For Release: August 30, 2010

129th AES Convention Historical Event On Stereo Optical Film Soundtracks

76-Year Retrospective by Dolby Laboratories’ Sr. VP Ioan Allen

Dolby Theatre

SAN FRANCISCO: The 76-year chronicle of feature film stereo optical soundtrack development will be crystallized by a 129th AES Convention Historical Event presented by Ioan Allen, Sr. VP, Dolby Laboratories. The two-hour event is scheduled for 3:00 to 5:00PM on Thursday, Nov. 4th at the Dolby Theater, a short ride from the Moscone Center.

Convention Historical Committee co-chair Bill Wray reports the presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of stereo motion picture soundtrack development.  Beginning with experimental recordings made in 1934, and moving through various stereo optical techniques including Perspecta Sound and Disney's Fantasound, Mr. Allen, an Academy Award-winning cinema sound pioneer, will guide participants through the stereo optical film soundtrack evolution to today's digital technology. Landmark format advances will be vividly demonstrated by classic film clips. 

Stereo Optical Film Soundtracks - 76 Years will be held at Dolby Laboratories’ Theater, a multi-format projection room/recording studio complex within Dolby’s South-of-Market headquarters. The facility was designed as an ideal listening and viewing environment for film, recorded sound, and live presentations.  

In addition to his 1987 Oscar, Ioan Allen has earned Scientific and Engineering Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  An AES Fellow, and recipient of the AES Silver Medal, Mr. Allen spearheaded the introduction of breakthrough film audio formats which have revolutionized the film sound experience. He is a Fellow of SMPTE and BKSTS and active in U.S. and world standards organizations. In 1985 he received the Samuel L. Warner Award for contributions to motion picture sound.

129th AES Convention co-chair Valerie Tyler comments, “Historical Committee co-chairs Bill Wray and Gene Radzik have developed a unique event. A quintessential SF-based audio pioneer, Dolby has earned a world-wide reputation for pioneering theatrical sound presentation. We are fortunate to be able to offer this event to our attendees.” 

A limited number of $10 tickets for the Stereo Optical Film Soundtracks – 76 Years historical event will be available exclusively to registered 129th Convention attendees at the Registration Desk in the Moscone Center lobby on Thursday Nov. 4.  A 20-minute shuttle bus ride will take participants to and from the site. Seating is limited.  A Preliminary Calendar of 129th AES Convention Events will be posted soon at: www.aes.org/events/1... 

PHOTO:  DOLBY LABORATORIES THEATER

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The Audio Engineering Society was formed in 1948 by a group of concerned audio engineers.  The AES counts over 14,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Far East.  The organization serves as the pivotal force in the exchange and dissemination  of  technical information for the industry.  For additional information visit http://www.aes.org