Which one is better, 4DX or IMAX? We chime in on the old debate
A discussion that has spanned many years now since the introduction of more immersive cinema experiences.
4DX Or IMAX? Let The Battle Commence
As companies constantly attempt to make the next immersive cinema experience there only seems to be these two in contention.
Screen-X has tried to get into the mix but it just doesn’t quite have the immersion of the two technologies in question today.
Let’s take a closer look at each technology before we deliver our verdict of this cinema immersion contest.
4DX
Using motion seats combined with scents and elemental effects such as rain, wind, snow and fog 4DX creates one hell of a cinematic experience!
You will feel every inch of the motion that is happening on screen. Car chase sequences where your seat will mimic every corner taken or fight sequences where certain hard-hitting punches will give you a little prod in the back.
Whilst you know you’re sitting in a seat watching a movie, 4DX makes that seat all the more interesting.
Watching Lion King on the big screen and whole cinema smelled of a meadow as your seat lulled through the cameras slow panning. It was truly magical.
4DX comes into its own when watching animations. Frozen 2 was one of the best 4DX experiences I’ve ever experienced.
The cinema had snow falling from the sky, it was icy cool in there and the fans were blowing wind around my hair. It was truly immersive.
Other 4DX movies such as Hobbs and Shaw were horrific 4DX experiences.
Being constantly prodded jolted so much that I was detached from the film on the screen.
Then such movies as Birds Of Prey had next to zero effects throughout. A complete waste of money for a 4DX experience!
But this could have been down to the cinema saving a few pennies and not giving us a proper show rather than a 4DX programming mistake.
Karen Woodham at Blazing Minds review of Birds of Prey in 4DX seems much more colourful than my own experience.
4DX during horror movies is perfect for amping up the scares as puffs of wind hit the back of your neck during scary sequences.
It really does depend on what movies you watch.
4DX is perfect for:
*Animations (especially Disney)
*Live-Action films
*Horror movies
*Action flicks (if you can handle it)
4DX is not so good for:
*Slow story-driven movies (no action)
*Dramas
*Comedy movies that aren’t animated
It’s only during intense 4DX sequences of motion does the technology become distracting.
The fog and bubble effects are quite poor as they only occur right at the front of the cinema. You need to pray for a good gush of fan air to drive the fog your way and every time I’ve been to a screening the fog machines are hardly ever working!
Somethings you enter a cinema with a loud fan and when the wind effects occur it completely drowns out the dialogue on screen. That’s annoying!
But once again that’s a maintenance issue that the cinema should be taking care of and is of no fault of the 4DX tech itself.
Running Costs
A cost issue is also factored into the equation as the maintenance costs, effects, scents to purchase etc they all add up.
So when a cinema is half-assing a movie it’s not usually the fault of 4DX programming. It could be the simple case of a cinema not justifying the running costs and cutting corners to save a few pounds.
Countries like Singapore and Japan are notorious for fully committing to their 4DX and I can imagine their 4DX experiences are some of the best in the world.
The scents are also an issue. 4DX claim to have over 20 scents for films yet I’ve only ever smelled two scents (meadow and sea breeze). This could be a choice of the cinema and their budget rather than a 4DX issue. The UK 4DX scene certainly has a very poor limited range.
If you’re experiencing 4DX for the first time you’ll love the two scents but once you’ve seen a good 30+ 4DX movies, things get a little tiresome.
You can still take nothing away from that first time though.
I remember watching a cruise advert and smelling the sea breeze with the sea rocking seat motion. That was true immersion!
IMAX
IMAX theatres have giant screens and amped-up sound systems. Creating a screen so big that it feels as though you are in the movie itself.
Standing head and shoulders over 4DX in terms of screen size a whole wall is dedicated to just screen, screen and more screen.
The only thing you can possibly look at in front of you is the IMAX screen. No fire extinguishers, no exit signs that distract you throughout a movie, just a huge vibrant screen.
