Koreans get the best of everything: Avatar in 4D

A few years ago, seeing a movie marketed with the characters “3D” screamed “gimmick”. After Avatar however, the movie studios are scrambling to match Avatars success, especially with that impressive $2 billion+ box office. I’m positive that as studios try to cash in on the 3D mania, we consumers are merely along for the ride and subject to countless craptastic movies with 3D slapped on to earn an extra buck. Such is the world in which we live.

Korea however has one upped us and the countries most famous movie in recent memory by adding another number: Avatar 4D. What exactly would constitute a 4D movie? Besides surround sound and 3D visual effects, Avatar 4D features added effects such as moving seats, laser lights and/or wind, and a host of other more “physical” features to immerse viewers into the film even more. For Avatar, CJ-CGV (the company that owns and runs the several 4D Plexes showing Avatar 4D in Korea) uses a total of 30 different “real-life” effects in order to rationalize the upgrade to 4D.

Avatar 4D isn’t the companies first venture into 4D. Beginning last year, CJ-CGV kicked things off with “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in a single 88-seat theater. With Avatar’s success, the company was able to expand. Over the last year, a total of 10 4D films have been released for public consumption in Korea across several more theaters.

It’s a pretty neat concept and one that I wouldn’t mind dropping a few extra bills for to experience at least once. Speaking of money, a standard ticket for Avatar 3D will set you back roughly $15.80 USD. Ya, I’ll have to set aside a few extra bills for the experience. But hey, you only live once. If it’s put together well and performs as well as the company claims, I think it would be worth the added cash.

I’m a simple human. I like to be entertained. Is $15.80 too much for a movie ticket regardless of price? I just wish I even had the choice of seeing a 4D movie close to home. Don’t you? Leave your thoughts below.

CrunchGear > Variety

Psyko 5.1 Surround Sound Headphones…Literally!

Because headphones with just two speakers are junk and outdated, Psyko Audio has decided to up the ante quite a bit with their Psyko 5.1 headphones.  These rather interestingly designed headphones don’t have just two speakers, but a whole slew of them, surrounding your head.  They’re not kidding when the say surround sound!  Apparently they have won some awards.  I wonder if most radical design was one of them?  Regardless, I can’t say I wouldn’t buy them if I liked how they sounded, however no matter how good their marketing is, I see them as a bit gimmicky.  Besides the gimmicky part it will cost you $300 in order to get full surround sound headphones.  Maybe if you lived in an apartment and wanted to blare movies at least you have a safe alternative without having to worry about having your neighbors or land lord knocking on the door.  Even though they do look cool and unique, I would say try before you buy!

Source: Crunch Gear , Psyko Audio