Open Range

What a fitting movie to be talked about among saloon full of gunslingers. Since this is an audio company chat room, I’ll focus on the audio aspect of it. BTW, it is well made movie and was very entertaining to watch.

In this movie, the sound of gunshots were intentionally made louder as explained by Kevin Costner (directed as well) in “Audio Commentary” feature of DVD. Not only they are loud but I’ve noticed they are very crisp and punchy as well. It really spiced up the scene. At times, it made me jumpy. I personally don’t care whether those were authentic sound of gunshots or not since it was close enough. The key is that they were nicely balanced IMO. Not too lean or thick, if I may use those terminologies.

Fellas, if you haven’t, go get one or rent one. One caution though, playing that shootout scene too many times may put a lot of stress on your speakers. I’ve heard similar sound when the preamp gets turned off prematurely. If you know what I mean.

As Soundhound will tell you, few of the sounds effects used in film are authentic reproductions. They are usually heavily processed sounds intended to generate a heightened reality. Most gun shots, brake squealings, and, of course, fist punches in movies are bigger than real life.

If only I didn't have to watch a Kevin Costner movie to hear the demo, tho...

That sounds like something soundhound would say......

I just watched this movie this past weekend and it was incredible.

Some of the gunshot scenes were incredible! It really added to the movie. Watching Kevin Costner shoot the guy who was holding the girl hostage was incredible.

Another scene in that movie where I thought the sound was incredible was near the beggining of the movie when the thunder and lighting started. When the downpour started coming down I really felt like I was outside.

What a great sounding movie.

Jeff

Even gunshots in movies that sound "like the real thing" are compostites and have been manipulated in various ways to "make them sound real". If any of you have actually tried recording gunshots (I've recorded thousands of them in addition to howitzers, machine guns, bombs exploding etc etc), it is next to impossible to capture the true sound of a gun firing by simply sticking a microphone nearby and pressing "record". The dynamic range for starters is simply too wide, and if you reduce the level to accommodate the loudness, the gunshot ends up sounding like a cap pistol. Generally movie gunshots are compostite layers that are recorded at different distances and perspectives, compressed to a degree, equalized and sometimes have other sounds layered on top of the gunshot like ricochets to make the gun sound "meaner". The sounds of bullets whizzing by are made by actually firing at a micorphone downrange, sometimes to the detriment of the microphone if it gets hit by a stray bullet.

Nothing is what it seems in movie sound.

Soundhound,

Since you mentionned howitzers etc...

You gotta try recording the sound that a chicken cannon (ie. bird gun; ie. flight impact facility) makes. Talk about low end oomphh!

Basically you compress lots of air, load the projectile (ie dead bird - thawed of course) and hit the firing button. Oh yeah. Don't forget to open several windows in the building and to firmly clasp your hands over your protective ear muffs / ear plugs. The pressure wave is enough to restart a stopped heart! Too late for the chicken (or geese up to 12 pounds) though! They're too busy heading towards the leading edge of a wing, or windshield, to notice.

Check out http://iar-ira.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/smpl_8.html.

I've been present during several firings (of both bird gun and howitzers) and the bird gun wins hands down every time for auditory (and sub-auditory) stimulation.

Jeff Mackwood

I saw this last weekend and while I know the gunshots are not real, the mix was really cool. I especially liked how when there was close in gun fire, the sound and bass reflected such versus distant shots. I watched the movie and then watched a gun shot scenes a couple of extra times to listen to the mix. Pretty kewl!

.

We cannot forget Costner's "performance" in "Thirteen Days"....

I feel that Costner really hit his peak with "Sizzle Beach USA."

Wayne, about time you joined in. I was wondering when you’re gonna toss your two cents here. Your posting tends have more herbs and spices. It adds more flavor to the thread which is good. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen The Return of The King yet. There’s a lot to write about.

Duplicate post.

[This message has been edited by Wayne Charlton (edited February 03, 2004).]

Spiker,

Were you, like, REALLY HUNGRY when you wrote this? Watching a cooking show? Reading a cook-book maybe?

Honestly, I haven't been to a commercial cinema since Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. For that one, I was forced to drive (literally) 200+ miles and stay the night at a motel in order to make the midnight opening and see it in a "decent" venue (THX).

I would love to see The Return Of The King, but I'm afraid I must wait for the EXTENDED DVD. I wouldn't want anything less than an excellent presentation to taint my perception. I'm certain you will understand.


Wayne

Wayne:

No, I wasn’t hungry, watching cooking show or reading a cook book. I was trying to use an example that everyone can relate to. Since everyone eats, figure, can’t go wrong with that.

200 miles away from the nearest theater of your choice? That’s rough, especially hearing more and more about it (Golden Globe, Oscar) and having to hold off. As for THX certification, I know it’s been brought up in the saloon and have received mixed opinions, I personally didn’t notice that big of a difference between many of none THX certified ones around where I live. I think some of none certified ones are just as good, kind of like Outlaw Audio.

Even if you travel 200 miles again to see it, I think it will make you feel good about doing it. If you like traveling, why not take your wife to places like LA or Chicago and while you are there, walk into one of many THX certified theaters and knock yourself out. Get two birds with one stone. Just an idea…

If you enjoy recorded gunfire, don't forget about Quigley Down Under, with Tom Selleck.
The 'report' of the long rifle that Tom shoots is well miked. Other films that have well miked gun action:
HEAT
DESPARDO
FIFTH ELEMENT
TERMINATOR 2&3