‘Blue Eye Samurai’: Sound Team Amplifies Swordplay Intensity

From swift kicks to the alluring tinny ring of a deadly sword swing, soundscapes are one of the most essential building blocks of great television, particularly in Netflix’s “Blue Eye Samurai.” This adult animated series follows Mizu (Mayra Erskine), a young mixed-race warrior driven by revenge as she lives as an outcast in Edo-period Japan. Her distinctive blue eyes mark her as an outsider, especially since Japan has long closed its borders to foreign invaders, and her gender prevents her from legally seeking revenge on those who shun her.

In July, “Blue Eye Samurai” received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Animated Program and Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation for Episode 6, “All Evil Dreams and Angry Words.” The nominated sound editing duo, Myron Nettinga and Paulette Lifton, delved into the complexities of creating compelling and emotional soundscapes befitting a vengeful ronin.

Lifton and Nettinga emphasized the dichotomy between sound editing and mixing. While music is part of the mixing process, sound editing involves blending various elements like sound effects, dialogue, Foley, and ADR, prepping them for the mixer. This approach creates a rich auditory experience.

In animation, unlike live-action, there is no pre-existing sound. Everything from voice recordings to atmospheric sounds must be built from scratch. For “Blue Eye Samurai,” the team aimed to approach the project like a live-action production, ensuring that every sound felt grounded and authentic. They developed layers of sound elements, including Foley for footsteps and prop handling, and sound editorial for atmospheres like wind and subtle character movements.

The process began with a calm auditory environment, like the sound of footsteps in snow, gradually intensifying as scenes demanded. This layering technique enhanced the narrative’s emotional and visual depth.

David Farley from Netflix brought Nettinga and Lifton on board to elevate the show’s auditory experience. This was particularly significant for Nettinga, known for his work on the “Kill Bill” movies, where the sword plays a crucial role, much like in “Blue Eye Samurai.”

Lifton, whose resume includes multiple animated series for Netflix, praised the collaborative process with the composer Amie Doherty and series creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green. Instead of a secretive editorial process, the team maintained open communication, aligning their work to achieve the desired soundscape.

The innovative approach involved regular previews and feedback loops with creators, ensuring every detail aligned seamlessly with the show’s vision. Upholding the cultural integrity of the series, the music often blended hardcore rock with elements of traditional Japanese music, enhancing the program’s authenticity.

The team’s collaborative spirit extended to technical specifics. For example, Doherty and the music editor Iko Kagasoff frequently synchronized music and sound elements, ensuring they worked harmoniously without overpowering each other.

Nettinga and Lifton’s sensitivity to the show’s textures—a term encompassing the emotional and auditory elements of the sound—reflected years of experience. They often had to interpret abstract directions, finding innovative solutions to match the desired feelings and intentions behind each sound. The sword in “Blue Eye Samurai” was treated as a character, its sounds meticulously crafted to align with Mizu’s emotional and physical journey.

Background sounds in the show were in constant motion, adapting to the character’s experiences and setting the stage for dramatic moments. These atmospheric elements, from subtle winds to intense battle noises, contributed to the show’s immersive quality.

The extensive support from Netflix allowed the team to meet the high standards required for the show. Despite constraints often faced in the industry, Netflix’s commitment to the project’s quality enabled Nettinga and Lifton to deliver a soundscape that matched the show’s ambitious narrative.

“Blue Eye Samurai” was more than just another show for the sound team. It broke barriers and represented significant social and cultural themes, making the meticulous sound editing more meaningful. The team’s dedication to this ‘dream project’ was evident, contributing to the show’s high Emmy nominations.

[This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Source: Deadline