What is ScreenX?
CGV, South Korea’s largest multiplex cinema chain, has unveiled a new movie display system called ScreenX.
ScreenX features a four-screen setup that displays movies, concerts, sports, and short films on screens at the front, left, right, and now above the audience.
The technology debuted in 2013 with three screens, and the recent addition of a ceiling screen is the latest update to what CGV calls an “evolution of the theater.”
The company said in a news release that ScreenX offers a new way to experience visual entertainment, and that it aims to provide a more immersive and engaging cinematic experience for moviegoers.
But does ScreenX really enhance the movie experience?
The Experience
I visited the CGV theater at the Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul to test the format. I chose “Mickey 17,” a science fiction film by Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho.
Finding the mall was easy, but navigating the complex interior took more effort. Shoppers should look for overhead signs bearing CGV’s logo to find the theater.
Inside, moviegoers are guided to their seats by numbers displayed behind leather recliners and on foldable tray tables. While the seating was comfortable, the cinematic experience fell short in execution.
The Technical Issues
- Distractions from empty space: The four screens are separated by thin gaps of empty space that become distracting during close-ups or slow scenes.
- Inconsistent resolution: The main screen was sharp, but the side and ceiling screens were noticeably lower in quality.
- Multiple screens, different resolutions: Imagine using multiple computer monitors with vastly different resolutions – it might just turn them off.
To minimize the distraction, I found reclining my seat nearly flat helped, though not enough to make the experience immersive.
The film itself was solid, but ScreenX didn’t live up to the hype.
The Possibilities
The theater also screens concerts and sporting events, using all four screens and 54 speakers for a high-energy experience.
- Concerts: A 129-minute Imagine Dragons concert filmed at the Hollywood Bowl was shown using all four screens.
- Sports: Live games can be watched with additional screens showing pitch angles and real-time scoring data.
Conclusion
If you’re a cinephile who values a director’s original vision, ScreenX might not be for you.