There s no bottom end to speak of. In general, tones are limited to the middle of the dynamic range. However, despite its age, we noted very little background hiss , and no annoying pops or drop outs. Even during the louder battle sequences loaded with cannon and gun fire, the sound remains undistorted. It doesn t have a lot of meat to it - but it s clean.
Dialogue sounds thin on occasion, but never harsh or raspy.
The score, based on period music, is well recorded, but again it lacks fullness. Many have commented on how portions of the music go on and on. I must admit, the repetition during a number of scenes gets on my nerves. Kubrick found some bits of music that really appealed to him, and rather than have Leonard Rosenman record variations on the themes, he simply looped them and let them run on endlessly. But it s terrific music from Schubert, Bach, Mozart and others, and it s married nicely to the beautifully photographed images.