How the soundtrack is Created
Once filming is complete, the project enters the post-production phase. The process of creating the SDDS soundtrack often begins during the editorial phase where sound editors create a unique "sound design" that matches the picture and conveys the mood and feelings of the director. With SDDS, the availability of two additional behind-the-screen channels gives the editors a chance to be more flexible and creative with the soundtrack.

Cary Grant Mixing Stage,
Sony Pictures, LA
Re-recording facility

The sound mixing professionals take the elements created by the sound editors and blend the dialog, music and effects together to create a pleasing and balanced soundtrack. The mix happens at the re-recording facility—essentially a full scale cinema that contains the mixing console and recording equipment. The re-recording facility allows the mixers and directors to make creative decisions in an acoustical environment that closely matches where the audience will ultimately hear the film.

   
Optical transfer facility

Once the mixing is complete, an optical transfer facility takes the master recording and creates the 35mm SDDS sound negative used for mass production of release prints. The 35mm negative is created using a special digital recorder that is added to the industry standard Westrex® or Albrecht® analog stereo sound recorder. The SDDS soundtrack is recorded at the same time as the analog soundtrack.
Technicolor London, Sound Services

Deluxe Film Laboratory Services
Laboratory

Once the sound negative has been made, it is sent to the laboratory to be combined with the picture negative. The color picture negative and the separate sound negative are run through an optical "printer" to marry the digital and analog soundtracks onto a third 35mm film strip with the picture. This creates the release print which is distributed for exhibition in theatres.

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