Immersive virtual-reality experiences could well be the future of cinema.
THE CUTE LITTLE alien seems doomed.
It’s about five minutes into my first virtual-reality (VR) experience and so far I’ve twice walked into a (real) glass wall with my headset on. I’ve also been talking incessantly to myself and to a helpful VR trainer who has strangely fallen silent as I try to work out how to flick a switch that will save this little creature’s life.
And that’s why it seems like he doesn’t stand a chance. My coordination has failed me as I turn to try to help and I hit the (real) wall again – and swear.
Fortunately, out of the blue, another alien appears and takes control, throwing me a look, and what I can only take to be the interplanetary version of, “WTF!” He flicks the switch on the virtual wall in front of me and he makes sure his little mate survives for another screening.
The headset and hand controls are removed. The VR trainer is now laughing – loudly – and I retreat to the nearby coffee lounge to take stock of the whole VR revolution.
Stop waiting. It’s already arrived. The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) recently hosted what was billed as the largest programme of VR productions yet assembled in Asia – 36 feature films, documentaries and animations.
Step inside, pull on a headset and you can either immerse yourself inside the likes of documentary Under a Cracked Sky – which takes you under Antarctic seas – or experience productions such as Asteroid! that place the viewer inside an animated universe in which you can help save the life of a cute little alien – or at least try to, depending on your wits and your dexterity.
There are panels of VR-industry experts on hand to chart the future of an industry that estimates suggest will be worth around US$75 billion by 2021.
Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Prestige Hong Kong.
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Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Prestige Hong Kong.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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One Step Beyond
Dancer and actress JENNA DEWAN TATUM has built a career tripping the light fantastic.
Crown and Glory
The “Forbidden City” plays host to an array of fine art and jewellery, and Chaumet’s aptly named Imperial Splendours exhibition.
Bright Young Things
After some serious time in the limelight, summer’s big make-up trend is finally putting brows in the shade.
Fragrant Fancies
The nose behind the reinterpretation of three Bulgari fragrances, Sophie Labbe talks to ZANETA CHENG about the jewels of scent, floral absolutes and ageless femininity.
Reachable Recharge
The wellness effect of a stay at Amanoi, in a remote part of south-eastern Vietnam, begins before arrival.
Contemporary Inklings
With a mixed palette of traditional Chinese painting skills and avant-garde Western influences, octogenarian LIU KUO-SUNG, a leading force in modern ink art, reflects on his work with ANDREW DEMBINA.
French Lessons
STEPHEN MCCARTY discovers the dark side of jazz-era China.
Top of the Crops
It’s been a long time coming, but the health-food movement has finally hit Hong Kong’s fine-dining scene.
Modern History
Delvaux’s Hong Kong flagship store has just opened its gilded doors in Central.
Double Act
Two designers, two brands, two worlds. Creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia tell Alice Franklin why taking the reins at Oscar de la Renta made sense as Monse, their new brand on the block, continues to impress
