All photos by Eli Green
On Friday, The Cineplex VIP Cinema at Yonge and Dundas in Toronto opened up its latest attraction, cutting the ribbon on the first 4DX auditorium in Canada. We were invited to the ceremony for a screening of Doctor Strange, and now we’re back to tell you everything you need to know about the latest trend in cinema.
For starters, the fact that Toronto’s first 4DX movie is about a man with the ability to manipulate time was merely a coincidence. Though 4DX is new to Canada, the concept was developed in South Korea by CJ 4DPLEX and there are already hundreds of theatres in dozens of countries around the world. It’s basically the next IMAX,with a rapidly expanding number of locations.
As for the details, 4DX is a new premium screening format that blends conventional cinema with theme park practical effects. The motorized seats are organized in banks of four that shake up and downthroughout a film, while the auditorium is packed a slew of other tricks. We were sprayed with water when Stephen Strange crashed his car during a rainstorm. Later, snowflakes drifted in front of the screen when he made a short excursion to the Himalayas. We were hit with wind and fog on multiple occasions, while the seats vibrate like massage chairs that are synchronized with the fight scenes (the sensation is actually rather relaxing).
All in all, it makes for a more immersive movie going experience. Some of the effects are better than others – you feel like you’re fallinginto the frame whenever the seats tilt forward in conjunction with the camera – but the sensation is not so extreme that it distracts you from the movie (I had no trouble following the mind-bending logic of Doctor Strange). Sometimes it feels like you’re focused on either the movie or the 4D trappings, but for the most part the two complement each other in an organic way.
So is 4DX worth the upcharge?
It depends. At $25 for a single seat, the 4DX theatre is far more expensive than your average ticket, and the upsell is by no means mandatory. If a movie is well made – and Doctor Strange is well made – you’ll have just as much fun in 3D (or even 2D) as you will in 4D, which is to say that 4D does not make all other types of theatres obsolete.
With that said, 4DX is worth the price of admission. It’s a gimmick, but as gimmicks go the price isn’t too obscene. For a little more money, you get a slightly more intense experience that enhances a movie without overpowering it. I wouldn’t want to go every week, but as an occasional novelty it’s a way to make a big movie feel more special. Cinema chains have struggled to compete ashome entertainment systems haveimproved, and 4DX unquestionably offers something you can’t get at home.
It’s worth noting that the 4DX tickets for movies screened in 2D are only $22, though there’s only one auditorium in Toronto and no shortage of 3D blockbusters. I’d guess that the vast majority of movies screened in the theatre will make you spring for the extra dimension. I’d also be wary of snacks, if only because moving seats are not necessarily compatible with large bags of popcorn.
However, those are relatively minor concerns that distract from the overall point. I had fun watchingDoctor Strange in 4DX. If you’ve got the money to spare, you probably will too. It’s a neat way to seea movie, and that’s ultimately all that matters.
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FAQs
Remain seated at all times unless you are getting up to leave the auditorium. Be mindful of the footrests when getting on or off the 4DX motion chairs.
What can I expect from a 4DX movie? ›
4DX is a state-of-the-art film technology developed by CJ 4DPLEX which delivers an immersive multi-sensory cinematic experience. 4DX incorporates on-screen visuals with synchronized motion seats and environmental effects such as water, wind, fog, scent, snow and more, to enhance the action on screen.
Are 4DX seats worth it? ›
The cost is much less than live theater, but it has the same audience interaction and fun that comes from being part of the action. If you are someone that typically foregoes the movie theater altogether and waits for titles to come out on DVD, well, then it depends on whether or not the 4DX will be worth it.
Which seats are best in 4DX? ›
Best Seating For 4DX
Typically speaking when it comes to the theater, going with a center seat is usually ideal.
Can you smell in 4DX? ›
There are currently eight smells utilized by 4DX
In general, pungent odors make viewers nauseous, but here, the burning scent enhanced scenes of cars in flames, adding an extra layer of immediacy.
Should I see top gun in 4DX? ›
This film is meant to be seen on the biggest screen possible. However, if one wants to increase the amazingness of the film, 4DX is the way to go. Every time the characters are in the planes, the seats are moving around as if one is really in the plane with them. It really adds to the suspense of the dog fights.
Do you wear goggles in 4DX? ›
Do you have to wear 3D glasses for a 4DX film screening? The 4DX experience takes place in a special auditorium at the Kinepolis cinema: thanks to its hinged seats and adapted environment, it plunges the viewers into the universe of the film. However, if the film is not presented in 3D, you don't need to wear glasses.
