Bad projection is nothing new. I saw some pretty horrible presentations growing up. Not every projectionist was a master of their craft. I’d be amazed if any multiplex today even has a dedicated guy who doesn’t have to divide his time with the snack bar.
Kubrick used to have spies check up on how his films were being projected in various cities. From what I’ve been hearing about the 50th anniversary 2001 re-release, he wouldn’t be too happy today. I recall Spielberg saying in an old interview once how some print runs in the 80’s were tweaked for theater chains they knew had issues. I doubt you can tweak a DCP for bad theaters.

Maybe we should start a thread elsewhere for our movie theater horror stories? 😉