Picture 2
Japanese cinema chain Korona World has announced that it will be opening the country’s first full-body, immersive “4D” movie theater in Nagoya on the 26th of this month.

According to the company, the theater will be equipped with 4DX technology, a system developed in South Korea that adds motion, humidity, aromas, strobes, bubbles and other effects to the standard audio and video experience.

For example, when it comes to the seat movement, the chairs can be programmed to move in tandem with the motion on the screen, and the range of motion may be surprising to movie goers. In addition, there are moving parts positioned under the tush and behind the back to deliver jolts during action scenes, allowing the customer to feel like they are a part of the movie.

A panel in front of the seats has a fan for wind effects, a mister for water, lights for strobe effects and a system that can emit around 1,000 unique scents. There is also special equipment located in the ceiling that can provide a variety of effects, such as raining down bubbles on the audience.

The company commented, “With the 4DX system, we can stimulate all five senses, allowing movie-goers a personal connection with the film. We think this will be a completely new way of enjoying movies. We are hoping customers will be able to feel a realism that enhances the excitement and wonderfulness of movies.”

The first movie scheduled to be screened in the new theater is the upcoming Iron Man 3.

As for this writer, the 4DX system might be fun to try once, but I’m inclined to agree with the late Roger Ebert that it sounds like “the next circle of hell” for cinephiles. What do you think, readers, is this a revolution in cinema or just a passing gimmick?

Source: International Business Times
Image: Korona World