Interview with Sound Editor Andy Koyama of the 20th-Anniversary Release of E.T.The Extra-Terrestrial

In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was released in Dolby® Stereo. With the 20th anniversary edition of the Steven Spielberg classic, Dolby representatives Patrick Artiaga, Director, Film Marketing, and Doug Greenfield, Director, Hollywood Film Production, sat down with Universal Pictures Sound Editor Andy Koyama to discuss the digitally remastered Dolby Digital Surround EX™ release.

To undertake such a project, where does one begin?

Well, the first step was to review the original film with Steven Spielberg and members of the re-release staff. The goal first and foremost is to maintain the integrity of the film, both from a visual and audio perspective. I would constantly refer to the original version for guidance.

You've had experience with other re-release projects, such as the DVD release of Jaws: Anniversary Collector's Edition. In the case of the E.T. re-release, how much of the original was used?

In the case of dialogue, over 90 percent of the original elements were used with little to no tweaking. Most of the original effects elements were used as well with some "sweating" for the inclusion of digital sound and the Surround EX™ channel. Remember, our goal was to maintain the film's original integrity, so we did not go over the top. The original music elements were used for this project and supervised by Sean Murphy. For the addition sequences, John Williams recorded new elements to match these particular events.

Since this was your first Dolby Digital Surround EX title, what were your thoughts?

To be quite honest, I was a little apprehensive at first. But as I began to work with the surround field and the Surround EX matrix, I appreciated the added control it gave me over the sound-scape [due to the] the stereo back surround capability.

Are there any particular sequences or "sound moments" that highlight the benefits of Dolby Digital Surround EX?

There are several; however, one sequence in particular I would suggest the audience look for is when the spaceship flies overhead. The Surround EX channel worked perfectly for this effect because it allowed me to place sound from behind the audience, then travel overhead and to the front. No sound was placed in the side channels unless the cinema was decoding only a standard 5.1 version, which I was also pleased with. The compatibility between 5.1 digital and Surround EX was excellent, so whatever option the cinema has, the audience will experience a good translation.

What effect will the new mix have on the impact of the film for the audience?

Those experiencing the film again or for the first time on the big screen will be in for the same memorable experience. However, I would like to request that for the audience to truly appreciate the experience, cinemas please play the film at reference level. That's how we mixed it, and that's the way the director intended.