No matter what style of film you enjoy, watching stories on the big screen or in the comfort of your own home is an enjoyable activity. If you love movies and technology, you might have questions about whether you can watch movies in virtual reality (VR).
The idea of watching movies in virtual reality is attractive and possible, but it requires preparation, especially financial. Check out what it takes below.
Where can I watch movies in virtual reality
In addition to YouTube, Netflix and Prime, compatible with virtual reality glasses, the Meta Quest or PS VR Experiences platforms offer movies or series to watch.
Necessary equipment
You must have virtual reality glasses, an accessory that allows the user to see three-dimensional images and “enter” another world, very popular among video game fans. Oculus, one of the main names in the market, is compatible with some applications, such as Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video.
The investment to have an Oculus, or other models like the PlayStation VR or HTC Vive, is high, with prices starting at R$3,000. However, it is necessary to watch movies in virtual reality.
What changes in the experience?
Narratives designed for a complete VR experience are few. One of the factors that contribute to this is the high value, making the accessory inaccessible, therefore, the incentive for production becomes smaller. However, there is a niche market that is interesting.
With VR, you can enter the story and get a first-person view of events. In addition, the narrative is thought of interactivity in 3D environments, observed by moving the head around.
Some VR films depend on this aspect, as well as allowing other choices for the narrative to progress. A great example of this is the miniseries SPHERES, directed by Eliza McNitt and produced by Darren Anorofsky and Joel Newton, presented at the Sundance Festival.
Other productions worth seeing are:
- The Great C: short film based on the short story by Philip K. Dick, premiered in 2018 at the Venice International Film Festival;
- Battlescar: original short film selected at Sundance, Tribeca, Venice and Annency festivals;
- Vader Immortal, winner of the Producers Guild of America Awards (PGA), which awards film and television productions, in the Innovation category.
Traditional movies can be watched using the accessory. You can buy, rent or watch via streaming subscriptions, you just won’t have 3D elements and choices to make.
