4D film


4D film is a presentation system combining motion pictures with synchronized physical effects that occur in the theater. Effects simulated in 4D films include motion, vibration, scent, rain, mist, bubbles, fog, smoke, wind, temperature changes, and strobe lights. Seats in 4D venues vibrate and move.
As of 2022, 4D films have been exhibited in more than 65 countries. 4D motion pictures are also exhibited in theme parks.

History

The term "4D film" is an extension of 3D film, which gives the illusion of three-dimensional solidity. Precursors of the modern 4D film presentation include Sensurround, which debuted in 1974 with the film Earthquake. Only a few films were presented in Sensurround, and Dolby Stereo replaced it in 1977, which featured extended bass frequencies and made subwoofers a common addition to cinema. Other notable efforts at pushing the boundaries of the film viewing experience include Fantasound, the first use of stereo sound; Cinemiracle and Cinerama, both widescreen formats utilizing multiple projectors; and Smell-O-Vision.
The Sensorium is regarded as the world's first commercial 4D film and was first screened in 1984 at Six Flags Power Plant in Baltimore. It was produced in partnership with Landmark Entertainment.
4DX, D-Box Technologies, and Mediamation all currently integrate 4D technology in global stadium seating multiplexes.

List of 4D presentation systems for film theaters

The following is a list of 4D presentation systems developed for traditional film theaters.
FormatDateDeveloper3D formatMotion seatEffectsRemarksNotes
4DXCJ 4D PlexStereoscopic 3Dyesmotion, vibration, scent/olfactory, water sprays, wind/air, snow, fog, strobes, lightning, bubblesCineworld, Regal Cinemas, Event Cinemas
D-BoxD-Box TechnologiesStereoscopic 3Dyesmotion, vibrationCinemark Theatres, Hoyts Cinemas
MX4DMediaMationStereoscopic 3Dyesmotion, vibration, scent/olfactory, water sprays, wind/air, snow, fog, strobes, lightning, bubblesParamount Skydance, Showcase
4D E-MotionLummaStereoscopic 3Dyesmotion, vibration, scent/olfactory, water sprays, wind/air, snow, fog, strobes, lightning, bubbles
Red RoverStereoscopic 3Dyesmotion, water sprays, wind/air, scent/olfactory, fog, strobes, bubbles,Branded as Super 4D in Lotte Cinema installations.

