Virtual Reality Comes to Mainstream Cinema in South Korea
More recently, VR romance drama “Stay With Me” opened in the immersive 4DX format at the CJ-CGV cinema chain. Directed by Bryan Ku, “Stay” revolves around the relationship between a boy who dreams of becoming a musician but is too afraid to go on stage, and a girl who aspires to become an actress.
“4DX effects for VR should be different from those for other movies,” says Yoo Young-gun of CGV. “Visual elements are not enough to accomplish what VR is up to, which is to expand to a form of storytelling with its immersive characteristics maximized. With 4DX technology, the audiences can touch, smell and feel the films, meaning that virtual reality in its literal sense can be achieved.”
CJ CGV is aiming to globally introduce 4DX VR by applying VR technology to its 500 4DX theaters across the world.
On the other hand, Lotte Cinema, South Korea’s second-largest exhibition chain, arranged a special program dedicated to VR content earlier this year. The program’s selection included Patrick Kwon’s “Nine Days,” South Korea’s first VR movie designed for theatrical release.
Since VR is still at an early stage and barely has a stable market, most VR productions rely on support funds. The Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism and institutes such as Korea Creative Content Agency and National IT Industry Promotion Industry are funding VR projects. Also, the Korean Academy of Film Arts launched a special course for VR production.
At the same time, companies in the private sector are also making investments. Leading visual-effects house Dexter Studios is running a digital human virtual reality research lab and is working on a string of VR films that are set for theatrical releases at CGV within this year. The studio’s lineup includes sci-fi animation “From the Earth” and live-action horror picture “Trapped.”
See the full story here: http://variety.com/2018/biz/news/vr-virtual-reality-gina-kim-1202801584-1202801584/