Fly like a Jedi: 4DX cinema experience now in Kinepolis

Kinepolis in Brussels launched its 4DX cinema experience today with a screening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The launch was an invitation-only event, but tomorrow the 4DX film opens to the public in Brussels and Antwerp.

4DX brings the audience into the action on screen with seats that move in a number of different ways and other effects, like wind in your hair, quick temperature changes, odours, special lighting and mist. Even mists of water can be sprayed on visitors (though the effect can be turned off on all seats if desired).

All of the effects are synchronised with what’s happening onscreen. For The Last Jedi, for instance, viewers’ seats will move like those of the Jedi fighters in the movie.

4DX editors programme the effects, and it’s becoming more popular: In 2016, 105 films were programmed with 4DX. It can be programmed for both 2D and 3D movies and is mostly used in the action, horror and science fiction genres.

“Kinepolis has always been a frontrunner in the field of innovative technologies that make the cinema experience more intense,” said Kinepolis CEO Eddy Dequenne. “Cinema is about experiencing emotions together, and 4DX intensifies that experience. The service fits in with our diverse offer, with which we want to reach as many target groups as possible.”

Antwerp also has a 4DX cinema. No more are planned for Belgium for the immediate future, but an opening is planned in Madrid later this month and in Lomme, France, early next year. Tickets to the new experience cost €17.65. Kids have to be older than three and at least one metre tall.