Japanese movie theaters to get Internet-controlled "Smell-O-Vision"

In yet another gimmicky attempt to revitalize sagging box office sales, NTT Communications Corp will be installing fragrance-releasing equipment (think: giant Glade Plug-Ins) in several Japanese theaters that mixes different herbs and oils to create aromas that supposedly enhance key on-screen plot elements. According to Kyodo News, NTT "will use the Internet" to synchronize the scent generators -- which are located under what we assume to be more-pricey "aroma premium seats" -- during seven scenes of the multi-theater April 22nd premier. Colin Farrell lovers will be pleased to learn that the first movie to get this 21st century "Smell-O-Vision" treatment is the actor's 2005 film, 'The New World," whose tale of love between Pilgrims and Native Americans will no doubt result in a heavy odor of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie lingering in the theaters for weeks.

[BolderX @ Apr 12th 2006 11:19AM]

I wonder what Brokeback Mountain smells like?

[Si @ Apr 12th 2006 11:23AM]

In what way does this need to be 'internet-controlled'?

[yuppicide @ Apr 12th 2006 11:24AM]

I remember when FOX had a Married With Children episode that was similar to this. You received a set of scratch n sniff stickers when you bought a Slurpee at 7-11. I think they came with 3-D glasses also.

I asked the guy if I could just buy like 15 pairs and he let me. I was going to get all my friends to watch with me. Unfortunately I forgot to watch and the packs just sat in a box for years.

Too bad I don't still have them or I'd probably be able to sell them all for a fortune on eBay (ie: 25 cents).

[Lee @ Apr 12th 2006 11:28AM]

Is anyone working on getting Half Baked into these Stink-O-Theaters?

Actually, I'd sorta liken this to the new TVs with backlighting... it might just be enjoyable. (or not)

[LargeFarva @ Apr 12th 2006 11:33AM]

"1. I wonder what Brokeback Mountain smells like?"

To quote one of the funniest comedies, super troopers; "Stinks like sex in here"

[Jon @ Apr 12th 2006 11:43AM]

oh man...i'd hate to see a zombie movie and smell all the dead bodies...

[Rick Dobbs @ Apr 12th 2006 12:16PM]

I think porn movies in general will get a little awkward.

[Khaytsus @ Apr 12th 2006 12:22PM]

I've been in some of these theatres in the states.

Are they supposed to smell like feet though?

[Gordy @ Apr 12th 2006 12:39PM]

"Hey, that's not me! It smell-o-screen!"

[Josh @ Apr 12th 2006 12:46PM]

Inernet-based eh? does that mean its hackable? hmmm.... the possibilities are endless!

[Gr1zz @ Apr 12th 2006 12:53PM]

#5 Two words: Hot Death.

[Christopher @ Apr 12th 2006 12:57PM]

Best film of 2005. I REALLY REALLY wish i could smell this.

[Lee @ Apr 12th 2006 1:15PM]

Okay, so as not to be completely negative or sarcastic... Willy Wonka (the original) would be excellent in Smell-A-Vision... and it would greatly increase sales of Sno-Caps in the theater it's being shown in.

[Fugg @ Apr 12th 2006 1:22PM]

Eh, old tech. (;))

First seen (or smelled) in the 1959 film, Behind the Great Wall, but they called it "Aroma-Rama". John Waters called it "Odorama" when he had scratch-and-sniff cards for Polyester in 1982.

Ahhhh, the japanese and their nostalgia....
:)

[otakucode @ Apr 12th 2006 1:54PM]

I will create a way to bootleg this.

I will.

[Bravomedic @ Apr 12th 2006 2:00PM]

Can you say, fire hazard?

- http://bravomedic.blogspot.com

[backdropreader @ Apr 12th 2006 2:02PM]

Walt Disney has some pretty cool attractions that use aroma to help enhance their 3-D offerings into what others refer to as 4-D. Smelling baked goods just out of the oven is great. Can't say much for the awkward odors many kid's films relish in.

[Whiplash @ Apr 12th 2006 2:50PM]

>> I wonder what Brokeback Mountain smells like?

Like Ass, of course.

[Jon Konrath @ Apr 12th 2006 5:27PM]

I remember when EPCOT center first opened, there was some sort of "world of energy"-type ride with a bunch of dinosaurs in it, and the smello-machine blasted out an odor that smelled basically like bronto dung. Wonderful.

[Jesse C @ Apr 12th 2006 5:53PM]

--"whose tale of love between Pilgrims and Native Americans will no doubt result in a heavy odor of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie lingering in the theaters for weeks."--

"The New World" wasn't about the pilgrims.

[mreeve @ Apr 12th 2006 7:03PM]

I think I will avoid seeing "Monsturd" anytime soon in this theater!

[tjoker @ Apr 12th 2006 8:14PM]

Terrence & Phillip will never be the same after this...

[OddManOut @ Apr 13th 2006 9:01AM]

To little...to late...and slightly off the mark.

Having been to every Star Trek movie since V, the Special Edition Star Wars: Episodes IV, V, VI, the (abominable) Star Wars: Episodes I, II, III, Fellowship of the Ring, Two towers, and Return of the King. So I can tell you that nerds, geeks, IT savants, and all manner of other social troglodytes(sp?)for whom sunlight exposure is as rare as bathing will venture out and congregate en mASSe to view such cinema as these mentioned in dark ENCLOSED spaces such as movie theaters.

These devices should be dispensing Febreeze.

Heck if they did that I wouldn't complain ONE BIT about the $9.00 ticket price...