News Summary
Cinemark’s Huntsville theater has introduced D-Box technology to enhance the movie-watching experience this summer. These specialized seats synchronize movement with on-screen action, offering audiences an immersive viewing experience. With the ability to deliver numerous haptic effects, the D-Box seats cater to varied preferences and have received positive feedback from moviegoers. Films showcased include ‘Megan 2.0,’ ‘Jurassic World Rebirth,’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ Tickets for D-Box screenings come at a slight premium, but critics and viewers alike note their ability to enrich cinematic experiences.
Huntsville, Alabama – Cinemark’s theater in Huntsville has rolled out D-Box technology in an effort to enhance the movie-watching experience. These specialized seats, equipped with advanced movement capabilities, promise to elevate viewers’ enjoyment across various film genres. This enhancement is available to moviegoers as of this summer at the Bridge Street Town Center location.
D-Box seats are unique in that they move in sync with the action on screen, offering a dynamic viewing experience. Each seat utilizes internal haptics—technology akin to what is found in smartphones and video game controllers—to simulate realistic movements and sensations. A single D-Box seat can deliver as many as 65,000 distinct haptic effects, making each cinematic experience tailored and immersive. This technology has been a collaborative effort with movie studios and filmmakers for over a decade to ensure movements correspond accurately to on-screen action.
The Huntsville theater has already showcased a variety of films using D-Box technology, including titles like “Megan 2.0,” “28 Days Later,” “F1,” “Jurassic World Rebirth,” and the animated classic “Lilo & Stitch.” D-Box has received positive feedback from audiences, significantly enhancing films, especially action-packed ones. Notably, “Top Gun: Maverick” was highlighted as a film that resonated particularly well with D-Box viewers.
Cinemark’s D-Box seats are marked by their vibrant red color, setting them apart from the standard black seating. Audiences can control the intensity of their experience with three settings: low, medium, and high. While the low setting augments action, the medium offers an immersive experience, and the high setting pushes the limits, likening the experience to that of an amusement park ride. For those preferring a traditional viewing experience, the option to turn off movement effects is readily available.
While Cinemark’s standard seating is known for its comfort and reclinable features, D-Box takes this one step further. As a means of expanding audience engagement, the theater typically allocates two to three rows outfitted with D-Box seats, with 20-30 seats available at a time. Attending a D-Box screening adds an additional cost of approximately $5 to $6 on top of the standard ticket price, which averages around $13 for regular screenings and $9 for matinees.
Despite initial skepticism from some viewers, many have found D-Box technology enriches their movie experience. In a recent viewing of the new “Superman” film directed by James Gunn, critics noted that the technology kept them engaged throughout the action sequences of the 2-hour and 10-minute runtime, contradicting the challenge of maintaining focus during longer films.
Since the introduction of D-Box to Cinemark theaters in late 2013 in Houston, the chain has made substantial investments in this technology, with over 425 auditoriums equipped across the U.S. and Latin America. Plans are underway to introduce 70 additional D-Box auditoriums over the next year and a half, signifying Cinemark’s commitment to providing enhanced viewing experiences.
Additionally, Cinemark’s Huntsville location offers an impressive concession stand featuring not only typical movie snacks but also unique items, such as sushi rolls and craft beer. The concession area has been dubbed a mini maze, offering numerous choices, including a T. Rex head-shaped popcorn container priced at $30, tying in with “Jurassic World Rebirth.”
Cinemark boldly asserts that while D-Box technology enhances the viewing experience, it does not overshadow the fundamental elements of cinema, including the plot, acting, and cinematography. The addition of the D-Box experience serves as a testament to Cinemark’s ongoing pursuit of engaging and immersive entertainment for its patrons.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Are These Pricey New to Huntsville Movie Theater Seats Worth It?
- Wikipedia: D-Box
- AL.com: Cinemark Brings D-Box Seating to Huntsville Theater
- Google Search: D-Box technology
- AL.com: What to Expect at Cinemark’s D-Box Seating in Huntsville
- Google Scholar: Cinema Technology
- AL.com: The Evolution of Movie Experiences with D-Box Technology
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immersive Film Experience
- AL.com: D-Box Reviews from the Huntsville Cinema
- Google News: Cinemark D-Box Huntsville
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
