Dune Sound Design Explained - The Cinematic Sounds of Villeneuve's Sci-Fi Epic

A Dune sound design breakdown with interviews from Denis Villeneuve and his sound team.
What Does a Sound Designer Do? ►► bit.ly/dn-sd
StudioBinder Blog ►► bit.ly/sb-bl
─────────────────────
Special thanks to:
Dolby ►► bit.ly/dv-st
SoundWorks Collection ►► bit.ly/sw-ct
WaterTower Music ►► bit.ly/wt-mc
FilmIsNow ►► bit.ly/dn-bt
Frame.io ►► bit.ly/jw-de
─────────────────────
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Chapter 1 - The Voice
02:48 - Chapter 2 - Ornithopters
04:17 - Chapter 3 - Sand of Arrakis
06:22 - Chapter 4 - Shields
08:13 - Chapter 5 - Perspective
09:15 - Chapter 6 - Mixing
─────────────────────
Dune Sound Design Explained
If you’ve seen Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic, you know that the Dune sound design is a force to be reckoned with. From the organic buzzing of the Ornithopter to the digital clicking of the combat shields to the commanding voice of Bene Gesserit - there is so much power in the Dune sound design. In this video essay, we’ll let Denis Villeneuve and his sound team walk us through the creative and technical challenges of bringing a galaxy to life with sound.
The Voice
In Dune the voice of the Bene Gesserit cannot be ignored by those who hear it. To capture such inescapable control, the team explains the layering and low, rumbling frequencies. As we will undoubtedly see in Dune Part 2, when Paul uses the voice, people will listen.
Ornithopter Sound Design
Then there is the dragonfly-inspired Ornithopter with its multiple wings flapping and thrumming like a motorized hummingbird. To generate a more organic ornithopter sound design, they used a combination of cats purring and canvas straps flapping in the wind. By grounding the sound design with familiar and natural sources, an alien world like Arrakis suddenly feels more real.
Dune Shield Combat
Where the Dune sound design really shines is in how it embodies completely fictional elements such as the combat shields. The sound team explains how when generating the synth sound for the shields, a glitch in the program caused those clicks and pops that we hear in the film. They decided to keep those imperfections because they so naturally suggested the vulnerability of the shields themselves.
Perspective
One area of sound design and mixing that we often take for granted is perspective. In other words, the relationship between the qualities of the sounds we hear in relation to the proximity of the camera. If we’re close to a character like the Baron, we can hear his deep, raspy voice echoing through his body.
Dune Sound Design Tips
And finally, the Dune sound design team discusses some of the sound design tips that are necessary when mixing for laptops and phones. These lessons in how to sound design are what make such inventive and immersive high-budget filmmaking so thrilling to watch. Denis Villeneuve and his sound design team show us the possibilities of creating an entire universe from the ground up, one sound at a time.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
─────────────────────
♬ SONGS USED:
“Burning Palms“ - Hans Zimmer
“Bene Dessert“ - Hans Zimmer
“Dream of Arrakis“ - Hans Zimmer
“Arrakeen“ - Hans Zimmer
“Herald of the Change“ - Hans Zimmer
“Sandstorm“ - Hans Zimmer
“Runner“ - Ryan Taubert
“Visions of Chani“ - Hans Zimmer
“Blood for Blood“ - Hans Zimmer
“Sanctuary“ - Hans Zimmer
“Stillsuits“ - Hans Zimmer
“Ripples in the Sand“ - Hans Zimmer
Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx
Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
─────────────────────
SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s KZbin channel! ►► bit.ly/2hksYO0
Looking for production management solution for your film? Try StudioBinder for FREE today: studiobinder.com/pricing
- Join us on Social Media! -
Instagram ►► / studiobinder
Facebook ►► / studiobinderapp
Twitter ►► / studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:47 - Chapter 1 - The Voice 02:48 - Chapter 2 - Ornithopters 04:17 - Chapter 3 - Sand of Arrakis 06:22 - Chapter 4 - Shields 08:13 - Chapter 5 - Perspective 09:15 - Chapter 6 - Mixing

[@fremekwame]

if you don't fall in love with Film even more after watching this then I don't know. Only a pure form of curiosity driven passion can drive men to achieve this

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed!

