the movie I was actually enveloped in this sound blanket. I thought Atmos was a gimmick, but after this movie, I can assure you that Atmos is the best sound experience you;ll ave in a theatre.

[@Dolby]

We appreciate the comment!

[@mikesolomon5584]

@@Dolby I have been driving for nearly an hour to get to an ATMOS/DD theater for years (AMC Alpharetta Ga.) specifically for the sound and visual experience. I used to love it because when the lights went out, it was SERIOUSLY BLACK DARKNESS. Sadly, the theater I have been going to has installed blue LEDs all throughout the room, many of which are facing the screen adding a blue haze to... everything. It's really sad, because back when we first started attending this theater, when they play the 'joke', "Yes, the projector is still on", it has no meaning. The intro Dolby promotion talks about the deepest blacks, but it's no longer black, it's blue. The biggest slap of all, is when someone stands up to... go to the bathroom, or whatever, during the film and creates a shadow on the screen. Yes, this is a a discussion about sound, but the DD Image is a huge part of the experience as well. I seriously doubt that Dolby pushed the idea of the LEDs, but I would think that there would be some sort of standards that had to be met. There is another DD/ATMOS theater closer (Sugarloaf Mills), but they have had never ending sound issues, and the dreaded blue screen as well.

[@lolerie]

@@mikesolomon5584 was it a dolby cinema with dolby vision?

[@mikesolomon5584]

@@lolerie Yes. That is why I was upset with the blue light. It's poluting a beautiful image. I was saying DD thinking Dolby Digital, but you are correct. Dolby Vision is what I should have written.

[@lolerie]

@@mikesolomon5584 you do know that normal cinema is just 48 nits while dolby cinema is 100 nits and it is already considered HDR? LOL, I prefer LG OLED TV. IMAX movies are on Disney+ now too.

[@Dousch]

What a gift this channel is. This is where I went to reflect after seeing and hearing 2049 and it is now where I reflect after Dune.

[@10AntsTapDancing]

Waited 50 years to see the movie after reading the trilogy as a teenager. It didn't disappoint and Villeneuve and his team who made the movie are geniuses. Thank you so much.

[@jessica5497]

You can see the respect for each other.

[@joshislandmusic]

Besides an incredibly interesting conversation, the sound quality of this interview is phenomenal!

[@thecritics001]

it's Dolby's youtube channel for God's sake. sidebar - I was scrolling finding a comment complimenting the sound of the interview lol

[@subber3556]

Denis really wants us to watch it twice huh, once in IMAX, which was all he talks about in many other promo's, and another time in Dolby Cinema for the best audio. I wish we could integrate the two technologies somehow. Imagine 1.43 imax with Dolby Atmos audio!

[@abdielmoreno-cruz354]

I watched it in Dolby Cinema, and I took a couple cousins who had surpringly NEVER been to a theater. The few times I glanced they were like 0-0

[@pilote111]

I have been dreaming about a collab between IMAX and Dolby, where they put Dolby audio in all IMAX theaters and IMAX screens in all Dolby theaters

[@danrazART]

I would like to point out that the opening scene with CHANI explaining the situation of Arakis. that music thumping is exactly the rhythm of the THUMPER device that changes like a HEARTBEAT would as scenes turn explosive and we get to RABAN. Amazing attention to details.

[@user-cu7vo2cv4x]

I fell in love with the sound before I even saw the movie, I remember the score had been released on Spotify a couple days before the movie was released, and it absolutely took over my ears when I heard it. Even though it’s more sounds than music one could say, it definitely was one of the highlights of the film in my opinion and elevated the film for me. I couldn’t wait to watch the movie, just so I could attach the scenes to the sounds I had heard.

[@cameralabs]

That was fascinating, I enjoyed it start to finish! I sought out Dune at one of the only UK cinemas that could expand to show the full height of the selected IMAX sequences (Cineworld Leicester Square / IMAX with Laser) and it was visually spectacular. Throughout I was also struck by the amazing sound (I believe using the IMAX 12 channel format) but having watched your interview, I now want to see - or hear it - again in a full Dolby ATMOS theatre, so that would be one of the Odeons, opposite or adjacent in Leicester Square! Is it greedy to want the full Dolby array with an IMAX screen?!

