Hollywood is embracing virtual reality technology as a new and exciting means of expression, but don’t expect theaters start passing out VR headsets the same way they do 3D glasses anytime soon.
Although Starbreeze, makers of The Walking Dead Experience and the upcoming John Wick VR game, is opening a virtual reality arcade called Project StarCade later this year in Los Angeles to help promote the technology and its own StarVR headset — and a mixed reality theme park called The Void is looking to open its doors in Salt Lake City in the fall — it’s safe to say that VR theaters are still a long way off from being popularized.
Until then, movie goers are saved from having to decide between regular, 3D IMAX, or VR formats when getting tickets for the next Star Wars film. Fortunately, there’s still a way to virtually visit a galaxy far, far away using the Star Wars mobile app, which was updated with a story-driven VR experience last fall to help promote the launch of The Force Awakens movie.
John Gaeta, Executive Creative Director at Lucasfilm’s ILMxLAB, is also working with a team to bring that galaxy a little closer. Lucasfilm showcased the Holo-Cinema augmented reality experience at this year’s Sundance Film Festival (alongside a variety of other wild projects), and attendees were able to explore the planet Jakku and see 3D representations of C3PO and BB-8.
Eventually, fans will be able to use the technology to experience different aspects of the Star Wars universe from the comfort of their own homes. Gaeta went on to state that he expected augmented-reality to become mainstream for all sizes of movies in five to ten years, and that the company was not beholden to stick exclusively to the Star Wars franchise.
Both Oculus VR and Samsung have individually announced their own studios, dedicated to the goal of creating quality VR content. More consumers may be persuaded to try the technology out as more content becomes available. As of right now, viewers can use apps like Vrse, NYT VR, and a number of others on their smartphones and Google Cardboard to watch short 360-degree films and documentaries. Additionally, some Hollywood studios have used VR apps to promote big movie premieres like The Hunger Games: The Mockingjay Part 2.
Mobile VR may even open new ways to watch movies and engage with movies, as content creators experiment with interactivity that’s similar to some video games. Eventually, viewers may be able to influence how the story turns out, like in a Choose Own Adventure book. To this end, Samsung has invested in the company Interlude, which is researching ways to bridge interactive VR video with the more traditional, linear, format. Either way, viewers will be able to engage with films at a whole new level.
