Ron Bartlett

Ron Bartlett’s sound work? Yeah, it’s basically legendary at this point. If you’re into big, weird, sand-blasted sci-fi epics, you’ve heard his genius, even if you didn’t know his name. Dune (2021) and the sequel, Dune: Part Two (2024), wouldn’t sound half as epic without the guy behind the audio magic. He’s one of those people who make the difference between “meh” and “wow” and you don’t even realize it until you’re halfway through a movie, totally sucked in by the world-building. This dude can turn desert wind into a character, make you feel those sandworms rumbling under your seat, and straight-up transport you to Arrakis. And don’t get me started on Blade Runner 2049 (2017). That movie? The sound design slaps. The rain, the neon, the hum of those dystopian cityscapes—Ron’s fingerprints are all over it. It’s atmospheric as hell, with every little sound detail making you feel like you’re living in a future that’s both beautiful and slightly terrifying. Basically, if you hear a sci-fi blockbuster that sounds like it could knock your socks off, odds are Ron had something to do with it. He’s not just mixing audio; he’s building worlds with sound. It’s not flashy, it’s not in-your-face, but wow, it’s effective. The next time you’re watching one of these movies and you catch yourself feeling totally immersed, spare a thought for the guy behind the soundboard. He’s one of those unsung heroes that make a movie actually unforgettable.