Multi-award-winning Tunisian film star Hend Sabry, says four dimensional cinema is the shape of movie-going to come after becoming immersed in her first 4DX experience at the luxury VOX Cinema complex just opened in the new Yas Mall on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.“This is awesome and takes the experience to a whole new level,” said Sabry, the star of 20 films and TV series and one of the Arab World’s most prominent actresses. The 35-year-old actress is visiting Yas Island for the season finale Formula1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a guest of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
After touring the brand new VOX Cinemas in Yas Mall, which features 20 screens - Abu Dhabi’s largest at 23.5 metres, as well as three luxury GOLD cinemas and the emirate’s first 4DX cinema Hend says the new technology will give a huge spur to cinema-going.
“I’m stunned by the surroundings. This luxury is unprecedented and has been taken to a new peak. The quality of picture and sound enhances the entire experience it’s up there with the very best that I’ve seen in the world” Sabry said.
“Cinemas such as this will do wonders to encourage people to get out to watch films it’s about the overall experience which can’t be matched at home.”
Sabry, who has won critical acclaim for varied roles, including that of Asmaa in the 2011 film of the same name, experienced the full VOX 4DX sensory overload including moving chairs, rain, wind, scent, movement and motion all synchronised with on-screen action.
“As film making has progressed with technology, so has the viewing experience,” she said. “It really is a great deal of fun and a completely new experience for me and one I’d recommend to anyone including my kids,” said the mother of two, who also viewed myVOX, the child-friendly cinema .
Cameron Mitchell, Chief Executive of Vox Cinemas, a UAE-owned company, said the latest attraction to Yas Island had taken years of research and planning.
“We’re confident that VOX Cinemas, Yas Mall has set a new benchmark for cinema entertainment internationally. We have travelled the world and witnessed first-hand all of the cinemas that are considered to be the world’s best, and ours eclipses this standard by offering improved versions of all of these concepts,” Mitchell said.
“VOX Cinemas supports the screening of Arabic movie content. We are extremely honored to have Hend visit us and see firsthand how her fans can expect to enjoy their favourite films in our state-ofthe-art cinema ensuring a great experience for movie goers in this region now that guests have the option to choose between 2D, 3D, 4DX and even private cinemas on every visit.”
The 2.5 million-square-feet Yas Mall opened this week and is one of Arabia’s largest retail and entertainment venues.
Meanwhile Hend, who was a guest at the annual Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2011, says she’s following the event’s progress with interest and looks forward to a return appearance.
“The festival, and others in the region, are rightfully shining an international spotlight on the Arab world’s movie industry. The global exposure they’re helping to generate will lead to greater opportunities for a whole new cadre of Arab film makers who are now emerging,” she said.
