Netflix Gives ‘Stranger Things’ A Virtual Reality Makeover
You know how everyone has been crushing on Netflix’s Stranger Things? Fans of the show quickly gobbled up the eight-part series released on July 15. Whether it it was a combination of the mystery or the fact the show was drenched in 80s culture is up for debate. However, the fact remains, the show was an instant success. Many fans were disappointed though when they binge-watched the entire series in a day and had nothing left to watch. Well, now you can re-emerse yourself in Stranger Things with a 360-degree video recently released by Netflix.
According to Engadget, Netflix has been tinkering with virtual reality and 360-degree imaging for a while now. Besides being able to stream TV shows directly to your television or preferred device, Netflix has created Netflix Zone, a virtual DVD store where users can browse the shelves much like you used to do back in the 80s with Blockbuster. So, if you are a fan of the retro feel of Stranger Things, Netflix Zone might be right up your alley. Along with this form of virtual reality, Netflix has also released a dedicated VR app that “creates a screen inside a virtual environment,” according to Engadget.
While only short, the viewer is immersed into scene as Joyce Byers as she frantically calls out to her missing son, Will (Noah Schnapp). Will reveals, via the phone, that he is there, and alive, but that the creature he is hiding from is also there inside the house. By using the directional arrow tabs in the YouTube clip, the viewer can turn around and view the creature Will is talking about.
Viewers who have Google Cardboard or Gear VR can view the two minute clip with those devices. However, the YouTube clip shows fans what Stranger Things would look like if you were to use either of the listed VR devices. Be aware, however, that if your internet connection is slow, the directional arrow tabs in the top left corner may be sluggish as you use them.
TechCrunch gave the VR version of Stranger Things a go and described it as “quite the experience.” They further expanded their review.
“This 360 YouTube clip, which lasts just a little under two minutes, lets the viewer feel as though they’re right in the middle of a slightly altered version of a particularly tense moment from the show. Also, be sure to follow any instructions provided within, or you might miss the big shock at the end.”
What did you think of the 360-degree video of Netflix’s Stranger Things? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.
“A love letter to the supernatural classics of the ’80s, Stranger Things is the story of a young boy who vanishes into thin air. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl.”
Stranger Things stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Natalia Dyer, Cara Buono, Charlie Heaton, and Matthew Modine.
Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer (Wayward Pines, Hidden) serve as writer, directors and co-showrunners of the series, and are executive producers along with Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen, via their 21 Laps entertainment banner (The Spectacular Now, Night At The Museum, Real Steel, Date Night). Shawn Levy also serves as director.
[Image via Netflix]
