Informal Review of "Jurassic Park" (Sound)

                Jurassic Park is a film that needs no introduction, and, thus, no plot summary. This modern classic has thrilled and enchanted audiences since its release in 1993. Aside from winning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, Jurassic Park won Academy Awards for both Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing in 1994. The film’s skillfully employed use of sound is especially evident in its musical score and in its use of sound effects.

                First, not only is the score of Jurassic Park stunning, the tone of the music always matches the feel of whatever is going on onscreen and the volume is always at an appropriate level. It softens whenever dialogue is being spoken and it swells and becomes more dynamic to add to any scene it is present in. Second, Jurassic Park uses its sound effects to its full advantage through simultaneous sounds, off screen sounds, and sound editing. Obviously, without simultaneous sounds, the film would be awkwardly silent. After all, a car falling through a tree and plummeting to the ground generally makes at least a little sound. However, it uses even this simple concept to its advantage. For instance, whenever the loud booming of the ever iconic T Rex’s footsteps is heard, something vibrates, whether it be water rippling in a cup or a giant dinosaur footprint, or Jello jiggling on a spoon being held by a terrified child. This could also be seen as a sound cue for the T Rex. Jurassic Park also utilizes off screen sounds. Before any dinosaurs are ever seen, they are first heard off screen through stomps, roars, and other dinosaur-like sounds, building a sense of urgency and suspense. This brings me to sound editing. Of course there is all of the usual sound editing, but where the film really shines is in its dinosaur sounds. Because dinosaurs no longer roam the earth, they are not available for recording sessions. As such, dinosaur sounds such as grunts, screeches, growls, and roars had to be made through editing, manipulating, and mixing sounds together. Although no one knows what dinosaurs sounded like, the sounds of Jurassic Park have thrust audiences into the Jurassic Period for over twenty years now.

                Though often taken for granted, sound is a very important element to film that we did not always have. Though silent films were decent, the addition of sound was revolutionary. Modern film would not be the same without it and Jurassic Park is no exception. While well executed sound did not make the movie, it was certainly part of its success. As to be expected, I highly recommend this film.