A video recently shared on Instagram shows moviegoers in a Chinese theater watching flames spread across the walls and ceiling. As the fire on screen grows, the temperature inside the theater rises, and the smell of burning fills the room.
It’s all part of a 5D cinema setup that uses coordinated visuals, scent diffusion, and heat systems to recreate the physical sensation of sitting inside a burning building.
The short clip quickly went viral and triggered a wide range of reactions. While some praised the technology, others questioned its safety and psychological effects on the audience.
How the Theater Simulates Fire Without Actual Flames
@cheddar The effect of a 5D theater makes the entire room feel like it’s on fire. 🔥😱 From 3D movies to virtual reality gaming, we’ve always craved more immersive entertainment experiences. But now, a cinema in China has taken it to a whole new level with a mind-blowing 5D theater. Imagine being surrounded by realistic fire that makes you feel the heat and smell the flames. But, there’s nothing burning. What are your thoughts on this experience? #viral #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fire #5D #virtualreality #techtok #cinema #theater #future #movie #china ♬ original sound - Cheddar
The fire effect starts with high-definition video projected across every surface in the room, including the ceiling. When a scene shows flames spreading, those flames appear to move overhead and create the illusion that the entire space is in flames. Heat systems then activate to match the scenes. Audience members feel a noticeable rise in heat, intended to mimic the sensation of being inside a building during a fire.
Meanwhile, special scent technology releases a burning smell into the room to complete the illusion. The experience is carefully timed and controlled with the help of advanced show programming. This coordination between video, audio, temperature, and smell is what defines 5D theater. It aims to replicate the physical sensation of the scene being shown. For some, that level of realism becomes overwhelming, while many people view it as a creative, if intense, use of sensory tech.
Why a Viral Video Sparked Genuine Concern Online
Image via iStockphoto/Andrii Iemelyanenko
The video, shared on an Instagram account, shows viewers inside the theater reacting as the staged fire intensifies. Many expressed concern over how close it appeared to actual danger. First responders and former firefighters said the simulation closely matched what fire rollovers look like in emergencies.
On the other hand, theatre professionals, including lighting and AV technicians, raised safety questions. The most common concern was confusion during an actual emergency. If theatre-goers become used to seeing fire as part of the show, they may not respond appropriately during an actual event.
Why Some Viewers Physically React to the Experience
Replica fire may sound like harmless entertainment, but sensory triggers can cause strong responses, even in controlled environments. People who have experienced actual fires, especially emergency workers, may find the sudden heat and smoke smell triggering. One Reddit user who previously served as a firefighter described a heightened anxiety response just from watching a clip.
Various individuals who worked in theater productions said they would leave immediately at the sight of ceiling flames, regardless of whether they were simulated. This isn't because of fear or discomfort, but the body’s automatic responses.
After all, when heat rises and video content shows fire, the brain interprets danger. The combination of smell, sound, and projected movement pushes that reaction further. Some people experience shortness of breath, racing heart rates, or even panic, despite knowing it’s not real. This kind of realism can turn a thrilling experience into a disaster, especially for spectators with past trauma related to fire or confined spaces.