Do you get soaked in 4DX? ›
You may get slightly wet! You experience rain, wind and even snow, all under one roof in our 4D Cinema!
Does the chairs move in 4DX? ›
Those who decide to see the film in 4DX will experience each movement onscreen as a motion in their seats, which shake and wobble to the rhythm of the action.
Can you eat popcorn in 4DX? ›
It is like a mini roller coaster at times. Fun but I found it a bit distracting at times from the actual movie and challenging at times to eat your popcorn. Additional effects are wind, spray and fog in sync with the movie. As an adult, I think this is a fun experience to have with your kids or with friends.
How does 4DX work? 4DX is often mistaken for or compared to IMAX 3D. However, both are vastly different standards. IMAX screens have more to do with the picture quality and the sound, whereas 4DX is more about the seats and practical effects.
Does 4DX make you dizzy? ›
The 4DX equipment can aggravate existing medical conditions or cause users to suffer a loss of equilibrium or balance, headaches or dizziness and in extraordinary circ*mstances, epilepsy-like symptoms.
Can I hit my vape in the movie theater? ›
In both cases, the rule is pretty strict: you are not allowed to vape at the cinema; at least not in the major multiplex chains.
Is it illegal to vape in a cinema? ›
Are You Allowed To Vape In a Cinema In The UK? At the biggest cinema chains, like Cineworld, Odeon, Vue and Empire, vaping is not allowed. The bottom line is that your local multiplex is unlikely to allow you to vape on the premises.
Why is 4DX not suitable for pregnant? ›
Due to motion effects used in the 4D Chocolate Adventure pre-show and cinema, it is not suitable for pregnant women or guests with heart or spinal conditions. There are however static (non-moving) chairs available which you can use.
Is 4DX a good experience? ›
Thankfully, however, 4DX is a perfect experience for you! 4DX has an incredible variety of effects that stimulate more senses than most people know they had.
Is Spider Man 4DX worth it? ›
Spider-Man: Far From Home isn't as over the top as the previous two movies in terms of the 4DX experience. But the movie itself, matched with the roller coaster aspect of the whole thing made it by far the most enjoyable of the three movies so far.
How old do you have to be for 4DX? ›
The 4DX enabled seats may not be used by children under 4 years of age. Sitting on laps is not allowed. Children aged between 4 and 7 may use 4DX enabled seats with adult supervision. Booster seats must not be used on the 4DX enabled seats.
Is there a weight limit for 4DX? ›
o for persons under 100 centimeters. Children between the ages of 4 to 7 years may attend screenings only if they are accompanied by an authorized guardian. Owing to the weight restrictions of seats, persons weighing over 120 kilograms shall not be permitted to attend 4DX screenings.
Is 4DX screen small? ›
4DX has a smaller screen, compared to what you would find in a regular theatre. Whereas, in an IMAX theatre, the screen is huge.
Popular on Variety
CJ 4DPLEX, the company behind multi-sensory 4DX cinema technology, has announced that it had a record-breaking 2019, grossing more than £246 million ($320 million) for 4DX worldwide. It was the best year yet for the groundbreaking format, marking a 12% increase from 2018's record $286 million.
How many 4DX cinemas are there in the world? ›
CJ has licensed the technology worldwide. As of September 2019, CJ 4DPlex operates 678 4DX theaters in 65 countries through partnerships with more than 80 theaters, including Wanda Cinemas, Cineworld, Regal Cinemas, Kinepolis, Cinépolis, Event Cinemas, Village Cinemas, and Nu Metro.
Does 4DX have weight limit? ›
Children between the ages of 4 to 7 years may attend screenings only if they are accompanied by an authorized guardian. Owing to the weight restrictions of seats, persons weighing over 120 kilograms shall not be permitted to attend 4DX screenings.
Will I get motion sick at 4DX? ›
Through questionnaire survey, it is found the main factor affecting the comfort of viewing is the motion sickness, and through theoretical research, it is found that there is a correlation between motion sickness and motion sickness caused by watching 4D movies.
What is better 4DX or IMAX? ›
4DX is often mistaken for or compared to IMAX 3D. However, both are vastly different standards. IMAX screens have more to do with the picture quality and the sound, whereas 4DX is more about the seats and practical effects.
