The Sound of Helicopters in Apocalypse Now

A film’s first shot, its first image, is one that’s obsessed over by many directors. But how many put as much care into its first sound? Francis Ford Coppola did, along with sound designer Walter Murch, when constructing the opening of Apocalypse Now. The famous helicopter sounds actually enter over black — they are the first input of any kind an audience member receives. And, of course, those weren’t just any helicopter sounds. In the video above, sound department members Richard Beggs and Randy Thom illustrate the ambitious use of the helicopter effects within the film’s 5.1 mix. Check out […]

from Filmmaker Magazine http://filmmakermagazine.com/88485-the-sound-of-helicopters-in-apocalypse-now/