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Well said, 100% agree.

[@mozartcastellanosGK]

I simply just write stories and designing stuff to get paid.

[@mparkinson12]

1000%

[@emilymartin5418]

people*. Language matters.

[@roninn4746]

This was one of the best cinematic experiences I've ever had.

[@LuisSierra42]

Same

[@StudioBinder]

It's a treat for sure

[@axilator]

I didn't appreciate this movie enough while watching it...but after finding out how they solved problems and used innovative solutions, I really like it.

[@omarsherief5690]

Same

[@dersps5905]

Not only the sound design, but the VFX too

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely makes you savor what you see on screen!

[@axilator]

@@dersps5905 Sand Screens yeah...

[@Malik-Ibi]

I got to say, worring about people watching the film in 2.0 was amazing.

[@CluelessIndianGamer]

The IMAX experience of the sound and visual was worth every penny. BGM and sound design in general is something that I hold very close to my heart. Thankyou StudioBinder for doing a video about this. Love this! ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Half the experience!

[@Malik-Ibi]

If, and with a big if, there is something to complain about in this film is trumpet sound, which they over use it and make it too loud.

[@CluelessIndianGamer]

@@Malik-Ibi you mean the bagpiper?

[@Malik-Ibi]

@@CluelessIndianGamer No. The loud trumpet sound they put in films and trailers nowadays

[@JAXARE99]

The sound design is cerebral, natural, and encompassing yet otherworldly, distant, and transcendental.

[@StudioBinder]

well said

[@madhavkrishnan9251]

One of the few movies in which the sound grabbed my attention than the film, it was a treat to experience it in a theatre. Never really knew it had such efforts behind it. The thing I noticed about this video is that you have grabbed the main points from the round-table and projected it in an engaging and academic way.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help!

[@matthoward598]

Was it distracting? And what other films grabbed your attention, film wise?

[@madhavkrishnan9251]

@@matthoward598 Dune was a bit distracting in terms of music but that is so small a distraction that could be ignored. It was really good. What other films, The Social Network (2010), The Aviator(2004), Requiem For A Dream(2000), Irreversible(2002) all had really amazing sound design.

[@sachinsubramanian1450]

Sound design and mixing is an ART - under appreciated.

[@davadh]

I found the conversion from surround to left and right very interesting. My first viewing was on IMAX and I can honestly say that my other viewing on regular theater (with Atmos) and TV (sound bar) to Macbook (Airpod Pro) couldn't hold a candle to it. The IMAX sound is a physical experience, your body is literally being hit by it, not just your ears.

[@StudioBinder]

That's the magic of the theater!

[@corbinbishop1991]

That IMAX sound just shaking my whole seat and body. Masterful.

[@StudioBinder]

Majestic experience 🤯

[@jin6000]

Studiobinder is literally the best channel on youtube. The sheer quality of content they put out is astonishing!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@CamilaCamaleon]

agree!

[@bacontrees]

As a sound designer, and instructor of future sound designers, this is pure gold! Cheers and thanks!!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@powerofberzerker9487]

Love these type of videos. Sound is such a powerful thing in film. Maybe the most powerful.

[@StudioBinder]

It's so important!

[@terwzz2945]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I've searched so much to try to find how the sounds of Dune were made, and this is a blessing. thank you thank you thank you !

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps!

[@visions_of_noah]

I loved Hans Zimmer's score, but I think the sound designers didn't get enough room to let the enviorement of DUNE breath and create authentic atmospheres (e.g. desert wind)

[@StudioBinder]

You felt the sound of the world got drowned out by the score?

[@vibangigan5336]

Saw it in theaters on 500mg and the sound design of the shields and the spice harvester scene gave me like straight up panic attack. Absolutely insane theater experience!

