Joan

Louise Santos Malgapo

MPAE – Apr 2016
Part 8: Audio Post Production:

Movie Clip: Night at the Museum 2 – Battle of the Smithsonian

The scene involves the exhibits of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC ,
as well as the exhibits of the New York Museum of Natural History from the
previous installment of this movie’s franchise, that come to life due after hours.

The scene opens as the evil Pharaoh Kahmunrah uses a sacred tablet to open a
portal to the Underworld to summon and army of undead warriors. The army
comes forth, and as they are about to dispatch the main protagonist, Larry Daley,
Octavius (part of the miniature Roman Empire display from the first movie)
rides in on a squirrel, having brought the marble statue of US president Abraham
Lincoln to rescue his friends. Kahmunrah’s army is thwarted as they realize their
weapons are useless against a towering marble statue, and they retreat into the
underworld. A battle then ensues between the various exhibits.

For the opening sequence, various rock sliding sound effects were layered to
simulate the large granite door and lock slowly coming open, followed by some
otherworldly, ambient noises to create the effect of an inter-dimensional portal.
To add to the ominous atmosphere, a Tibetan chant track was used, also keeping
in the theme of using “incantations” to summon the Horus warriors.

Marching sound effects and weapon clinking sounds were layered to simulate
the army emerging from the doorway. Music was cut as the army comes to a halt
to emphasize the severity of Larry’s predicament. Cut to Octavius’ entrance,
some heroin music plays in the background to add to the comic relief of his
mount (a squirrel) and its contrast to the enormity of the situation, and the
enormity of his rescue plan (Abe Lincoln).

In the original clip, full sized spear sounds were used, but in this project, the
falling shafts are layered with the sound of small sticks to emphasize their
uselessness against the towering 40 foot Lincoln. The creatures are also given
chicken sounds for some added comicality.

Reverb was applied to the sound effects and dialogue in varying degrees to
simulate the large, cavernous museum hall in the scene.