4DX cinema to launch in Cape Town

Nu Metro Cinemas signed an agreement with ACJ 4DPLEX, creator of 4DX earlier this year - the world's first 4D cinema technology for feature films - a partnership that will for the first time bring 4DX to Africa. 4DX, which uses motion, vibration, water, wind, lightning, scents, and more, to provide movie-goers with a truly immersive experience, has been expanding at a fast pace and, with this deal, will be available in 182 auditoriums across 34 countries, with a goal to reach 300 auditoriums by the first half of 2016.

"Nu Metro Cinemas is very excited to open the first ever 4DX cinema for Africa. It is a strategic move, fitting our commitment to supplying customers with a fully immersive cinema experience, utilising the best, most up-to-date world-class technology," stated Nitesh Matai, newly appointed GM of Nu Metro Cinemas. "4DX fulfils those expectations as the new 4D cinemas will involve all five senses for consumers to enjoy a cinema outing like nothing else they've seen, heard, or felt before. With the introduction of 4DX, Nu Metro Cinemas now joins an elite group of cinema chains using this technology, and showcasing popular blockbusters in this ground-breaking format."

"4DX continues to out-deliver non-4D feature film performances around the world, as it expands into new markets, and now to its fifth continent," said Byung Hwan Choi, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX. "Nu Metro Cinemas has recently been adding new features and expanding its reach, and we look forward to working with them as both companies continue to grow."

Seoul training

Nu Metro's head of technical was sent to Seoul for three weeks specifically to train for certified status to manage the installation of 4DX technology locally. A current cinema at Nu Metro V&A Waterfront is in the final stages of conversion to 4DX. The cinema's catering, box office and Scene VIP areas have also been renovated and upgraded during this process. Nu Metro The Pavilion in Durban has been earmarked for the 4DX upgrade during the first quarter of 2016, with other sites to follow nationally.

The films screened in 4DX will be in HD/2D and Digital 3D on a silver curved wall-to-wall screen (9,7m wide x 5.2m high). Its audio system has been upgraded to a Dolby CP750 with 7.1 full surround sound. The Barco projector used in the cinema now also uses an upgraded lamp for brighter picture in both 2D and 3D.

"We had to install a complete new steel floor structure to be able to handle the 0.3G-force the unit moves with; as well as water, air and scent lines. The complete system uses 24 computers (one in each of the 21 seats, motion PC, monitor PC and screen server). The 'force' utilises Servo motors and transducers, and not hydraulics, making the movement much smoother and more active. South Africa is in for a total new way of watching movies," explained Johan van Staden, Nu Metro Cinemas: head of technical.

Additional features recently introduced by Nu Metro Cinemas include Scene Xtreme - which features Dolby Atmos/Auro 11.1 sound, RealD's new PWS screens, world-class digital 3D technology as well as 4K Ultra High Definition projection - and Scene VIP - adding luxurious, recliner seating, a VIP lounge/bar and an à la carte menu to the cinema experience at select locations.