Edwards Boise Spectrum Puts You In The Movies With New 4DX Theater
When we first told you about Regal's plans to upgrade their Edwards 21 & IMAX to include a 4DX theater, we weren't exactly sure what to expect! After seeing Disney's Onward in 4DX this weekend, let me tell you it's something you have to try at least once!
When we walked into the auditorium, we immediately could tell that we were in for something unique. The seats were in groups of fours rather than just long rows across the theater. As soon as we sat down and put our drinks in the cup holders, we saw something on the arm rests that we'd never seen before: an illuminated button that said "Water On" or "Water Off."
Water's just part of the 4DX movie experience which Regal describes as theaters that are equipped with motion enabled chairs, which create strong vibrations and sensations, as well as other environmental controls for simulated weather or other conditions, such as lightning, rain, flashing (strobe) lights, fog and strong scents.
With Onward, you get to experience that motion from the get go. Your chairs rock side to side, making you feel like you're riding on the back of the unicorn soaring over the old world that was full of magic. After setting up the backstory, we flash forward to the current day where we meet brothers Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chis Pratt) Lightfoot. When Ian starts to prepare his breakfast, we get to experience some more 4DX effects that make it feel like the family's pet dragon is running past the back of our legs.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, the boys leave home and embark on a quest to find a Phoenix Gem to help bring back their dad who passed away when the boy's mom was pregnant with Ian. That quest includes a lot of crazy rides inside Barley's van,Guinevere and you feel that all. The bumps, the sudden turns, the wind blowing through the windows as they speed down the expressway. During scenes where things are on fire, you start to see smoke rise in the front of the auditorium and as the boys make their way down a river on a makeshift boat, you get to feel droplets of water as the boat splashes along.
It was a really cool experience and while the motion wasn't overwhelming in a children's film, I would suggest trying to skim off the top layer of your popcorn so you don't spill it when the motion kicks in!
Tickets for the experience range from $15.89-$18.29 for 4DX 2D and $19.89-$22.29 for 4DX 3D. If you're not ready to shell out that money before you experience how cool 4DX is for yourself, let us take care of your first screening! We'll be giving away pairs of 4DX movie passes during the LITE-FM Pop Quiz this week at 7:20 a.m.
Right now Onward's the only 4DX movie at Edwards Boise Spectrum, but future 4DX releases that Regal's website says their onboard for include F9, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II and Bloodshot.