IMAX, unliked 4DX is a technology that is embraced by filmmakers as it allows audiences to see a good 25% more of the picture.
A curved giant screen allows you to see much more than you would during a normal theatrical showing on a normal screen. Filmmakers intended the field of view to be bigger and better and IMAX makes that happen.
The issue with many IMAX cinemas thou is that the auditorium seating area is usually so small and cramped that there just isn’t too much room between you and the screen.
At the Manchester Printworks IMAX theatre, the seating area is tiny. The screen is so big that it actually drops down below your field of view! As a result, you’re losing a large chunk of viewing space.
Being so close to the screen it doesn’t matter where you sit, you’re forever looking up or at an angle.
IMAX only really comes into contention during grand scale movies. Giant set-piece heavy, vast scale movies. Any other film and it’s a neck pain-inducing distraction.
People complain that the 4DX experience leaves you sore (it doesn’t) but creaking your neck up to watch an IMAX movie for around 2 hours is an uncomfortable experience.
Every single film I’ve seen in IMAX has been underwhelming, to say the least.
IMAX is perfect for:
*Grand Scale Blockbusters (Dunkirk, Avengers, etc)
IMAX is not so good for:
*Everything else
There is an IMAX tech demo introducing the immersive experience that starts before the movie beings that is ten times better than any film I’ve seen in IMAX.
A plane flies overhead and the sound system coupled with the giant screen literally has your seat shaking as this jet engine flies above you. It’s incredible. You’re excited about what the film will be like if that experience was that immersive.
The film begins.
You’re underwhelmed.
Nothing as grand or as brilliant happens. It’s just a big screen that hurts your neck to watch no matter where you sit.
You’re always feeling as thou you’re missing something on-screen and end up watching various segments of it rather than all of the screen.
The Real Winner
Many will go against the grain here and claim IMAX to be the most immersive purely because it’s a big screen. That’s it.
Whilst for me IMAX wins for the grand-scale films. The Nolan movies, 1917, CGI superhero films and films designed with scale in mind, it doesn’t win overall as an immersive experience.
IMAX delivers the scale, the size, and the audio but it ends there.
That immersive feeling as thou you’re in the movie or at least a part of the scene. That’s one step higher on the immersion chart. There can only be one winner for that and that’s 4DX when they get it right of course.
A truly theatrical experience (if you choose the right film) that just cannot be rivaled by a large curved screen.
For an alternative opinion to my own check out this wonderful piece on the debate over on Aarnav’s Blog
Yes, the fog effects are poor sometimes, the motion isn’t always perfectly calibrated and the two scents just scratch the surface of how many they could use. But it’s immersive.
When it’s raining on screen, it’s raining in the cinema.
If it’s misty on-screen during a battle scene, fog is filling the auditorium (when the machines are working) to add to that eerie atmosphere.
Conclusion
When the camera is slowly panning over the pride lands in Lion King for example your chair is slowly moving with every camera movement.
That’s truly a magical experience that can’t be rivaled by a bigger screen. Disney 4DX movies are the most immersive cinema I’ve ever seen.
Disney works much more closely with 4DX and it shows. That theme park type experience, the magic and the final delivery of what you see on screen.
Disney films are by far the most impressive displays of 4DX technology.
It’ll be interesting to see how the studio work with the programmers on the exciting upcoming 4DXScreen technology.
Don’t even get me started on Sonic the Hedgehog, I was grinning from ear to ear with just how immersed I was through 4DX.
Every Sonic run sent a gust of wind over my hair and the seats moved just perfectly to what I was seeing on screen.
There really isn’t any competition between the two. Whilst 4DX is hit and miss when it gets it right and combined with the right movie it’s the best immersive cinema experience out there.
Want to know how 4DX technology works? Check out our article on that rightHERE.
Check out all of our 4DX reviews
Please note – This article is not sponsored in any way shape or form and all of the above is the opinion of me and me alone.
