Apple has produced the first titles in its own new video format designed to immerse viewers when watched on Vision Pro. At launch, four titles and one app will be available.
The company will offer movies and series in three different media formats on Vision Pro:
2D movies/series on a virtual screen
3D movies/series on a virtual screen, with High Frame Rate (HFR) for the first time
Apple Immersive Video: 3D in a full environment, surrounding the user
Also read: Apple Vision Pro: Micro-OLEDs with 3800x3000 pixels & 90/96Hz – a paradigm shift
Earlier this week, Apple and Disney+ announced details (1, 2) regarding their plans for 3D, and now Apple TV+ has provided specifics about its plans for the immersive video format, which it refers to as "the future of entertainment".
- "Apple Immersive Video is a new entertainment format pioneered by Apple that transports viewers to the center of a story with 180-degree 3D 8K recordings captured with Spatial Audio," Apple explained.
It is unclear what Apple means by "8K" as the videos are recorded in 3D. The Apple Vision Pro is equipped with two micro-OLED displays, each with more than 4K resolution per eye.
Four shows, one app
The four Apple TV+ shows available at the February 2 launch for Apple Vision Pro are 'Prehistoric Planet Immersive,' 'Wild Life,' 'Adventure,' and 'Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room'.
In addition, Apple will release a free interactive narrative experience app called 'Encounter Dinosaurs', created in collaboration with Jon Favreau.
Immersive video titles available for Apple Vision Pro. Photo: Apple
- "Ever since Apple introduced me to this new technology, I've been intrigued with the opportunity to explore storytelling using these innovative immersive tools," said executive producer and filmmaker Jon Favreau. "I'm especially proud to be featured in the launch of this groundbreaking product."
While Netflix and YouTube have decided against developing visionOS apps, it is evident that the company itself is fully committed. It remains to be seen whether consumers can be convinced to wear the googles.
First Apple Immersive Video titles
In Apple's own words:
Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room
“Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room” is an intimate, short film that offers viewers a rare glimpse into the Grammy winner’s creative process, including a rehearsal session featuring renditions of her hits “No One,” “If I Ain’t Got You” and “You Don’t Know My Name.”
Adventure
Immerse yourself in the world of adventure like never before. Join pioneering athletes as they face extraordinary challenges in some of the world’s most spectacular locations. Hailing from Atlantic Productions and produced by Apple Immersive Video, the first episode, titled “Highlining,” will offer an escape into thin air with highliner Faith Dickey as she takes on her highest challenge yet: a daring traverse 3,000 feet above Norway’s breathtaking fjords.
Wild Life
Get up close and personal with some of the most charismatic creatures on the planet — and uncover what makes them unique with the experts who know them best. The first episode brings viewers into the world's largest rhino sanctuary where a former police captain has dedicated her life to rescuing, raising and rewilding these gentle giants.
Prehistoric Planet Immersive
Inspired by the award-winning Apple Original docuseries from Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth, “Prehistoric Planet Immersive” is a new film that whisks viewers along a rugged ocean coast where a pterosaur colony settles in for an afternoon nap — one that proves to be anything but restful. Viewers will transport into the daily lives of dinosaurs, experiencing T-Rex teens crashing a quiet colony of pterosaurs on the beach until mama shows up to break up their party, and an intense battle between raptors and a pride of Triceratops in the forest.
Encounter Dinosaurs (app)
In addition to new groundbreaking originals only available in the Apple TV app, Apple Vision Pro will offer interactive narrative experiences that dynamically respond to a users’ input. “Encounter Dinosaurs,” a free app created by Apple and Fairview Portals with executive producer Favreau, allows users to look back into a prehistoric time and interact with lifelike, 3D dinosaurs in Spatial Audio. |
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