What happens when you take a beloved cartoon and bring viewers inside — and I mean completely inside — its animated world? Honestly, I don’t know. But we’ll know on May 30. And I can’t wait.
Marvel fans may be familiar with the Disney+ animated series What if?. It’s based on an intriguing premise: what if events in the Marvel multiverse happened differently? What if… Captain Carter was the First Avenger? What if… T’Challa became a Star Lord? What if… The Avengers were assembled in 1602?
Also: Stanford’s VR breakthrough could mark the end of bulky headsets
You get the idea. It’s an alternate history and alternate vision of elements of the Marvel universe. I mean, great, right?
Today Disney, Marvel and legendary special effects studio ILM announced that they will release it an hour-long immersive version of What…If? Exclusively for Apple Vision Pro.
According to executive producer Shereif M. Fattouh, “What If…? – An Immersive Story” is the result of what can happen when you bring together the incredible talent at ILM Immersive, Marvel Studios and Disney+ to push the boundaries of technology to tell our stories in new and exciting ways.”
The possibilities are intriguing. We’ve seen some promises of absolutely fascinating entertainment with Apple’s immersive video demos and how the implementation of Disney+ on Vision Pro makes watching 3D movies more enjoyable Absolutely outstanding experience.
Also: I’ve tested the Vision Pro and the top XR headsets, and this is the one most people should buy
But what if you could combine the storytelling talents of Disney and Marvel with the reality-bending special effects talents of ILM to create a fully immersive, interactive story? Remember that ILM’s core expertise is in using available technology to change perception and create images and effects that are not normally possible.
Now, they are using a device specifically designed to alter perception, placing users in entirely new environments. The Vision Pro’s hand and eye tracking feature is already there described as magical — and now three wizarding companies are giving users the chance to interact with a magical world without a controller.
But there’s more to this story than what will probably be an incredible fan experience. Disney, Marvel and ILM have chosen to offer this product only above Apple Vision Pro And not much cheaper Meta Quest 3. Due to the fact that the Apple Vision Pro costs 7 times more than the Quest 3 (and 17.5 times more expensive than the Quest 3). Task 2), only one much more users for Meta’s platform.
Also: Best VR headsets of 2024
Disney, Marvel and ILM chose to make one spatial calculation invest in a much smaller market opportunity. These are companies that are pretty well defined in terms of popular trends, yet they are still investing in what is today a very niche product in a fairly narrow market.
“This project taps into the foundation of the desire our studios share to constantly experiment and innovate. Thanks to the capabilities of Apple Vision Pro, we can get you right in,” the producer explains. in a Universe that means so much to us all.” Fattouh. “I can’t wait for fans to become heroes in this whole new way.”
That’s really the key — the capabilities of Apple Vision Pro. Disney, Marvel and ILM are closing in on a larger market because they are focusing on the technological capabilities of Vision Pro.
The next obvious question is: How would a killer app play into What…If? To be? Would the existence of a unique (and perhaps very special) Marvel property on the Vision Pro be enough to boost Vision Pro sales even more?
Also: Why I returned the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 for these XR glasses
My guess is that it will definitely appeal to any Marvel super collectors who don’t already have a Vision Pro device. But the $3,500 price tag is probably still too high to bring in a big audience and drive sales like crazy.
Instead, it’s an immersive version of What…If? is a bridgehead, the first landing point for a new way to imagine what the best entertainment might look like in a world of immersive, spatial computing.
That’s interesting.
Unfortunately, the role-playing game What…If? not yet available. You will be pleased to see this trailer.
But when it drops on May 30, I’ll be back with a more in-depth report. Then, together, we’ll be able to explore just how much reality distortion is possible when you combine the talent of Disney, Marvel, and ILM with Apple’s technology.
Let me know what you think. If you already have a Vision Pro, will you try the What…If? outside? But I’m even more curious about the Marvel fans out there. If you don’t have a Vision Pro yet, will this be enough to convince you to go out and buy one? Let us know in the comments below.
You can follow my daily project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe My weekly newsletter updateand follow me on Twitter/X at @DavidGewirtzon Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtzon Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtzand on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.
