(Updated 06/29/2023)
Ever since surround setups and subwoofers became part of the theatrical experience audiences have loved room-shaking sound. Why stop there? Theatre technology exists that adds extra dimensions to your movie experience, and we have it here at Cinemark!
There are extra-large screen presentations like XD and extra-extra-large versions such as ScreenX, but D-BOX takes a different approach to put you right into the middle of a movie. Unique seats and an array of speakers create an overwhelming envelope of sound and motion that turns a movie into a physical experience.
Here's how D-BOX works its magic.
Sound and Motion
D-BOX seats are engineered with two big extra features: A set of speakers that turns sound into a visceral part of a movie, and motion actuators that can provide enough movement that action-packed movies actually feel like rides.
Both the movement and speaker systems are calibrated to provide sound and motion that are precisely timed with action in the movie. This isn't a general algorithm that moves the seat based on a vague analysis of the movie — it is a detailed, programmed routine of perfectly synchronized movements and vibrations that translates what's happening on screen to your seat.
A Customizable Experience
Because we know that not everyone wants the same level of physical and aural intensity, D-BOX seats have a user-controllable response level. With four levels of control, you can dial in a fairly gentle ride — or turn the controls all the way up for an eye-widening experience.
No matter how intense you'd like the sense of motion to be, however, D-BOX offers one other great benefit to audiences: All D-BOX seats are placed in premium locations in theatres.
D-BOX Origins
Unlike many theatre technologies, D-BOX actually has roots in home technology. In 1998, the Montreal-based company began by making subwoofers for home theatre use. When they learned that customers were buying multiple woofers to create the illusion of motion for their seats at home, the company realized that spine-shaking sound could redefine the theatrical experience.
The first D-BOX seats, which were also aimed at the home market, were introduced in 2001. The company soon started to look at the theatrical market. In 2009, Universal looked to D-BOX to program motion for FAST & FURIOUS. That was the real starting gun for the company's race into theatres.
One neat thing about D-BOX is that the seats can be programmed in such a way that they're useful for more than movies. NASA and Formula One, for example, are two organizations that use D-BOX in training systems.
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. While those are fun ideas, you might not want water mist on your clothes or other scents competing with your popcorn. D-BOX uses a unique combination of movements, vibrations and textures that have been hand-encoded by haptic designers to enhance the content on-screen and further immerse you into the movie.
New D-BOX Movies in Theatres This Summer
The summer of 2023 is rich with new movies that will feel bigger and more impactful with the augmentation of D-BOX. There are much-anticipated sequels including INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE — DEAD RECKONING PART ONE, both of which will knock your socks off with hard-hitting action and roaringly amplified scores.
Many more D-BOX movies are coming up, too, including HAUNTED MANSION from Disney, and BLUE BEETLE from Warner Bros and DC. Paramount's raucous animated TMNT MUTANT MAYHEM will shake seats in D-BOX, too.
Perhaps most of all, we're looking forward to experiencing the heightened world of BARBIE, and especially the film's gleeful song and dance numbers, via the enhanced D-BOX experience. Horror fans also get a few treats this summer, including D-BOX releases of the creep-fest sequel, INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR, the shark-fighting action of MEG 2: THE TRENCH and the video game-to-real world racing story GRAN TURISMO.
Find the D-BOX theatres near you!
All images courtesy of D-BOX.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of audio-visual technologies, particularly in the realm of immersive cinematic experiences. My expertise extends to surround sound setups, subwoofers, and cutting-edge technologies designed to elevate the movie-watching experience. Let me share my insights on the concepts embedded in the article about D-BOX technology at Cinemark.
Surround Sound and Subwoofers in Theatrical Experience
Ever since the incorporation of surround sound setups and subwoofers in cinemas, audiences have craved the immersive thrill of room-shaking sound. These elements serve as the foundation for technologies like D-BOX, enhancing not only audio but also integrating motion for a more visceral movie encounter.
D-BOX Technology Overview
D-BOX takes a distinctive approach to immerse viewers in the heart of a movie. It utilizes specially engineered seats equipped with speakers and motion actuators. The speakers transform sound into a tangible part of the movie, while motion actuators provide synchronized movement, making action sequences feel like thrilling rides.
Customizable Experience with D-BOX
What sets D-BOX apart is its user-controllable response level. With four levels of control, viewers can tailor the intensity of both motion and sound to their preferences. This customization ensures a personalized cinematic experience, from a gentle ride to an eye-widening, heart-pounding adventure.
D-BOX Origins
D-BOX originated as a home technology company in 1998, primarily crafting subwoofers for home theater use. However, the pivotal moment came in 2009 when Universal collaborated with D-BOX to program motion for "FAST & FURIOUS," marking its significant entry into the theatrical realm. D-BOX's roots in home technology underscore its commitment to delivering immersive experiences.
Beyond Movies: D-BOX in Training Systems
Notably, D-BOX's versatility extends beyond cinemas. Organizations like NASA and Formula One utilize D-BOX in training systems, showcasing its adaptability for applications beyond entertainment.
D-BOX vs. 4D Technologies
D-BOX distinguishes itself from conventional 4D experiences. While 4D options often employ mist, smoke, scents, and other effects, D-BOX relies on a unique combination of movements, vibrations, and textures meticulously encoded by haptic designers. This approach enhances on-screen content without introducing external distractions like water mist or competing scents.
New D-BOX Movies in Summer 2023
The article provides a sneak peek into the exciting D-BOX-enhanced movies of the summer, including anticipated sequels like "INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY" and "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE — DEAD RECKONING PART ONE." Additionally, it mentions releases from Disney, Warner Bros, DC, and Paramount, promising a season filled with heightened cinematic experiences.
In conclusion, D-BOX technology represents a convergence of audio and motion, delivering a customized and immersive cinematic encounter that goes beyond traditional 4D experiences. The article not only outlines the technology but also anticipates a summer filled with blockbuster D-BOX movies, inviting audiences to explore the heightened world of cinematic storytelling.
