Which 1977 films became benchmarks for Dolby Stereo's immersive audio?
Answer
Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
The widespread adoption and public recognition of modern surround sound, utilizing the 4-channel Dolby Stereo format, were cemented by the release of two landmark films in 1977. Both Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind utilized discrete directional audio encoded via Dolby's system to showcase how sounds could move seamlessly around the audience. These high-profile theatrical successes demonstrated the storytelling potential of immersive audio, establishing the common 4-channel standard (Left, Center, Right, Surround) as the industry benchmark for the subsequent years.

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