Why there's lack of western movies in 7.1 sound? while is common in Asian?

[mugupo]

Why there's lack of 7.1 soundtrack in most western blu-ray? while is common in asian release?

[Beta Man]

D) None of the Above

[steve_dave]

Marketing.

Plain and simple.

To boost DVD interest, the Asian distributors would actually use DTS as a selling point. Many releases from Hong Kong would boast DTS audio as an extra and when the sales dipped, the title was re-issued with just Dolby Digital 5.1 audio only.

Same thing. They want to boost BD interest so they are offering a sound mix that is "better" than DVD. Especially considering that unlike the transition from VideoCD to DVD where DVD can now offer extras, many of the BDs offer the same extras as the DVD. So the Asian distributors need something to "market" and push as "high-definiiton."

Case in point...

The Big Boss DVD is 5.1 Dolby & DTS with an interview. The Blu-ray Disc offers the same interview so the substantial cost increase for the BD is hard to justify. Yes, you are getting 1080p picture but its not enough to convince Hong Kong consumers to updgrade. Guess what, offer them not only 1080p picture but also 7.1 audio in DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD and you got them hooked. Of course, at this point, HK distributors are thinking that the "upgraded" audio is the best choice because its "HD" so the original mono soundmixes are not included because it would turn off consumers.

Don't think 7.1 audio is going to get more people to buy?

Look at the people complaining that Gladiator is 5.1 only.

Oh, and just because its 5.1/76.1/7.1 doesn't mean the distributors made a good mix nor does it mean the elements used to make that mix were obtained legally. Mei Ah's initial releases of A Better Tomorrow had a 5.1 mix made from stolen elements including music lifted from other films without permission. Mei Ah eventually had to discontinue that release and produce a DVD with a mono soundtrack because the original elements could not be located.