How Has Sound Changed Over The Course Of Cinema?
WRITTEN BY JAYSON RAI
THE EVOLUTION OF FILM SOUND INTRODUCTION TO SOUND Cinema has been exceptional in influencing the tone of movies, not just through visual storytelling but also via music. From the silent age to the arrival of synchronised sound and the emergence of technologies, the evolution of sound has been central to cinema and has shaped how we see films.
SOUND ERA :The Kinetograph was commissioned by Thomas Edison to provide visual imagery for his phonograph. In early 1877) William Dickson had synchronized the two machines in a device known as the kinetophone.
COMBINING SOUND AND FILM - The first known movie made as a Kinetophone test was shot in late 1894 at Edison's New Jersey studio and is now known as the Dickson Experimental Sound Film.
DON JUAN (AUG 6, 1926) Don Juan by Warner Brothers was the first feature film to use synched music and sound effects. "We'll record music to go with all our pictures so that even in the smallest theatres they'll have the music of a great orchestra...But no talk in the pictures. "
THE JAZZ SINGER (OCT 6, 1927) By Sam Warner, a firm believer in sound film and the Vitaphone recorded disc system. Audiences were introduced to the "talkies" era, in which conversation and sound effects were synchronised with on-screen action. This technological invention paved the door for a new era of filmmaking, allowing directors to experiment with new narrative possibilities and immerse the viewer in a more realistic atmosphere.
MAJOR STUDIOS ESTABLISH SOUND DEPARTMENTS (APR 1, 1928) ERPI received licences and recording equipment from companies such as Paramount, United Artists, MGM, and Universal. The Silent Era • Most films relied on live pianists and orchestras to provide a synchronise match to the film, which was mostly recorded and played without sound. • As technology advanced, recorded dialogue made its way into film, giving birth to "talking pictures." Warner Brothers - Hollywood Company • At the time, an emerging studio, was one of the first in Hollywood to take an interest in sound technology, investing heavily in the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system.
DIGITAL SOUNDS - When it comes to technological innovation, breakthroughs in sound technology have continued to emerge through the cinematic experience over the years. Digital sound formats, such as Dolby Digital and DTS (Digital Theatre Systems), allowed for improved sound quality and consistency. This change to digital sound also enabled the integration of complex sound effects and rich soundscapes, which improved the overall cinema experience. Eastman Kodak and Optical Radiation Corporation created it. CDS provides that option in a practical and cost-effective system, allowing it to become the universal soundtrack format. In recent years, advancements in immersive audio technology such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X have pushed the bounds of filmmaking. These audio technologies enabled several filmmakers to accurately arrange sound objects in three dimensions, resulting in a very immersive and dynamic audio experience.
HANS ZIMMER – COMPOSER Hans Zimmer is renowned for his involvement in numerous noteworthy audio-visual productions, and most of his works have had a significant influence on the film industry.
WALT DISNEY INVOLVEMENT WITHIN SOUND IN FILMS - When the Walt Disney composers made the decision to include music in their works, they were taking a big risk. They at first believed that including music would not be well received by contemporary audiences, but it turned out well, especially for younger audiences.
MODERN TECHNIQUES OF HOW SOUND IS USED IN FILMS FOLEY ARTIST - Nowadays, foley artists create recreational everyday sounds in real time for improved sound quality in films. They use recording equipment in foley stages. For Example, The Blair Witch Project relies entirely on diegetic sounds and has no musical soundtrack. Emphasizing the film's realism. And for Avatar is one of films that are made from foley sounds. The evolution of sound has been an impactful journey that has left an indelible effect on cinema and has forever changed the way we see films. From the silent age to the era of immersive audio, sound has played an important part in enriching the cinematic experience and engaging many audiences on a more emotional level. And, as sound evolves, it opens up new possibilities, providing an ever more immersive and transforming experience for audiences around the world.