Movie audiences around the globe seeking a more immersive viewing experience can look forward to more theaters supporting 4Dx in wake of a record-breaking year for the new format.
CJ 4DPlex, the world’s first 4D cinema company, announced Monday it plans to expand by growing its market in Japan and China to reach 33 and 53 total sites, respectively, by the end of the year, while more screens will be opening in the U.K. and Switzerland this month. The company previously announced U.S. debuts in Chicago and New York.
The announcement comes after movies screened in 4DX grossed $150 million at the box office, and reached a record 10 million moviegoers around the world in 2015, with two months still to go.
4DX currently reaches 215 auditoriums and 35 countries, up from 128 auditoriums in 28 countries in 2014.
Expansion of these theaters has been driven in key regions around the world, including Japan, which opened its first 4DX auditorium in 2013, expanding 8 sites in 2014 and now will reach 33 sites in the country. Additionally, over the past two years, Japanese attendance has increased from 72,000 to 780,000.
China debuted 4DX in 2010 and now has 41 4DX auditoriums. In Europe, the first 4DX theatre opened in the United Kingdom for January’s premiere of “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” which also was the first movie to be screened in 4DX in Switzerland earlier this year.
4DX theaters throughout the world now have the capacity to accommodate more than 40 million moviegoers per year.
“Our business has accelerated expansion in global markets, increasing 4DX seats 28 fold and grown the number of 4DX sites 17 fold, from 2009 when 4DX debuted, to 2015,” said Byung Hwan Choi, CEO of CJ 4DPlex. “There is high demand from moviegoers, represented by high occupancy rates, and this has translated in to strong partnerships with global theatre exhibitors. Like experiencing a film in 4DX, the future of this format is incredibly promising.”
Overall, the company aims to reach 300 4DX theaters by the first half of 2016.
CJ 4DPlex is headquartered in Seoul with international offices in Los Angeles and Beijing. The company has created 4DX, the first and leading 4D cinema technology for feature films which provides moviegoers with an immersive cinematic experience that utilizes all sense, allowing audiences to connect by motion, vibration, water, wind, lightning, scents and other special effects.