The world's first virtual reality cinema opens up in Amsterdam

The Virtual Reality Cinema
Like the normal cinema, but a lot more virtual.

Everything's about VR at the moment. Headsets, cameras and movies are all poised to deliver immersive entertainment, starting with games and films.

In an attempt to seize the zeitgeist, the world's first dedicated virtual reality cinema is opening up in Amsterdam. Samhoud Media, responsible for several 'pop-up' VR cinemas in the past, is behind the new initiative.

VR goes to the movies

Apparently the theatre holds 50 people at a time and the movies currently last around 30 minutes. Ticket prices are set at €12.50 (roughly £10/US$14/AU$18) and there are plans for further cinemas across Europe.

But what about the content? There's a wealth of 360-degree video out there now, but the developers of The VR Cinema haven't said exactly what's going to be showing at the new venue - only that it adds "a whole new dimension" to the theatre experience. At least some of the films are going to be produced by the creators behind the cinema itself.

Basic 360-degree video can be filmed at a fairly low cost - Samsung and LG both launched cameras at MWC - but some studios, including Oculus, are already working on more immersive movies that let you move through scenes and interact with what you're seeing.

Who knows what we'll be able to go and see in the future or whether it will mean the end of cinemas completely as we'll get the full experience from the privacy of our own homes but for now this may be the most sociable way to enjoy VR.

Via SlashGear

David Nield
Freelance Contributor

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.