Dolby Cinema Test Reveals “Best Sound Ever Heard” – Even With a Limited Wicked Mix
Despite the booming streaming market, the allure of the cinema remains strong – especially when the sound is perfected. A recent exclusive screening of Wicked: For Good at Dolby’s test cinema in London’s Soho offered a glimpse into the future of immersive audio, with one attendee declaring it potentially “the best sound I’ve ever heard in a cinema.”
The rise of platforms like Netflix and Prime Video hasn’t diminished the appeal of the big screen for many film enthusiasts. Even with the convenience of streaming options – exemplified by upcoming releases like Frankenstein and the new Knives Out – a dedicated cinema experience continues to draw audiences. This sentiment was particularly evident when Dolby extended an invitation to preview Wicked: For Good in its state-of-the-art screening room.
The opportunity wasn’t just about seeing the film early; it was about experiencing the pinnacle of sound technology. According to the attendee, Dolby’s in-house cinema delivers an audio experience that surpasses typical commercial theaters. “It should come as no surprise at all when I confirm that I think it might have been the best sound I’ve ever heard in a cinema,” they stated, even acknowledging that Wicked’s sound design wasn’t particularly groundbreaking.
Dolby Atmos: Beyond Home Entertainment
Dolby is widely recognized for its Atmos system, a surround sound technology that enhances the home viewing experience. However, the system truly shines in a dedicated cinema environment. In a professional setting, Atmos utilizes a significantly greater number of discrete speakers, creating a far more precise and immersive spatial audio experience.
The difference is immediately noticeable. Many cinemas suffer from minor audio imperfections – whether it’s excessive bass, overly loud volume, or poorly positioned surround sound speakers. These issues, while often unavoidable in high-traffic theaters, are meticulously controlled within Dolby’s test environment. “That means the sound is utterly pristine,” the attendee explained, “and the big-budget spectacle of Wicked: For Good’s musical numbers correspondingly sounded pretty much perfect.”
The precision of the sound was particularly striking, with no lost audio, muffled dialogue, or moments of confusion. It was a remarkably clear and crisp presentation, highlighting the shortcomings of many conventional cinema sound systems.
Limited Spatial Sound in Wicked, But Immense Potential
Despite the exceptional audio quality, the attendee noted a limitation in Wicked: For Good’s use of spatial sound. The full potential of the Dolby system wasn’t fully realized, with only a few sequences – specifically those featuring Elphaba’s flight with monkeys – showcasing the system’s capabilities.
This experience sparked a desire to revisit the room with films specifically designed to leverage the power of Atmos. Titles like Dune, Interstellar, Gravity, and the reissued The Lord of the Rings trilogy, known for their “god-tier Atmos mix,” were cited as ideal candidates. The attendee also emphasized the importance of “a bit more verticality for the overhead speakers to get to grips with.”
Watch the final trailer for Wicked: For Good on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9W-w-Xw-I
Ultimately, the experience offered a unique perspective – a glimpse into what directors and executives might hear when evaluating film cuts and assessing their investment. It was, without a doubt, a fascinating demonstration of the power of perfected sound.
