“Solo : A Solo: A Star Wars Story(4DX version review included) *Note! Contains spoilers.

Exploring a new era of entertainment: 4DX version review

I also watched the 4DX3D dubbed version of ``Han Solo'' after it was released in Japan, so I would like to conclude with a review of this version.

According to research, there have been 4DX versions of the Star Wars series in the past, starting with the digital 3D re-release of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 2012, and 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens. ” has been released in all new works since then. ``Han Solo'' is the fifth 4DX version of the series, so it probably has a considerable amount of experience in terms of applying effects.

The benefits of 4DX can be felt most in the sequences where the characters move around in vehicles. Starting with the speeder chase at the beginning, the aforementioned train robbery, and of course the scene where the Falcon races through space, the immersion reaches its climax as the seat tilts and vibrations are perfectly synchronized with the action in the video. Simply put, you can feel like you're riding in the shoes of Han or any of the other characters.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” (C) 2018 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

On the other hand, I have the impression that the effects during fighting action are still a work in progress. When Han is hit, a vibration is transmitted from the backrest of the seat. This effect is good when Han is punched in the back, but when Han is punched in the stomach, he can also feel the vibrations in his back, which takes away from the immersion at that moment.

The scene that made me laugh bitterly was the scene where Chewbacca picks up an enemy soldier and slams him into the ground. Here, the shock felt by an enemy character being slammed is reproduced by the vibration of the backrest. I don't think it's necessary to experience the action from the enemy character's perspective.

In terms of perspective, I was also interested in the effect of synchronizing the tilt of the seat with the shot taken by moving the camera installed on the crane up and down. The bird's-eye view shot is ``God's point of view,'' and it is also the point of view of the director and cinematographer. I feel that whenever the viewer synchronizes with the movement of the camera, their emotional connection to the characters and their sense of immersion are disrupted. On the other hand, it may be fun to imagine what it would be like to take pictures while riding on a crane.

The issue of experience and perspective in 4DX movies is probably still a matter of trial and error. Still, the 4DX version of ``Han Solo'' certainly felt like it was exploring a new era of entertainment.

Text: Ikuya Takamori

Freelance writer, English-Japanese translator. Mainly contributes movie reviews and columns to web media, and translates news articles. The translated book is ``Science of Star Wars--Thorough verification! From the true nature of the Force to intergalactic travel” (written by Mark Blake and John Chase, published by Kagaku Doujin) and others.

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"Solo: A Star Wars Story"

Released on Friday, June 29th

Distribution: Walt Disney Japan

(C)2018 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

*Information as of July 2018 article publication.