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Showing of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel staring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy at Cineworld, Ashford, ruined by poor sound levels

Customers demanded to see a cinema manager after a viewing of a new film was ruined by poor sound levels.

Film fans were left angry at a screening of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at Cineworld in Ashford last Thursday due to the hard-to-follow dialogue.

Complaints were made to staff as soon as the film, staring Maggie Smith, Richard Gere and Dev Patel, was over.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel stars an ensemble cast including Judi Dench and Bill Nighy
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel stars an ensemble cast including Judi Dench and Bill Nighy

Retired TV cameraman Derek Budd was among those watching the film.

He said: “While we were among a packed audience we were aware of several querying the very low dialogue in contrast to the loud music and sound FX. It was quite disturbing and confusing to follow.

“I did wonder about getting up to complain but didn’t want to miss the film and hoped that the volume might increase.

Derek Budd was among those who complained about the poor sound levels
Derek Budd was among those who complained about the poor sound levels

Mr Budd, from Hythe, said that as soon as the film ended, a group of people demanded to see the manager.

He adds: “As we were among the last to leave, I had made up my mind to ask for the manager to discuss my view.

“We were then aware of an angry group in the foyer who had already come together in order to complain.

Stars Lillete Dubey and Richard Gere
Stars Lillete Dubey and Richard Gere

“Eventually, a young lad came down from the manager’s office with a pad of free vouchers, having discussed the matter with the manager.

“Many of the audience had already left without staying on.“

Mr Budd, the former chairman of Hythe Film Society, said that Cineworld has had sound problems in the past.

“They’ve had issues like this before,” he said. “When I was chairman of the Hythe Film Society, people would complain to me about sound mix and sound levels.

“I think it is an industry-wide problem.”

Customers were surprised to see Sir Paul at Cineworld in Ashford
Customers were surprised to see Sir Paul at Cineworld in Ashford

A spokesman for Cineworld said: “We can confirm that on Thursday February 26 a screening of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at Cineworld Ashford was temporarily disrupted by issues with sound.

“Our staff fixed the problem promptly, and customers were offered complimentary tickets.”

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