The recent Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, has once again transformed into a significant event for the AR/VR industry. From Star Wars' Jedi Knights to Marvel's Super League of Legends, Disney's vast collection of intellectual property has become a lifeline for the industry, especially when it comes to reaching the mass market. Perhaps it's not the technology itself but rather a strong IP that holds the key to success in this sector. While collaborations with companies like Lenovo or Oculus have drawn tech enthusiasts’ attention, the core focus of D23 remains rooted in Disney's traditional strengths—movies and entertainment.
Disney's prowess extends beyond just its IP. The company has been actively exploring advancements in animation production, visual effects, and immersive storytelling through VR/AR technologies. These efforts have consistently positioned Disney at the forefront of technological innovation.
In relation to the VR/AR field, Disney unveiled several exciting projects during the D23 Expo. Among them were the new Star Wars AR Helmet and Marvel VR games. Additionally, Disney treated fans to a special preview of the upcoming live-action/CG hybrid remake of "The Lion King." The new version of Simba, which drew significant attention from over 7,000 fans present, features live-action footage filmed in Africa, including stunning landscapes and wildlife. This exclusive footage will only be shown at D23 events and will not be available on any digital platforms. Interestingly, the final scene featured Rafiki holding a young Simba on a large rock—a nod to the original film.
The new "Lion King" is set to premiere in July 2019. Directed by Jon Favreau, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed "The Jungle Book," the film employs the same VFX team that earned an Oscar nomination for their work on "The Jungle Book." Currently in production in Los Angeles, the team is leveraging virtual reality tools to construct the film's environment.
Rob Legato, VFX supervisor and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, highlighted the innovative approach at the NAB Show earlier this year. He explained that the team plans to extensively utilize virtual reality production tools to immerse viewers in the story, allowing them to "walk into" the scenes as if they were photographers. The integration of 3D environments enables actors to interact naturally within the space, enhancing realism.
While Disney hasn’t revealed specific details about the production process, it’s clear they’re pioneering new ways to engage audiences. Last year’s "The Jungle Book" offered a simple 360-degree video experience, while Broadway's "The Lion King" stage play provided another immersive perspective. The upcoming "Lion King" release promises to take Disney’s storytelling to new heights in the realm of immersive narratives.
Disney's previous breakthrough in immersive storytelling came earlier this year with a project that, despite its conventional storyline, delivered an exceptional VR experience. The interactive Oculus Touch version allowed users to "get hands-on" with Disney's cinematic universe, marking a significant leap forward in VR storytelling.
This progress is not surprising given Disney's rich history in visual effects. At this year’s NAB Show, the collaboration between Ridley Scott’s production team and MPC (Moving Picture Company) showcased how existing resources could be synchronized with VR experiences. For instance, "The Jungle Book" utilized virtual scenes for actors to interact with, streamlining the production process while maintaining high-quality visuals.
Disney’s VFX team excels not only in creating realistic CG environments but also in animating characters that mimic their human counterparts. The facial recognition technology used in "The Jungle Book" ensured that the anthropomorphic animals looked and acted authentically. For the 2019 "Lion King," renowned voices like Donald Glover and James Earl Jones bring their star power to the CG characters, promising a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
In the burgeoning world of VR/AR content creation, Disney stands out as a seasoned veteran, guiding others toward uncharted territories. While tech giants like Facebook explore the future of immersive media, Disney remains a trusted pioneer, much like Rafiki in "The Lion King."
As we look ahead, the contributions of visual effects giants like Industrial Light & Magic and Digital Domain will undoubtedly shape the next wave of VR/AR experiences. Studios seeking to innovate in this space would do well to study the practices of these industry leaders. The upcoming awards season will likely honor five such pioneers, further cementing their legacy in cinematic history.
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