CJ 4DPLEX, a mouthful, but also the leading producer worldwide of premium film formats, and Cinépolis, will open or upgrade 50 cinemas across the giant exhibitor’s global network of 18 countries.
The new agreement, which expands a current deal, includes 30 new ScreenX auditoriums in key Cinépolis locations across Mexico, Central and South America, and Spain, as well as upgrading 20 existing 4DX locations in Mexico. CJ 4DPLEX and Cinépolis, the third largest exhibitor in the world, launched the first 4DX cinemas in 2011 in Mexico.
Cinépolis currently operates six ScreenX auditoriums, 55 4DX locations and the only Ultra 4DX theater in the Americas.
The partnership brings CJ 4DPLEX’s total premium screen count to nearly 1,300 locations worldwide. The company is on the move as theatergoers post-Covid have needed an extra jolt to pry them off their couches and premium tickets including Imax have commanded a disproportionate percentage of total box office on some of the biggest films.
A primer: ScreenX is a multi-projection cinema technology with an immersive 270-degree panoramic viewing experience – meaning it extends select scenes onto the left and right walls of the auditorium, placing the audience at the center of the film. The new ScreenX theaters will feature luxury recliner seating, Barco laser and immersive audio. There are currently 430+ ScreenX auditoriums in 40 countries.
4DX provides a in-seat “multisensory cinematic presentation” with motion, vibration, wind, lightning, scents and other special effects (over 21), optimized by a team of skilled editors, that enhance the on-screen visuals. There are over 780 4DX auditoriums in 70 countries.
Upcoming titles in ScreenX and 4DX include Warner Bros.’ F1, Universal Pictures’ Jurassic World Rebirth, Warner Bros.’ Superman, and Marvel Studio’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Seoul-based CJ 4DPLEX with offices in LA and Beijing is a part of the CJ Group conglomerate that also includes entertainment powerhouses CJ CGV, the fifth largest theater chain in the world, and CJ Entertainment & Media, the producer behind Parasite.
“Ever since Cinépolis launched the first 4DX cinema at Cinépolis Acoxpa, we knew the future of cinema had arrived. Now, this new chapter alongside CJ 4DPLEX reflects our commitment to continuously enhancing the cinematic experience through innovation. With SCREENX and 4DX, we are offering formats that place audiences at the center of the story, reinforcing our mission to deliver extraordinary moviegoing moments across every region we serve,” said Cinépolis CEO Miguel Mier.
“Cinépolis was our first strategic partner outside of CGV as they rolled out 4DX auditoriums to the marketplace in early 2010’s,” noted Jun Bang, CEO, CJ 4DPLEX.
“Cinépolis has consistently led the way in exhibitor innovation, introducing bold and exciting concepts which cannot be replicated at home, including the only Ultra 4DX in the Americas,” said Don Savant, CEO, CJ 4DPLEX Americas. “Our theatres in partnership with Cinépolis have performed extremely well and we’re looking forward to offer moviegoers the chance to experience the super-premium 4DX and SCREENX cinematic formats.”