What's up with theater sound these days?!!

[stratocaster]

I watched Oppenheimer yesterday in Imax (thanks to my son who insisted that we spend extra and watch it in the biggest screen possible). The last movie I saw in the theater was before Covid and I guess the last four years of binge watching on a 96 inch OLED supported by 5 Vandersteen speakers must have spoilt me since the moment the soundtrack of the movie came on, I wanted to head for the exit. It was insanely loud and the dialogs were practically incomprehensible. The only time I could make out what was being said was when there was no supporting music. I finally realized why my dad fusses so much over watching only those movies that have subtitles...I could have certainly used them yesterday. I thought I was the only sound snob but it seems that this is quite prevalent across the board with all theaters. I think the theaters might have better luck if they asked patrons to bring their own headphones and provide a bluetooth connection. At least people will know what's going on in the movie...

[Richard Vandersteen]

1 hour ago, stratocaster said:

I watched Oppenheimer yesterday in Imax (thanks to my son who insisted that we spend extra and watch it in the biggest screen possible). The last movie I saw in the theater was before Covid and I guess the last four years of binge watching on a 96 inch OLED supported by 5 Vandersteen speakers must have spoilt me since the moment the soundtrack of the movie came on, I wanted to head for the exit. It was insanely loud and the dialogs were practically incomprehensible. The only time I could make out what was being said was when there was no supporting music. I finally realized why my dad fusses so much over watching only those movies that have subtitles...I could have certainly used them yesterday. I thought I was the only sound snob but it seems that this is quite prevalent across the board with all theaters. I think the theaters might have better luck if they asked patrons to bring their own headphones and provide a bluetooth connection. At least people will know what's going on in the movie...

stratocaster, buy a set of ear plugs that attenuate about 12 dB and you will be able to understand what is going on.  RV

[GdnrBob]

It seems you are not alone.

https://screenrant.com/oppenheimer-movie-christopher-nolan-sound-mixing-dialogue-issues-fixed/

B

[ctsooner]

I go to movies with my son, but even the Dolby Digital theater he loves stinks. 

[Holmz]

21 hours ago, Richard Vandersteen said:

stratocaster, buy a set of ear plugs that attenuate about 12 dB and you will be able to understand what is going on.  RV

The Eytmotics ones work well for this.
I have a few sets, with one in the car, and a few with the woodworking tools. 
The Mrs keeps a set in her purse.

Edited August 3 by Holmz

[Holmz]

On 8/3/2023 at 7:31 AM, stratocaster said:

I watched Oppenheimer yesterday in Imax (thanks to my son who insisted that we spend extra and watch it in the biggest screen possible). The last movie I saw in the theater was before Covid and I guess the last four years of binge watching on a 96 inch OLED supported by 5 Vandersteen speakers must have spoilt me since the moment the soundtrack of the movie came on, I wanted to head for the exit. It was insanely loud and the dialogs were practically incomprehensible. The only time I could make out what was being said was when there was no supporting music. I finally realized why my dad fusses so much over watching only those movies that have subtitles...I could have certainly used them yesterday. I thought I was the only sound snob but it seems that this is quite prevalent across the board with all theaters. I think the theaters might have better luck if they asked patrons to bring their own headphones and provide a bluetooth connection. At least people will know what's going on in the movie...

You’re not wrong, the sound was shockingly bad.
I was looking forwards to the movie, but left not overly impressed.
It wasn’t bad, just it wasn’t what I was wanting/expecting.

The last movie that disappointed me that much was the “WindTalkers” with Nicholas Cage.
At least in that one, no one was expected to understand half of the dialgue… 😃

Edited August 11 by Holmz