Experience The Phantom Menace in 4DX for the first time to celebrate its 25th anniversary

For the first time at Cineworld, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is being screened in 4DX. This special format utilises a host of multi-sensory effects to further absorb you in this pivotal chapter in the Star Wars saga, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Here's what you need to know about 4DX ahead of the film's screening on May 3rd.

What is 4DX and how does it work?

The 4DX multi-sensory format is unique to Cineworld cinemas in the UK and Ireland. Motion-programmed seats move, vibrate and shake in conjunction with the on-screen action, timed to every lightsaber swing, spaceship maneuver and Force-induced deflection.

Scents and effects, including rain and wind, lend further tangibility to all aspects of the film's world, which sets in motion the origins of Darth Vader and his connection with Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi.

To reiterate, 4DX is an experience wholly unique to Cineworld, and this is the first time The Phantom Menace has ever screened in this format. Cineworld is, therefore, the only place where you can become part of this moment in Star Wars history. Find out more about 4DX in the following clip.

What are the best Phantom Menace scenes to experience in 4DX?

The underwater escape to Naboo

For the first time in the history of the Star Wars saga, writer, director and franchise creator George Lucas immerses us in an underwater world. The marine environment of Otoh Gungah is home to the Gungans, from whence Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), plus the infamous Jar-Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), hitch an underwater ride to Theed, the capital of Naboo, to rescue Queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman).

Immerse yourself further in the limpid, free-flowing qualities of the ensuing underwater sequence in 4DX. As the water effects tease the suggestion of an aquatic environment and the seat rolls and rocks in conjunction with the on-screen action, be prepared for some jolts as our two Jedi knights attempt to outrun some big toothy beasties.

Anakin's pod race

Here is a pivotal sequence from The Phantom Menace in which the infant Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), later to become a Jedi knight and eventually Darth Vader, demonstrates his mettle. The young Anakin races his pod speeder against junk dealer Wattoo across the wastes of the desert planet Tattooine, revered in Star Wars lore as Anakin's birthplace and the first home of Anakin's son, Luke Skywalker (played in the later saga entries by Mark Hamill).

Unsurprisingly, 4DX kicks it up a notch in such a fast-moving, rapidly edited sequence. Hang on tight as the motion-controlled seats shake, vibrate and move relentlessly to put you the viewer in Anakin's brave shoes. And then you can add the wind effects that give added tactility to the film's big-screen presentation.

The duel with Darth Maul

The clash of lightsabers is the dividing line between life and death, good and evil in The Phanom Menace's best sequence. The light and dark sides of the Force come to bear on the conflict between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and their Sith nemesis Darth Maul (Ray Park) who remains a striking sight with his tiger-striped face, horns and unforgettable double-ended red lightsaber.

4DX is timed to coincide with every lightsaber clash and Force jump, further immersing you in this all-important duel that lays the groundwork for the remainder of the Star Wars saga.