An increasing number of filmmakers are exploring the possibilities presented by virtual reality (VR). Not just for creating entire 360-degree films, but for promoting other films and TV shows. Such is the case with the tie-in VR experience Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab.
Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel to the acclaimed sci-fi film Blade Runner, which was released in 1982 and starred Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard. The film was itself adapted from a story by famous novelist Philip K. Dick called Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?.
In the film, Deckard was a ‘blade runner’ charged with hunting down rogue replicants – bio-engineered humans who challenge the definition of what it is to be human. The sequel stars Ryan Gosling and also features Harrison Ford reprising his role and continuing the story of the replicants and the changing nature of humanity.
The tie-in VR experience Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab puts the player in the role of a replicant who is having their memories examined. In the world of Blade runner, replicants have implanted memories, the nature of which are strictly controlled by the companies that create them. In Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab, however, something has gone awry in the player’s memories, leading to the uncovering of a dark conspiracy.
Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab will be available for Oculus Rift on 19th October, and Samsung Gear VR on 26th October, 2017. The movie is out in cinemas now.
You can watch the trailer for Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab below.
VRFocus will bring you further information on new Oculus Rift content as it becomes available.