Are Huntsville D-Box Movie Seats Worth the Extra Money? What It is Actually Like to Watch a Motion Picture

I recently literally rode in one of these motion-enhanced chairs at Cinemark in Bridge Street Town Centre, and I must say, what could be more exciting than seeing "Superman" while your seat hums and lunges beneath you than that? Wild. It feels as though your butt is fighting alongside you.

What exactly is D-Box, then?

What if your recliner chose to enroll in film school after receiving a technological upgrade? Ultra-precise haptics, which powers the slight buzzing of your iPhone or the sensations in game controllers, are used in D-Box chairs, but on a dramatic scale. Up to 65,000 distinct movement patterns that are tailored to every movie scene are in question.

Julia McCartha, the spokeswoman for Cinemark, claims that D-Box is more than just a device that comes pre-programmed with basic vibrations. Rather, in partnership with filmmakers and film studios, the motion of the seat is synchronized with the film. Each boom, crash, and swish is purposefully mapped. She claims that "every single film is a perfectly synced experience."

The Experience of D-Box: From Doubter to Adherent

I entered with skepticism. I normally do not appreciate gimmicks like 3D glasses since they are ostentatious diversions that do not compensate for a poor storyline. So, a wriggling seat? I was expecting to be let down.

However...

I fell in love with "Superman" once the opening sequences rolled and the seat moved ever so little with every explosion, takeoff, and majestic swoop. Not right away the initial moments were undoubtedly distracting. However, as I got into the rhythm, I felt as though I had entered the film rather than merely seeing it.

It is also not limited to action movies. D-Box has already been programmed for a variety of genres at Huntsville's Cinemark, including horror movies like "Megan 2.0," family movies like "Lilo & Stitch," car chases like "F1," and yes, dinosaurs like "Jurassic World Rebirth."

How Do the Seats Appear?

They almost merge in. D-Box seats are comparable to the regular Cinemark recliners in terms of size and comfort, but they differ in two important ways: they are red rather than black, and they include a covert controller on the armrest.

You can select between low, medium, and high intensity with the controller. You get a slight nudge from low, an engaging experience from medium, and a theme park ride-like experience from high. Yes, you can completely disable the effects if you are motion sick or just want to relax.

Can You Watch the Entire Film in Comfort?

I was concerned that after two hours of rumbling, I might experience motion fatigue. Strangely enough, though, it didn't. I was completely focused during the climactic showdown, which is the scene in most blockbusters where I usually lose my mind. 

Comfortable, roomy, and reclining.

The Cost: Is the Additional $5–$6 Worth It?

The price of a normal movie ticket at this theater is approximately $13, or $9 for a matinee. D-Box adds an additional $5 to $6. Although it is not much money, how much is it in comparison to the price of a streaming service you hardly ever use? If you enjoy intense, immersive experiences, it seems reasonable.

It still feels rather elite because each auditorium only has a few rows (about 20 to 30 seats overall) that are D-Box equipped.

Huntsville is just the beginning for the Bigger Picture Cinemamark. Over 425 theaters in the United States and Latin America currently have D-Box technology installed, and another 70 will be added over the course of the next year and a half. A lot of jolting popcorn, that is.

Speaking of popcorn, Cinemark Huntsville is a great place to go if you are the type of moviegoer who enjoys the whole experience. Sushi rolls, artisan beer, personalized Pizza Hut pies, and limited-edition merchandise like a bucket of popcorn in the shape of a T. Rex skull (yes, really) are available in addition to the usual concessions.

"Our goal is to give you a very immersive experience as soon as you enter our theaters," McCartha explains.

Conclusion: Trick or Revolution?

Strong narratives and captivating performances are not substituted by D-Box. No matter how many seat-rumbles you throw at it, a poor movie will always be a bad movie. But for an action-packed, spectacle-driven film? D-Box is the icing on the cake; it is nice but not necessary.

And the finest of all? 

In conclusion, give it a try if you are interested. Perhaps avoid turning your first D-Box encounter into a romantic comedy (awkward), but what if there include dinosaurs, vehicle chases, or superheroes? Hold on tight.