[@StudioBinder]

Got to see it again in IMAX

[@ahmedkhattab9594]

This video was better than the special features we got on the Blu-Ray! Thanks StudioBinder.

[@jesusraya3542]

Such a great video! Never thought about the complexity of Dune's sound. Great masters and great channel!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@Alex_Penjamin]

At 0:28 my soul jumped out of my body in imax lol

[@StudioBinder]

haha definitely feels like you got hit by the Voice

[@martinbalestrini954]

Thank you very much Studiobinder Team, I always learn something new with you and the best thing is that you always have a powerful communication capacity

[@StudioBinder]

That's the goal :)

[@kishorek1599]

This is something someone one can't explain simply yet studiobinder did good job 👏

[@StudioBinder]

That's why we're here!

[@UrbanMediaReview]

The helicopters were amazing. The work behind it and the ultimate product. Bee noise wow.

[@adityapurkar2027]

absolutely fascinating what they have accomplished. Thank you StudioBinder for explaining this, i believe lot of people watching including me have tried hard to understand how Dune sounds were made and your information has satisfied that urge.

[@StudioBinder]

Hopefully it sparks some new creative ideas for you guys too!

[@akbar_khalid]

Need this full interview and need it now! 🙂

[@oliviermonette9767]

its on dolby youtube channel, 30 minutes

[@StudioBinder]

Which one?

[@akbar_khalid]

@@StudioBinder the interview in this video. I want to watch the full interview and not just some clips about sound.

[@tturnquest1]

Great video as always Studiobinder. You have out done yourselves.

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@talonearley2770]

Denis and his team are some of the best in the game that's for sure

[@StudioBinder]

We're lucky to have them :)

[@AaronPalmer]

I dont think words can describe how much i love this film.

[@StudioBinder]

Put it into sounds 😂

[@sebastianleguizamon1103]

@@StudioBinder 😂😂

[@LamNguyen-fr3qc]

Haven't heard a good sound designer for a while until Dune. Love this video. Great job StudioBinder!

[@rpcheesman]

Villeneuve puts so much thought into his craft, assembling a great team of people for all aspects of the movie. Incredible to know how alien the sounds were at times, but the sources were often organic. It makes the film more cohesive, natural and a delight to watch (and listen). Can't wait for part 2

[@Ahmedali323]

Saw it four times. Brilliant each time!

[@stephenwilliams3807]

Apparently none of this warranted a Best Director Oscar nomination? You can see that all of those technical nominations Dune has received flow from the director. There's a famous line about Driving Miss Daisy being "the film that directed itself", given Beresford was not nominated but everyone else was. Dune would never have been made, let alone be as good as it is, without Villeneuve's vision and talent.

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed! His vision is clear in every aspect of the film

[@chrislee343]

really makes me appreciate sound design and mixing a lot more after wtaching this. wonder if they'll take home any Oscars this year

[@shardsofmusic.]

now THIS was awesome. The sounds in the film are incredible. Hats off to the whole team

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

Absolutely fascinating! Thank you!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@dericklila]

Excellent video. Thanks for making this!

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps!

[@andreisator314]

Hats off to StudioBinder and Dune's Entire Team

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@KruzAlonso]

I like this sound design

[@StudioBinder]

we do too ;)

[@DUSKOsound]

That final quote is great. It does take experimentation to find something new and unique. And its a fun journey to embark upon

[@talacra]

Fantastic! Wish i could learn from those specialists! Thanks for the video!

[@ak-gi3eu]

this is what i was waiting for...literally searching about it ..but the producers gave a little details about sound design ..in their interview

[@StudioBinder]

little but insightful details!

[@TheOneWithTheManyZs]

I thought the off-sync element of the voice as seen in its first scene was really cool, and I was a bit disappointed when it disappeared later on. I didn't see it as a flawed attempt at the voice, especially since the sub bass sound *was* in sync, the time difference just added to perceiving it as some ancient, otherworldly power you can tap into.

[@MarcinZdun]

My interpretation in the cinema was: ooo, good try, needs to work on the details, it's all over the place. So, a sign of him still learning the Voice.

