The only thing I can think of (since you are working with ‘finished’ mixes) is to use a compressor/limiter on the theatrical piece and work with the compression ratios until you find a reasonable compromise between overall loudness and matching between it and the game mix.
I don’t think it will match up perfectly, but it should get you closer. Heavy compression carries its own price, with noise coming up as well and such, and sound characteristics can change, but in the absence of another idea or any access to the original tracks, I’d say give it a go.
RaySquirrel
I’ve been working on a fan edit of “The Matrix Reloaded” that incorporates scenes from the various properties of “The Matrix” franchise. My problem is that the scenes shot for the theatrical films, the scenes shot for the video game, and the animated shorts each have their own different sound mixes.
I edited this scene together as a segment for the credit sequence that mixes two very similar sequences that are found in the theatrical film and the video game. In both scenes the character Seraph approaches another character.
He states “I am Seraph guardian of the Oracle. I can take you to her, but first I must apologize.”
The responded asks “…for what?”
And Seraph replies “For this.” before engaging him in a fight.
Both scenes are scored with the same music, so I thought that this would be a good way to exercise my remixing capabilities. Editing to the music. Mixing and matching both the scenes.
The problem is that the dialogue for the theatrical film hovers below -30db and the action and score hovers around -6db. Which is a HUGE GAP! The characters are barely audible at normal volumes.
While the dialogue for the video game scenes hovers around -24db and the action and music hover around -12db. Not a huge gap and is more appropriate for home viewing.
Anybody experienced in sound mixing who knows the solution, I would gladly welcome your assistance.