As the long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway smash hit Wicked opened to impressive box office numbers this weekend, some moviegoers noticed one thing seemed a bit off – the volume. Amid the dazzling costumes, soaring musical numbers, and magical effects, several audience members took to social media to report that the audio in certain cinemas wasn’t quite loud enough to match the larger-than-life spectacle on screen.
Rather than brush off these concerns, Wicked director Jon M Chu decided to take matters into his own hands. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on the film’s opening night, Chu offered a simple solution: “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.”
Putting Audio Power in Fans’ Hands
Chu’s directive refers to the volume settings on the Dolby audio systems used by many major theater chains worldwide. By encouraging Wicked fans to proactively request a higher volume from cinema staff, he’s empowering audiences to take their audio experience into their own hands.
The plea struck a chord with many Wicked moviegoers, who responded to Chu’s post with a mix of gratitude, shared audio grievances, and promises to advocate for louder levels at future screenings. Some reported making similar requests at their local cinemas with positive results.
Not All Moviegoers Agree
However, not everyone seems to be on board with cranking up the volume. A few responders said their screenings sounded just fine as is, while others expressed concern that excessively loud audio could be unpleasant or inaccessible for some audience members.
“We were at a theatre with Dolby and the sound was super quiet,” one frustrated fan posted. “I don’t think [Dolby] has us covered on this.”
Wicked moviegoer via X
Cinemas Respond
Several independent theater operators weighed in, noting they’d be happy to accommodate requests to turn up the volume for Wicked screenings, as long as it doesn’t disturb neighboring auditoriums. Most reported they haven’t received any such asks yet, but are prepared to adjust levels as needed.
Additionally, some viewers who saw the film in premium formats like IMAX shared that the sound was sufficiently robust without any tweaks necessary, likely due to the specialized audio systems and calibration in those auditoriums.
Volume Concerns Nothing New
This isn’t the first time a high-profile filmmaker has fielded audio complaints. Director Christopher Nolan has weathered similar criticisms for his ambitious soundscapes in films like Interstellar, Tenet, and The Dark Knight Rises.
“If you mix the sound a certain way, or if you use certain sub-frequencies, people get up in arms.”
-Christopher Nolan on his approach to cinematic sound
While Nolan has largely stood by his bold audio choices, Chu appears to be more open to adapting the Wicked experience to ensure audiences can hear every last note of the beloved score. After all, for many fans, finally seeing Elphaba and Glinda in all their emerald and bubble-gown glory is a moment years in the making.
The Bottom Line
Though box office returns indicate Wicked is resonating with moviegoers, Chu’s proactive response to the volume debate demonstrates how directors of major blockbusters are increasingly tuning in to real-time fan feedback. In an era where social media amplifies audience reactions, swiftly addressing concerns – even those as seemingly granular as audio levels – can make a meaningful difference in perception and word-of-mouth.
So, if you’re off to see Wicked in theaters, don’t be afraid to speak up (politely) if you find yourself straining to hear Elphaba’s iconic riffs or the cheeky barbs traded between frenemies. As Chu said, sometimes all it takes is a simple request to go from muted to magical.
