The atmosphere was charged, full of energy and excitement. There were four screens, all of them sold out for the show. Many people came in costume (See pics below) and stood in line for nearly 6 hours so as to be assured good seats.

The theater let us in only 10 minutes before the show was to begin, but that didn't dampen the spirit of the audience. We happily took our seats, knowing there was little time before the film would begin.

What came next would effectively kill the excitement....

The crowd boo'd as the previews and advertisements played, until the New Line logo appeared amidst a roaring cheer from the crowd. The beautiful snow-capped mountains appeared and I narrowed my eyes. Sat a few more seconds in silence before turning to a friend and whispering 'there is no sound.' I had seen the film three days prior and KNEW there should be sound at this point. The crowd was getting restless by the time Gandalf appeared on the screen, and still no sound. People boo'd and hissed while myself and a few others rushed out of the theater to inform management about the lack of sound. Finally, about 5 minutes into the showing, we have sound - but the spirits of the crowd are dampened by the theater's inability, or unwillingness, to start the film from the beginning.

There were no cheers for the characters as they appeared on the big screen again, just pissed off attendees. The comedic moments got a few chuckles, but the crowd simply sat, in stunned silence, for the entire three hour film.

When it was over, no cheers, everyone filed out of the theater to demand their money be reimbursed. The theater obliged without question and provided free tickets to another show.

Great customer service, but the prior charged atmosphere had been ruined by the theater's mistake.

Film was great, the showing was a severe disapointment. I will never return to that theater.