While Shinoda’s score is highly praised for its energetic, pulsing synth beats, it fundamentally alters the tone of the movie compared to the original score composed by Aria Prayogi and Fajar Yuskemal. Aria Prayogi & Fajar Yuskemal (Original) Mike Shinoda & Joseph Trapanese (US Release) Industrial, Orchestral, Traditional Elements Electronic, Synthwave, Nu-Metal Atmosphere Dread, Claustrophobia, Grim Realism High-Octane, Video-Game Energy, Hype Instrument Highlight Dark ambient drones, heavy percussion Heavy synths, distorted digital beats Why the Original Score Wins for Purists
In the international version, Shinoda’s wall-to-wall electronic music occasionally crowds out these subtle audio cues. The Indonesian track allows the environment of the derelict apartment building to feel like a living, breathing character, heightening the claustrophobic dread. 3. Better Narrative Pacing and Tension
The most significant difference between the Western release and the original Indonesian version lies in the musical score.
The original Indonesian audio mix blends the dialogue seamlessly with the ambient sounds—the dripping water, the thud of bodies against walls, and the shattering of glass. When you watch the dubbed version, the English voices frequently sit "on top" of the audio track, breaking the cinematic illusion and pulling you out of the intense atmosphere. Cultural Nuance and Dialogue Delivery
Watching with subtitles (English) allows you to experience the authentic voices, screams, and tactical dialogue, keeping the immersion fully intact. Where to Find the Best Audio Version
⭐ For the most brutal and authentic experience, select the Indonesian Atmos/5.1 track and pair it with the Mike Shinoda score for maximum impact.
Select English (not English SDH, unless you require captions for the deaf and hard of hearing, as SDH includes text descriptions of every background noise).
Many purists argue that the original score is "best" because it leans harder into the horror-thriller atmosphere of the film, whereas the Shinoda score turns it into more of a "video game" action experience. Most Blu-ray releases now allow you to mix and match, but hearing the Indonesian dialogue alongside the original atmospheric score provides a completely different (and arguably superior) tension. How to Get the Best Experience
Several professional reviews praise the audio mix of this new 4K edition. AVS Forum’s review notes its "sparkling clarity and excellent imaging," where dialogue remains refined as it blends seamlessly across the front three channels. The dynamics are praised as "excellent," giving the film's action "definitive impact and energy". For those with a traditional 5.1 system, the disc also includes the robust , which also delivers fantastic range and power.
From the eerie silence of the abandoned corridors to the intense sound effects of gunfire, explosions, and bone-crunching martial arts sequences, every audio element is meticulously crafted to amplify tension and chaos. The Indonesian audio team's attention to detail is impressive, with even the smallest sounds, like the creaking of doors and the rustling of clothes, contributing to the overall sense of realism.
The peak of the film is the brutal two-on-one fight against Mad Dog (Yayan Ruhian). In the Indonesian audio track, this scene is scored with a minimalist, dread-inducing rhythm that lets the sickening thud of fists, cracking bones, and tearing flesh take center stage. It feels like a real, desperate struggle for survival. The international score alters this dynamic, making the fight feel more like an stylized, rhythmic dance than a raw street brawl. How to Find the Best Indonesian Audio Release
Leans heavily into propulsive, industrial nu-metal beats. It turns the film into a high-octane video game experience.
The Raid: Redemption (2011) is widely considered a modern action masterpiece. Most critics and fans strongly recommend the over the English dub for the best viewing experience. Why the Indonesian Audio is Preferred
Ensure the disc includes a "Bahasa Indonesia: DTS-HD Master Audio" or "Dolby Atmos" track.
The Raid: Redemption (2011) redefined modern action cinema. Directed by Gareth Evans, this relentless martial arts masterpiece trapped an elite police squad inside a skyscraper controlled by a ruthless drug lord. While the film achieved global fame, an ongoing debate persists among film purists and casual fans: should you watch it with the English dub or the original Indonesian audio?
The original track perfectly captures how sound bounces off the narrow, claustrophobic corridors of the building, making the setting feel like a living trap.
When Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film, they commissioned Mike Shinoda and Joseph Trapanese to create a new, high-energy score. This version leans heavily into aggressive synth-rock, heavy techno beats, and industrial rhythms designed to appeal to Western action fans. Why the Indonesian Audio is the Superior Experience 1. Authentic Cultural Context and Language