VR theatre for Paragon
Major
Cineplex Group Plc is teaming up with Imax to introduce Imax VR, the first virtual reality innovative cinema in Southeast Asia, at Paragon Cineplex.
Imax VR is a joint venture of Major and Imax, with each holding a 50% stake.
Imax VR features a unique combination of technology and world-class content that lets users see, feel, move and play in a new world, said Vicha Poolvaraluck, director and chief executive of Major Cineplex.
This is the seventh Imax VR centre in the world, in addition to cinemas in Los Angeles, New York, Canada, Britain and China.
“As a leader in the lifestyle entertainment business, we are gradually developing and committing to bring new cinema innovations to Thailand,” Mr Vicha said.
He said the global cinema and film business continues to grow this year as many other businesses slow down.
“Technology advancement in the world can be seen from the movie industry,” Mr Vicha said.
An Imax theatre offers moviegoers a differentiated and best-in-class film experience with its sound system and large screen.
Imax VR is leveraging groundbreaking VR headset technology, including StarVR, HTC Vive and Oculus.
With VR headset technology, 360degree sound and sophisticated room tracking, players will be transported into new virtual worlds that are more realistic.
The innovation will be supported by high-quality VR glasses from Advanced Info Service (AIS). Called AIS Imax VR, the glasses are available to view movies at Paragon Cineplex.
John Schreiner, senior vice-president of Imax Corporation, said the company spent more than 1.65 million baht working on VR content. The Imax VR centre helps encourage the VR industry. The company plans to develop some 25 high-quality VR movies and games within three years.
Funding for VR content is mainly subsidised by Acer, the Taiwan-based computer maker.
Imax also has a project to develop a 360-degree theatre with quality comparable to that of VR theatres. This project is under joint development with Google.
“Imax VR will be a more interesting and exciting spot where people can experience virtual worlds through complete immersion,” Mr Schreiner said.