The iconic roars and snarls of the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park captivated audiences and brought the prehistoric creatures to life. However, what many people may not realize is that some of these incredible sounds were created using recordings of real animals. Gary Rydstrom, the sound designer for Jurassic Park, embarked on a fascinating journey to capture the perfect noises to make the dinosaurs as realistic and terrifying as possible.
The Unexpected Source: Turtles
In a surprising twist, some of the sounds used for the velociraptors in Jurassic Park were sourced from turtles. Gary Rydstrom visited the Marine World aquarium to record various animal sounds and discovered that the mating noises of turtles provided an eerie and fitting effect for the velociraptors. These sounds, once edited and layered, added a unique and unsettling quality to the virtual dinosaurs.
A Menagerie of Voices
The creativity didn’t stop with turtles. To achieve the diverse and dynamic range of dinosaur sounds, Rydstrom and his team utilized recordings from a wide array of animals. Here are some of the contributors:
- Dogs: An entire animal shelter of dogs provided barks and growls.
- Horses: Their neighs and whinnies were incorporated into the dinosaur roars.
- Donkeys: Added depth with their brays.
- Geese and Swans: Their honks and hisses added a sharp, aggressive edge.
- Owls: Their screeches contributed to the eerie atmosphere.
- Cows: Their moos were transformed into deep, resonant roars.
- Dolphins: Their clicks and whistles added an otherworldly feel.
- Elephants: Their trumpeting was used for the powerful roars of the larger dinosaurs.
Human Contribution
Interestingly, humans also played a crucial role in the sound design of Jurassic Park. The sound team experimented with human voices, mixing and modifying them to create various dinosaur sounds. This collaborative effort between animals and humans resulted in a rich and immersive auditory experience that enhanced the film’s realism.
Award-Winning Sound
The meticulous effort put into the sound design did not go unnoticed. Jurassic Park received two Oscars for its groundbreaking sound, a testament to the innovative and creative approach taken by Gary Rydstrom and his team. The film’s auditory achievements have set a high standard in the industry and remain a significant part of its legacy.