[@lolerie]

Maybe it will be released in IMAX inside dolby vision.

[@PaulCoxC]

I saw it in the Odeon West End one and the sound was incredible

[@cameralabs]

@@PaulCoxC I'd like to rewatch it there on the Dolby system...

[@ariadnepyanfar1048]

Wow I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with this movie any more than I already am, but you all gave me reasons to love it even more.

[@marvogrady9728]

10 out of 10 for this Sound team. A truly wonderful film with an outstanding track. Great sounds.

[@ladybugfilmsin]

What an amazing standard Dune has set for the future of cinema! The attention paid to detail here is really inspiring and makes me feel so grateful; all this effort put into ensuring the viewer gets a full immersive experience.

[@Dolby]

Couldn't agree more!

[@davidolden971]

Message to every vlogger out there: Notice how ALL of the guests in this round table have PERFECT mic placement and NOONE’S face is blocked. Follow the example here!

[@aminXlocale]

Haha well said man!

[@giovannizacche4827]

Best audio mix ever for a magnificent movie,seen in the best theater,Arcadia in Melzo(Italy)30 metres wide and Meyer sound system.Incredible experience.Congrats to the team,my favourite for next Academy Award.

[@JimDeaned]

absolutely incredible interview. can’t believe i’m just now catching this.

[@mikesolomon5584]

Thank you for this. I would have watched hours more if it were offered. This is the exact reason I have chosen a carreer in sound and post production. I look forward to D2.

[@Dolby]

Glad it was helpful! We wish you well in your career!

[@matthewvalencic4217]

Oh My God Director Denis Villeneuve This Is Have Too Be One Of The Best Dolby Amos Sound Ever For One Of My Most All Time Favourite 2021 Sci-Fi Movie Dune.

[@joshcooop]

Just saw Dune in IMAX. Just draw dropping. Curious to hear about the sound editing.

[@phil8378]

Denis Villeneuve could read me a phonebook and I’d listen to every word

[@TheThegtrain]

You are a fantastic host/interviewer.

[@adrianus13]

I read this as Director Denis Villeneuve and Sand Team and didn't think twice

[@megamatt1915]

These men are such inspirations. Sound design is one of the most powerful and important tools in cinema. This film is a masterpiece and the sound design contributed to that so much!

[@GomTiles]

INCREDIBLE interview! Maybe it's cause I'm in love with this movie, but I hung on every word of this discussion. Looking forward to part 2 for DUNE PART 2!!!

[@hireality]

An absolutely phenomenal audiovisual experience Dune is 👍 And what an inspirational talk, Shine on ✨

[@Dolby]

We appreciate it! We hope you learned a lot.

[@sana-cm7oc]

This was excellent. It's like 5 of your friends talking about something really cool. Great discussion about a great film. Beautiful process. Thank you Dolby. 😊

[@drewwatkin6356]

I've seen the movie twice and absolutely loved it. Bring on Dune 2 through 6, just take my money.

[@christianmartinez1]

This team is lighting in a bottle. I hope to be a part of something like this in my career someday.

[@jessica5497]

I hope you do. Seems like a great experience.

[@TheStarBlack]

I'm really interested what effects were used on the Baron's voice if any. The depth and graininess just sounds incredible.

[@boburrides]

geez his voice is absolutely chilling to the bone. incredible

[@shelbyvillemusica]

The magic is on Stellan kaaskarg voice

[@flippert0]

14:08 "Strong, powerful, mean grandmothers talking" 😂😂

[@Existential_Carousel]

There's a sound in the film that seems to accompany the music, I'm not sure what you would call it, a signature sound effect maybe? Kinda in the vein of what you guys touched on at the end about sound design and score blending together. I'd describe it as the sound of a giant metal cable twisting and bending. I thought it was one of the coolest sound effects I've ever heard in a while and was kinda hoping to hear you guys talk about it. If anybody knows more about it I'd appreciate the info. It seems like Denis likes to incorporate a sort of signature sound to accompany the music in his films. Still enjoyed the podcast though thanks!

