The Possibility Of A Dolby 5.1 Version Of NODS

[Darren Gross]

I've actually become quite spoiled by 5.1 with the rain and other noises coming from behind.

No argument there on 5.1.  It just adds to the audience involvement.

We're considering doing a 5.1 mix on NODS if its offered. It depends on whether the lost original music multi-track recordings can be found, since it wouldn't have near the presence if the music was mono and the effects and dialogue were surround.

And of course, we'd include the original mono mix as well. If I had the choice between only one audio stream it'd be the original mono but I would like to have the opportunity to go 5.1 with it.

[victoriawinters]

It would be a shame for NODS to come out in mono.  While I don't mind mono as much as some (the old time opera recordings with say Enrico Caruso are mono period), many mind mono.  It would also be a crying shame to have such a glorious score in that format.  I agree it would be so odd to have it with 5.1 sound effects and mono score.  It would then all have to be mono for it to make sense.

If the score still exists (which it should be around somewhere), it could be re-recorded in stereo.  I know this would be more expensive but well worth the effort and expense.

[Darren Gross]

To re-record the score would probably cost more than the restoration itself!

Well it's only ever been presented in mono and the music from the film has never been available in anything other than mono as well.

The original multi-tracks from the DS music (apart from a few tracks like the DEAD OF NIGHT 68 music) were all tossed. Only the mono downmixes exist. There's one last avenue I'm pursuing that may have the originals, but if this doesn't turn out then they simply don't exist.

The original mono tracks sound fantastic. They're clear, rich and full tracks with a terrific range. If you've only heard the vhs or laserdisc audio, you haven't heard the rich soundscape for the film.

[Darren Gross]

I should also say that it's always been my goal in this to completely restore the director's cut of NODS by bringing it as close to it originally was before it was hacked up in 1971. That includes sonically as well. Fulfilling Mr. Curtis' directorial intentions as far as the image quality, the color, and the sound to make it feel as you're watching the long version as it was in 1971.

If a new audience finds the restored version and doesn't notice the newly recorded dialogue and effects, then that's exactly what I'm aiming for.

No George Lucas type 'fixes' or or 'updates'. No CGI, no enhanced effects.

The original mono track as clean and full as it originally was. No extra sound effects to beef it up.

A 5.1 track would be a bonus, but just as an alternate to the mono track. A larger soundscape for those that enjoy that aspect, but only in addition to the restored mono, never in place of it. And I still would only want to use the effects we have to make the surround track. No new effects.

Creating new surround tracks can be opening a Pandora's box to rebalancing the different sounds, adding new ones, lowering the presence of others in the mix. It can totally ruin a director's intentions if done carelessly or too aggressively. Take a listen to the new foley fx added to the VERTIGO re-release or junky 5.1 mixes like Gargoyles that add brand new fx...

Plus since Mr. Curtis is extremely hard of hearing, getting him to authorize or approve a surround mix would be like asking Mr. Magoo to approve the labwork...