Johannesburg will get its first 4DX cinema this spring, Nu Metro said in a statement on Wednesday.
4DX uses motion, vibration, water, wind, lighting, scents and more to provide moviegoers with an immersive experience.
It’s the third 4DX theatre to be launched in South Africa – Nu Metro has already opened 4DX cinemas in Cape Town (at the V&A Waterfront) and in Durban (at The Pavilion in Westville).
Nu Metro Cinemas signed an agreement with CJ 4DPLEX, creator of 4DX, last year to bring the technology to South Africa.
“An extensive upgrade and renovation process is currently underway at our Hyde Park Cineplex,” said Nu Metro Cinemas GM Nitesh Matai in the statement.
All cinemas’ equipment at Hyde Park will be upgraded to the latest sound, projection and screen technology, Matai said. The company will also install luxurious recliner seating, newly styled interior décor and carpeted flooring.
Nu Metro’s head of technical services was sent to Seoul for three weeks last year to train for certified status to manage the installation of 4DX technology locally.
A current cinema at Nu Metro Hyde Park is being converted to 4DX.
The films screened in 4DX are projected in HD/2D and digital 3D on a silver curved wall-to-wall screen. The audio system is being upgraded to a Dolby CP750 with 7.1 surround sound. The Barco projector used in the cinema will now also use an upgraded lamp for brighter picture in both 2D and 3D, Nu Metro explained.
“We are installing a complete new steel floor structure in the 4DX cinema to be able to handle the 0,3G-force the unit moves with; as well as water, air and scent lines,” said Matai.
The complete system uses 24 computers (one in each of the 21-seat pods plus motion PC, monitor PC and screen server).
The “force” system utilises Servo motors and transducers, and not hydraulics, making the movement much smoother and more active, Nu Metro said. — © 2016 NewsCentral Media
