Watching Netflix straight from your smartphone, laptop, smart TV or (at best) home cinema seems fun…but have you ever watched something that made you feel that you are a part of the story? If you haven’t immersed yourself in VR yet, keep up reading because, in this article, we will explore some of the most mesmerising VR experiences that revolutionise the media & entertainment industry.

Smell Sensations in VR

There are three types of Virtual Reality:

  • Non-immersive (like 3D on a computer screen),
  • Semi-immersive (it provides a partial virtual experience that is mainly focused on what you see),
  • And fully immersive (the most advanced and realistic, which even includes touch and smell sensations).

To experience semi or fully immersive VR, you wear a device called a VR headset (or VR helmet). The device tracks your movements and adjusts what you see and hear accordingly. However, there are also sensory pods available, such as the one created by SENSIKS. They can enhance the experience even further by providing adjustments to temperature, scent, airflow, and more, resulting in a full-body virtual experience.

Although VR has been commonly used in the media & entertainment industry, is also becoming popular in other sectors like education. However, today we’re focusing on the most thrilling VR creations in the video industry. In fact, they are not only worth reading about but also worth experiencing firsthand (which we truly recommend!).

Nature at the VR ZOOM

If you want to take a closer look at nature, you can go outside with binoculars, or simply, stay home, get Oculus Quest 2 (or another VR set) on your head, and immerse yourself in the documentaries created by Alchemy Immersive. It is a media production company from London, that uses technical innovations like AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), and even AI (Artificial Intelligence). 

Alchemy Immersive has an impressive portfolio of Emmy-nominated titles like Micro Monsters, First Life, and Kingdom Of Plants. Each of these titles comprises a series of three 7-minute videos. Their latest production, Conquest of the Skies, not only showcases breathtaking footage of birds but also takes viewers on a journey through prehistoric forests and canyons, exploring the 300-million-year history of flight.

Narrated by David Attenborough, these short films are the result of co-production between Alchemy Immersive and Meta Quest and are created with the use of cutting-edge 3D 8k 180 VR cameras, ambisonic microphones, and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) scenes. 

The stunning level of detail and clarity in the videos brings an unforgettable and mesmerising VR experience. With such incredible attention to detail, Alchemy Immersive’s productions are a must-see for anyone with a VR headset. If you are a fan of nature documentaries, trust us, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

But There’s More – Volumetric Movies

Alchemy Immersive is not the sole player that is pushing the limits of VR entertainment. In recent years, the idea of volumetric movies has been gaining attention as an exciting new way to create immersive experiences for audiences.

Unlike traditional 2D movies, which are filmed on a flat screen, volumetric movies are recorded using a system of cameras that capture a subject from multiple angles. This enables the viewer to move around the subject and explore it from different perspectives, resulting in a sense of being a part of the scene.

An example of a stunning volumetric production is Construct VR created by PresenZ company from Brussels. Construct VR is an action movie created in six degrees of freedom (6DoF) photorealistic VR. Set in a science-fiction dystopian world, the plot revolves around the main character, a robot, who must fight to protect himself and his family.

The production boasts a remarkably high image quality, and our company’s representatives had the chance to watch the Construct VR trailer during last year’s International Broadcasting Conference (IBC) in Amsterdam. Needless to say, we were amazed by the extraordinary level of detail in this production.

Moreover, Construct VR won two Lumiere awards at Stereopsia 2018 – an international forum that spotlights immersive technologies and content. This annual event takes place in Brussels, so if you’re a fan of VR innovations, it’s definitely worth attending!

Immersive Music Events

Virtual reality technology has revolutionised the way we encounter live events, particularly in the realm of music. You can simply immerse yourself in the front row of a concert or music festival. VR technology will give a unique and up-close perspective that mimics the sensation of being on stage. The performers may look into the camera, making it feel like they are singing directly to you, which creates a very personalised experience.

While it’s true that the emotional impact of watching a concert in VR may not be the same as attending a live show in person, there are still many benefits to this type of experience. For instance, it’s much more convenient and affordable. No money and time travelling to another country? No problem! Simply put on your VR headset and teleport to the concert venue within seconds.

In addition to experiencing real-life performances in VR, there are also immersive concerts that take place entirely in the Metaverse. In these virtual spaces, you are an avatar and the artist is an avatar as well. So there’s no physical barrier between you and the performer. What’s interesting is that these types of concerts have become increasingly popular, generating millions of dollars in revenue. To get an idea of what these immersive concerts look like, you can watch the records of Travis Scott concert in Fortnite or Lil Nas X Roblox concert on YouTube.

Virtual Cinema

One of the most remarkable aspects of VR in the media & entertainment industry is the way it enhances our ability to connect with loved ones.

If you have family or friends living in another country, VR can help you spend more quality time with them. And the distance won’t be a problem anymore. For example, you can watch movies together in a virtual cinema. All you have to do is select an avatar, enter the VR cinema and enjoy the film with your favourite person. You can also discuss it in real time, much like being in a real, physical room.

This type of immersive experience not only bridges geographical barriers but also creates a sense of togetherness. We could even say that it promotes a deeper and more meaningful connection between human beings.

Games That Keep You in shape

Virtual Reality offers a wide range of games that not only provide entertainment but can also help keep you in shape, blurring the lines between media & entertainment and the health and fitness industry.

One of the most popular VR games that combines entertainment and fitness is Beat Saber. This game has gained a massive following due to its engaging gameplay. In fact, it provides a challenging workout. The game involves slicing and dicing through blocks to the beat of energetic music, providing a fun and exciting way to get moving and burn some calories. With its popularity, Beat Saber has even become a competitive sport, with players vying for high scores and participating in tournaments.

Beat Saber is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to VR gaming. Virtual reality technology allows for an unparalleled gaming experience, where players can feel fully immersed in the game’s world. From puzzle to action and even sports games, there’s something for everyone in the world of VR gaming.

Unfolding the Future of VR in the Media & Entertainment Industry

As we see, VR technology is a real game-changer in the media & entertainment industry. With its ability to immerse users in interactive and lifelike experiences, VR has opened up new possibilities for storytelling, experiencing music events, spending time with family and friends, or even doing sports.

As technology continues to improve and become more accessible, we can’t wait to see even more breathtaking innovations. In the era of unstoppable AI (Artificial Intelligence) development, the cost of VR production might significantly decrease. What does it mean? Probably that the pace of high-quality VR content production will be faster (and cheaper) than ever.

It will be surely exciting to see where this technology takes us in the years to come. Who knows, we may even meet in the Metaverse someday!