When Spy Kids 3D: Game Over came out in 2003, series director Robert Rodriguez was on the leading edge of the current 3D movement. With this summer’s release of the fourth movie in the franchise, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World will add a fourth dimension of experience…smell. In what Dimension Films is calling “Aromascope,” moviegoers will be provided a card with 8 different scents that can be sniffed at corresponding times throughout the film. Rodriguez gives his full endorsement to the technology in the official press release, saying:

"Families are going to love the interactivity of this new addition to the movie going experience. And best of all, you won't have to pay extra for 4D Aromascope, which will be provided to every theater whether it be 2D or 3D.”

Since the spy kids from the first three movies (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) are all grown up now, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World will introduce two newcomers, Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook as Rebecca and Cecil Wilson. Spy Kids also stars Jessica Alba, Joel McHale, Jeremy Piven and Ricky Gervais as the voice of Argonaut, a robotic dog. For more on the pic and another example of filmic “smell tactics,” hit the jump. Spy Kids: All the Time in the World hits theaters on August 19th.

Though Dimension Films is touting “Aromascope” as being the “first to introduce audiences to the new adventure of 4D…interactively through smell,” the concept has been around for a while, with the earliest usage dating back to 1906. In most recent memory, the 2003 film Rugrats Go Wild! used “Scratch-n-Sniff” cards to add another level of experience. In watching the following trailer, I can’t help but wonder if the “Aromascope” cards will include the scent of vomit and robotic dog farts.

Past installments of the film have featured major roles and cameos of some big named stars, such as Steve Buscemi, Sylvester Stallone, Salma Hayek and George Clooney. Spy Kids 4 will see the return of not only past spy kids, Vega and Sabara, but also Antonio Banderas and Danny Trejo, among others.

Finally, here's the official synopsis for Spy Kids: All the Time in the World. Click here to check out the trailer:

On the surface, Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) has it all…married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids.  But in reality, trying to mother Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook), who clearly don’t want her around, is her toughest challenge yet.  Also, her husband, Wilbur (Joel McHale), wouldn’t know a spy if he lived with one which is exactly the case – Marissa’s a retired secret agent.

Marissa’s world is turned upside down when the maniacal Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to take over the planet and she’s called back into action by the head of OSS, home of the greatest spies and where the now-defunct Spy Kids division was created.  With Armageddon quickly approaching, Rebecca and Cecil are thrust into action when they learn their boring stepmom was once a top agent and now the world’s most competitive ten year olds are forced to put their bickering aside and rely on their wits.  With a little help from a couple of very familiar Spy Kids, Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara), and some mind-blowing gadgets, they just may be able to save the world and possibly bring their family together while they’re at it.