Asia's largest 4D cinema at SkyPlaza set to become a major tourist attraction

The world's first 4D EXTREME SCREEN, a joint project involving Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), Multiplex Cinema Limited (MCL) and SimEx-Iwerks, is scheduled for opening in July 2006 at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)'s SkyPlaza. Providing a sensory cinematic experience unlike anything cinema goers have ever encountered, the 4D EXTREME SCREEN is set to become a distinctive core attraction on Lantau Island.

Boasting Asia's largest 4D cinema screen, the 4D EXTREME SCREEN is over four stories high, integrating cutting-edge projection system technologies provided by SimEx-Iwerks, the world leader in three-dimensional special effects entertainment.

Unlike conventional 2D or 3D movie theatres, the 4D EXTREME SCREEN will employ the latest F/X special visual and audio effects that bring strikingly real three-dimensional images right before audiences' eyes, while simultaneously allowing them to experience sensory thrills timed to the visual action. Cinema goers watching 4D movies can wade through drifting snow, splash in water and breathe in pleasant outdoor fragrances.

AA Commercial Director Hans Bakker said, "This cinema will add a new fourth dimension to airport experience that will appeal to air, sea and land passengers, meeters and greeters, exhibition visitors and local residents alike."

"This attraction will provide an entertainment venue for many of our transfer passengers with a long dwelling time and for leisure visitors using our multi-modal transport facilities. Further, this 330-seat cinema venue can be used to complement the new exhibition centre during its peak season and can also be used by our many airport partners."

"An international transfer hub with a 4D cinema at HKIA is the world's first in aviation industry. This is a further illustration that HKIA is more than an airport and offers a competitive edge over other airports in the region," he added.

Recently released 4D movies provided by SimEx-Iwerks range from flying adventures in the open sky and Outerspace exploration to Pirate adventures on the high seas and Underwater quests beneath the waves. The 4D EXTREME SCREEN dares audiences to plunge into the unprecedented thrilling experiences, which are suitable for the young and the elderly alike.

The following are the key features of SkyPlaza's 4D EXTREME SCREEN:

Asia's largest 4D cinema screen, which at 64 ft X 44 ft is over four storey high;
Cutting-edge Academy Award winning Iwerks 8/70 Linear Loop projection technology;
The most advanced and varied F/X devices;
The latest audio equipment and effects;
Exclusive showings of a wide programme of 4D EXTREME SCREEN movies, produced to the most exacting international standards;
"4-in-1" multipurpose capabilities: the 4D EXTREME SCREEN Cinema can screen 2D; 3D and 4D films in 35mm and 70mm formats and is fully equipped with large-scale conference facilities.

The new 4D cinema will be an anchor attraction to SkyPlaza, which is located on the east side of the existing passenger terminal building (Terminal One). It will house the second passenger terminal, a coach station for cross-boundary routes, and also 35,000 sqm of retail, catering and entertainment areas.

A "People Mover System" will link SkyPlaza to Terminal One and will be extended to a new permanent ferry terminal (SkyPier). The integrated SkyPlaza development will provide office space for business partners as well as for AA's headquarters. SkyPlaza is at the heart of SkyCity, a complex that houses a new international exhibition centre (AsiaWorld-Expo), a 9-hole golf course, a hotel and the cross-boundary SkyPier.

An entertainment expert, the Managing Director of Intercontinental Group (the parent company of MCL) Rigo Jesu said, "We have every confidence that with the combination of the prime location in Hong Kong International Airport's SkyCity and SimEx-Iwerks' state-of-the-art technology, the 4D cinema will become the most comprehensive and outstanding focal point for visitors not merely in Hong Kong, but in the whole of Asia -- adding a whole new dimension to the territory's tourism and entertainment industries."

SimEx-Iwerks' Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Michael Needham said, "We are very excited to collaborate with the AA to create the world's largest 4D screen and the only multi-format "4 in 1" cinema at the world's best airport for its 40 million passengers to enjoy."

Background information of Multiplex Cinema Limited (MCL) and SimEx-Iwerks, AA's business partners in the 4D Cinema:

SkyPlaza's 4D EXTREME SCREEN will be operated by Multiplex Cinema Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of the Intercontinental Group, a well-respected leader in Hong Kong's entertainment industry with 36 years of history behind it. A multi-faceted corporation, apart from the distributions of film and home video products, Intercontinental Group also develops and manages cinemas as well as specializes in publicity, promotion and entertainment marketing.

SimEx-Iwerks creates specialty film based attractions that integrate Extreme Screen™ technologies; 3D Projection; 4D Seats; In Theatre Special Effects and Motion Simulation for the world's major entertainment players. SimEx-Iwerks has installed 245 attractions in theme and amusement parks, entertainment centers; themed environments; museums; science centers; zoos; aquariums; planetariums; shopping centers; cinema multiplexes; destination centers; casinos and resorts in over 35 countries. SimEx-Iwerks supports these clients with a custom library of 150 films and a worldwide service network.