*Wakanda is the fictional technologically advanced African home of Marvel Comic’s T’Challa aka the Black Panther; but since the “Black Panther” film has grossed over $700 million dollars worldwide in just two weekends, you probably knew that already. If you are reading this and are not accounted for in the $700 million, my apologies for the spoilers that are coming.
Sure you’ve heard Black Panther is breaking film records left and right, but what you may not know is, the film depicting a country with advanced technology, is being shown with advanced technology. I attended a screening where Black Panther was shown using Screen X technology.
Screen X is technology created in 2012 by CJ CGV, where certain scenes are not only shown on the main screen, but up to twelve (12) projectors are used to extend the film onto the side walls of the theater, to give the audience a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience. Viewers are immersed into the scenes and you almost feel as though you are part of it. It was pretty amazing, after I got over the initial dizziness.
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As I mentioned, not all of the scenes were shown in Screen X; however, many of the action scenes were made more spectacular by showing them with the new technology. Although Screen X is available in eight countries and 131 locations, only three of the locations are in the United States, so don’t run out looking for a theater. Also, there are only a handful (22) of movies available in Screen X and fortunately for film viewers, Black Panther is one of them.
Screen X made the shots of Wakanda come alive. There was a scene when T’Challa was flying into Wakanda, (on a spaceship of course) and told Okoye and Nakia, “This never gets old.” Seeing the view of Wakanda project on all three walls was something to behold.
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Another scene that used Screen X was when the spaceship was transporting T’Challa to his coronation. The waterfall drew me in with its expansive beauty; magnified by Screen X. The car chase scene in South Korea was also shown in Screen X and I REALLY enjoyed it. The scene came alive when Shuri was zapped on her behind, Okoye was using a spear and separated car hood as transportation and T’Challa was using his claws when his car couldn’t fit into traffic.
The fight scenes were shown in Screen X, which intensified them, especially when Zuri tapped his spear to begin the fight between T’Challa and Killmonger and the scene expanded. The fights between T’Challa and M’Baku and T’Challa and Killmonger were also enhanced. When T’Challa and Killmonger were fighting on the tracks, I almost felt as though I was part of the scene…almost.
Screen X technology is not without its drawbacks. The images projected on the side walls were not as crisp as the main screen. Also, because the image is projected on the wall, you get whatever else is on the wall, like the EXIT sign. These little issues notwithstanding, I enjoyed seeing the film in Screen X and can recommend giving it a look…if you can find it. Wakanda Forever…Screen X or otherwise!
Marilyn Smith is a Los Angeles based reviewer/writer. Contact her via [email protected].
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