Buckle up and swing into Japan’s 4DX cinema experience - Alo Japan

109 Cinemas Grandberry Park (Photo by Camryn Rosa/Stripes Japan)

Editor’s Note: Camryn Rosa is a senior at Zama Middle High School in Camp Zama. If you or someone you know would like to contribute your story to Stripes Japan, let us know at japan@stripes.com!

Japan’s 4DX cinemas have become more than just a mere afternoon of enjoyment, it is an experience like no other. Crowds form— you’d think it’s for an amusement park—with excited moviegoers ready for a memorable time.

After a long couple of months in the United States, I was itching to do something where you could say, “only in Japan.” With multiple mainstream movies hitting the box office recently, it only felt right to go see “Spiderman: Brand New Day” in 4DX at 109 Cinemas Grandberry Park.

The theater lobby has the same aroma of buttery popcorn we’re used to in the States, but it also has a section selling merchandise like keychains and plastic folders from all the latest movie releases, including “Minions versus Monsters,” “Chikawa” and “Michael.”

The theater is about a 30-minute drive from Camp Zama and offers new releases in standard, IMAX and 4DX formats. While the standard experience brings its own uniqueness, IMAX and 4D offer more immersive viewing at premium prices.

Adult ticket prices at 109 Cinema start at 2,200 yen (about $14.30) for general admission. IMAX tickets are 2,900 yen, 4DX are 3,200 yen and ULTRA 4DX go for 3,700 yen. TIP: Don’t miss special theater discounts for students: General admission was 1,100 yen just by showing a school ID, but depending on the student’s grade, discounts may vary. Check the theater website for more.

IMAX vs. 4DX vs. ULTRA 4DX

IMAX delivers audience members sharper, higher contrast laser projection in addition to a 12-channel sound system, creating a booming quality of life-like audio. Meanwhile, 4DX provides immersive environmental elements like wind and water, along with seat movements, and ULTRA 4DX includes all the elements, plus a panoramic 270-degree screen, which is the reason for the 500-yen difference between regular 4DX and ULTRA.

The audience for 4DX is immersed in a high energy environment where all the wind, water and movement are shared amongst laughs, gasps and maybe even tears.

The movie-going experience

(Photo by Camryn Rosa/Stripes Japan)

Arriving early was extremely helpful for not feeling rushed and enjoying the pre-show environment. Walking around Grandberry’s outdoor shopping center is enjoyable, but the theater is a great place for a break that allows you to get off your feet and catch a flick.

After admission tickets are scanned, moviegoers are then led to lockers to store their belongings. Staff members were also handing out plastic covers for food and drinks, a practical gesture given the water element and vigorous movements throughout the showing.

Interestingly enough, a majority of the audience purchased concessions despite being faced with challenges throughout the movie. The person next to me did attempt to grab some popcorn during the big action sequence, which was no easy feat as the seats were jolting back and forth. Let’s just say, eating is not as mindless compared to normal viewing. Personally, to limit distractions, I would advise avoiding getting food, but for first timers who want the WHOLE Japanese theater experience, go for it!

After the typical ads and trailers, lights dimmed and the excitement set in, but not before a curated list of rules played in a creative anime-style video engaging viewers. In addition, mini previews featured a plane crash and boat simulation, getting newbies familiar with the experience. High energy trailers continued after, including “The End of Oak Street,” a dinosaur-filled spectacle that hinted at how 4DX amplifies action-packed movies.

A part of the action

As soon as the movie title appeared on the screen, the entire theater came alive. Though the immersion elements and movements were used sparingly, the majority occurred during tense battle scenes. Seats shook and tilted like a mini rollercoaster, water misted across faces during rain scenes, and combat hits were timed precisely as punches in the back of the chair. Despite the sensory chaos, all audience members remained quiet and respectful, thoroughly enjoying the movie all the way till the post-credit screen.

Japan’s 4DX theater succeeds because of the balance between effects and enjoyment. The special elements that bring this simulation to life are used to enhance the film rather than overwhelm. For action films like “Spiderman: Brand New Day,” which is preferably best to see in 4DX, the format doesn’t just show the story, it throws viewers directly into the scenes.