Sean
FAQs
Both offer large screen sizes and high-quality images, but 4DX provides more immersive effects while IMAX has better sound quality. Comfortability may also factor, as 4DX seats can recline and have built-in speakers, while IMAX theaters have traditional seating.
Which is better 4DX or IMAX? ›
IMAX will be the perfect option if you want to relax and enjoy your movie without physical effects. In contrast, if you want to have a movie-watching experience that is more interactive and immersive, with motion seats and special effects, then 4DX will be the perfect option.
What is the difference between 4DX and IMAX laser? ›
The main difference is that IMAX is focused on providing a huge screen and an immersive sound system, while also stimulating your sense of sight. On the other hand, with its use of effects like wind and smells and its motion chairs, the focus of 4DX is to stimulate as many of your senses as possible.
Is 4DX really good? ›
But, if your motion sickness is severe or you are really worried, the 4DX might not be worth it for you and you should stick with the RPX. If you are someone who has been waiting for a certain movie forever and it is finally coming out in theaters so you're looking for a way to celebrate, 4DX was made for you.
Is 4DX screen bigger than IMAX? ›
4DX has a smaller screen, compared to what you would find in a regular theatre. Whereas, in an IMAX theatre, the screen is huge. It's a curved screen, and much larger than a regular theatre.
Why is 4DX so good? ›
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.
Do you wear glasses for 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.
Is 4DX worth it for Dr Strange 2? ›
4Dx wise, it was a lot of fun. 4DX can be great for the right movie and it can make the experience more like a theme park ride. The quality/quantity of the 4DX effects varies by film. If the effects are implemented well, it can really make a movie feel 10x more immersive but if not, it can be a gimmick.
Should I watch Avatar in 4DX? ›
That being said, 4DX works best as a second-time viewing experience, should you decide to return to Pandora. If you opt for the immersive format the first time out, you may lose a plot detail or two to the water drops accumulating on your 3D glasses.
Which screen is better 4DX or 3D? ›
Difference Between 3D and 4Dx
In addition to the 3D image, there are also other elements like water, wind, smoke, smells and much more involved in the experience of watching a 4D movie. The most attractive difference for a 4DX movie is that you essentially get to live in the movie.
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.
Can you eat during a 4DX movie? ›
Hot liquids, such as tea or coffee, shouldn't be brought into the auditorium at all. Avoid eating or drinking during intense motion scenes. Drinks should be in a covered cup that fits in the cup holder. We recommend large drink cups for best fit.
What are the risks of 4DX? ›
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.
Is 4DX distracting? ›
Some of the effects are better than others – you feel like you're falling into 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).
Is there a better screen than IMAX? ›
Both Dolby Cinema and IMAX are cinema systems, offering a wide range of tools and equipment for movie theaters. The main thing that sets them apart is that Dolby Cinema has better audio and audio tech while IMAX is better for both audio and visuals.
Is there anything bigger than IMAX? ›
Dolby Cinema and IMAX both have their advantages, but Dolby is a newer technology that makes use of screens that are 40% larger.
Where is the best place to sit in the 4DX? ›
There's no bad seat in a 4DX auditorium as they all move along with the action. That being said, you'll be more engulfed by the fog and the bubbles closer to the front as that's where the machines are located, and you'll get a fuller experience of the rain right in the centre of the auditorium.
Which is the best 4DX theater in the world? ›
4DX, Seoul, South Korea
4DX bills itself as the first 4-D movie theater in the world that screens studio releases, taking 3-D movies to the next level by introducing movement and scent, as well as wind and water effects.
What are the restrictions 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.
Can you take popcorn into 4DX? ›
They do however allow buckets of popcorn (open) and maga sized cups of fizzy drinks, so must admit I felt a bit annoyed not to be able to enjoy my Sunday morning treat.
Within the armrest lies a small button that allows viewers to toggle between two options: “Water On” and “Water Off.” The device serves as a harbinger – and, to 4DX novices, perhaps a warning — of the full-tilt sensory experience that is about to unfold as Brad Pitt fights for his life against an army of opposing ...
