Director Jon M. Chu blames the theaters for 'Wicked' sound issue experienced by some of moviegoers, urging them to request higher sound volumes for the blockbuster musical's screenings.
- November 26, 2024
AceShowbiz - The much-anticipated film adaptation of "Wicked", starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has taken the box office by storm, but not without its share of controversies. The film, which has set new records, has faced a flurry of complaints from audiences regarding subpar sound quality in theaters.
Director Jon M. Chu advised fans to be proactive about their audio experience. In a social media post, Chu encouraged cinema-goers to request higher sound levels.
"Tell your movie theater to turn it up to a 7... I've gone to a couple screenings and they are more like a 6.4. If you want it the way it was intended 7 is the way," he posted on X (formerly Twitter), specifically addressing the Dolby audio systems prevalent in many theaters.
Fans have echoed Chu's sentiments, taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Comments ranging from "Sound was quiet, tinny and the balance was all wrong. Ruined it for me," to "There is something off on the sound mix on the Wicked OST…? Only me?" reflect a common concern that the film's audio did not live up to expectations. The issue seems pervasive, affecting even premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Atmos.
Dolby responded to the complaints by assuring viewers, "We've got you covered," yet some theater operators reported receiving no volume adjustment requests.
For example, Alex Temesvari of Sydney's Hayden Orpheum Cinema noted they had not received any requests to increase volume for Wicked screenings. Similarly, Jeremy Fee, the general manager of Melbourne IMAX, explained their sound levels are typically preset and no instructions for adjustments had been sent.
Despite these audio issues, "Wicked" has achieved remarkable success at the box office. The movie grossed a record-setting $114 million in North America and another $50.2 million internationally during its opening weekend. It also earned a stellar 90 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while fans awarded it a 97 percent approval score.
The latest film adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical is not only a visual spectacle but also offers an auditory feast - if the sound levels are correctly set. With its compelling story, memorable performances, and groundbreaking box office figures, "Wicked" demands the optimal viewing experience. So, if you're heading to see it, remember Jon M. Chu's advice: turn it up to 7 and enjoy the magic!
