Why virtual reality might be the new norm for cinema

As we all know, the pandemic has reduced the cinema industry and given much of the opportunity to experience films as they are supposed to: on a big screen in a shared space. However, when a new piece of technology came into the family, I was pleasantly surprised to find something that could explain the future of the cinematic experience.

Bigscreen is software that allows you to view content in VR, allowing you to experience a “big screen” movie and enjoy friends and strangers, just as you would in the real world. .

The app has been around since the end of last year and although I had heard about it before, I didn’t have the opportunity to experience it for myself, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to be so great. rium. there were.

Donning an Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset, and after launching the Bigscreen app, and creating an avatar, I found myself sitting in a virtual chair in a virtual cinema in front of a screen that was more easily accessible. larger than most standard screens at your local multiplayer center. . Near me where other avatars, representing other people are sitting, somewhere else in the world.

What was amazing was how it felt like I was present in a cinema, watching on a real screen. Assuming the quality of the video, the audio from the built-in speakers was clear, and if I looked around I could see, and hear others. They would hear every word I said, which is, of course, completely unusual in a real cinema, but as this was a fun new experience for everyone it felt permissible – especially as the first words most said as they appeared, “Can anyone hear me?” It’s possible to change the default setting so that only when you press a button (they don’t call it “push-to-talk”) seems much more civilized. I have not yet figured out if there is a way to give your neighbor whiskey, as even in a real cinema that is sometimes allowed.

Plus, you can pick up fake popcorn with your delicate hands and throw it at others or on the floor – and no one needs to clean up after you. If you choose soda (and take it to your lips it makes it sound slow. Amazing.

Bigscreen offers free on-screen screens in public rooms that you can visit and attend, and many that are attractive such as Intercropping, but almost all of these were available in the UK, which was a bit of a waste. He was the only one who came up to me Jackass 3, and, appropriately, I’d rather beat myself over his head than sit and watch, though I might try it as a technical test.

There was also a chance to see a live event by Ready Player Two author Ernest Cline, and as Ready Player Two, or indeed One, which is exactly the movie you would want to see in VR, no matter how appropriate you are. to get?

VR is also great for 3D viewing. Of course the glasses are not an issue considering you already have a box around your head. I looked at shooters for several 3D movies, such as Star Trek (2009) and Terminator Genisys, but it was Hugo, filmed in 3D cameras that gave the best stereoscopic experience. There is irony there somewhere. If Martin Scorsese doesn’t think Marvel movies are real cinemas, wait until he gets a lot of this…

There are several virtual theaters to choose from and which one to use for the screens depends on the content – so Star Trek will be shown in a spaceship-themed theater while Titanic will be a retro one.

On their website, Bigscreen states that “power consumers spend 20-30 hours a week in Bigscreen, making it one of the most widely used” killing apps “in the industry.” and from my brief test so far, that is something I can believe.

Of course, the pricing model for movies in Bigscreen will not appeal to everyone – you can only rent movies, but VR at this stage is attractive to people with a technical interest who are willing to say, buy 3D movie, ripped to their computer, and uploaded to the VR headset to watch in 3D at the entertainment. If you don’t have the space or money for a TV system and surroundings, this is a great alternative.

It’s clearly early days for VR in general and those are the issues for VR cinema. The entry of a VR headset, currently the most affordable, the Oculus Quest 2, requires around £ 300 plus utilities, so it’s not cheap. It will get even better. As the resolution of the screens goes up and the weight of the headphones goes down, the comfort and immersion will increase further, while lower prices will reduce the barrier of entry.

Many may be happy to make the investment and while that will not help the theaters, it will inspire the film studios. In a world where many of them could not, or were unwilling, to go to the cinema just for the sake of others, the safety of VR social experience could lure them back to the cinema, even if it made sense. , so they can get a taste of the shared cinema experience, without leaving home.