Marvel Us Disney Episode 37: Sound Design in Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

Listener Experiences with Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

• 🎭 Two listeners, Pascal and Peter Jenkins, shared their experiences seeing the Broadway musical "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark."
• 💸 Pascal found the revised version entertaining but ultimately disappointing, noting the superfluous role of Arachne and tacky costumes, despite spectacular aerial fight sequences.
• 🎶 Peter Jenkins from Australia described the script and songs as weak but praised the show's visual spectacle, comparing it favorably to "The Lion King" in terms of set design and flying effects.
• 🕸️ Both listeners noted the extensive use of multiple Spider-Man actors for stunts and appearances, and the irony of the show's script needing revision while other Broadway hits continue.

The Art of Silence in Sound Design

• 🔇 Aaron Adams explains that silence is a powerful tool in audio mixing, often more impactful than a constant wall of sound.
• 💡 The effectiveness of a sound effect is amplified by the silence that precedes it, creating a greater dynamic range and surprise, as demonstrated with examples from "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" and "The Last Jedi."
• 😅 In "Avengers: Endgame," silence is used for comedic effect, such as when Tony Stark realizes he's in trouble, and to emphasize emotional moments, like Peter Parker's reunion with Tony Stark.
• 🚀 The technique of removing sound during intense battle scenes in "Avengers: Endgame" is highlighted, particularly before Captain Marvel's arrival, to allow the audience to catch their breath and heighten the impact of her entrance.

Marvel Television and Film Updates

• 📺 Discussions touched upon the final season of "Legion," the perceived lack of cohesion in "Cloak and Dagger" season two, and the anticipation for "Agents of Shield" season six.
• 💰 "Avengers: Endgame" continues to break box office records, surpassing "Avatar" in domestic ticket sales and nearing its worldwide total, though its path to surpassing "The Force Awakens" domestically is unlikely.
• 🇨🇳 The film's success in China is noted, but potential limitations on its theatrical run due to trade relations could impact its worldwide earnings.
• 🎬 Upcoming Marvel films like "Black Widow" are discussed, with speculation about its prequel nature and potential cameos, alongside the strategic partnership between Marvel Entertainment and NetEase for the Chinese gaming market.

Deconstructing Iron Man's Soundscape

• 🛠️ Aaron Adams breaks down the sound design for Iron Man's suit in "Iron Man 2," demonstrating how everyday sounds are manipulated to create futuristic effects.
• 📸 Specific sound elements identified include the whine of old camera flashes, anvil strikes (pitched down for a heavier feel), servo grinding sounds (pitched up for mechanical precision), and iPhone lock/unlock sounds layered to mimic clacking metal plates.
• 🎸 The addition of rock and roll music is humorously presented as a way to cover any perceived weaknesses in the sound design, culminating in the iconic "I am Iron Man" line.