[@zingo_man]

Sound was so good on this film, especially the mix

[@3girlrhumba]

if dune doesn't win the best sound oscar it'll be BRRRUTAL (gurney voice)

[@QuynhNguyen-hw9ps]

Hahahaha agree 100%

[@vRoMe0]

Great interview!! Though, I wish Hans was at the table too !!

[@u216]

Your voice is so clear. Probably the best. Thank you for the video.

[@37654]

He gave himself the best mike

[@jencatembung0915]

Amazing episode!!! I don’t want it to finish! I love Dune! Thanks for sharing this! Brilliant! I watched it in Tokyo, Japan. The iMax cinema here is so awesome!!!! I’m so in love with Dune!

[@hayleycomet8029]

Best sound I've ever heard in a movie. Christopher Nolan wishes his movies sound like this.

[@blitzgirl6522]

This interview was great...but it makes me really sad because I was physically unable to see this film in a theater. I lost my chance. I only saw it on HBO Max at a friend's place who had surround sound and a sub woofer. Next time I can watch it is when I get the Blu Ray, and I'll use my headphones instead of my TV speakers. So...yeah, it's really depressing how much of this was made for only folks who were lucky enough to go to a theater.

[@MistaZULE]

I agree. I feel like i missed a once in a lifetime experience by not seeing it in theatres. Now i will probably see part 2 3 times to make up for this loss.

[@JohnnyPappas]

So glad I found this video. Fascinating.

[@chriscummings7830]

Brilliant interview and interviewer!

[@daniom6491]

I can verify the amazing sound design in mono, as explained. I just watched the movie on one Minirig speaker and I found it pretty satisfying.

[@cinesheikh]

Great video! Really enjoyed this conversation between you and Dennis and the sound team. Fantastic questions and hosting!

[@Dolby]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RH1812]

Very interesting stuff. So happy the ‘jump’ happened

[@hayskeys]

Brilliant discussion and incredibly compelling film. Saw it 3 times in theatre. Dolby Atmos was amazing on this.

[@Dreamaster2012]

Ok here’s an opposing point to ponder. it’s hard to parse the difference between the sound and music intended for the person in regards to the power and sound levels of the speakers in the theater one sees and hears it in. In my experience it was sometimes the loudest and most intrusive sound I’ve ever heard in a film. I had to block my ears many times to merely get through certain moments. Unfortunately it appears that the trade off for subtle nuance for bombast in some form is becoming the norm. Finally in moments the sounds calms down and we can actually feel as though we are in the desert. Not a thundering sound stage where human emotion is respected and allowed to flower on it’s own. I appreciate the majestic feeling about certain important scenes needed to to be felt. But there must be a way to lead us into a sound experience in a more gentle human oriented way. Before speakers of this magnitude in theaters the director had to create moods with more purposeful scene design around lighting, emotional framing, and complex orchestration. Now we’re forced into feelings with overwhelming sound creating overly dramatic moments that leave one more bewildered than satisfied.

[@omarguetfa4567]

You certainly have the right to feel that way. I feel that a story that contains as much grandeur as Dune, sound design and music must match the visual element (Intergalactic warfare... massive creatures... visually arresting sandstorms) I certainly don’t think nuanced sound design is a lost art (ie. Last Night in Soho, just this week).

[@szinyk]

I agree, the sound design during certain scenes seemed to start with "turn it to 11". At parts Paul and Jessica are whispering or murmuring so quietly you can't hear them (even the litany against fear, which I know the words to). And then there will be max volume beduion wailing or drumming.

[@rockthompson3476]

Saw the movie in IMAX it was one of the loudest films I have seen . The Tent Scene was drowned out by the music. But After I thought about it, I think the location was the issue rather than the actual mix.

[@RustyBotStudios]

Thank You. Watched twice in Atmos and going again Wednesday before it leaves the Atmos screen and gets replaced by Eternals.

[@bigdhav]

Definitely looking forward to getting this in 4k Bluray with full ATMOS.

[@djslink]

I've beeb watching all these featurettes and wow what a team! The ideas and approach to this film is incredible! And does anyone know what mic the host is using on this? Its so clear!!

[@aleksandrkorobeinikov6700]

Proud of Quebec, mon esti!

