Harkins Theatres Launches Arizona’s First 4D Cinema Experience in North Phoenix
Harkins Theatres will open Arizona’s first 4D cinema experience in north Phoenix this August. The new auditorium will be at Harkins Theatres Norterra, near Happy Valley Road and 19th Avenue.
Location and timing
The Norterra site is in north Phoenix. The company announced the August opening Monday.
What the 4D auditorium offers
The venue features motion seating that moves with on-screen action. It pairs synchronized environmental effects with film presentation.
- Motion seating
- Scents
- Air bursts
- Water effects
- Other timed environmental cues
Partnership and rollout
Harkins signed a six-location agreement with Lumma 4D E-Motion. Under that deal, the chain will install the 4D format in three Arizona theatres.
Three additional sites were not disclosed. Harkins plans to expand the format beyond the initial locations.
Mike Bowers, Harkins’ CEO and president, said the experience is immersive and fun. He emphasized it will retain comfort, presentation quality and strong storytelling.
Industry context
The 4D format remains a niche segment in U.S. cinemas. Regal operates roughly 52 4DX auditoriums nationwide.
AMC opened its first two 4DX locations on March 19 in Houston and Kansas City. Those openings are part of a planned 40-auditorium rollout.
