While clicking on ‘Book tickets’ on BookMyShow, you would have come across the below pop-up that asks you to select the language and format in which you want to watch the movie.
To be sure, you will always see 2D as an option. 3D also appears frequently, although not as frequently as 2D. However, it is rare to see 4DX in the options. Obviously, languages options depend on whether the movies have been dubbed in multiple languages. However, what is 4DX movie exactly? Let us find out its meaning, features, seating, pricing and much more.
By the way, looking at the above snapshot, if you are wondering what is MX4D, we have a detailed article published on it. Give it a read. Back to 4DX…
What is 4DX Theater?
4DX is a theater technology developed by a South Korean cinema chain CJ CGV’s subsidiary CJ 4DPlex. It is based on a next-generation four-dimensional technology that goes beyond the screen and sound-based effects to provide a super-immersive movie-watching experience to the viewers.
So what does it include? It is powered by what is called ‘practical effects’, i.e. motion in seats, simulated snow/rain/fog, scents, lightning, wind, etc. 4DX movies are combined with either 3D (with glasses) or 2D (without glasses).
CJ had introduced this technology commercially in 2009. Hence, the technology is over a decade old. It has licensed this technology to almost all major cinema chains of the world. Currently, it is present in over 60 countries and close to 700 theaters. In India, PVR and Cinepolis have licensed this.
4DX Theater Features
The whole idea behind the creation of this technology to make the viewers feel that they are actually a part of the plot. Hence, a 4DX theater has the following features:
- Moving seats (up and down; left and right; forward and backward)
- Leg tickler
- Back vibration
- Face air
- Water sprinkler
- Scent
- Bubble
- Fog
- Wind
- Rain
- Lightning
Have a look at the video below to understand how all these features are activated in a 4DX movie:
4DX movies can be combined with 3D if the movie supports and it can be watched with glasses on. Otherwise, movies can be watched in 2D as well.
What is the seating capacity in a 4DX theater?
A typical 4DX theater has approximately 75 seats. 4 seats combined form one block as you would have seen in the above video. The seats are divided in 6 to 7 rows and two sections. One which is closer to the screen and other that is slightly farther.
How much does a 4DX ticket cost?
A 4DX movie ticket costs about 2 times that of a normal ticket, i.e. the price per ticket is around ₹400-450.
What is the difference between 4DX and MX4D?
Honestly, there isn’t any difference between the two. The features, seating capacity in a cinema hall, ticket price is primarily the same. People have written online that 4DX feels more like a ride and hence provided a better, immersive experience. However, in absence of anything concrete, it is best to try 4DX and MX4D both and decide which one is better.
How many 4DX theatres are there in India?
As of now, there are a total of 14 4DX theatres in India. 9 of PVR and 5 of Cinepolis.
PVR’s 9 screens are in 9 different cities, namely Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Gurgaon, Ahmedabad, Noida and Indore.
While Cinepolis’ 5 screens are in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Saket and Delhi.
We have also written about other theatre technologies. Read about them before you experience them!
1. An ultimate 7-star experience with INOX Insignia
2. A playful theatre for kids PVR Playhouse or INOX Kiddles
3. Watch a movie on a curved screen with PVR’s PXL Screen
4. A breakthrough 4D experience with MX4D Theatre
5. A next-gen immersive experience with IMAX with Laser
6. Experience super luxury with PVR LUXE