I have never been in a major multiplex movie theatre that has as much problem with sound bleeding between cinemas as Park Lane. Since Park Lane makes up probably 3/4 of all my moviegoing, that means a lot of semi-ruined movies. If you’re watching a quiet, talky movie (or something that’s supposed to be moody and suspenseful), there’s a good chance the experience will be effed up by the BLAM BLAM BLAM! RUMMMMMMBLLLEEEE BOOM of some action movie in the cinema next door. (Like, I probably would have found The Witch a lot scarier and more suspenseful if the KABLAMBOOMMMMMM of Deadpool showing next door hadn’t been audible throughout the whole damn thing.) Movies are better on the big screen, when the theatre is doing its best to project them properly. Step up your game, Park Lane! Install some more soundproofing! Additional bitch: Out-of-focus and/or dim projection. I know modern digital projection means most of the films are turned on and left untended, but check on them once in a while, eh? It sucks ass to pay $11.99 plus exorbitant concession prices, and then have to watch a movie that looks like a bootleg stream on a power-saving laptop. —Only Wanna Hear One Movie at a Time
This article appears in Mar 3-9, 2016.
Yes, noise ‘bleed’ is a problem there and does take away enjoyment when watching films. Cinemas are now an example of how technology has reached a point of taking us past the ‘prime point’ where the entertainment was almost perfect, but then they had to bleed it further. As you note the new format does not have that quirky sort of ‘live warmth’ that film had (along with its downsides). Similar to CD vs vinyl in sound recordings. Meanwhile, lobby the powers that be with your requests for sound proofing, but do not hold your breath.
Meanwhile, why are you ‘feeding the beast’ by buying snacks at their overpriced sucker – errrr – concession stand? Eat before going, or have some small easy to carry snacks with you – before they institute strip searches at the door.
I’m sure, OB, if you were unsatisfied with your experience you would have gotten a refund or a free movie chit to see it again, someplace else perhaps.
Have you contacted the theatre about this? I’m thinking maybe they need to hear directly from customers with complaints before they take action. I’m not sure if a post in LTWWB will get their attention.
BTW, I’ve heard that sound coming through the walls there a few times but it hasn’t really bothered me. Now, people who talk during movies, that’s another story…
This has absolutely nothing to do with Park Lane but it’s pretty damn cool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1…