Imagine watching a movie, but you’re actually there. You can look around the whole set, be around the characters, and feel completely indulged into the scenes. Well, watching VR movies is exactly like this!
In this article, we will share how you can immerse yourself into your favorite movies with virtual reality.
Best VR Headsets to Watch Movies
To watch movies in VR, there are many headsets from $499 to a higher end. Here are the best 5 VR headsets to watch movies:
1. Meta Quest 3
The Quest 3 is one of the best affordable VR headsets with its high-end features. It offers a high per-eye resolution at 2064 x 2208 pixels, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and excellent horizontal field of view.
At only $499, you can have the best 3D, solo movie-watching experience ever. Although Meta Quest 3 cannot offer the sharpest visuals as other high-end headsets, it’s still quite good for its price.
2. HTC Vive Pro 2
HTC Vive Pro 2 offers the highest per-eye resolution among its competitors, at 2448 x 2448 pixels. It also has a high refresh rate and a good horizontal field of view. On Vive Pro 2, you can play videos from VIVE Flow local storage through VIVEPORT Video.
This supports playback of standard, stereoscopic 3D, 180-degree, or 360-degree videos. Reviews say that Vive Pro 2 offers the sharpest visuals, is a powerful headset and worthy of its price — at $1399.
3. Sony PlayStation VR2
Sony’s PlayStation VR2 offers a high per-eye resolution, being 2000 x 2040 pixels. The headset also has a high refresh rate at 120 Hz. As cool as it sounds, the VR headset can make you experience a theater-like movie experience at home.
However, there are some limitations to it as well. For instance, the PSVR2 doesn’t support 3D VR movies. Some users have complained about the visuals not being as sharp. The headset is good for gamers and occasional movie-watchers, though.
4. HP Reverb G2
HP Reverb G2 has a high per-eye resolution, at 2160 x 2160 pixels. The headset doesn’t have a screen door effect and thus, it offers very sharp visuals. Users say the best part about the Reverb G2 movie-watching experience was its stunning visuals.
In addition, the headset has impressive color saturation and brightness. At $599, Reverb G2 can offer you an amazing movie-watching experience in VR.
5. PICO 4
Pico 4 offers a high per-eye resolution, at 2160 x 2160 pixels. The standalone VR headset’s pancake lenses and lightweight design make it the perfect VR headset for watching movies.
It supports 4 video formats, including 2D, 3D, 180-degree, and 360-degree formats. While people love the comfort Pico 4 offers, there are mixed opinions on the visual clarity. It’s quite affordable at $430 with controllers.
2 Ways to Watch Movies on VR Headset
Different VR headsets have their own services for video playing. For instance, the Vive Pro 2 plays videos through VIVEPORT Video. However, here are 2 common ways of watching movies that work for every headset:
1. VR browser
Some streaming services don’t have their own VR app, such as HBO Max, Hulu, and Paramount Plus. However, you can stream these in your VR headset’s browser. Just open the Browser in VR and visit the streaming service website. Enter your login credentials and start watching your favorite shows.
2. VR Movie Apps
There are some VR movie apps that allow you to stream movies on your watchlist. Here are three of the most popular ones:
- CINEVR
CINEVR is a virtual movie theater where you can watch with your friends in all movie formats — 2D, 3D, and 360-degree. The app has 7 thematic theaters which include: Movie theater, 60s Drive-In, Beach in the moonlight, Haunted House, Antic theater, Spaceship, or Imax.
It offers an extensive on-demand movie catalogue, including the French for those interested in foreign films. CINEVR is available on Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and Pico.
- SKYBOX
SKYBOX is a popular VR movie player that supports 360-degree format videos. Like CINEVR, the player offers many themes, from cityscape to nature for people to enjoy their movies from. The app is mainly popular for its collection of thousands of panoramas.
- Bigscreen
Bigscreen is more like a multiplayer social platform for movie watching in VR. It allows you to watch movies, TV shows, YouTube, and play games all within one virtual theater. You can invite your friends and enjoy a shared VR experience.
Additionally, the VR movie watching platform offers movie rentals. Although their rental highlights aren’t as extensive as YouTube, you can still find popular movies such as Titanic, Top Gun, and Arrival here.
How to Stream Netflix & More on VR Headset?
To stream Netflix movies and shows, you just need to download the Netflix app on your VR system. You can enjoy anything from Twilight to Don’t Look Up in a whole theater setting. If you are a new user, you can sign up within VR. Otherwise, all you have to do is sign in!
Similarly, you can stream Prime movies on the Prime Video app in VR. All you need to do is download the app, sign into your account, and start streaming your favorite movie. The same works for Showtime members as well.
To rent movies in virtual reality, the YouTube app offers a wide-range of films to rent at various price points. For instance, “Free Guy” is available at $6, while “Dune” costs about $25. Once you rent a film, you’re given 1 month to begin streaming and 48 hours to finish the movie.
Conclusion
To wrap this up, watching movies in a virtual setting is exceptional. You can forget the world around you with the best movie, headset, and player.
There are also many ways you can watch VR movies — the VR browser, YouTube and streaming apps, or simply VR movie apps. To have the best experience, choose a comfortable virtual reality headset that offers other desirable features as well.
Also Read: – VR Headsets: The Ultimate Guide 2024
