What’s On editor Hannah Rees tries out a new experience at Cineworld
19:36, 01 Feb 2026Updated 19:36, 01 Feb 2026
Hannah Rees visits the 4DX screens at Cineworld Speke
On a standard trip to the cinema, you’ll get your tickets, possibly grab a box of popcorn, and show your tickets to a member of staff before heading to your screen.
But on a trip to Cineworld Speke last Friday, I was told I couldn’t have a hot drink and had to be a certain height to even be allowed to enter.
The Speke cinema has introduced something new and exciting in recent weeks. Exclusive to Cineworld in the UK and Ireland is 4DX, an extreme sensory experience which has changed the way we can watch films.
4DX arrived at Cineworld Speke in December 2025, allowing film fans to watch the latest releases in a new way.
With effects like water, wind, scent and strobe lighting that are timed to enhance what’s happening on screen, the experience feels more like a rollercoaster at a theme park than a trip to the cinema.
Hannah Rees visits the 4DX screens at Cineworld Speke
I was invited by Cineworld to try out the new 4DX screens at its Speke branch. My partner and I booked Mercy, a science fiction film starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson.
The film follows a detective (Chris Pratt) who has been accused of killing his wife as he tries to prove his innocence to an artificial intelligence judge (Rebecca Ferguson).
As we booked our tickets, the Cineworld website showed customers a disclaimer. The disclaimer reads: “WARNING: 4DX is not suitable for women who are pregnant, the elderly, or persons with medical conditions (including heart conditions and high blood pressure) or injuries.
“It is also not suitable for babies, children under 4, persons under 3′ 4″ (102 cm) tall or people weighing over 265 lbs (120 kg). Children aged 4 to 7 need supervision. No hot drinks or alcohol allowed.”
In the cinema, customers will find a height chart showing the 4DX screen’s requirements. There’s also a sign with the disclaimer on the wall which customers must read before entering the screens.
We read through the safety instructions and were handed 3D glasses, which we’d purchased while making our booking.
On first glance, the seats aren’t much different to what you’d expect. But on closer inspection you’ll soon notice their difference. The seats are higher off the ground and come with a step in front of them.
There are also holes in the seat in front, which is where some of the physical effects will come out of. We took our seats and put on our glasses.
There was a 4DX trailer ahead of the film which gives customers a taste of what is to come. The seats began to move, and fake snow fell around the room as our trailer took us on a ride around the world.
You felt the whoosh of fake wind as the seats jumped up and down and air was blown at your face. It was a good laugh.
The effects began as the action sequences of the film took shape. As Chris Pratt’s character moved in his seat as he learnt about his fate, the cinema audience moved side to side and up and down with him.
As the film featured explosions, gunfights and chases, it felt like we were on the ride with the characters.
It really did bring the action film to life. Avatar: Fire And Ash, Send Help, GOAT, Crime 101 and Cursa will be shown at the 4DX screens at Cineworld Speke in February.
More information can be found on the Cineworld Speke website.