My First Experience In A 4Dx Cinema

On the drop down menu of the movie listing, it said Black & White: The Dawn Of Justice 4Dx 3D. So I'm guessing not all 4Dx shows are 3D.

Although, I must say, having never experienced a 4Dx movie before, and for the first time I was looking through the Taipei Vieshow Cinemas' website, I was a bit confused when it said 4Dx 3D.

The seating arrangements were in short, spacious segments. Each segment has 4 chairs - exactly like roller coaster seating arrangements. Short and spacious because the entire segment or row had to move back and forth.

On each chair there were also a few contraptions on the back of the seat that protrudes outward just enough to make a small impact on your back. Nothing dangerous but a potential irritant.

These chairs' movements will coincide the action onscreen, moving back and forth, jerking left and right; trying hard to make you feel that you are part of movie but to no avail. But I guess this is the most fun part of the experience where it's like riding a very mild version of the Universal Studio's Transformers 4Dx ride in Singapore.

This is also why there's a warning sign saying that you shouldn't bring in hot drinks into this cinema.

On the seat in front of yours, I think that's where it is, there's a spray nozzle to shoot out a little bit of water. And on each side of your headrest, there's another nozzle that shoots out air. Now this is the most irritating thing about the 4Dx experience. It's irritating because it hits the back of your ear and it's not really a nice feeling. So every time something happens onscreen, I'm anticipating for that burst of air to shoot out and I want to avoid it.

The cinema is also equipped with some lighting that can act as lightning. There's also a smoke machine right in front of the screen that imitates black smoke - perfect for explosions.

And finally, there's this mildly unpleasant scent that comes out every time there's an explosion or heavy gunfire.

I paid about SGD 25.00 for the ticket. All in all, it was an interesting experience. Some things I could have done without, the jerky chairs were fun - but if I had to sit through 3 hours on those things I don't think I would have enjoyed the movie though.

Will I go into one again? Not any time soon if I had that choice. Granted that only big, action blockbusters like Black & White will come with the 4Dx experience, but I think watching animated movies, and only animated movies, would be most suitable.