‘Feel-good’ movies given a new digital spin at cinemas
LAST week I took a look at some of the digital cinema innovations audiences can enjoy locally, including the new Imax, Scene Extreme, Cine Prestige and Scene VIP.
Over the years there have been other major advancements from an audio visual aspect to create a more “real” and life-like experience for cinemagoers. I checked out 4DX, currently only available in the Western Cape at Nu Metro’s V&A Waterfront complex.
In the 1970s, local cinemas like the Luxurama were kitted out with Sensurround, specifically for the film Earthquake, for audiences to fully appreciate the sound effects.
Sensurround allowed audiences to “feel” rather than just “hear” effects of earth tremors, rollercoaster vibrations and bomb explosions.
The effect only lasted for about four films, which included Rollercoaster and Battlestar Galactica. Similar to Sensurround, the more adventurous cinemagoer can enjoy 4DX with effects that target all senses such as wind, motion, water spray, scent and lightning.
According to Nu Metro management, the water spray and mist effect has been discontinued as patrons complained about being left drenched after the movie. However, the water spray effect is used once at the start of a screening to give you a sample of the system.
Nu Metro’s 4DX cinemas feature seats that move in sync with every single scene of action on screen, driven by a sophisticated, computerised Servo motoring system in each seat (not hydraulics), allowing for realistic movement simulations; from racing a crash car to falling through the sky or drifting on the ocean.
Cinemagoers can feel the wind in their hair or blasts of air hitting them from specialised effect systems installed in front of them and be moved around in their seat to become a part of the movie itself.
4DX presents movie-goers with an absolute cinema experience and film-makers work in close conjunction with the 4DX team of innovators to encode effects that not only makes for an exciting, visceral movie joyride, but which also represents the creative vision of the film’s director and producers.
The visuals on a fully curved screen, which can accommodate 3D films, along with Dolby 7.1 surround sound, are enhanced with effects targeted to submerge the viewer in an immersive sensory experience.
However, as the film starts and the ride begins, the queasy will experience a strange sensation in their stomachs akin to getting to the top of a roller-coaster ride, just before the drop. It gets better as the movie continues.
I watched Baby Driver in 4DX and the nature of the film involving car chases lent itself well to the 4DX experience. The seats swerved, jerked and came to a braking halt, mimicking the on-screen actions of the vehicles. But it’s not for the faint-hearted or those who are averse to strobe lights. Some patrons say it detracts from enjoying the film.
All the screens at the Waterfront complex have been replaced with brand new fully curved screens, replicating the wide Cinemascope screens of years gone by, enhanced to receive the new digital images.
Sadly though, Screen 10, the flagship of the complex for many years, has been done an injustice. There is a flaw in the screening system which doesn’t allow for the film to fill the entire screen, with the image surrounded by empty black space on all four sides. This reduces the size of the projected image and, despite the audio being good, results in a disappointing viewing experience.
4DX though, in Screen 9, can be a fun experience. It does come with a huge price tag, so best choose wisely.