D-BOX Simulators at UltraStar Cinemas at The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk

These seats are the next dimension of your cinematic experience. I had no idea what this was and when I researched it, I thought that maybe this was going to be some sort of gimmick that would pass over time. I was wrong. I really enjoyed learning about this new feature for movie theaters, was impressed with the demonstration, and slowly understood the reach that this can have with audiences.

I arrived at UltraStar Cinemas and was greeted by their very welcoming staff and ushered into a presentation from an Executive of UltraStar Cinemas on what D-BOX is.

Apparently, this technology is rare and I found out that the only nearby places that are D-BOX equipped are San Diego, San Bernardino and Arizona. Apart from those places, D-BOX is an exclusive attraction for Anaheim here in Southern California. You can't find it in Los Angeles, which I thought was fascinating seeing as UltraStar is the up-and-coming theater in Anaheim. UltraStar just opened their Anaheim location during the Anaheim International Film Festival back in October 2010, and the fact that they are doing this D-BOX thing, too, shows how eager they are to make a name for themselves.

After an introduction to the D-BOX and then a short Q and A with press affiliates, we were all invited to take a "test run" in the seats! We all sat down in them and quickly looked to the panel on the right where the adjustments to the intensity are focused. I moved the number of intensity to 4 (maximum) and the lights dimmed. We were shown a brief scene from Polar Express in which a train flies mercilessly into a frozen lake bed. It was enthralling. I lost my stomach a number of times and really felt the exact measurements on each turn and jolt of the train. We were all smiling (which I noticed when I glanced over to the rest of the audience). After this scene, our presenter asked if we wanted more and we all replied with a resounding "YES!". He played another scene from the movie Terminator Salvation. The seats really complimented the scene well and brought it alive. It made me feel as though we were very near the huge vehicles that the movie exhibits.

What I learned is D-BOX Motion Code™ uses motion effects specifically programmed for each film, which are sent to a motion generating system integrated within a seat. What happens next is that the resulting motion is perfectly synchronized with all onscreen action, creating an unmatched, realistic, immersive experience. The aim of this new technology is to show the audience that they can truly "feel" a movie. The special movable seats in the theater actually react to what is happening on screen in real time. The seats  rock back and forth, vibrate strongly to simulate an engine or something similar, and pull you forward or push you back. For an extra eight dollars, anyone can reserve seating and make a movie experience more energetic and frenetic than ever before.

To date, D-BOX Motion Code is available on more than 900 titles. Accordingly, many prominent Hollywood studios have started embedding D-BOX Motion Code on many Blu-ray™ format and theatrical releases. By reaching agreements with the leaders of both the motion picture and gaming industries, D-BOX’s award-winning motion technology is gradually proving itself as a new global standard in the entertainment world. This technology is brand-new to the public and really adds an incredible layer to the movie-going experience.

If you get a chance to check it out, I highly encourage it. The people of UltraStar Cinemas will absolutely show you a great time!

UltraStar Cinemas at The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk is located at 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim. Plan your visit at ultrastarmovies.com and anaheimgardenwalk.com.