UK based 4D effects theatre specialist Simworx has supplied the first ever 4D theatre attraction in New Zealand to the country’s International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch.
Related: Simworx company profile / RAF Museum London adds 4D effects theatre from Simworx
The newly opened 4D Extreme theatre currently operates with two films, one of which is shown during normal daytime opening hours and the other in the evenings for group bookings. The day time film, entitled Ice Voyage, was custom produced and takes guests on a trip to Antarctica. The high definition footage was filmed by Emmy award winning cinematographer Mike Single and it is the first 3D movie to be filmed in this part of the world.
The cruise to Antarctica provides excitement and adventure for guests, enhanced by the various 4D effects which also feature in the theatre. These include wind, snow, water spray, low smoke and aroma, along with special effects lighting and 3 DOF (degrees of freedom) motion action seats to complete the experience.
The film being shown during the evening opening period is the award winning Curse of Skull Rock, which tells the tale of the treacherous Captain Scabb and his unwitting crew as they search for the legendary lost treasure of Skull Rock. A fun, humorous, 12 minute adventure in full HD 3D projection, this again utilises the various special effects within the theatre maximise the visitor experience.
Commenting on the installation, Simworx Manag
ing Director Terry Monkton said: “We were very pleased to win the contract with the International Antarctic Centre. They researched a lot of potential suppliers for the attraction but decided to use Simworx. We took them to see our 4D effects theatres at both Drayton Manor Theme Park and The Beatles Story here in the UK, which they were very impressed with and which clearly helped in making the decision. We also used a local engineering company in Christchurch to help with the installation so the client has local, on-site support when necessary. The project is also unique in the fact that it is the first theatre we have installed which is earthquake proof.”
At the venue itself, director Richard Benton commented on the reasons behind the decision to install the theatre and noted the success of the attraction since opening, saying: “I had seen 4D theatres at attractions around the world and they had been slow to arrive in New Zealand – indeed ours is still the first one in the country. I saw it was part of the latest technology and wanted to be part of that. We chose Simworx from word of mouth and various recommendations. They are highly regarded and installed everything on time and were very professional.
“We wanted to make a film unique to us, ” he continued, “so we sent Mike Single to Antarctica to do this. It is the first 3D movie ever made in Antarctica and is amazing. Most of the other 3D/4D films I’ve seen have been animated but this is real life so features an Antarctic escapade which guests can truly relate to. It’s giving people the opportunity to feel and experience what it’s like to go to Antarctica and combining the 3D movie with all the special effects in the theatre makes them feel they’ve actually been there. The whole attraction has been received very well by all our domestic and international visitors who are thrilled by it.”
About Simworx
Simworx is the largest supplier of simulation attractions, effects theatres and experiential content for the education, entertainment and event marketing sectors worldwide. Its products include capsule simulators, motion theatres, 3D/4D effects theatres and an extensive library of live action and computer-animated content in both 2D and 3D. The company has total experience in concept design, theming, installation, training and on-going support so, whatever the requirement, Simworx can provide the complete solution.
