NPR

'Blade Runner 2049' and the Theaters That Shake Your Groove Thing For You

A recent encounter with new theater technologies demonstrated that it's not always a good thing when technological advancements make the experience more, as they say, "immersive."
Moviegoers relax in recliner seats at AMC Movie Theater in Braintree, Mass., in 2013. / Boston Globe / Getty Images

It's no secret that movie theaters are trying to preserve the theatrical experience as something special — something you can't replicate, even in your tricked-out living room with your home theater system. Theater design is one of the ways they're trying to add value, as consultants and Shark Tank competitors might put it.

But at a recent screening of , I experienced a technology that isn't new but was new to me, and with it, the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readAmerican Government
In W. Va. Primary, Establishment Candidates For Governor Highlight Culture War Issues
Several Republicans with deep ties to state politics vye in the primary to face the Democrat in November
NPR4 min read
Israel Expands Evacuation Orders In Rafah As Aid Groups Struggle To Prepare
Israel's military issued new evacuation orders in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, forcing even more Palestinians to relocate on Saturday ahead of a likely expanded ground operation there.
NPR4 min read
Catalan Separatists Lose Majority As Spain's Socialists Win Regional Elections
Catalonia's separatist parties are in danger of losing their hold on power in the northeastern region after the pro-union Socialist Party scored a historic result in Sunday's election.

Related Books & Audiobooks