Selected filmography

TitleYearRelease venue/CountryNotes
The Sensorium1984Six Flags Power Plant, Baltimore, MDThe very first 4D film.
Captain EO1986Epcot, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneylandClosed in the mid-late 1990s and reopened in 2010 as a tribute to the late Michael Jackson.
Muppet*Vision 3D1991Disney's Hollywood StudiosDirected by Jim Henson.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience1994Epcot, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneylandSponsored by Kodak, closed in all locations in May 2010, and was replaced with Captain EO.
Terminator 2 3D: Battle Across Time1996Universal Studios JapanDirected by James Cameron
Pirates 4D1997SeaWorld Ohio, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Thorpe Park in the UK, Busch Gardens Tampa BayProduced by Busch Entertainment, Directed by Keith Melton.
PandaDroom2002The Efteling, NetherlandsSame film released in other parks without 4D effects
SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D2002, 2006Six Flags over Texas, Moody Gardens, Shedd Aquarium, Adventure Dome, Six Flags Great Adventure, Movie Park Germany, Adventure Aquarium, Kings Dominion,, Indianapolis Zoo, Carowinds, Camden Aquarium, Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo and other locations
Mickey's PhilharMagic2003Magic Kingdom, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure.In collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Haunted Lighthouse2003Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo
Shrek 4-D2003Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios SingaporeReleased in an anaglyph version as Shrek 3-D on DVD
Borg Invasion2004Star Trek: The Experience, at Las Vegas Hilton, USClosed in 2008, to be reopened in Neonopolis, Las Vegas
Fly Me to the Moon2008Six Flags over Texas
Journey to the Center of the Earth 4-D Adventure2008Vibrant 5D, Raipur, IndiaStone Mountain Park, Dollywood, Warner Bros. Movie World
Fly High: The Legend of Black Man2017IndiaFirst Indian 4D film; directed by Rahul Rathish Kumar
Avatar 4D2009South Korea, Hong KongIn 4DX. James Cameron, Director
London Eye 4D Experience2009London EyeProduced by Centre Screen Productions and Principal Large Format
Beyond All Boundaries2009WWII Museum, New OrleansProduced by Tom Hanks
ENERGIA The Spirit of the Earth2009Cité de l'énergie, Shawinigan Spectators are seated on a revolving platform. Features wind, snow, smoke, rain, vibration, and lighting effects.
"The Garden"2010USA pavilion at Expo 2010The eight-minute film was projected upon five 10-meter-high screens.
Marvel Super Heroes 4D2010Madame Tussauds London, Trans Studio Bandung
Rabid Rider2010Cincinnati Zoo
Shalem2011Jerusalem Time Elevator, JerusalemA 3000-year-old guide to Jerusalem's history at the Jerusalem Time Elevator, Jerusalem.
The Bourne Legacy2012MultinationalIn 4DX
Tallgrass Prairie: Tides of Time2012Flint Hills Discovery Center, Manhattan, KansasFeatures wind, snow, smoke, and lightning effects
Prometheus 2012Cinepolis Galerias Guadalajara, MexicoIn 4DX. Ridley Scott, Director
Titanic2012Multinational4DX re-release, James Cameron, Director
The Adventures of Tintin 2011Nickelodeon Resorts, Paramount Parks, North Carolina Zoo, and Alton Towers14-minute condensed version of the film.
Iron Man 32013Korona World Theatre Nagoya, Japan, Seoul, South KoreaLabeled as 4DX featuring strobe lights, tilting seats, blowing wind, fog, and odor effects.
47 Ronin2014MultinationalIn 4DX
Fury2014MultinationalIn 4DX
Interstellar2014MultinationalIn 4DX. Christopher Nolan, Director
Rio 2014San Diego Zoo, Kentucky Kingdom, North Carolina Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo12-minute condensed version of the film.
Temple Run 7D2014India9-minute ride to various Indian temples, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka, produced by Modern Techno Projects Private Ltd.
Happy FeetMultinational
Star Wars: The Force Awakens2015MultinationalIn 4DX. J.J. Abrams, Director
Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4D2015United States4D-remastered version of the 2006 short film of the same name.
Rogue One2016MultinationalIn 4DX
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice2016Seoul, Korea and New York City, New YorkLabeled as 4DX including fog, wind, motion, rain, lightning, vibrations and scents.
Pixels2016Taguig, Philippines4DX re-release including models, sprites, explosives, and bullets.
Mass Effect: New Earth 4D2016California's Great America-minute film, 60-foot screen with 4K HDR resolution, live performers, wind, water, leg pokers, neck ticklers, 80-channel surround sound.
LEGO Nexo Knights 4D: The Book of Creativity2016Legoland parks and Legoland Discovery Centre parks worldwide-minute 4D film of LEGO Nexo Knights shown at Legoland, along with The LEGO Movie 4D Produced by Alexander Lentjes for M2Film and Merlin Entertainments
Gravity2018Multinational4DX re-release, Alfonso Cuarón, Director
Life of Pi2018Multinational4DX re-release, Ang Lee, Director
19172019MultinationalIn 4DX, Sam Mendes, Director, Produced by Amblin Partners
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker2019MultinationalIn 4DX. J.J. Abrams, Director
Gemini Man2019MultinationalIn 4DX. Ang Lee, Director
The Lion King2019MultinationalIn 4DX. Jon Favreau, Director
Inception2020Multinational4DX re-release, Christopher Nolan, Director
The Matrix Resurrections2021MultinationalIn 4DX. Lana Wachowski, Director
Top Gun: Maverick2022MultinationalIn 4DX. Directed by Joseph Kosinski.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie2023MultinationalIn 4DX. Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic Directors
Tom and Jerry2022Multinational
Scoob!2023Multinational
DC League of Super-Pets2023Multinational
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol2023Multinational
Oppenheimer2023MultinationalIn 4DX. Christopher Nolan, Director
Postcard from Earth2023Sphere at the Venetian Resort, Las VegasEffects include wind, scents, and infrasound seat vibrations. Directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Godzilla Minus One2023JapanIn 4DX. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere2025Sphere at the Venetian Resort, Las VegasSpecial effects include wind, scents, and infrasound seat vibrations. Directed by Victor Fleming. Immersive version of the 1939 film.