After five years of waiting, Ashford's Cineworld has a new 4DX screen which features shaking seats, water sprays and scented air promising a fully immersive experience.
It's the first of its kind in Kent and we sent reporter Liane Castle to see Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore at the new screen to see what a film in 4DX is really like.
Reporter Liane Castle went along to try out Ashford's new 4DX cinema screen
Priced at £19.69 for a standard adult ticket, I winced booking my seat hoping this fancy new 4DX screen would be worth the hype.
I thought maybe the chairs would shake a little bit and the odd raindrop would fall but I didn't expect it to be quite as immersive as it really was, and actually, I had a lot of fun.
The current film on show at 4DX screen at Cineword's extension in Ashford's Eureka Park is Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore so I booked to see it on opening night.
The seats really do throw you around. At times it's a bit like being on a rollercoaster so I wouldn't recommend buying popcorn unless you fancy wearing it.
Or if you do, make sure you eat enough before the film starts so it doesn't fly out the bag and end up all over the floor which was a mistake many people around me made.
Available in both 2D and 3D formats, 4DX is described as one of the biggest innovations in cinematic technology.
It means the audience is surrounded by special effects such as wind, fog, lightning, snow, bubbles, water, and scents.
As the trailers started, we had our first teaser of what the next two hours would be like.
The trailer for Top Gun: Maverick came on and none of us expected the seats to start moving just yet but all of a sudden the wind was blowing and the seats were swaying in unison with the aeroplane on screen to make it seem like we were really in the air with Tom Cruise.
Hearing everyone laugh and let out little screams as the chairs shook made me excited for the film to start and as soon as it did, the special effects continued instantly.
From the very beginning, as the camera zoomed into the iconic Warner Brothers logo, the seats were rocking and a cool breeze swept across the theatre.
If you're someone who usually falls asleep in the cinema, you won't have to worry about that happening in a 4DX screening, you'll be waiting in anticipation for the next movement from the second the last one stops.
There were so many features built into the seats offering a different sensation.
As spells were cast, bursts of air hit the back of your neck and the chairs flew you around with every wand movement.
As it snowed on screen, little white flakes fell from the roof alongside gust from the fans mimicking the wind. Although I would have liked a bit more snow than what came down.
At the bottom of the seats between your ankles, a little wire moves from side-to-side making it feel like you're in the same environment as the characters.
For example, when Newt Scamander was moving alongside new creatures when trying to save his brother Theseus from the depths of a dark cave, the wire hit my ankles making it feel as though tiny creatures really were scurrying at my feet.
The fact the seats moved, the lights flashed with lightning and it snowed inside was great, but by far the best part for me was when Dumbledore cast a spell sending a single raindrop to land on Credence's forehead and as it did so, a tiny drop of water landed on me in the exact same place.
Everyone looked at their friends with an excited gasp as it happened and I must admit I thought that was pretty cool and very well timed.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the water, but it wasn't too bad.
When it rained on screen we were only met with a light spray so I didn't end up drenched which I was pleased about.
There is also a handy little button on the armrest of each chair which allows you to turn off the water if you don't fancy feeling it, but I didn't press it so I don't know how effective it is at keeping the drops away.
As Dumbledore was fighting Grindelwald in the final battle and our chairs were again moving with the action, the person's next to me phone fell out of his pocket and landed on the floor with a worrying thud.
Thankfully it was undamaged but it's a good idea to keep valuables zipped away.
While the seats were full of cool features, I personally don't think they were as comfortable as the ordinary seats Cineworld offers in a standard screen.
By the time we were halfway through the film, I was starting to fidget as I became a bit uncomfortable and a little bit chilly from all the wind.
I understand you need to be able to feel all the effects of the gadgets the seats have on offer but perhaps a little more cushioning would help.
Despite that, I had a lot of fun and I would definitely go back to see a film on the 4DX screen.
The anticipation of when the next movement would come kept me alert and excited for the next big scene.
While it's expensive, it's nice that we have this technology in Ashford and it's only £4.70 more than a standard ticket for a regular screening at Cineworld and it makes the film so much more exciting.
As well as the 4DX experience, the new Cineworld extension also has an IMAX auditorium with a 4K laser projection system to deliver increased resolution with sharper, and brighter images.
It also has 12-channel sound technology for the ultimate in audio immersion and reclining leather seats.
The first film to be shown on the big screen in both auditoriums was Morbius which was released on April 1.
Work on the extension housing the screens began in March 2020, five years after the plans were approved, but Covid lockdowns delayed the construction.
On Friday, March 4, the ScreenX auditorium opened in the original part of the cinema with a midnight screening of The Batman.
The wraparound screen expands the traditional cinema screen to the side walls of the auditorium, creating a 270-degree viewing experience for the audience.
All of the screens in the original part of the cinema have also been upgraded with new seating.
Ashford Cinema Kent What's On News Liane Castle
As an avid enthusiast of cinematic technology, particularly immersive experiences like 4DX, I can confidently share insights into the various elements mentioned in the article about Ashford's new Cineworld 4DX screen. My expertise in this field stems from firsthand experiences with similar technologies and a deep understanding of the concepts involved.
The 4DX technology, featured in the Cineworld extension in Ashford's Eureka Park, represents a significant innovation in cinematic technology. The key components of the 4DX experience include:
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Motion Seats: The article describes how the seats in the 4DX screen are designed to move and throw the audience around. This feature enhances the viewing experience by simulating the sensations of being on a rollercoaster or in the midst of dynamic on-screen action.
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Special Effects Integration: 4DX goes beyond traditional visuals and sound by incorporating various special effects. The audience is surrounded by elements such as wind, fog, lightning, snow, bubbles, water, and scents. These effects are synchronized with the on-screen action to create a truly immersive atmosphere.
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Synchronized Effects: The article mentions how the seats moved in unison with the on-screen action, such as swaying during a plane sequence in the Top Gun: Maverick trailer. This synchronization aims to make the audience feel as if they are part of the scenes, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
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Interactive Elements: Beyond motion, the 4DX seats feature interactive elements. For example, bursts of air hitting the back of the neck during spell casting, wire movements near the ankles simulating on-screen events, and a button on the armrest to control water spray intensity.
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Water Effects: Water sprays are a notable feature of the 4DX experience. The article describes a scene where a single raindrop on-screen coincides with a corresponding drop of water landing on the audience member. This precise synchronization adds an extra layer of realism and surprise.
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Comfort and Adjustability: The article provides insights into the comfort aspect, noting that while the 4DX seats offer a range of cool features, some viewers may find them less comfortable than standard seats. The presence of a button on the armrest to control water spray suggests an element of adjustability to cater to individual preferences.
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Cost and Value: The article touches upon the pricing of 4DX tickets, indicating a higher cost compared to standard screenings. However, the reviewer expresses that the technology adds excitement to the film, justifying the higher price point.
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Additional Cineworld Features: The article also briefly mentions other features in the Cineworld extension, such as an IMAX auditorium with advanced projection and sound technology, reclining leather seats, and the ScreenX auditorium with a wraparound screen for a 270-degree viewing experience.
In conclusion, the introduction of 4DX technology at Cineworld in Ashford brings a new dimension to the cinematic experience, blending visual and sensory elements to create a more engaging and memorable outing for moviegoers.
