I want to see if this is the theater I went to or if anybody else noticed it.

I stayed for the credits. Listening to the music I noticed that while there was some sound coming from the right side, it was weighted towards the left. Vocals were coming from a point about 1/3 of the screen from the left instead of in the middle, suggesting a deficiency in the rightmost set of speakers. This was on every song, so I don't think it comes from the original recordings.

I did not notice this during the movie since it is too hard to analyze at that volume and for that kind of sounds (besides, I was enjoying it). It was even difficult to notice with the continuous music and no video to distract me. But thinking back I do not recall any good, located effects to the right during the movie either. I'd need another viewing to really analyze this.

I think I've been to yet another poorly maintained theater. It wasn't that zero sound came from the right. It could've been that part of the right-side speaker array was down. Or even that there was something wrong with the source or decoding. I've heard similar things from local channels that had screwed up their sound, although that was a Pro Logic thing, shouldn't be similar for a discrete track for a theater.

Can't wait for the DVD.

that's what it usually is. i've been to way too many movies where i've noticed problems with speaker balance, eq, or sometimes just not hearing the intended mix, i.e. dolby stereo instead of dolby surround decoded.

i work in audio for film, and the only way to get movies to sound the way film mixers intended would be to get the Dolby people to come by theaters every month and calibrate every speaker. it's a big problem and one that should be addressed with theaters that are older than just a few years.

I would love to work as a projectionist in my movie theatre. I don't know why they don't show films they way they should be shown. I would be so satisfied to give people as good a visual and audio experience possible. My theatre has the equipment, but not the need. I, too, noticed sometimes the levels would be on and off and the bass would be too heavy or non-existent... Or that the trebble was way too high. Grrr...

I only know of one properly calibrated theater near me. It's in my basement. Unfortunately, it only has a 27" screen at the moment. Soon........

Anyhoo, I didn't even mention the bass above. I think it was weak, also. Tough to tell with no other reference, though. I'd like to feel something below 30Hz for once. (other than at home)

Well, I just thought I'd update since I went to a different theater to see TMR again. Glutton for punishment. I took an afternoon off to clear my head from work. I almost stayed home to watch something there instead (maybe should've), but TMR has so much unanswered stuff I just had to see it again to try to keep up.

First theater above was a Megastar, newest theater in my area. 2nd one was Kerasotes, about 8 years old and, until some new ones popped up (like the Megastar) in the area, the only theater I would attend. It may be going back to be the only one I will attend if the choice is mine.

Results? The bass seemed better, although my memory is a bit weak and I didn't ever focus on it the first time. I'm surprised there wasn't some more punch in some of the scenes, though.


Interestingly enough, the issue I described above where the music during credits was weighted to the left was reversed in this theater. It was weighted to the right, with vocals coming from a point about 1/3 of the screen in from the right. This was tougher to notice since it was a smaller screen theater.

At least this theater actually used Dolby when available, there was a DD trailer before the last few movie trailers. Not sure what was used for Reloaded itself in either theater. SDDS, I suppose.

Conclusion?
I'm more resolved then ever to skip theaters after the next 3 movies I want to see there. Matrix 3, LOTR 3, SW 3....then I'm done. DVD and HDTV will reign.