[@NINETY-97-SEVEN]

I watched in IMAX and it was incredible! But Denis saying the ultimate version of this movie would be Dolby Atmos?? gonna go watch it for the 7th time now but this time in atmos xD

[@yeahiagree1070]

dolby ticket is booked for friday! :O

[@optimistprime2751]

I enjoy this video and the behind the scenes of dune just as much as I enjoyed watching the movie.

[@suteerap9286]

Wonderful interview! 🥰😁

[@MrRickkramer]

Dune was a cool movie, can’t wait for the sequel...the music and sound worked out great!

[@Ex-Toxic]

Excellent Musical Experience... Killed it 👏❤

[@agustsafari4721]

Atmos Imax 🌅 😍

[@VigneshKrishnamurthy2509]

Learned so much. Thank you!

[@Dolby]

Glad it was helpful!

[@7abian]

Thank you so much for this Video. Super interesting to learn about the sound design of the movie. I've watched the movie 4 times in the cinema and the sound design really amazed me deeply. What I would have loved to hear the artist talk about is a) the Sardaukar Chant and B) the sound design of the Baron's anti-gravity implants.

[@Dolby]

Glad it was helpful!

[@codymartinez4493]

Saw Dune in Imax and it was way too loud. Honestly so loud it was actually blocking detail for me. I hope to find a Dolby Vision or Atmos theater

[@robertrobitaille320]

Depends we're you seat in IMAX. Saw it three times in IMAX. For me IMAX had better sound than Dolby Atmos 3d or other theater in 3d normal sound....

[@vidalon3231]

I wanted to see Hans in this interview :c

[@df4196]

Could you provide the full names and titles of the panelists here

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

It’s in the video description. Tap the down arrow under the video.

[@mylifepart2]

Incredible...watched the whole thing and will watch again...I now know why.. davinci resolve 19 went all out on sound...someone there appreciated dune 1 n 2 ...I made a vlog on it on my channel

[@mathieuprajnanpad4174]

Fascinating!

[@jacobburghart8125]

@dolby Could anyone explain what he means when he speaks on "chest frequencies/resonance" at 29:29? What does that mean for the EQ?

[@dantheman6389]

I don't know how familiar you are with dialogue editing or mixing for film but basically clip mics tend to have a different tonality than other microphones (because they're often and usually closer to the actors chest than mouth) which most describe as "chesty frequencies" or "chesty resonance". Ron was highlighting those kinds of resonances with either EQ or by using certain microphones to make us seem like we are in close proximity to the Baron in that scene

[@jacobburghart8125]

@@dantheman6389 ahhhh I see. I'll have to try and find some more examples out there in film

[@stagename2]

After the movie was over I could hear sand blowing for the next hour.

[@agustsafari4721]

Imax atmos 🌅😍

[@danadominguez5760]

NT3 ❤️

[@tonydancer]

22:21 Villeneuve on Dolby Atmos

[@stagename2]

Was hard to hear Paul and Jessica’s dialogue in the tent.

[@lXlElevatorlXl]

Can someone listen to the full metal jacket main theme beginning and have the same feeling about it. That is got a similar percussion industrial vibe like dune

[@FMJJSpecialTV]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@FranciscoBurrola]

Imagine this level of cinematic experience with a fresh and more engaging story

[@istdochscheissegal1]

I love that this seems like an awareness campaign about how important it is to bring on the sound team at the beginning of the process. Hope this makes some productions think over their approach because the end result really speaks for itself

[@chansherly212]

Love this movie, but i could not hear the litanie against fear by jessica. Good thing i live in a country where there are always two sets of subtitles (in chinese and malay) , i found myself having to rely on them for some portions of this movie. My imax experience wasnt too loud though, was loud but bearable, as some have reported. I wonder how much of the volume level is due to the movie itself and how much of it is the theatre..

[@yokartik]

hey, i have a Logitech Z5500 dolby dts thx sertificated sound system and i wonder if get the exact sounds with something like Bluray copy since you guys mention about atmost, not the digital.

