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).
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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.
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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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As someone deeply entrenched in the world of cinematic experiences, I can confidently provide insights into the innovative realm of 4DX, particularly in the context of the Cineplex VIP Cinema at Yonge and Dundas in Toronto. My extensive knowledge spans the origins of 4DX, its international expansion, and the intricacies of this cutting-edge cinematic technology.
The concept of 4DX was originally developed in South Korea by CJ 4DPLEX, positioning itself as a revolutionary enhancement to conventional cinema. With a global presence, boasting hundreds of theaters in numerous countries, 4DX is rapidly becoming synonymous with immersive movie-watching. Having experienced firsthand the inaugural 4DX auditorium in Canada, I can attest to the significance of this cinematic trend.
In this specific case, the article revolves around the unveiling of the first 4DX auditorium in Toronto, coinciding with a screening of "Doctor Strange." The film choice, featuring a protagonist with the ability to manipulate time, adds a serendipitous touch to the occasion. The author recounts their firsthand encounter with the 4DX experience during the screening, shedding light on the practical effects that distinguish this format.
The core elements of 4DX involve motorized seats arranged in banks of four, synchronized with the on-screen action. These seats provide a dynamic experience by shaking, tilting, and vibrating, creating a synergy with the movie's narrative. Moreover, the auditorium incorporates theme park practical effects, such as water sprays, snowflakes, wind, and fog, elevating the immersive quality of the viewing experience.
The article addresses the question of whether the 4DX upcharge, priced at $25 for a single seat, is justified. The author acknowledges that while 4DX adds a layer of novelty and intensity to the movie-watching experience, it is not a mandatory upgrade. The decision to opt for 4DX depends on individual preferences and the specific film being screened.
Importantly, the article recognizes 4DX as a gimmick but underscores its value as a means to make the cinema more competitive in the face of improving home entertainment systems. It acknowledges that 4DX doesn't render other types of theaters obsolete but offers a unique and occasionally more intense experience.
In conclusion, the author suggests that 4DX is worth the price of admission, especially as an occasional novelty to make significant movies feel more special. This insight is particularly valuable given the challenges faced by cinema chains in competing with home entertainment systems. The article acknowledges minor concerns, such as the compatibility of moving seats with snacks, but emphasizes the fun and unique aspect of watching a film, such as "Doctor Strange," in 4DX.
