Is D-Box worth the extra money? 4D movies a dimension too pricey: IMAX D-BOX simulator seats not worth cost
Marilisa SachtelebenJul 22, 2015
For the full experience, theaters recommend seeing movies in 4D. But tickets are much more expensive. Most IMAX D-BOX simulator seats are not worth the extra cost. 4D movies are a dimension too pricey; 3D movies are just as enjoyable at half the price. The average cost of a movie is $8. A 3D movie is about $14. D-Box seats cost $22 each, so nearly three times the cost of regular movie tickets. Here's the cost-benefit analysis of D-Box seats.
What's D-BOX? It's a special seat in the theater that rocks, tilts and jerks to accompany the action. It's supposed to make you feel more a part of the movie. It's like a stationary roller coaster in a theater. As characters experience jolts, falls, slides and punches, you do too. Not surprisingly, D-Box seats are hugely popular with kids. But for adults, D-BOX can be downright painful! But also, ironically, D-BOX is kind of lame, for those who actually like thrill rides. There's no happy medium. D-BOX is too much excitement for some and not nearly enough for others.
The only time when D-BOX might be worth it, is if its genuine 4D, with wind, bubbles, fog or precipitation. For that, you must go to a 4D theater where all the seats feature special effects. Most IMAX theaters don't have the full 4D theater. Exceptionally action-packed disaster or superhero films or cartoons like "Minions" could arguably be worth the D-BOX price. But even then, the seats only move three ways, regardless of film. Children might enjoy the 4D experience if they've never tried it before. But once is enough. After that, it's pretty same-old. Also, if a family of four buys D-Box seats, that's $88 for one movie experience. Add popcorn and soda and you've paid well over $100 for 90 minutes of entertainment. If parents get children in the habit of always expecting to get D-BOX seats, they can prepare for bankruptcy!
If you do opt for D-BOX seats, don't forget to turn them on. People have sat through the entire movie wondering why they weren't feeling anything because they forgot to turn the simulation device on.