Virtual Reality has not really taken off in a big way so far, partly due to the restrictions in hardware capability. However, this does not mean that there has been no advancements made in this particular department. In fact, Oculus might be the first to break the mould where movies are concerned, having released a film called ‘Henry’ that might just be the tipping point for movie buffs as well as Hollywood concerning the use of Virtual Reality as a viable storytelling medium.
Since the movie ‘Henry’ will have real-time scenes thrown into the mix, movie goers no longer need to rely on a linear storyline that advances with the passage of time in just the way the director wants it to – as audiences can enjoy a certain degree of interactivity. Of course, this does not mean being able to physically interact with the movie characters – not quite yet, although one can shake one’s head in a yes or no manner in order to communicate with characters.
Alternatively, they can also look around the scene in the way that they want to, where one can lean around corners, or perhaps to take a peek under tables. Will this advance the cause of the Oculus Rift in the long run? Perhaps, but chances are it will not cause an explosion in the movie industry the way that James Cameron’s Avatar changed the way we look at 3D films ever again. After all, the rumored asking price of $1,500 is a big task to meet when it comes to equipping theaters everywhere. [Press Release]
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