CJ 4DPLEX is ramping up its presence in the Asia-Pacific region through strategic partnerships with major exhibitors Event Cinemas in Australia and Showtime Cinemas in Taiwan.
The cinema technology company, headquartered in Seoul with international offices in Los Angeles and Beijing, is part of the CJ Group conglomerate that includes CJ CGV, the world’s fifth-largest theater chain, and CJ ENM, producer of the Oscar-winning film “Parasite.”
The premium format company inked a deal with Event Cinemas to add three new 4DX locations in Australia, with Castle Hill and Innaloo venues scheduled to open before Christmas 2024. Each location will house over 120 seats equipped with motion synchronization and environmental effects. A third location at Event Cinemas Marion is set to launch in 2025, bringing Event’s total 4DX footprint in Australia to six theaters.
Daniel McCabe, general manager of cinema operations Australia for Event Cinemas, said: “With the addition of these new 4DX theaters, we’re bringing an unparalleled level of excitement and immersion to even more moviegoers across Australia.”
Jun Bang, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX, noted that “4DX offers Australian audiences a cinema experience that simply can’t be replicated at home. The combination of motion-synchronized seating and environmental effects transports audiences directly into the heart of the action – something only the big screen can deliver.”
In Taiwan, CJ 4DPLEX is introducing its Ultra 4DX format through an expanded partnership with Showtime Cinemas. The deal includes the first-ever Ultra 4DX installations in Taiwan, combining the company’s 4DX and ScreenX technologies. Two Ultra 4DX and two ScreenX theaters will debut at Showtime’s new flagship complex at the Taipei Dome in 2025, marking the first instance of dual installations of both formats in a single venue.
“Given the overwhelming success of our collaboration with CJ 4DPLEX, expanding our offerings even further with the debut of Ultra 4DX in Taiwan was the natural evolution of the partnership,” stated Showtime Group general manager Willy Liao. “CJ 4DPLEX is redefining moviegoing and we continue to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge cinematic experiences to Showtime’s audiences in truly unique ways.”
Bang added regarding the Taiwan expansion: “The launch of our Ultra 4DX and ScreenX theaters at the flagship Taipei Dome site boldly signals our impact and enthusiasm to provide premium and differentiated cinematic experiences across Asia.”
Don Savant, chief business officer at CJ 4DPLEX, highlighted the format’s success in Taiwan: “Since unveiling the first ScreenX auditorium in Taiwan earlier this year, the performance and results have been nothing short of extraordinary. ScreenX has become one of Taiwan’s leading premium formats in less than half a year.”
Regarding the Australian market, Savant noted, “Our growing partnership with EVT’s Event Cinemas allows us to deliver the groundbreaking 4DX experience to more Australian moviegoers, transforming the way audiences connect with their favorite films. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing dynamic film experiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled to see Australian audiences embrace the power of 4DX.”
The expansion reflects growing demand for premium formats in the Asia-Pacific exhibition market, where theaters are increasingly turning to specialized viewing experiences to differentiate from home entertainment options. Event Cinemas currently operates two ScreenX theaters in Australia alongside its 4DX locations, while Showtime Cinemas will host nine ScreenX, four Ultra 4DX, and one 4DX theater by the end of 2025.
CJ 4DPLEX currently operates over 790 4DX theaters across 70 countries and more than 370 ScreenX locations in 40 countries. The company’s Ultra 4DX format, which combines both technologies, is currently installed in 44 locations globally.
Pictured (L-R): Daniel McCabe, general manager – cinema operations, Australia; Don Savant, CEO, CJ 4DPLEX America, Jane Hastings CEO, managing director and executive director, EVT Ltd.
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