First ScreenX in Michigan – Is this the Amazing Future of Moviegoing?
First off, I love going to movies. So when our friends at MJR announced the first ScreenX system being installed at MJR Waterford, I was fired up to see it in action. Does it live up to the hype? Is the first ScreenX in Michigan worth the trip to my lovely town of Waterford? Let’s talk.
What is ScreenX and Will You Like It?
There’s some really interesting tech behind ScreenX (which we’ll get to), but first I want to address the movie goers question: “Is this just a gimmick?”. That would be a resounding NO. The ScreenX system uses three projectors (see image below for perspective), using the side walls of the theater (they refer to the smaller side screens as “wings”) to create a wrap around effect while you’re watching the movie. In some ways it’s actually MORE immersive than 3D technology, without being overwhelming to the viewer. Caught up with Joel Kincaid from MJR to talk about the new screen:
ScreenX in Michigan – The Experience
Watching the new film “Twisters” was a great way to introduce ScreenX in Michigan. The side screens aren’t used during the entire movie, but you’ll quickly notice they blend into your peripheral vision perfectly. Couple of notes about the ScreenX experience:
- Keep your eyes on the center of the big screen. I know that sounds silly, but after looking at the side screens (wings) for a couple of minutes you’ll get comfortable and immerse yourself in the ScreenX experience.
- Let it wash over you. We also tend to zero in on certain people or elements of a scene (the good looking actor, or the crazy stunt). With a big summer action film like “Twisters” it was also easy to mentally “zoom in” on certain things…but trust your mind, lean back in your chair and let it wash over you…it’s a cool experience.
- This is my new favorite movie screen. IMAX may be bigger, 3D has been around longer, but the ScreenX technology just makes more sense to advance the movie going experience. You don’t need glasses, or a giant screen installed – and we’re already seeing hollywood directors looking at this advancement with a creative eye. The director of “Maverick” was influential in ScreenX, and with movies like “Deadpool and Wolverine”, “Aliens: Romulus” and the Brad Pitt “F1” movie next year – I’m more excited than ever to sit down in my hometown MJR and soak them in.
Bottom Line. Go See It.
“Twisters” was a 100% summer film with Glen Powell owning the screen as the tornado chasing cowboy. The scene at the rodeo was mind blowing on the ScreenX system – and this film had a couple of “oh damn” moments (great visuals). BTW – Glen Powell has that “it” factor of a great actor…he owns every scene he’s in (that goes back to Top Gun: Maverick).
Back to the movie itself, it was funny how I spent part of the movie peeking around to look at the ScreenX system, and part of “Twisters” looking for references to the original (there was only one that I got – but I’ll give stuff away if I do that).
I love movies. Always have. Always will. From being a little kid seeing “Jaws 3D” to the first time I heard a Dolby sound system, I’ve always looked for movie theaters to advance the experience. ScreenX is that system for me.
Take the trip to MJR in Waterford and check it out. Turn your phone off for a couple of hours, clap both times during the MJR jingle and eat as much popcorn as you want (get the real butter, it’s the best). Everyone deserves a break these days, and the ScreenX system takes us there.