Want to be in the movies? They won’t quite make you a star of the silver screen, but a new
range of cutting-edge Tokyo cinemas can get you pretty close. These movie houses are
utilising the latest in MX4D (a film presentation system with augmented environmental effects) technology to break down the conventional ‘fourth wall’, the boundary separating the audience from the action, making the experience feel more immersive than ever before. Think moving seats and blasting air-jets synchronised to the onscreen action, 270-degree panoramic screens and cutting-edge Meyer Sound speakers – you’ll almost believe you’ve stepped into the film you’re watching.
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For movies with a 270-degree view
In addition to its 4DX theatres, United Cinemas Aqua City Odaiba also has a cinema equipped with the first ScreenX in Japan. It sees the films projected not only on the front screen, but also, depending on the scene, onto the side walls, spanning 270 degrees around the room. The surround visuals can really offer a heightened sense of realism.
For the best acoustics in Japan
The acoustics obsessives at Tachikawa Cinema City regularly hold ‘explosive’ and ’exquisite’ sound screenings, where films are screened at an exceedingly loud volume to allow audio aficionados to revel in the crisp and realistic sound quality and its impact on the onscreen action. An example of their attention to detail: sound engineers specially tune the Meyer Sound speakers for every screening to make the movie on show sound as good as possible.
For a screening that feels like a theme-park ride
Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills features both MX4D and TCX (Toho Cinemas’ extra-large screen) theatres. The former provides a ‘4D’ immersive experience, where you’ll ‘feel’ the onscreen action through the motion seats and sensory effects including wind, mist and scents. TCX, on the other hand, sees large screens extend far and wide, stretching from wall to wall.
For a fully immersive experience
With 12 screens and more than 1,750 seats, this vast cinema in Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu is unlikely to turn you away due to lack of space. The complex features theatres with fully digital cutting-edge cinema systems and 4DX augmented motion picture technology. With 4DX, you’ll feel the impact of the film to its fullest extent, with rain pouring, wind blowing, storm lighting and even bubbles floating inside the hall, depending on what’s onscreen. You’ll be surprised at how realistic the water effects can get.
For a luxurious movie night
This premium cinema seeks to provide viewers with a luxe experience – think a giant TCX screen that occupies an entire wall, a custom-made speaker system, and cushy leather seats that you won’t want to get out of. Located in the flashy Hibiya district with views of the Hibiya Park, and boasting 13 screens and about 3,000 super comfortable seats, this is certainly a top-of-the-line cinema.
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