Interview with Mixers Scott Millan and Bob Beemer of Gladiator

When the Dolby® Digital Surround EX™ mix of DreamWorks' film Gladiator was in its final stages at the Todd-AO West facilities in Santa Monica, California, in March of 2000, we talked with Gladiator sound mixers Scott Millan and Bob Beemer for a little insight into the Surround EX format and its use with this film.

Gladiator was the second film to be released from DreamWorks in Dolby Digital Surround EX.

What advantage do you see with Dolby Digital Surround EX technology?

In the case of Gladiator, there were several advantages to using Surround EX. Several fight scenes required sound to begin from behind the audience and come overhead onto the screen. Surround EX was ideal for those situations.

At times, we required linear surround movement. For example, in a chariot sequence, we wanted the audience to feel like they were in the middle of the race with competing horses riding around them. The Surround EX channel provided us the tool to make that seamless transition around the theatre. Using the Surround EX channel improved the panning capability dramatically.

How does the extra surround channel in the Dolby Digital Surround EX format help you create your desired effects?

What we would consider the biggest advantage to Surround EX is the capability to place sound only in the left and right surrounds, versus conventional digital systems in which the left surround includes left and left rear surrounds. In other words, we now have the desired effect of placing surround sound information in a hard left or hard right position without sound bleed into the rear of the auditorium. We view this capability as the strongest advantage to the Surround EX format.

Are there any particular sequences or 'sound moments' that you are especially proud of and why?

The sequence that shows the benefit of Surround EX in spotted effects is during a battle scene when a sword is thrown. From the point of view of the audience, they are the gladiator. They are the ones throwing the sword, and that sword flies directly over their head, hitting their target in front of them. The Surround EX channel provided us a new tool to recreate an experience, and make the audience participants in the film.