Pros
Sonic will provide the opportunity to work on some great new technologies. While working on new technologies, you'll be able to develop multiple new skills that will benefit yor career. You will also be able to work with some very talented engineers who are really at the top of the class when it comes to digital media. There are also some great managers within Sonic based on my experience with them - it's not across the board, but it's not a rarity either. Sonic is extremely flexible when it comes to balancing work and family. Even when working on tight deadlines, demands were never unreasonable. Co-workers and management are very understanding, especially when you show you're willing to sacrifice when necessary. It's a fair balance of give and take. If you prove yourself to be a hard worker, you'll earn the respect of managers and co-workers without needing to work 12-14 hour days. This seems to be unique among software companies in the greater San Francisco area from what I have seen. Though things have been shaky the last couple of years, Sonic may be headed in the right direction with their CinemaNow strategies. Health care benefits seem to be inline with most other companies. As overall costs go up, your contribution to insurance benefits goes up as well. In the past, the company has picked up a larger proportion of the increase than the employee. Fortunately, Sonic has provided some severance for laid off employees, though it probably hasn't lasted former employees very long in today's difficult job market.
Cons
Sonic has been going through quite a process trying to transition from working strictly with optical media to handle all your digital media needs. It's been a bit of a bumpy ride along the way at times. Matching 401K contributions were stopped this year. Stock option grants have disappeared since more federal regulations have gone into effect in recent years. Unfortunately, there is not a stock purchase plan for employees. Several rounds of layoffs have cut out some of Sonic top-notch engineering staff and not enough middle management positions. Most of the engineering workforce seems to gradually be moving to Shanghai, but it does seem there will always be a certain amount of engineering work in the US. Unfortunately, the Shanghai staff have not typically been as skilled as the US staff that has been laid off.