[@gabrielemane8899]

Incredibly helpful, thanks!

[@StudioBinder]

Great!

[@zacharymiraziz4585]

Incredible stuff!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@ZaneGage]

Is there a 4 hour version of this video? A master class!

[@ARBB1]

These guys are brilliant

[@StudioBinder]

Among the best in the world!

[@noahsawesomevids422]

My film teacher uses this video a lot and I have a little fact about the ornithopter franchise tried making a real thing vehicle back in 1944

[@noahsauder]

The sound design in this movie might be the best sound job ever!

[@mohamedwahbi2612]

WOW! It's absolutely fascinating. I mean look at the level of creativity, professionalism and sophistication of these people, it's pure talent. HANDS DOWN.

[@StudioBinder]

Top of their industry!

[@mohamedwahbi2612]

@@StudioBinder Indeed!

[@S9universe]

studio binder is pureeee quality

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@creativityreimagined]

This is just incredible filmmaking ❤❤✨✨🙏🙏

[@DmnkBrn]

That's incredible!

[@moviegoerfacts]

Absolutely a masterclass... from the master of Craft.

[@StudioBinder]

Villeneuve and his team are the best!

[@damageincluded5823]

After watch the movie with headphones, then watching this, I can say for sure that not watching it in a cinema is a something I will regret for the rest of my life.

[@StudioBinder]

It's a great experience!

[@jesusrox0903]

Assuming things are more stable in two years, they'll probably reshow it in theaters a few months before the second.

[@charlythomas9976]

Amazing!

[@StudioBinder]

💖

[@zam6877]

What a fun fascinating job

[@drifting6464]

Fall in love with sound effects

[@lubanestube]

amazing

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@beatkitchen]

BRILLIANT ✨

[@ANV1720]

The only worth it thing I've done last year was watching Dune in IMAX.

[@StudioBinder]

That must've rocked!

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Nice video

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@mezhenin]

Thank you for interesting material. How is possible to make sound layered? Like voices of actors during speaking you clear feel depth between sound sources.

[@simone_franceschinii]

This movie is a masterpiece

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed!

[@waryo]

We just watched the next winners of the Academy awards for best sound. 100%

[@StudioBinder]

Very likely!

[@jjolarte98]

This movie was really given care that it deserve.

[@thedarkriver1]

Badass!👍👍

[@oneofthoseyoutubeusers]

i love this movie omg

[@urstepdaddy007]

Nice

[@StudioBinder]

Hope you liked it!

[@radiantlight2361]

Its going to win best sound

[@kornrok46]

Hi! Can you make an explanatory clip about Objective Camera and Subjective Camera?

[@MixTar73]

Yes !!!

[@StudioBinder]

👍🙏

[@dineshreddy9022]

Hey studio binder you should breakdown an amazing film called "churuli". I assure, you would love it.

[@venvatpictures]

Bless the zimmer and his water

[@StudioBinder]

we are lucky to watch him work :)

[@AlonsoLazarte04]

You should make vídeos about what is pacing in a movie

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@AlonsoLazarte04]

@@StudioBinder you're welcome i really love your videos

[@reysnaps6515]

Simply beautiful. I think I chose the wrong career entirely.

[@CamilaCamaleon]

What does the mixing engineer mean with" raising that fundamental of the low end up higer so it's a higher note?"

[@Elmgren76]

And the Academy Award goes to… 🙏🏻

[@StudioBinder]

🙏 we shall see

[@fabiocarlini6618]

I am not a fa n of this movie, but I have to admit that the sound is spectacular.

[@StudioBinder]

Lots of detail to study!

[@MR.Poa-man]

great, am working on a video, about reptiles am yet to upload but am lacking a hissing sound for the snake, how can i get to that sound?

[@StudioBinder]

There are various music sites that have sound effects!

[@sammyfabelman]

If Sound at the Oscars were divided into two categories as before, I would say Dune is the best sound editing and West Side Story is the best sound mixing.

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting take!

