SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — It used to be the bigger the movie screen, the more immersive the experience. From standard screens rose IMAX and surround sound.
Now, theaters are deploying a new trick that seems right up their alley: Special effects.
Multi-sensory effects were rolled out to several Regal cinemas this month, including the Regal Mira Mesa theater. The 4DX screen was introduced with a special screening of the latest "Avengers" flick.
While San Diego is no stranger to 4DX (there's already a 4DX screen at Cinepolis Vista), it remains an underused technology in the theater-going experience.
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Here's how the technology works. Specially created seating mimics the thrill of movies with pacing of action or the environment onscreen using a combination of fans installed in ceilings and behind seats, and remote units in seats.
Effects like wind, fog, rain, lightning, snow, bubbles, vibrations, and scents can all be replicated through chairs — so if there's a rainy moment or fire onscreen, viewers feel as though they're there.
The technology takes the action on the big screen and puts the viewer right in the film as it's happening.
“We are truly excited to expand our partnership with CJ 4DPLEX with these new 4DX locations,” said Ken Thewes, CMO at Regal, said in a release. “We’re always looking for innovative technologies to engage our audiences and the expansion of 4DX offers our guests all around the U.S. an incredibly immersive moviegoing experience that we know they will love and can only get at Regal theaters. Avengers: Endgame will be an incredibly fitting experience to open these new theaters, and we look forward to the next round of openings for 2019.”
To check out what films are available in 4DX at Regal Mira Mesa, visit their website and select "4DX" under the screen type menu.
