Just as new technology has transformed the way we listen to music, so has it revolutionized the movie-going experience. Surround sound, IMAX and digital 3D each offer such an all-encompassing theatrical performance, many movie-goers feel they are actually in the picture.
But my latest visit to a local theater left me with a very different—and not-so-awestruck-impression.
Not only was the volume of the soundtrack uncomfortably loud during the movie, I left with some residual ringing in the ears. I enjoy a good movie, but no picture is worth potential damage to the ears. With the Summer blockbuster season upon us, devoted cinefiles might want to take some precautions before heading off to the movie theater. Bring a set of moldable earplugs, which you can find in any drugstore. If the soundtrack’s volume gets uncomfortably loud, you can at least get a modicum of ear protection.
And despite our digital age, movies are still shown by projectors controlled by human beings. If the volume is too loud for comfortable listening, you can always let the theatre staff know and request that the volume be turned down to a more reasonable level. While you may enjoy watching the “Terminator” for an afternoon, you shouldn’t have to risk terminating your hearing!