Why does 4DX have weight limit? ›
Hi David, we advise customers that the weight limit in our 4DX screens is due to the functionality of the seat movements and that if they are in excess of the limit, they may experience limited movement and potentially limit the movement of the seats around them.
Is 4DX worth it for Marvel movies? ›
Normally, we like to advise 4DX for second viewing of films but if even if you haven't yet seen the latest entry into Marvel Cinematic Universe, we still think it's an absolutely fantastic way to enjoy this story.
Is 4DX 3D worth it for Spider Man? ›
As different as the movies being sold through in the gimmick. Don't get me wrong, no movie actually needs 4DX, but the one's presented in the all immersive format have only benefited from these extra bells and whistles stapled onto the edges. It makes the movie actually feel like an event.
What is 4DX movie experience? ›
Experience the biggest blockbusters like never before with 4DX technology! The 4DX auditorium features motion seats and special effects including wind, fog, mist/rain, scents and more that perfectly sync to the on-screen action.
How are 4DX movies different? ›
4DX is a popular cinema format that lets you enjoy supported movies beyond just the visuals and the sounds. This format targets the fourth dimension, which points to your senses. To this end, 4DX cinema seats are known to use motion, wind, lighting and even simulated scent and snow to offer a unique experience.
Is 4DX 3D too? ›
What is 4DX cinema? As you've probably gathered from the name 4DX, it is the next step beyond 4D, which already adds plenty to 3D. In a nutshell, it's a cinema that not only stimulates your eyes and ears but your other senses too. The chair can move, while the air in the room is blown about.
Is DBOX and 4DX the same? ›
The Differences Between D-BOX and 4D Technologies
While it may be tempting to classify D-BOX as a 4D experience, they are anything but. 4D options usually use mist, smoke, scents and other effects to create a sense of immersion — but they can also distract from the movie experience.
How popular is 4DX? ›
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.
What is 5D movie? ›
5D Cinema is a form of film art expression developed on the basis of 4D Cinema. It contains all the functions of 4D theater. 5D theater uses seat effects and environmental effects to simulate lightning and thunder, wind, frost, rain and snow, and explosion impact.
As of 2020, there is an approximate total of 32 locations throughout the United States, primarily from various Regal locations, one Marcus Theatres location in Gurnee, two Cinépolis locations, and CGV's second U.S. at The Source OC in Buena Park.
Is it worth watching Maverick in 4dx? ›
The jet doing twists and turns , lifting up from below , acrobatic , 360 backflip and sudden speed up are just so so much fun in 4DX and it feels very very real , it gives you the feeling that IMAX can not give you . The moving seats are literally so strong , so physical it isnt just some average Joes theme park .
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 symptons.
Does 4DX make you feel sick? ›
No motion sickness, no needing to leave the theater. Just all-around enjoyment as we got to experience something that some only dream of – the complete Frozen II experience.
Is 4DX violent? ›
The experience was terrible, but who could say it wasn't immersive? Physically, emotionally, it was three hours of violent, uncomfortable, far too intimate contact with a theater industry whose desperate sweat was literally being sprayed on me.
Why IMAX is the best? ›
The difference between the two is the quality of the water. The IMAX screen provides the highest picture quality on a large screen and the best sound technology. In addition, if the entire movie is shot with an IMAX camera, it's a visual delight on the IMAX screen because you can see the whole large screen filled.
Why does IMAX look so good? ›
We talked a lot about the quality, but what makes IMAX stand out is the projection. The standard uses 70 mm film run through the projector horizontally. This technique produces an area that is about 8.3 times as large as the 35mm film, and around 3.4 times as large as 70 mm film run through the projector vertically.
Is IMAX worth the hype? ›
It is one of the best 3D experiences money can buy—the best, according to any IMAX enthusiast. IMAX offers more than just more pixels. IMAX screenings display up to 40% more of the image captured by film cameras.
