The newest trendsetter for cinema technology today is the 4DX theater. It was developed and pioneered by CJ 4DPLEX Co., Ltd., a South Korean firm that specializes 4D cinema technology.
4DX technology provides moviegoers with innovative immersive experience. The theater environment was artificially modified to satisfy moviegoers for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. In other words, 4DX technology immerses its audience to a realistic viewing, allowing your five senses to interact with real time effects.
Compared to IMAX and 3D cinemas, 4DX has added the new technology of motion seats and environmental effects. Motion seats are capable of heave (move up and down), roll (move left and right) and pitch (tilt backward and forward). Environmental effects are artificially created wind, bubble, lightning, fog, scent, air, water, rain, rainstorm, snow and warm air. The motion and environmental effects are combined to a film track for a complete 4DX experience.
The Ayala mall opened its first 4DX theater in 2014 and as of this writing, there are 3 4DX theater in the Philippines that you can find in various locations such as: Greenbelt 3, U.P. Town Center, and at the Bonifacio Global City Central Square.
We watched The Mummy in 4DX at BGC Central Square in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is my second time to experience 4DX and I have my impressions and expectations, but that did not stop my excitement.
I booked online through sureseats and made sure that I will not run out of seats on my selected date. There is only one 4DX theater catering to nearby cities, so expect long lines at the ticketing booth or expect that preferred seats for your schedule would be taken already. Ordinary cinemas cost ₱200 – ₱300 while 4DX costs ₱500. I made sure to follow instructions provided online and brought the printed copy of the electronic ticket to be presented at the entrance. As precautionary measure, pregnant women may not be allowed to enter the cinema. Better ask the ticketing or entrance staff for the existing guidelines.
3D Glasses are available at the entrance of the cinema for pick-up. The auditorium is spacious and comfortable. Chairs are retrofitted to suit the design and experience.
The whole movie experience was amazing. Smoke rose from the screen when there is explosion or car crash. Chairs squirted water when the scene involved water. The lovely scent filled the room as the flowers bloomed. Chairs were moving back and forth as if we were riding a mini roller coaster. The 3D depth is impressive. Sound is crisp and nice. Wind blows unto us as the scene changes into speed or during flight. We were able to experience all these effects while inside the theater in just a span of 2 hours and a half. The audience may never get bored as the movie progresses.
The evolution of cinema technology has made our cinematic experience worthwhile. Truly, 4DX liberates us from the conventional cinema flat screens that we used to have for so long.