The second I heard that Game of Thrones had remastered audio for 360 degrees and that a screening was being provided to test out the new audio tracks, I knew I had to attend. Initially, the screening started with a couple of short demos from Dolby to promote their Dolby Atmos sound-system, including a nature-heavy trailer that was aptly named ‘Amaze,’ because it certainly did, and a piece of wonderful sound-editing from Erik Adaahl, of Transformers fame. Shortly after, two representatives of HBO took to the stand and prepared us for what was perhaps one of the best and biggest episodes of Game of Thrones’ second season – Blackwater.
It was here that we learned that Game of Thrones is the first television series to ever be remastered for Dolby Atmos, and after a few ins and outs of the Dolby Atmos system, and discovering the media that has come to be custom-tuned to the tech (over 300 film titles, for those wondering), tensions were high in anticipation as we were promised a whole new Game of Thrones experience. This is no surprise though; Game of Thrones has accumulated a record-breaking 12 Emmy’s, including best sound-editing and sound-mixing, so it’s a big fish to go after. The question is – do they catch it?
As the lights dim and the oh-so familiar introduction screen began to roll, the sound was finer than ever, crisp and immersive; as if the speakers were in my ears. In my peripherals, I see a few attendees look around the room to find that sound was coming from every angle. They’re impressed. It’s only until the water appears on screen that I decide that Blackwater was a good choice for demonstration, which really wasn’t that far in. Before long, the sound of war drums bleed through the on-screen fog, and were felt through each of our chairs. I’m somewhat impressed, thinking “Does it get much bet-” and before I could finish the thought, the wildfire crackled around me and I was sold.
As with previously Dolby audio technologies, the Dolby Atmos experience is available to the home, most notably and affordably with the Dolby Atmos sound bar (in association with Yamaha). Be sure to check out the official thoughts below! And remember, although the catalogue of sound-mixed media for Atmos is relatively small, it’s growing every day. Now if only Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens was one of the next films rolled out In Atmos sound…
The screening was provided in association with the release of the Game of Thrones Steel-book Collector’s Editions, currently available for Season 1 and 2, and artistically centers on the likes of Winterfell and King’s Landing, respectively. They’re out now and you can find them on Amazon.
