Iron Man to be shown in 4D in Japan

'Iron Man 3' is to be screened in the new '4DX' format in Japan, the first film to use the technology in the territory.

Movie-goers will experience the Robert Downey Jr actioner complete with titling and vibrating seats, blowing wind, fog and odour effects combined with what's going on on-screen.

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The premium screens also have the facilities for raining bubbles down on an audience, and using lighting effects like strobes to heighten the cinematic experience.

A spokesperson for the Korona World cinema chain told the Hollywood Reporter: “It was really a matter of timing that 'Iron Man' became the first title for 4DX in Japan, though we were looking for a blockbuster action film, as that is what works best with the system.

Several other countries are already using the steadily advancing technology, including China, Thailand, Russia, Mexico and Israel, a number of countries in South America and South Korea, where the system has been developed.

'Avatar' was the first film to be shown using the 4DX system, in 2009, and it's expected to hit the USA later this year, heading to around 200 screens.

The film is due out in the UK on May 3.