With MX4D, seats move in sync with the action and allow moviegoers to experience the motion, jolts, pokes, wind, water and scents. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
What better way to sample the latest evolution in 4D cinema than a showing of “Deadpool & Wolverine” in Japan?
Toho Cinemas Shinjuku, where the movie opened late last month, is equipped with Motion EFX Theater, and I was not disappointed.
The venue itself is worth visiting as a cultural landmark. Toho Cinemas Shinjuku is famous for its giant Godzilla perched atop the building. The first “Godzilla” movie was produced in 1954 by the Toho Co. Inc. studios.
Godzilla welcomes moviegoers to Toho Cinemas Shinjuku in central Tokyo. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
The MX4D experience is unique. The seats move in sync with the action and allow guests to “feel” the movie’s motion, jolts, pokes, wind, water and scents.
The system was commercially introduced in 2013 with the release of “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters,” at Mexico’s Cinemex first MX4D room in Mexico City.
MX4D re-creates the environment on the screen. If the scene is a ship plowing through a fog at sea, the seats rock with the waves, and the air is wet with foggy mist and an ocean scent, according to the MX4D website.
Toho Cinemas Shinjuku provides lockers where patrons can pay 100 yen, or about 68 cents, to stow belongings they don’t want getting wet during the movie. There are also plastic bags for your popcorn.
As for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” it was as entertaining as I expected of the live-action, comic-book hero franchise. The movie made a staggering $211 million in its first weekend in North American theaters, according to studio estimates. It shattered the opening record for R-rated films previously held by the first “Deadpool,” $132 million, and got a spot in the top 10 openings of all time.
Toho Cinemas Shinjuku, where “Deadpool & Wolverine” opened late last month, is equipped with Motion EFX Theater, and you won't be disappointed. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
Toho Cinemas Shinjuku sells a lot of movie merchandise, including “Deadpool & Wolverine” keychains, towels, shirts, mugs and stickers. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
Toho Cinemas Shinjuku sells a lot of movie merchandise, including “Deadpool & Wolverine” keychains, towels, shirts, mugs and stickers. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
Toho Cinemas sells a lot of movie merchandise, including “Deadpool & Wolverine” keychains, towels, shirts, mugs and stickers.
Movie theater tickets in Japan are available through many theaters’ websites or at the theater ticket kiosk.
The movie listing will indicate whether the film is shown in Japanese, or the language in which it was filmed and subtitled in Japanese or is dubbed in Japanese. It will also indicate if the film is in standard format, IMAX, 3D or MX4D.
Theater etiquette in Japan differs a bit from the usual in America. In Japan, moviegoers may take their seats 10 minutes before showtime. In the States, some theaters open 30 to 45 minutes before the previews start.
Also, all theaters in Japan have assigned seating. And correct etiquette is to stay seated until the last credit has rolled.
Godzilla welcomes moviegoers to Toho Cinemas Shinjuku in central Tokyo. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
Toho Cinemas Shinjuku
Location: 1−19−1, Shinjuku Toho Building, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, Tokyo 160-0021
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Prices: Most tickets cost 2,000 yen for adults; 1,500 yen for college students; 1,000 yen for other students. MX4D showings cost 1,300 yen extra.
Dress: Casual
Directions: A five-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s East Exit.
Information: Online: tohotheater.jp
