The Ears Have It

Sound has always fascinated me, well before the days of Dolby 5.1 surround.  A well-crafted audio track can do more to liven up the screen than the most gorgeous actress in Hollywood.  Don’t believe me?  Try this little test.  Play a segment from your favorite movie or TV show, first with the picture off and the sound on, then the reverse (no sound, just picture.) Which does a better job of conveying the message or setting the mood?  There’s a reason why radio was originally called “theater of the mind.”

Recently, I’ve found myself listening to some old-time radio shows on XM Satellite radio.  Aside from the orchestra and Foley artists with their sound effects, it was really up to the vocal actors to sell the story.  Just listening to the actor’s vocal tone, inflections and emotions, I could easily paint a picture in my mind of what their surroundings look like.

Many are familiar with the work of Don LaFontaine.  For 25-plus years, he was “The Voice” for movie trailers.  Of course he had the thunder throat you’d expect from a big-time voiceover guy, but again, it’s how he used his talent that sold the story.  I ran across this video featuring Don and several other voices that your ears know, but eyes may have never seen.

Say what you want about the glory of high-definition video or film.  Sure, the picture’s cool and all that, but it’s the audio track that really makes the difference.