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Cinema sound volume

(27 Posts)
vegasmags Mon 04-Aug-14 20:47:30

Why does the sound in modern Cineplex cinemas have to be so incredibly loud? I have been with DGS to see the new Planet of the Apes film this afternoon, and our heads have only just stopped ringing. Especially with children's films, I imagine the sound is so loud that it could actually cause damage to their more sensitive hearing. Do other people find this, or is it just us?

Wheniwasyourage Wed 06-Aug-14 09:37:45

Yes, Lona, we do that too, and have had lovely peaceful cinemas in the afternoon with the volume not too high as well. One benefit of DH's retirement and my working part-time!

Lona Wed 06-Aug-14 08:36:51

were NOT was! blush

Lona Wed 06-Aug-14 08:35:50

vegas I think we must be very fortunate in our area, as the cinema that I go to is great too.
The adverts are loud, but then it settles down when the film starts.

It's clean and they will turn the heating up if asked, and they are generally helpful. There's no rowdy behaviour in the afternoons as it's usually mostly older people.

The last time I went, not long ago, there was only two of us in there!

vegasmags Wed 06-Aug-14 08:27:42

I'm an art house cinema fan, and we have a wonderful one here in Manchester, where I can see a film in the afternoon for £4.50, which is a great bargain as I travel to and fro with my free bus pass. I never have any problems there with the sound level, only at the more commercial cinemas.

feetlebaum Wed 06-Aug-14 08:13:15

It's a fact that as we age our tolerance for loud noise diminishes - maybe the cinemas set their levels (If they even bother) with yoof in mind?

I'm surprised to find people still go to cinemas -- I last did in 1983, and have not seen anything to lure me back since.

Deedaa Tue 05-Aug-14 22:00:10

It's not just that the sound is too loud - it's the fact that it's all the background sound and music is so deafening, while you can't hear any of the dialogue at all. I end up having to guess at half the plot because I can't hear a word. If they could get the balance right they wouldn't need to turn it up.

Nonu Tue 05-Aug-14 20:15:00

I find when I first get into the cinema with Dolby suround sound it is a bit loud .

Then when I have been in there about 10 mins.I am quite comfortable with it.

We usually go on a Wednesday afternoon with Orange two for one which costs £6. A bargain.

However as the schools are on holiday we don"t want to see what is on, so we give it a miss for a few weeks and will probably start again late October

smile

janerowena Tue 05-Aug-14 19:59:15

I keep earplugs in my bag, just for the cinema, but screwed up twists of tissue work. However, we shouldn't need them. I went to a small independent cinema recently and was amazed to find the sound at a comfortable level.

janthea Tue 05-Aug-14 15:52:36

I hardly ever go to the cinema as the sound is far too loud. On top of that, there is nearly always someone talking and making a nuisance of themselves. Very irritating. I prefer to wait until the film comes out of DVD and watch it in comfort at home.

HollyDaze Tue 05-Aug-14 09:55:03

I used to love going to the pictures but when more seats were crammed in by making seat a bit smaller (that in itself I didn't mind too much but I did feel I was sitting way too close to people either side - that's okay too if you're with them but if not, I didn't really like that). Then the volume shot up (as others have mentioned) and, as there's nothing wrong with my hearing, I found that annoying as it was way too loud. Then the usherette disappeared and people were not so quiet anymore. All in all, it became an unpleasant experience so I now wait for films to come out on DVD.

dorsetpennt Tue 05-Aug-14 09:22:55

Did complain to the manager. His response, he was all of 12 years old, was that no one else has ever complained and that's just how it is - sorry.

12Michael Tue 05-Aug-14 08:26:43

Think the last film I saw cinema wise was a few years back, but sound wise you had scenes in the film where the volume was high.
It also has a similar impact with DVD`s as well with simulated or surround sound.
mind you 1st experience was when in RAF in 70`s visiting cinemas like Odeon in Leicester Square were comfy seats and the sound system made the films inviting.
Mick

chloe1984 Tue 05-Aug-14 08:19:48

ninathenana we go to the cinema at least 2/3 times a month and saw Guardians of the Galaxy yesterday. I enjoyed it but sometimes feel that I should go around afterwards with the Hoover as I am appalled at the amount of rubbish people just throw all over the floor , sweet papers,cardboard cups etc and just walk over it all on the way out. Perhaps that could be a little job for me in my retirement, cinema warden and I would get to see all the films for free. smile

harrigran Tue 05-Aug-14 00:37:20

I was at the cinema this afternoon with GD2, we saw How to train your dragon 2 and my ears are still ringing. The adverts tend to be even louder than the film dialogue.

Ana Mon 04-Aug-14 22:47:40

The manager will take no notice of a complaint by someone of our age. Young people and children expect and accept that volume.

ninathenana Mon 04-Aug-14 22:40:06

I don't have a problem with the volume. Try complaining to the manager.

MiniMouse Mon 04-Aug-14 22:35:48

Yes, the volume is why we don't go any more. Can't think why it's so loud, all it seems to do is distort the sound. I'm sure it must be harmful to hearing for regular cinema-goers.

ninathenana Mon 04-Aug-14 22:27:12

Our local is a cineworld chloe. We have just returned from watching Guardians of the Galaxy (yes I know we're sad) I don't think the air con was even on, I was glad to get out. Did enjoy the film though.

Grannyknot Mon 04-Aug-14 22:24:04

So glad someone else thinks this! I wear ear plugs in the cinema, otherwise it's like an aural assault.

Mishap Mon 04-Aug-14 22:05:34

I never go either. I find it is so loud that it distorts and I cannot actually hear a word!

sparkygran Mon 04-Aug-14 21:40:56

It certainly spoils the film for me don`t understand why they have to have the sound so loud

tanith Mon 04-Aug-14 21:19:32

We rarely go anymore simply because of the loudness it hurts hubbies ears.

chloe1984 Mon 04-Aug-14 21:19:11

I can deal with the volume but it's the air conditioning that gets me reaching for a scarf and hat, our local cineworld is always at sub zero temperature.

Ana Mon 04-Aug-14 21:09:17

Far too loud for me, too - ridiculously so! angry

It actually hurts my ears...

granjura Mon 04-Aug-14 21:07:42

It is awful isn't it? Maybe write to the Cinema company about this, and ask them to comment. Definitely not just you.