The world of cinema has never ceased to reinvent itself through innovation, with the aim of captivating, entertaining and delighting audiences. From the invention of silent cinema to advances such as the use of 3D and digital special effects, which have been used for decades by some of the world’s greatest directors, the film industry is a field that tends to push the boundaries of creativity and technology.
Recently, the world of cinema has begun to exploit new technological resources, such as virtual reality (VR), which is revolutionising the cinematic experience. It offers a totally immersive and interactive experience in unique cinematic worlds.
The use of virtual reality (VR) in the world of cinema
Virtual reality is a technique for simulating a three-dimensional environment using a computer.
The first uses of virtual reality date back to the 60s and 70s, even before the modern boom in new technologies, although they were not particularly sophisticated. For example, Sensorama, released in 1962, was the brainchild of Monrton Heiling and involved using 3D films, wind and vibration effects and smells to create an immersive sensory experience. This was the first step towards virtual reality. Decades later, the first concrete uses of new virtual reality technologies appeared in legendary films such as Avatar, released in 2009. In this film, motion capture and virtual reality were used to create the immersive world of Pandora. Actors were able to use VR headsets to interact with immaterial versions of their characters.
An increasingly immersive experience
Over the years, the overall cinema experience has improved. Firstly, in the cinemas themselves, where viewers are equipped with VR headsets to enjoy interactive experiences while watching the film (exploring the setting, interacting with the characters, etc.). In the same vein, virtual reality films have been created, offering an even more immersive experience, specially designed to be viewed entirely in VR headsets, allowing the viewer to explore the sets and the film in 360 degrees.
Some film studios are creating specific VR experiences based on the films, allowing fans to enjoy adventures derived from the original film.
This is just one example of the keen interest in new technologies in the world of cinema. Over the last few years, the film industry has tended to readapt the world of cinema to the new codes of new technologies.