What is the difference between IMAX 4DX and RPX? ›
IMAX has 12 channels of high-quality sound, while RPX only offers a 7.1 channel surround sound system with the chairs having built-in speakers. While a 7.1 surround sound system is still pretty good, it simply doesn't match what IMAX offers.
What is the highest quality of IMAX? ›
IMAX 1570 Film has remained the largest and highest resolution film format available for over 50 years. World renowned cinematographers and directors like Christopher Nolan have mastered its capacity to provide the ultimate expression of their craft.
The world's largest IMAX screen currently stands in Leonberg near Stuttgart, Germany and measures 38 by 22 m (125 by 72 ft). Until the Leonberg IMAX opened in 2021, the largest operating IMAX screen was located within the Melbourne Museum in Melbourne, Australia, measuring 32 m × 23 m (105 ft × 75 ft).
Is anything better than IMAX? ›
Both Dolby Cinema and IMAX are cinema systems, offering a wide range of tools and equipment for movie theaters. The main thing that sets them apart is that Dolby Cinema has better audio and audio tech while IMAX is better for both audio and visuals.
Is there better than IMAX? ›
IMAX is more immersive due to the large screens and format, but Dolby Cinemas provide better quality video and audio and are more comfortable.
Is IMAX really that much better? ›
Indeed, IMAX movie screens are known for their unique and tall aspect ratio, which is usually 1.43:1 (mainly on IMAX film projectors) or 1.90:1. These screens also feature steeper stadium seating location in the theater hall, which lead to a better audio experience.
What is the best position in 4DX cinema? ›
Most viewers tend to lean back in their seats. 4DX, however, is incredibly disorienting if you sit that way — you feel at the mercy of the chair, which can go side to side, up and down, and forward and backward. Eventually, we discovered that it was best to sit up straight and almost lean forward a little bit.
Why does IMAX look better? ›
Clarity, detail and size make IMAX more than a movie. Our remastering — or DMR — process fully transforms every frame of a film to produce the best possible version of a filmmaker's vision. Two projectors run simultaneously to provide the perfect image with a balance of warmth and sharpness.
Why IMAX Theatre is the best? ›
The size of the screen in an IMAX theater is much larger than that of a normal movie theater. Being able to see more on-screen makes for a better viewing experience and being so close to such a large screen also creates a sense of immersion not found at other theaters.
Which seats are better in IMAX? ›
Everywhere has very good head clearance for children EXCEPT the very back row. Avoid that one. As for best viewing experience, middle is always nicer but if movie is 3d, you generally get the best effect sitting a littlr further back from the middle.
Is IMAX with laser better than IMAX? ›
IMAX has always delivered the greatest contrast but now with laser IMAX is going to reach contrast levels substantially higher than ever before. Getting more contrast means more detail in the image, and a heightened level of realism that makes you forget you are watching a movie.
Does IMAX make you dizzy? ›
But for many people, the images in 3-D or IMAX movies look so real that they mess up the brain's ability to sort out the signals coming in from the senses, and trigger that queasy feeling.
Is watching a movie in IMAX instead of a regular theater worth the extra money? It depends on the kind of movie. If you're talking about a movie that has been at least repurposed and remastered for IMAX viewing or, even better, shot directly with IMAX cameras, those are certainly worth the extra pennies.
Why is IMAX so special? ›
The IMAX cinema process increases the image resolution by using a larger film frame; in relative terms, a frame of IMAX format film has three times the theoretical horizontal resolution of a frame of 35 mm film.
Can you turn 4DX seats off? ›
Can you turn the effects off? There is a button on your arm rest that allows you to turn the water effects off. No other effects can be turned on/off. All chairs move together, so we cannot stop individual chairs from moving.
Can you eat in 4DX cinema? ›
They do however allow buckets of popcorn (open) and maga sized cups of fizzy drinks, so must admit I felt a bit annoyed not to be able to enjoy my Sunday morning treat.
