San Andreas 4D experience coming to Gardaland
Words: Sam McCaffrey
Italian theme park Gardaland has partnered Warner Bros Consumer Products to present a 4D-enhanced version of the blockbuster film San Andreas for its 2018 season.
The film will be shown in Time Voyagers – the 4D cinema in Gardaland. San Andreas stars Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as he tries to save the life of his daughter following a massive earthquake. It has been shortened to 15 minutes in length, focusing on intense action and stunts.
Guests will be given 3D glasses and the experience will feature enhanced special effects, with the cinema seats moving and hopping in different directions in relation to what is happening on the screen.
The movement system of the armchairs is pneumatic and it works with actuators similar to those used for the suspensions of heavy vehicles. Little ducts fixed under the seats, at calf level, give the impression of being grazed by wind and by obstacles. The water also gets nebulised and directed towards the face of the guests, making them feel like they are getting wet.
Powerful ventilators are positioned on the roof of the cinema, creating air currents, wind blasts and the whirling sounds of a storm. Flashes of lightning, explosions and sudden changes of light are simulated inside the cinema by stroboscopic lights fixed on the roof of the theatre.
The special effects will make visitors feel experiences such as being stood on a crumbling building, flying in a helicopter and a massive earthquake.
The 15-minute 4D version of San Andreas was created by the American studio SimEx-Iwerks, in partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products.
Gardaland announced last month that it is transforming its iconic Corsairs dark ride (I Corsari) into a multisensory immersive experience with 3D projection mapping in time for the 2018 season. It will also open a new Peppa Pig land later this year.
Images. c. Gardaland.
Sam McCaffrey
Journalist. Likes immersive entertainment experiences, museums, zoos and the odd go on a Waltzer.
SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment
Previous article EAS 2018 date announced: Amsterdam event promises largest ever show floor
Next article Jora Vision designs walk-through, pirate-themed attraction for Mexico's Amikoo theme park
V&A Dundee: a unique setting and a deep-rooted connection
National Aquarium opens $20m animal care and rescue centre
Harry S Truman Library and Museum to undergo $25m renovation
Slagharen theme park adds €1.3m adventure trail