Virtual reality is still in its infancy (we’ll finally learn more about Oculus Rift’s plans at E3 in June), but it’s already showing promise in a number of industries, from video gaming to the medical field.
Secret Location, the team behind the digital portions of Big Brother Canada among other shows, is taking virtual reality into the realm of horror. Insidious: Chapter 3 acts as a prequel to the supernatural franchise, but before it comes out on June 5, moviegoers can sample the world of the paranormal with goggles and headphones.
Called Insidious Chapter 3: Into the Further, the experience will have you leave your body behind. But be advised, if sudden noises and silent, creepy figures freak you out, you’ll want to steel yourself before trying it out.
I got an advanced preview at the Hart House at the University of Toronto. The huge, castle-like building was the perfect place to host a horror experience — it’s dimly lit and the floorboards creak as you walk. I sat in a chair, got the helmet and headphones on, and plunged into experience.
Into the Further is only a few minutes long, but the tense atmosphere makes it feel a lot longer. A red door opens, and you’re plunged into darkness. Eventually, you’ll find yourself in a brighter room. A woman explains you’ve left your body behind and are now in grave danger. As I looked around, I saw shadows at the doors and windows — the mere threat of them popping up made me tense.
Of course, the woman can’t protect you forever, and soon I was back in the darkness.
The scariest part of this experience is the complete lack of control — there’s nothing I could do to stop a plate of dishes from moving by themselves and violently smashing right “near” me. As more and more spirits flooded my vision — including one uncomfortably close to me — all I could do was not let my imagination run wild and fill in the ghostly creatures’ faces for myself.
Into the Further is a truly exciting first step into the intersection of virtual reality and horror. Eventually as the technology catches on I look forward to seeing longer and more intense experiences. Even the most hardened horror vets will have trouble saying “That didn’t scare me!”
Horror fans who want to try it for themselves will be able to go Into the Further at Scotiabank Theatre locations in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary (Chinook) and Edmonton, as well as Yonge-Dundas Theatre in Toronto. The experience runs from May 22 – June 5 on Tuesdays and from Thursdays to Saturdays.