Sound fades on Mummy Returns R4?

[Paul Buglass]

All of you with the Region 4 Mummy Returns (or other regions too).

Is it just me or are there several points during the film when the sound level seems to drop suddenly and then build back up after a few seconds?

I've compared both the DD and DTS tracks and they show the same effect at the same places.

The first one I noticed is near the beginning when Rick's son is asking him about his tattoo. The kid's voice fades suddenly then builds up again. I noticed the same thing in about 10 or so other places, but none in the last 1/3 of the film.

I'd like to know if anyone else noticed this, i.e. it's on the soundtrack, or if it's just me and/or my system.

Cracking fun film though. The kids loved it too.

Best wishes

/Paul B, York, UK.

[Landyrover]

Paul, I've noticed this too on my Region 1 copy - its also present on 'Enemy at the Gates' (also Region 1).

I'm still saving to buy an A/V amp, so sound output is via the Dolby Surround processor built into my Sony TV. I assumed this 'problem' was because I don't have DTS or Dolby 5.1? However, probably not the case...

[Paul Buglass]

Thanks for the reply Landyrover,

This is getting interesting. Hopefully a few more people will add their input too and we can get a view as to whether this is a soundtrack problem.

Cheers

/Paul B, York, UK.

[Bartinbrook]

Funny you should say that because I started watching the movie last night and noticed the sound problem too. I've got a bog-standard Sony Wega TV with no fancy sound system, and the problem (I assume it's a problem) was pretty obvious.

[mysteriousjimmy]

I watched the R4 today (dts only) and no problems with the sound on my copy

[Michael Mackenzie]

I haven't noticed it in my R1 copy. I checked it just now and I don't notice any change in sounds levels. One thing I do notice, however, is during the closing credits, right where the "Mummy Returns" logo appears, the music suddenly becomes slightly louder (either that or it changes its surround positioning). You do hear an audible change in volume at this point.

[mysteriousjimmy]

I forgot there was a problem with the sound when I watched the Mummy Returns today, my neighbours in the block of units I live complained about it :D

[Gromit]

Watched it last night (R4, DTS) and didn't notice any problems.

[Steve1977]

I noticed this too, very similar to my region 1 copy of X-Men. When a lots happening sound wise it seems to drop a level. Thankfully it isnt nearly as bad as X-Men.

[Paul Buglass]

Chaps,

I think I've solved it . . . . .

I was racking my brains trying to workout what was happening and I got to thinking about the Dynamic Range setting on my Yamaha DSP A5. It was set to Minimun last night as the 'little-un' was in bed and I didn't want to shake him about too much ;-).

I tried the same scene just now with the Dynamic Range setting at Maximum, and guess what, no fading.

It is possible to hear now that at the point where the fade started there is a loudish 'snapping' sound as O'Connel's son pulls off his wrist strap to expose his tattoo. this sudden impulse noise obviously caused the dynamic range limiter to cut in suddenly and then 'relax after a few seconds.

With the max setting there is no audible effect at any of the scenes I noticed it in last night. this goes for the DD and DTS tracks.

Mystery solved, and one to remember in future.

Best wishes

/Paul B, York, UK.

[Bartinbrook]

Worked for me on my Sony 536 player. Well done Paul.

[Landyrover]

How did you do that through your player? I seem to have a pretty similar setup to you (?), ie, no amp, but Sony Wega widescreen TV (with Dolby Surround built in) and Sony 735 DVD player. Did you try a similar trick? If so, what settings did you alter (TV or DVD)?

Cheers,

Landyrover

[Bartinbrook]

There's a menu option on the 536 DVD player called Audio DRC (Dynamic Range Control). I had this set to TV MODE as recommended in the instructions. I reset this to STANDARD and tried playing the DVD again (using the bit when his wrist strap thingy falls off as a reference) and the sound was now fine. How this new setting affects other DVDs who knows....

[Landyrover]

Thanks, I'll check this out.

Landyrover

[Bamse]

I have a Sony 725D and setting the DRC to TV instead of Standard, should actually make the sound louder.

[Bartinbrook]

Well all I can say is that it appears to work for me on my 536.

I guess that setting it to standard means that the TV doesn't try to perform clever tricks with high and low volumes, and just reproduces the sound as intended. There again I'm no expert....