For history buffs virtual reality (VR) provides an immersive opportunity to delve into the past, being able to better understand or relive key moments. Today HTC and Time Inc.’s LIFE VR have announced the launch of Remembering Pearl Harbor, a virtual reality (VR) experience commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack that brought the US into World War II.
Developed in partnership with Deluxe VR, Remembering Pearl Harbor takes viewers inside key moments of the event’s aftermath through historically authentic and fully interactive environments. The experience also uses interactive archival news material from iconic TIME and LIFE publications, the National WWII Museum and the Library of Congress, including famous radio broadcasts from Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
“‘Remembering Pearl Harbor’ is a historical and educational room-scale VR experience told through the eyes of Lt. Jim Downing, one of the oldest living survivors of the attack,” said Mia Tramz, Managing Editor of LIFE VR. “As postmaster of the USS West Virginia, Lt. Downing had a unique experience in this pivotal moment in history that we’ve brought to this piece. We’ve created this app with the hope it will bring a new understanding of this event to even the most enthusiastic history buffs.”
“We’re honoured to partner with LifeVR in telling Lt. Downing’s story through such a visceral experience on the Vive,” said Chris Chin, Senior Director of Content at HTC Vive and Executive Producer on Remembering Pearl Harbor. “For the first time ever, viewers can immerse themselves in a virtual recreation of World War II America through this incredibly moving and educational narrative.”
Remembering Pearl Harbor is available to download now for HTC Vive through Viveport for £6.96 GBP . The experience will also launch through Time Inc.’s dedicated LIFE VR app for iOS and Android in the coming weeks.
For all the latest VR news, keep reading VRFocus.