STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER concludes a saga that’s been more than 40 years in the making and now if you’re looking to really FEEL the Force you have your chance! The film is now playing in 4DX format in theaters across the country delivering an unparalleled way to enjoy the latest venture from Lucasfilm. We were given the opportunity to attend as part of a press preview and were ready to become one with the Force for this special opportunity.
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER sends us on an adventure to the farthest reaches of the Galaxy and having that voyage accentuated by 4DX is an adventure into itself.
Sensory overload is one way to describe 4DX screenings and for this film, the first sensory effect is actually one you’re probably already familiar with: 3D! Don your glasses and hold on tight this ride is gonna get bumpy!
We say it over and again that short of a safety spiel and a lap bar, the 4DX screening is practically a theme park experience 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 seats offer more than meets the eye with a wide range of motion and also the ability to vibrate.
From epic space battles to daring lightsaber duels, you’ll really FEEL the film quite a bit thanks to the motion-enabled seats. We’re always impressed with how they find ways to immerse you with the movements and standout effects. For instance, joining a rickety old desert transport ship felt oddly authentic as it bobbed and rocked, hit rocks and speed bumps, and moved through the rough terrain. You really feel like you’re THERE; it was super impressive, synched to movement on screen. Other standout uses included feeling the seat vibrate with the Force and even more simply to really feel the rhythmic thud of Strormtroopers marching in sync with each other. Really awesome stuff but for those who are prone to motion sickness, this 2 hour and 22 minute voyage might push your senses to the limits.
Moving seats aren’t the only effect to make this adventure special. This is a multi-sensory experience that can include gusts of wind as you speed around the various planets in the galaxy; sprinkles of water as we battle the waves on the ocean moon of Kef Bir; puffs of smoke/fog to highlight the devastating battles and explosions; and strobe effects to accentuate the lightning strikes at the Sith Temple of Exegol.
Plus, although we didn’t notice their usage for this picture at our screening, 4DX theaters are typically also equipped to deliver additional effects including snow, bubbles, scent effects, hot air, and seat pokers.
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.
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is playing now in theaters and is available several formats including 4DX which you can learn more about here.
