Jean.Francois
Active Member
- Joined
- May 31, 2022
- Messages
- 261
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- 973
hello,
Film scores are always carefully crafted to deliver optimal sound in theaters, with impressive dynamic range.
The presentation of the Michael movie soundtrack suggests an excellent listening experience, in stereo only, as no immersive version is available. Exceptional soundtrack or disappointment?
Tidal MAX :
Here we have a remastered version with limited dynamic range, far from what you would expect from a film soundtrack that fully uses dynamics to deliver a more lively theatrical experience. This version remains clearly inferior to the original versions, which offer a more dynamic and open sound.
Vinyl record:
The vinyl version offers a sound closer to the original versions than the digital one. However, it still does not fully reproduce the energy of the original releases. The graphs (spectrum, waveform) seem to confirm the use of a dynamically compressed digital master as the source for this vinyl edition. The difference in dynamic range is therefore likely due to a transformation of the original signal (cf.: Does analog media force a dynamic on music?).
While film soundtracks are usually very dynamic, including the music, one could have expected this film to deliver a reference-quality compilation. However, it falls short, with the now-common presence of dynamic range limitation associated with the loudness war. No Dolby Atmos version is available to offer a more immersive and potentially more dynamic alternative. We ll have to wait for the video release to compare these versions with the Dolby Atmos TrueHD track from the upcoming Blu-ray edition.
You can also find the full analysis (including all graphs and measurements and samples) HERE (link).
Enjoy listening,
Jean-François
Film scores are always carefully crafted to deliver optimal sound in theaters, with impressive dynamic range.
The presentation of the Michael movie soundtrack suggests an excellent listening experience, in stereo only, as no immersive version is available. Exceptional soundtrack or disappointment?
Tidal MAX :
Here we have a remastered version with limited dynamic range, far from what you would expect from a film soundtrack that fully uses dynamics to deliver a more lively theatrical experience. This version remains clearly inferior to the original versions, which offer a more dynamic and open sound.
Vinyl record:
The vinyl version offers a sound closer to the original versions than the digital one. However, it still does not fully reproduce the energy of the original releases. The graphs (spectrum, waveform) seem to confirm the use of a dynamically compressed digital master as the source for this vinyl edition. The difference in dynamic range is therefore likely due to a transformation of the original signal (cf.: Does analog media force a dynamic on music?).
While film soundtracks are usually very dynamic, including the music, one could have expected this film to deliver a reference-quality compilation. However, it falls short, with the now-common presence of dynamic range limitation associated with the loudness war. No Dolby Atmos version is available to offer a more immersive and potentially more dynamic alternative. We ll have to wait for the video release to compare these versions with the Dolby Atmos TrueHD track from the upcoming Blu-ray edition.
You can also find the full analysis (including all graphs and measurements and samples) HERE (link).
Enjoy listening,
Jean-François
