If you’re even remotely familiar with the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, that headline should blow your mind.
Director Danfung Dennis, he of “Hell and back again” fame (a documentary that was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012) has created Zero Point, the very first short film that can only be watched experienced on an Oculus Rift. It was created together with virtual reality startup Condition One, as reported by Joystiq.
It’s available via PC gaming storefront/client Steam right now for an introductory price of $11.99; The special is only valid until Monday the 3rd of November , after which it reverts to its full price of $14.99.
$11.99 is only around R130, which is a very small price to pay to have your mind blown by three-dimensional, 360-degree viewing. Well, ignoring the $350 (R3800) you’ll already have paid for an Oculus Rift development kit, that is.
In an unusual twist, the official press release about the movie actually makes it sound genuinely exciting. To wit:
“”Zero Point” transcends the normal limitations of traditional film making, immersing the viewer with relaxing beach scenes, hectic halls of the electronic trade show E3, and visceral military rescue exercises. Due to Condition One’s unique capture device, player, and the Oculus Rift head mounted display, audiences experience the film from all possible angles and in 3D – as if they were actually in it.”
The best part? Zero Point is all about the rise of virtual reality, focusing both on the pioneers as well as the people and technologies behind its current re-emergence. It’s a virtual reality movie about virtual reality, and that’s very cool indeed.
Apparently Zero Point works on all Oculus Rift development kits, so regardless of which one you have, you’re all set. Colour me jealous.
Reviews that have appeared on Steam aren’t too flattering, though, since the movie is only 15 minutes long and people feel it’s not worth the money as well as a wee bit unpolished, but there is also a free two-minute demo that you can check out before pulling the trigger if you’re not sure.
[Source – Joystiq]
