In the video "How Sound In Dead Space ADDS VALUE To Our Experience," published by Sergio Ronchetti, the creator discusses the concept of "added value" in sound design and composition, using examples from the video game Dead Space and various films. Ronchetti, a sound designer and composer, aims to help viewers improve their sound design and compositional practices by explaining audio theory terms and definitions.
The video begins by referencing a previous video discussing the audio-visual contract, a phenomenon that occurs when we watch or experience visual media. This concept is based on the book "Audiovision" by Michel Chion. The audio-visual contract explains how audio adds more information to our experiences than we might initially realize. The video then introduces the concept of added value, which delves deeper into the value that audio adds and how it differentiates from the visuals or other parts of audio-visual media. Chion defines added value as "the expressive and informative value with which a sound enriches a given image."
Ronchetti provides several examples of added value in film, such as the door opening sound in Star Wars, the musical motif played over the drum kit in Step Brothers, and the mechanical engine sounds in Mad Max. These examples demonstrate how audio can enhance visuals, create illusions, and add humor or character to otherwise static shots.
Another example discussed is the movie No Country for Old Men, where sound design plays a subtle but important role. The video mentions a brutal strangling scene where the most prominent sound is the squeaking of shoes on the floor, but a train motif plays in the background, adding depth and tension to the scene. Ronchetti also shares his experience working on a game with synthetic and computer-like visuals, where he chose to use analog switches and clicks instead of synthesized sounds to add dimension and depth to the narrative.
The video then analyzes a gameplay sequence from Dead Space, demonstrating how the experience changes when different components are removed, such as audio or visuals. With full audio, the scene is immersive and well-choreographed, while without music, the visceral blood and gore sound effects become more prominent. Lastly, the scene is played with no visuals, highlighting the importance of sound design in creating a tangible and immersive experience.
In conclusion, Ronchetti encourages viewers to listen to their work with their eyes closed to better understand the added value of sound design and composition. By removing visuals or music, creators can identify areas where they can improve their audio, add to the narrative, and enhance the overall experience of their projects.
