A First For U.S. Television: A Series In The ‘4DX’ Format

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LOS ANGELES — That Mexican form of wrestling known as Lucha Libre is going to look a whole lot different — and immersive — Tuesday evening, thanks to its screening in a whole new format from a 4D cinema company that’s working with El Rey Network.


CJ 4DPLEX is collaborating with the pay-TV network’s wrestling series Lucha Underground in an effort that sees it become the first U.S. television series to screen in the 4DX format.

“Ultima Lucha Tres – Part IV,” the season 3 finale of the show, will screen at a private event Tuesday evening (10/17) for media and fans in the 4DX auditorium at the Regal L.A. Live Stadium 14, in downtown L.A.

4DX technology allows the audience to connect with on-screen visuals through motion synchronized seats and environmental effects ranging from water, wind and snow to lightning, scents, and other special effects.

Since launching in 2009, more than 450 films have been screened in 4DX, which is available in 410 locations around the world, including 9 in the United States.

The agreement could bring a new dimension to broadcast TV companies seeking to repurpose — and monetize — its own content.

“‘Lucha Underground’ features non-stop, high-flying and hard-hitting action that makes it the ideal programming to showcase the state-of-the-art 4DX technology,” remarked El Rey Network President and GM Daniel Tibbets. “We pride ourselves on getting viewers as close to the action as possible and now they can actually feel as if they are in the ring.”

Brandon Choi, COO for CJ 4DPLEX Americas, added, “From Hollywood blockbusters to more local fare, we have had the great privilege of showcasing premium content to 4DX fans around the globe for several years as the immersive format continues to grow in popularity. Today, we are thrilled to finally be able to showcase a TV series on the big screen, bringing ‘Lucha Underground’ fans into the all-sensory 4DX action.”

Lucha Underground is produced by MGM Television in association with FactoryMade and AG Studios for El Rey Network.

Executive producers are Mark Burnett, Eric Van Wagenen (also showrunner) and Brian Edwards of MGM; Dorian Roldán from Lucha Libre AAA; Alejandro Garcia and Antonio Cué Sánchez-Navarro; El Rey Network co-founder Robert Rodriguez; FactoryMade and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa and Skip Chaisson of Kick Punch and El Rey Network.

The series is distributed internationally by MGM.