Hellboy II: The Golden Army first DVD and Blu-ray to feature 4D audio technology

Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones and director Guillermo del Toro on set of Hellboy 2
Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones and director Guillermo del Toro on set of Hellboy 2
Released yesterday, Hellboy II: The Golden Army on DVD and Blu-ray, is the first movie to feature audio mixed using GenAudio’s AstoundSurround software. GenAudio, developer of AstoundStereo 4D sound localization cue technology, has partnered with Universal Studios Home Entertainment to bring the DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def audio experience into the next dimension by immersing viewers in a true 360-degree spherical sound field environment. AstoundSurround is the integration of surround sound and GenAudio’s AstoundStereo technology, enabling audio to be perceived as coming from every direction including above and beyond the physical placement of the speakers – surround sound at the highest level!

Based on more than 16 years of audio perception and brain processing research, this new audio technology introduces elevation and depth perception into the audio environment. The AstoundSurround software was used at Micasa Multimedia during the mastering process for Hellboy II: The Golden Army for home theater.

These audio enhancements are showcased in both 5.1 and 7.1 mixes for the first time in Hellboy II: The Golden Army where the mythical world starts a rebellion against humanity in order to rule the Earth. Viewers will experience explosions, crashes and howling demons in a 360-degree spherical sound field environment.

GenAudio’s AstoundSurround software provides a simple software tool allowing mix engineers to incorporate the next dimension in the evolution of sound technology into their audio mixes. “Movies such as Hellboy II: The Golden Army mixed with AstoundSurround will elevate viewers’ listening experiences to new levels and forever change their expectations for home audio,” says Jerry Mahabub, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GenAudio. “Sound effects in Hellboy II: The Golden Army sound like they are coming at the viewer from every direction, creating an intense entertainment experience. This will be the new audio standard for film title viewing.”

Watching Hellboy II: The Golden Army with AstoundSurround requires no additional special hardware or decoding. Any viewer with an existing 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system will be able to enjoy the AstoundSurround experience. Purchasers of the standard definition version of the Hellboy II: The Golden Army DVD will also receive a special AstoundStereo DVD insert to enter for a chance to win a Philips home theater system.

GenAudio has been focused on creating easy-to-use software and hardware technology for professional audio engineers enabling them to incorporate 4D audio into their projects during post-production. For the first time, with the launch of AstoundStereo Expander, consumers can have professional audio quality processing for all of their digital music, video and gaming content on their computer with the simple push of a button.

AstoundStereo software was used to re-mix 6 bonus tracks from Robin Thicke’s latest album Something Else, last month.

A free 30-day trial of the software can be downloaded at www.astoundstereo.com.