HOYTS adds 539 D-BOX haptic seats across Australia & NZ

HOYTS is expanding its D-BOX offering with the addition of 539 new haptic seats across 19 auditoriums in Australia and New Zealand.

The new seats will be installed at eight new locations as well as existing sites, bringing the total number of D-BOX-equipped auditoriums to 44 over the next 12 months, representing a 70% increase in motion recliners across HOYTS cinemas.

D-BOX features

Each D-BOX seat is designed as a motion recliner that moves in sync with the on-screen action, providing what the company describes as an immersive experience for viewers. The individual control panel on each seat allows guests to personalise the intensity of the movement during the film.

This latest phase in the collaboration between HOYTS and D-BOX Technologies is set to further their partnership, which has now run for six years. The expansion will increase D-BOX’s presence in Australasia in conjunction with HOYTS, and is part of a broader strategy to meet growing demand for premium cinema experiences.

Company perspectives

“People are looking for more than ‘just a movie’ when they come to our cinemas. They’re after unique experiences that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Whether they’re watching the latest horror movie, blockbuster or even musical comedy, our guests are after an immersive cinema experience and D-BOX haptic seats deliver just that,” Damian said.

Damian Keogh, HOYTS Group President and CEO, said the expansion allows the company to address existing demand for D-BOX seats and reach more moviegoers at additional locations. He added, “The opportunity gives guests the chance to not just ‘see’ a movie but to ‘feel’ it, which gives HOYTS the edge in what is an extremely competitive space.”

The partnership with D-BOX Technologies also ties into the technology provider’s global business development plans. D-BOX now has more than 1,126 installed or committed auditoriums worldwide.

“HOYTS continues to be an exceptional partner in elevating the cinema experience through innovation. This expansion deepens D-BOX’s presence in Australia and New Zealand and reflects our shared commitment to delivering experiences that drive both audience engagement and business results,” Naveen said.

D-BOX Interim President and CEO Naveen Prasad commented on the continued relationship with HOYTS. He continued, “We are proud to deepen our collaboration with HOYTS and to help create lasting value for both companies and for moviegoers.”

Continued collaboration

The expansion comes at a time when competition in the cinema sector remains significant, and operators are increasingly seeking to differentiate their offerings through technology and premium experiences.

The new seats build on the six-year partnership between HOYTS and D-BOX Technologies, and HOYTS’ stated aim is to continue broadening the motion seating experience to more audiences across its network in Australia and New Zealand.