Without a doubt, we live in an era of innovative technology. What seemed a fantasy to us a few years ago is already firmly taking its place in our daily lives. The film industry is no exception, and the 4DX format is one such innovation.
4DX technology - what is it?
This technology is designed to watch not only cinematic, but also animated films, or rather, to enhance the perception of effects when viewing, which allows you to deeper immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the plot. In contrast to the 4D attraction, the Fo Dex technology (also read as “For Dee Aix”) is capable of reproducing movies, speaking in cinema jargon, in “full meter”, while the aforementioned attraction has a limited time and plot range . 4DX-cinema enhances the perception of effects with the help of movable seats (these are shocks, rotations). At the right moment, steam appears in the hall (to enhance the effect of smoke and fog) and frontal (as well as rear) water sprays and wind movements. There are also functions such as soap bubbles and fragrant steam (a special device mixes aromas). Also, a list of the listed effects replenishes the display of moving pictures (blinking of the so-called strobe lights).
Homeland of technology
The company with the unpronounceable name CJ 4DPLEX (a branch of the CJ holding company, which includes enterprises in various fields: the media, food industry, pharmaceuticals and even biotechnology) creates tracks with additional special effects in South Korea. While delivering equipment, this company also sets up and programs the same equipment for the special effects of films with a full meter. Often the programming process itself takes place in tandem with the film studio, which creates this film, for better harmony with the director's idea. All the necessary equipment is installed not only in specialized cinemas like "Cinema-4DX", but also in ordinary cinemas. All mechanized units do not take up much space. Armchairs, in groups of four, are installed on special platforms and do not differ in size from ordinary ones.
Like any other technology, 4DX (reviews, by the way, vary: someone does not like the slightly limited palette of smells, someone has the feeling that he is "throwing" into the aisle, but the number of fans of such cinemas is growing steadily) constantly developing and improving. She already has loyal fans from South Korea and Japan to Mexico and Brazil. The technology is also being introduced into cinemas in the cities of the USA, Australia, Venezuela, Great Britain, Romania and others ...
How it works?
It is impossible, answering the question “4DX - what is this?”, Not to figure out how it works. In a cinema with the above equipment (if the director’s idea assumes a calm development of the plot, with a minimum number of special effects, it does not make sense to show such a picture in this cinema), the audience is shown a picture in which special effects are synchronized with the video and sound track to enhance the feeling presence. At the same time, this is combined with stereoscopic 3D viewing (it can also be combined with watching 2D and even black and white films).
Armchairs with special wires are installed in the auditorium, which carry out shocks, light tosses and smooth movements. This design makes it possible to create vibrations, regardless of the back of the chair and footrest. Special openings for moisture and air are built into the back of each chair (two types of holes: rear and front - designed for the chair in the next row). As for the front row seats, this function is performed by a special device, which is located in front.
Steam is fed into the room using hidden devices that are located in the space in front of the screen itself. Stroboscopes are located around the perimeter of the hall. Special controllers using a computer application synchronize and control using a parallel sound track of special effects, which are always recorded in a single file. If the digital display is carried out from the server, then a file with special effects is transmitted together with the content.
About the disadvantages
It is also worth mentioning the disadvantages and contraindications of this technology. First of all, this is the price of a ticket - it is approximately equal to the cost of the most expensive seats in an ordinary movie theater. There are some recommendations for visitors: their height should be at least 120 cm. It is also strongly not recommended for viewers with a weak heart and an easily receptive psyche. Still viewing is extremely undesirable to women in position. Also in the hall will feel discomfort lovers of popcorn.
A few words about the development of 4DX technology in Russia
After the premiere of the film, shot in the mystical thriller genre, “Viy” (based on the first manuscript of Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol) in 2014 in a specially equipped cinema, the Russian audience could feel what it was. Visitors were very pleased with this view. But the first film, which can rightfully be called “4DX movie”, is the legendary film trilogy of the inimitable Peter Jackson “The Hobbit” (the film was originally created for this technology). This helped the viewer to completely plunge into the atmosphere of the picture and feel the perfect combination of image and special effects, as well as enjoy the high quality of the picture.
Concluding the tour ...
And now, leaving the cinema halls and seeing everything with their own eyes, the audience can decide for themselves the question: 4DX technology - what is it: another attraction or a new word in the world of cinema-atmospheric sensations?
Enjoy your views and new experiences, dear movie fans!