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- A Wild Ride at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills (MX4D)
A Wild Ride at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills (MX4D)
November 11, 2015
I got the chance to try out the new and exciting MX4D theater experience.
In the MX4D theater, the seat moves up and down, forwards and backwards, and side to side, even releases scents, blasts of wind and water, and various other effects. With a 3D movie you will truly feel as if you are in the action.
Living in the Azabu area, the cinema at Roppongi Hills tends to be where I watch most of the films I see in the theater. One time when I went there this summer, I noticed that some renovations had been done to some of the screens, adding some rows of premium seating. Then, before the previews started to play, a commercial on the screen advertised a new MX4D theater experience. I was immediately intrigued and knew I wanted to try it out for myself as soon as possible.
Currently there are only three MX4D screens in Japan, so tickets sell out extremely quickly. I got lucky and managed to score a pair of seats to a showing of Jurassic World, which turned out to be the perfect film to see in 4D.
So what is MX4D? It is described as an "immersive" cinema experience by MediaMation, the company that makes it. I would describe it as something similar to a roller coaster ride that lasts for two hours. In addition to moving up and down, forwards and backwards, and side to side, the specially designed seats also release scents, blasts of wind and water, leg and neck ticklers, back pokers, and various other effects. Fog and strobe lights from the theater itself complete the experience.
I don't want to spoil anyone's experience by giving too much away, but the various 4D effects are so well timed and integrate so seamlessly with the 3D effects that it almost really does feel as if you are in the movie yourself. It was so exhilarating that my heartrate didn't slow to a normal pace until well after I had left the theater. All I can say is, if you have the chance, try it! I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Kelly