The concept of Virtual Reality (VR) has always been a futuristic concept but with recent technological developments it could be an immediate reality. People will be able to put on a headset and spend a day immersed in the life of almost anyone on earth.
Recently, The New York Times partnered with Google Cardboard to distribute headsets and allow users to spend virtual time in refugee camps around the world, which proved to be a shocking and sobering experience for many. Back to the fun stuff that VR allows us to do. VR has tonnes of applications in music, ranging from educational to purely enjoyable. The Lion King, a famous Broadway musical’s opening sequence was made into a VR video and shown to the people of New York.
Disney Theatrical Productions says the 360-degree immersive video of The Circle of Life in New York’s Minskoff Theater marks the first time anyone has recorded a live show in a Broadway theatre for virtual reality. The costumes, choreography, and music provide layers of eye and ear candy—and if you’re scared of heights, make sure to refrain from looking down while you’re at the top of Pride Rock. It’s a steep drop.
Disney was worried that if the VR experience was too good, it would cannibalise ticket sales to the live show. But Andrew Flatt, senior vice president of marketing at Disney Theatrical Productions says, “VR projects by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and others convinced them to put those doubts to rest. Once they saw a rough cut, Disney knew it had something special.”
There are a number of companies that are working and could be the ones to bring VR to the mainstream media. The Oculus Rift was acquired by Facebook, and they have a huge number of mainstream users who could adopt the technology if it is marketed correctly.
A few years down the line people could enjoy an evening at home being their favourite DJ or a rockstar or be alongside them while they perform the most electric show on stage. With this new technology it opens up a world of possibilities for people to explore.