[@SvintMvrcus]

Anyone know what synth they’re talking about at 6:50?

[@rafaelc.c.]

Many people say Dune is the DEFINITIVE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE. The talk about the sound and the visual effects, etc. Sure they're great, but when did I miss the part that said that cinema is no longer having a good story, good writing, having good characters, a beautiful plot. Everybody's parroting what others say, replicating word by word, and saying crazy things, even way before the release of the film: "Dune will be the best sci-fi movie of the century", "Hans Zimmer will win an Oscar for this", "Best Cinematic Experience...", "The best epic since The Lord of the Rings", "IMAX this, IMAX that". Fashion, fashion and fashion. For me this movie is lifeless, inert. I liked it, but putting this even in the top of the year is wild for me. You all wanted to love it and so you blindly did.

[@turinturambar501]

Well I mean it's a fine film, but yes, you are right. Its fans go crazy with it. 10 Oscars nominations is crazy. Even Best Picture and the most annoying one Best Adapted Screenplay.

[@turinturambar501]

The power of popularity the call it.

[@StudioBinder]

Fair point, priority is always story. I think fans though would say that it is a great story, but the great thing is that the execution is finally on point, given the failed attempts before

[@rafaelc.c.]

@@StudioBinder You are always so classy, hehe. My apologies if I sounded rude.

[@changsangma1915]

Tell that to the Marvel franchise, but maybe couldn't since you may as be part of that group, what do i know Lol.

[@sadrasahranavard1684]

👏👏

[@StudioBinder]

🙏

[@ayushn84]

😱😱

[@StudioBinder]

💖👍

[@TheGalacticWest]

I REQUEST THE CONE SILENCE!

[@StudioBinder]

Would be useful haha

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Clever solutions.

[@StudioBinder]

All part of filmmaking!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

@@StudioBinder Absolutely

[@waseemalibrahim295]

Just O... M... G

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@baronvonbeandip]

tfw you only have Krotos Dehumaniser but you really know how to use it.

[@StudioBinder]

What is a Krotos Dehumaniser?

[@fun-with-purpose1436]

Should be retitled “Hans Zimmers Sci-fi music masterpiece”

[@StudioBinder]

The sound design and music are top notch!

[@RStudioBroadcast]

Creating a galaxy of sound and how it bombed at the box office.

[@RStudioBroadcast]

Go people! watch marvel crap and don't watch pure art.

[@jinxshadow5218]

"But what if soemone listened to it on a very low tech device?" Now here's a question that hasn't crossed Christopher Nolan's mind, ever.

[@sarangkumthekar1042]

Anybody here after Dune won Oscar for Best Sound?

[@oneeyedphotographer]

The voice. I could not understand a word. American accents aren't very otherworldly either. In Australia, we have bulldust. It creates waves when you drive through it. It is sand, very very fine.

[@StudioBinder]

Really? It seemed pretty understandable

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@StudioBinder I don't have your ears

[@TheGalacticWest]

You can just summon a 140 mph wind storm for your foley team?

[@StudioBinder]

If there's a will there's a way

[@huytiensinh2860]

Tôi không giỏi tiếng anh nhưng rất hứng thú với làm phim và kênh của bạn. Mong sẽ có bản dịch sang Tiếng Việt để chúng tôi có thể học hỏi về kỹ thuật , tư duy làm phim. Xin chân thành cảm ơn bạn !

[@ankitkotharifilm]

Hi, I am an aspiring youtuber from India. Can you help me understand how do you use copyrighted music for your video

[@enriquepelenato4956]

I feel sorry / not sorry for people who didn't watch this at iMax. Saw it twice at iMax and wish I saw it again.

[@viethoangbui577]

Sir Mark Mangini

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@akamiguelsanchez9985]

The ambiance was great but trying to listen to the dialogue made this one of the most frustrating experiences ever.

[@KD9-37]

"Kind of looks like a dragon fly"? kind of? those Ornothopters are literally Mecha Dragonflys...watssssss's he talking about KIND OF 😅

[@sophiasobhani]

goose pimples