The above heading is from a recent British national daily newspaper. The item tells the story of London's Trocodero experimenting with two 24-seat cinemas in which the seats move to simulate screen action ranging from car chases to space travel.
The article gives the impression that the 'Ride Film' is something new. As usual in the entertainment business, London is slow to venture. Where is the talked about Omnimax, let alone IMAX?.
Futuroscope, the movie theme park at Poitier in France has had 'Le Cinema Dynamique' since 1988 and have this year installed a second 'ride' cinema. Simulated seat movement to accompany the on-screen action is nothing new. Back in 1906, Hales World Tours opened in Oxford Street, London. This was a simulated train ride. A mock-up of a Pullman railway carriage was built and set on a platform which could be rocked and vibrated to simulate the movement of a train. Fans created the effect of the passage of air. The moving picture scenery, using film taken from the front of a moving train, was seen through the end windows of the carriage.
If you can't afford the time or cash to visit Futuroscope in France and experience Cinema Dynamique, then take a ride up front on top of a behind-schedule No 171A London bus. At Futuroscope warnings are given that it is unwise for Patrons with heart and back problems to participate in any of the 'ride' shows. It would probably be a good idea if London bus operators did the same. More about Futuroscope in forthcoming Newsletters.