Do I need special ceiling insulation to quiet a metal roof?

Residential metal roofing is not noisy.  The "noisy" metal roof is a misconception started with agricultural buildings.  In an ag building with a metal roof, the roof is usually all there is to the roofing system.  There is no under-layment, no insulation, no barriers.  The metal panels are screwed into the ag building's rafters - it's that simple.  And that's why they are noisy.  In fact, rain sounds worse in those kinds of ag buildings.  It's as if they act like a drum and amplify the sound.

That is NOT true with a residential metal roof.  Between the roof and the living space are several layers of material.  Each layer deadens the noise and the potential for amplification.  Once you're interested in metal roofing, you'll start to notice that many commercial buildings have them.  That would not be the case if they were noisy.

Are there "brand name" metal roofing manufacturers?

Yes.  Your installer should be able to to show you a full range of colors and custom options that are available.  This is something that is readily available from all of the top level metal roofing manufacturers.  If your choices are limited, it probably indicates that the installer is using an off-brand product.  Ask for manufacturer literature.  Your installer will be glad that you asked - he chose the product for specific reasons and he wants to share them with you.  Also check out the warranty.  All established manufacturers fully back their products for 30 or more years.  If you Google the term "metal roof" the industry's top manufacturers will show up on the first few pages.

Can the color of my roof save energy?

Here's the answer straight from those who know:

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/eng99/eng99323.htm
http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/coolroofs/
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/product_specs/program_reqs/roofs_prog_req.pdf
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/pdfs/cool_roof_fact_sheet.pdf

Fireworks damaged my metal roofing...

Q. There is now a burn mark on my metal roof after the 4th of July holiday.  Will I need to fix the area, repaint?

A.  There's a good chance the the spot on your roof may wash off.  If it hasn't yet rained in your area, either wait for rain.  Or if it's at a convenient height, try aiming the water from a garden house at the spot.  It may easily wash off.  If you can't each the spot, contact your installer.  They'll be able to wash it.  They'll also be able to better assess the potential damage.  If the paint has been burnt off in a spot, the panel may need to be replaced.