Seoul and Los Angeles—Dec 31, 2015
12 4DX Screens Open in Japan in December with Five Different Cinema Exhibitors
Japan Solidifies Position as Fastest-Growing Market for the Rapidly Expanding Cinema Technology Company
CJ 4DPLEX, an immersive theater technology featuring moving seats and environmental effects, opened 12 new 4DX theaters in their fastest-growing market, Japan, in December. The twelve screens were the product of partnerships with five different cinema exhibitors – AEON Cinemas, United Cinemas, 109 Cinemas, US Cinemas, Korona World. In 2015, Japanese exhibitors added 25 screens, bringing the total number being operated in the country to 33. 4DX has seen remarkable growth increasing he number of theaters over 4 times in comparison with 8 sites installed in 2014. Attendance is also up over 3 times compared to the previous year.
United Cinemas – which has seen successful performance of its first 4DX theater, United Cinema Toyosu, since its launch in 2014. The theater had an average occupancy rate of 60% in 2015. Furthermore, 4DX screen at the United Cinemas Toyosu recorded a much higher occupancy rate in comparison with non 4DX screens such as 2D, 3D in Japan. For example, ‘Big Hero 6’, the first 4DX title at the site, generated 45% higher rate than non 4DX and ‘MAD MAX: FURY ROAD’, ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ also recorded over 50% -higher than non-4DX through all screening weeks.
Followed by the amazing opening performance, United Cinemas rolled out additional 4DX theatres, with 3 sites (Maebashi, Sapporo, Kasukabe) opening in July, and 7 sites (Nigata, Toshimaen, Iruma, Mito, Hirakata, Canal City, and Kashihara theaters) were added in December. Backed by strong performances from 4DX sites and a rapidly increasing the number of 4DX screens, United Cinemas is the largest operator of 4DX screens in Japan with 11 sites.
Among their seven 4DX theaters, United Cinema Canal City 13 brought 4DX to Fukuoka for the first time. United Cinemas Canal City 13 invited major media outlets and held a showcase event, screening 4DX trailers at the opening ceremony on December 16.
Since last week, ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ has been showing at 33 4DX theatres in Japan and has demonstrated a ground-breaking performance, generating more than 85% occupancy rate during its opening week. Even more, United Cinemas recorded occupancy rate of almost 100% with ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ in the first screening weekend.
“It is a great honor to open 4DX at Canal City, such a landmark of this area, a large shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka. With this opening, United Cinemas will solidify its position as the largest 4DX exhibitor, delivering this unprecedentedly immersive experience to more Japanese moviegoers by operating 11 4DX theaters of total 33 sites in Japan.” said Byung-Hwan Choi, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX.”
4DX recently added a 4DX theater in Minatomirai, Yokohama, through their partnership with AEON Cinemas, the largest cinema exhibitor in Japan. They opened first 4DX screen in Shijonawate.109 Cinemas is currently operating 3 4DX theaters, adding one more 4DX theater in Sano to the first site 109 Cinemas Tomiya and the second site 109 Cinemas Osaka Expo. With new sites opening, US Cinemas becomes the first exhibitor to operate a 4DX screen at every one of its locations, adding two sites that opened in December in Tsukuba and Inashiki. Korona World Cinema rolled out the new 4DX site in Kanazawa currently operates 8 4DX sites, including 7 existing 4DX locations.
Based on the remarkable performance, roll outs of five different cinema exhibitors will mark the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship between CJ 4DPLEX and multiplex companies. Powered by the solid relationship with the Japanese partners in the future, 4DX’s immersive cinema technology is expecting to expand its reach throughout Japan.
