Bill Would Limit Decibel Level at Movie Theaters

Movie cinema executives are urging lawmakers to oppose a bill that would establish a maximum decibel level inside Connecticut theaters.

Joseph Masher, the chief operating officer for Bow Tie Cinemas, said Tuesday his company has not heard complaints about loud films or movie trailers since it installed digital equipment. Rather, he said they received complaints about two films not being loud enough for customers.

The legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee is considering a bill that would prevent theaters from showing a film or preview that exceeded 85 decibels. A decibel is a unit used to explain the intensity of a sound wave.

Masher said Bow Tie sets the sound slightly under the industry standard of 85 decibels. He also said managers check each movie and preview before they're shown.