Battle Royole Set To Decide Where We Get Cinema Experience
Change is afoot, but which direction is cinema going in?
Will new super-comfortable multiplexes win out or personal film theatres for us to wear on our heads?
The plush new Everyman cinemas in The Mailbox and at Bell Court in Stratford with their wide armchairs that you sink into, extra cushions, foot rests and mini-tables to enjoy the waiter service snack and drinks are surely the ultimate in luxurious cinema experience.
Yet, how about watching on a Royole Moon in the comfort of your own sofa with its VR style headset sat atop your cranium? The noise cancelling headphones would eradicate distractions so that you could immerse yourself totally in a film being shown on dual Full HD resolution screens, claimed to ‘create the equivalent of an 800-inch curved cinema screen.’
With 32Gb of on-board storage, wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, even a log film can be downloaded first for playback, avoiding any streaming issues.
At £750 or more, though, the Royole Moon may be too significant an investment for many when ordinary VR headsets designed for more general, versatile use, like Oculus and Gear have apps that can show films.
The idea of sitting with a cinema screen millimetres from the eyes is an idea that I, personally, am hesitant about, and some users have reported disorientation and nausea.
However, others describe the highest quality of cinema experience yet.
One enthusiast talked of ‘being alone in the best ever IMAX.’
There is no fix as yet, though, for the distraction of aromas, be that from burgers delivered to the row in front at the Everyman or family members at home hitting the chilli crisps.
