The History of Dolby Stereo

The 24 Frames Cast

Discover how Dolby Stereo revolutionised film sound. This episode explores its origins, its breakthrough films, and the hidden matrix magic that reshaped Hollywood and home cinema alike.

Recommended films to listen too:

Early & Landmark 70mm Six-Track Dolby Stereo:

• A Star Is Born (1976) – first commercial six-track Dolby release
• Logan’s Run (1976)
• Star Wars (1977) – legendary 70mm mix
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
• Superman: The Movie (1978)
• Apocalypse Now (1979) – groundbreaking, experimental sound design

Classic 35mm Dolby Stereo (Matrix Lt/Rt):

• Alien (1979) – atmospheric, tense use of surrounds
• The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
• Ghostbusters (1984)
• Back to the Future (1985)

Late-Era Dolby Stereo Highlights:

• The Fugitive (1993)
• The Lion King (1994) – superb theatrical mix
• Toy Story (1995) – one of the final major Dolby Stereo flagships