SILVER

Histories of Motion Picture Sound Effects with Oscar®-Winning Sound Designer Ben Burtt

Where do motion picture sound effects come from? Many sound effects such as thunder, the ricochet of a rifle bullet or a scream have become iconic. In the classic age, film studios had libraries of sound effects, so if a filmmaker needed a squealing car tire or train whistle, it could be found on the shelf and readily incorporated into a film. We subconsciously recognize these sounds because they have become movie language.

In this remarkable presentation, four-time Oscar®-winning motion picture sound designer and sound mixer Ben Burtt presents some of those familiar sounds and traces their origins and creative meaning back to specific films or a studio sound effects library.

Followed by:
SPY SMASHER STRIKES BACK (1942/2022)
Introduction by sound designer Ben Burtt
Join us for the east coast premiere of SPY SMASHER STRIKES BACK, Ben Burtt's 2022 re-edit of the 1942 12-chapter Republic Pictures serial SPY SMASHER. Based on a popular comic book character, this is the exciting tale of a costumed hero battling the Nazis in the early days of America's entry into World War II. In addition to condensing the 215-minute serial into one 94-minute feature, Burtt enhanced the sound effects, remastered the mix in stereo surround, included additional Republic special effects footage and incorporated a few scenes from other Republic films. This "love letter to Republic" brings new life to a crackerjack thriller that would leave Indiana Jones breathless. DIR William Witney; SCR Ronald Davidson, Norman S. Hall, William Lively, Joseph O'Donnell, Joseph F. Poland, based on "Spy Smasher" by C. C. Beck and Bill Parker; PROD William J. O'Sullivan. U.S., 1942/2002, b&w, 94 min. NOT RATED
DCP courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Ben Burtt's presentation will be preceded by:
Hollywood Home Movies #1
Presented by Randy Haberkamp, Executive Vice President of Library, Archive and Sci-Tech, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Hollywood Home Movies #1 features rare footage selected by the Academy Film Archive from the private collections of Hollywood stars and directors. The home movie craze across America extended to Hollywood stars, who captured not only their families and friends, but also behind-the-scenes activities on their sets as well. These unique home movies give a personal, entertaining glimpse into the lives of classic Hollywood figures. Approx. runtime 10 min.
DCP from the Academy Film Archive.

Part of the Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound. See every program and save with an all-access pass! Click here to purchase a pass.

No AFI Member passes accepted.