ALADDIN is a really fun way to experience Disney’s newest live-action animation reboot and in 4DX, you ain’t never had a viewing like this!
In the goal of stepping beyond just high-def / 3D, the format of 4DX continues to be a fun way to experience new movies in the theater. Sure, the idea of a 3D movie paired with special in-theater effects is not exactly a new concept but pairing it with a fun pop-corn flick like the reboot of ALADDIN seemed like a no brainer.
Short of a safety spiel and a lap bar, the 4DX experience is a theme park attraction in its own right. On first glance, it doesn’t seem entirely different than what you’re used to in a modern cineplex but these plush comfy sweats offer more than meets the eye with a wide range of motion and also the ability to vibrate.
Despite feeling a little gimmicky at times, the motion in the seats is still a star player here. Its use is most poignant in the musical numbers where Genie works his magic. “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali” in particular are two show-stoppers and if the songs themselves don’t get you bopping, the movement of your seats certainly will. Being forced to basically dance (or sway and rock) along with the songs, you’re forced into the fun like that boisterous friend that makes get on the dance floor.
One really fun use of the effect was at the beginning aboard a boat where the seats rock gently to simulate the gentle bobbing of water craft.
But moving seats aren’t the only effect here; this is a multi-sensory experience that can include gusts of wind while flying over Agrabah; sprinkles of water while soaring, tumbling, freewheeling past waterfalls; snowfall flurries at the ends of the Earth; and blasts of smoke/fog summoned from a genie’s lamp. Plus, although we didn’t notice their usage for this picture, 4DX theaters are typically also equipped to deliver additional effects including scents, hot hair, strobe flashes, and bubbles.
You might have seen a ScreenX mega widescreen presentation or noshed on over-priced eats in a dine-in theater, but if you haven’t experienced a 4DX format picture before, you’re truly missing out on a really fun way to enjoy blockbuster movies.
ALADDIN is now playing in theaters in several formats including 4DX which you can learn more about here.