[@schambess]

The HBO max streaming release has an Dolby Digital Plus track with Atmos. But the audio bitrate is much lower than on Blu-ray. The Blu-ray release will contain a Dolby Atmos Track with high bitrate. Its all embeded in an Dolby TrueHD container. The track will contain all the multi channel information for different sound systems, layouts like 5.1 and 7.1. and Atmos systems. I have a Logitech Z906 5.1 Sound System and must say, even the basic 5.1 Mix is amazing!

[@danielsantini4580]

Wow🤩👏😃🤗

[@onepurpose315]

Anyone here watched in stereo ? Trying to see how well it’s downmixed. I have powered bookshelves

[@JorgeAguilera]

21:08 here’s when they begin discussing the stereo mix and how they did it

[@onepurpose315]

@@JorgeAguilera thanks , I did watch the video just trying to get others input!

[@niranjankumar7273]

one of my regrets.. missed this in IMAX

[@boblake2340]

Theatres drove me away when they played movies with sound intensity of a launch of a Saturn 5 rocket.

[@jellykid]

Might be the odd one here but I really thought the Atmos experience was painfully loud and didn't really add much to the experience other than my chair rumbling and me having to put in headphones to muffle it all

[@trevorreznik379]

I’m praying for Sicario 3 🙏

[@robertrobitaille320]

I prefer IMAX theater sound system. Dolby Atmos did not match up. Saw movie 5 times. In IMAX, 3d , Dolby Atmos, French and English. Best IMAX English. At least in Montreal.

[@marysueeasteregg]

Several people have commented on the sound. This is my rant: I was NOT happy with the sound. I wore earplugs (which is *standard* for me, and for my husband and daughter; most theatres play movies, especially action movies, too #&^@ loud). If I could have kept the earplugs in, all would have been fine; but there was so much whispering, dialogue which I could not catch, that I was often loosening one earplug. But then seconds later, the blasted sound would go VERY LOUD, and I'd be fumbling to get the plug back in right. My left ear, the side I had been loosening, hurt afterwards for the rest of the day; that is a sign the decibel level is doing actual damage -- permanent though subtle damage -- to the ear/hearing. The issue was not "just" the theatre; seldom if ever at a movie have I had to be taking an earplug in and out, much less so frequently. I don't remember having trouble with whispered dialogue in other movies, even with plugs in. If the base decibel level was so high it was hurting my ears without plugs, I should have been able to catch whispers with plugs in! I'll want to see Dune, in Imax, but I am going to have to resign myself to missing much of the dialogue. Oh, well. I know the book very well. My daughter is reluctant to see the film in theatres, for fear it will be too loud, and she is a big fan of the book; she's more sound sensitive than me, and as a musician, very protective of her hearing. She and her partner subscribed to HBO Max for this this very reason. Once or twice my husband have walked out on movies and demanded money back, when we did not have plugs with us. A lot of movie theatres are a health hazard. The decibel level should never reach 85, but many or most movie theaters let films reach 100 dB, maybe higher.

[@Dreamaster2012]

I absolutely agree that the level of sound was such a distraction that it destroyed any nuance in most of the film. It’s not a rock concert for heavens sake, and the actors sometimes screaming their lines didn’t add anything to me regarding their emotional state. it was more of a shock value move to surprise us with full on sound assaults. Where is the holy sound of the Deseret being a wonderful place of vistas and beauty. All replaced with the dread of worms and brutal everything. There was nothing to contrast the violence with . . .

[@szinyk]

I agree, in Imax some scenes were painful and I had to plug my ears, and others i couldn't hear the dialog.

[@meni55]

😊❤️👍

[@ryanlaing]

inb4 oscar

[@whereisvanuatu]

Was watching the long explaination about how they layered "the Voice" and then I remembered half of Europeans are dubbing their movies... Pearls before swine...

[@karlmarcelo6891]

I hope they'd these podcast with Superhero movies. 😅❤️

[@myndmorph9811]

please, keep this up i want a triage , please don't kill the train before it, has run out of the yard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;

[@spliff1001]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@Lead_Foot]

If only hbo max supported atmos on more than 5 devices.

[@MarkNeri]

I like the different sounds they created for Dune. The music... not as much

[@sydneyrebello3949]

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[@jpb10]

My man working at Dolby with no mic highpass filter... smh