4DX and Screen X Give IMAX Angst

 

ScreenX with panoramic viewing

Admissions for 4DX and ScreenX-equipped movie auditoriums were up, a whopping 47% for the first six months of 2025 as compared to 2024. This compares to the North American box office gross, which was up 18%.

CJ-4Dplex, the Korean company behind the 4DX and ScreenX systems, is now poised to expand. "This demonstrates the growing popularity of unique theatrical formats", says CJ-4DPlex CEO Don Savant.

A 4DX-equipped auditorium boasts motion-synchronized seating, smoke machines, and powerful fans and water misters to simulate storm scenes. While Screen X auditoriums use multiple screens to expand a film's image to panoramic viewing.

Worldwide, there are 435 ScreenX locations and 775 4DX installations.

"Consumers are clearly seeking experiences that cannot be duplicated in their homes or even at mainstream cinemas, including IMAX theatres. Moviegoing is evolving and premier formats like 4XD and ScreenX are leading the way", states Don Savant.

'How To Train Your Dragon' was a 4DX release and grossed over $81,000 per screen. While 'F1' earned $57 million in only 65 4DX auditoriums.

ScreenX beats the IMAX on-screen image in terms of size and scope

IMAX, once alone in the premium movie viewing arena, now faces competition and has recently touted that 2025 will be a record year for them as well.

By: Jim Lavorato