Fans of the film Top Gun will soon be able to watch it in a virtual reality movie theater. Widely considered to be one of the most iconic action movies of all time, Top Gun was renowned for its revolutionary camerawork, which gave viewers the sensation of what it was like to be a United States Navy fighter pilot. Indeed, the movie was so enthralling that The U.S. Navy reported a 500% increase in enlistment in the year following the film’s release in 1986.
Of course not everyone is physically capable of meeting the strict requirements to be a fighter pilot. However, would-be Mavericks will soon have a chance to see their favorite movie in a whole new way that promises to enhance the experience that originally fueled their dreams using virtual reality. Sadly, this development will not allow viewers the chance to fly a virtual jet but it will allow them to watch Top Gun in a three-dimensional virtual reality movie theater.
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Variety reported the announcement of the partnership of VR firm Bigscreen and Paramount Home Media Distribution on the initiative. Starting at 6 p.m. EST on Dec. 29, users of the Bigscreen App will be able to enter Bigscreen’s virtual theater lobby and meet with their friends before entering a virtual theater to watch a free screening of Top Gun in 3D.
Founded in 2014, Bigscreen is a California-based company devoted to creating the most immersive virtual reality telepresence platform possible. Since the beta launch of their app in February 2016, Bigscreen has become one of the most-popular and highly-rated VR apps in The Oculus Store and has earned an impressive 93% positive rating on Steam. Bigscreen claims its software is capable of making users feel as if they are in a physical movie theater, sitting next to their friends and watching movies with them.
“This is an innovative way to bring the immersive and social movie theater experience into the comfort of the home,” said Darshan Shankar, Bigscreen founder and CEO.
Bob Buchi, Paramount’s president of worldwide home media distribution, was enthusiastic about the partnership:
“Bigscreen’s virtual reality platform offers a new way for fans to experience films in their homes. We’re excited to be a part of this experiment using cutting-edge technology to give fans a new entertainment option.”
This special screening is only available in the United States and requires a VR headset along with a personal computer loaded with Windows 10. The Bigscreen app is available as a free download from the Oculus Store, Steam Store, or the Microsoft Store.
MORE: Top Gun 2 Character Descriptions Include Goose’s Son
Key Release Dates
Top Gun: Maverick
Release Date:2022-05-27
