Netflix is boosting audio for shows and movies, thanks to Stranger Things
Stranger Things creators, the Duffer brothers are to thank for the new Netflix audio boost that adapts your audio to studio quality.
Starting today, Netflix has rolled out its new “studio quality sound” that should make for a better viewing experience for audiences. The Duffer brothers who created fan favorite Netflix original, Stranger Things, are responsible for this new shift.
When you watched the opening credits of Stranger Things 2, did you notice anything?
According to Wired, Netflix’s manager of sound technology, Scott Kramer, noticed there was an issue with the sound mix. The quality sounded “mushy” which is industry speak for the sounds being muddled together.
Ultimately, the sound is the biggest issue for filmmakers. As a post-production editor, I can tell you that trying to fix badly recorded sound is next to impossible! What is almost worse is that you spend hours getting your sound mix just right, but when it plays at a festival or online, the sound doesn’t sound as good as it does on your editing equipment or the TV you watched your cut on.
Netflix has now made filmmakers breathe a sigh of relief! Knowing that if your film or series makes it on to the streaming giant, it will have the best quality sound, is something everyone in the industry should get behind.
For audiences,you may not have noticed the so-called sound issues, so what do you have to look forward to with this new announcement? If your TV supports 5.1 or Dolby Atmos you are capable of receiving better sound. Of course, the bitrates for each viewer will vary.
In a statement, Netflix said that while you may not notice the subtle differences right away, it should make for a better viewing experience for you at home and they are all about quality. Here’s the full statement from Netflix:
"Preserving the original creative intent of the hard-working people who make shows like Stranger Things is a top priority, and we know it enhances your viewing – and listening – experience for many more moments of joy. Whether you’ve fallen into the Upside Down or you’re being chased by the Demogorgon, get ready for a sound experience like never before."
Thanks to the Duffer brothers for all their hard work in trying to make the film viewing experience more like what the filmmakers intended. If you are like me and just dying for Stranger Things 3 to drop, you can check out these fan theories for season 3 and create some of your own ideas about where that may be headed. In the meantime, enjoy your better sound quality!
Netflix dropped a short video to explain this. Check it out above, and let us know what you think about this new change.
Are you excited or do you think it may not matter for you? Let us know in the comments section below.