Digital Light Sources and Positron have reached an exclusive agreement for DLS to market and sell Positron’s patented Voyager virtual reality chairs to cinemas in the United States. “DLS is very excited to work with Positron to bring this multi-sensory VR experience of a lifetime that offers the creativity and drama of cinematic storytelling and delivers it right to movie theatres," said Sami Haddad, president of DLS.
"Designed to exhibit premium VR films and fully immerse audiences with motion, haptics, and scent, the Voyager VR chairs are easy to manage and require minimal operation and have a proven return on investment for exhibitors through revenue sharing or lease/purchase options."
Haddad added, "These VR chairs are designed for theatre lobbies, without any impact on standard movie showings in auditoriums."
"Positron is truly excited to partner with DLS, as they bring a proven cinema market experience and network that is ready to introduce immersive VR technology to movie theatres," said Jeffrey Travis, founder & CEO of Positron. "Positron XR cinemas are becoming audience-favorites at museums, exhibitions, cinemas and entertainment spaces worldwide."
Yosemite Cinema, an independent theatre in Oakhurst, California, is the first US theatre to install a Positron XR Cinema. It is equipped with 16 motion pods designed to give audiences premium cinematic VR experiences.
The marquee VR film, Experience Yosemite, is a 15-minute cinematic immersive journey through the wonders of Yosemite Valley. Produced by City Lights and narrated by Bryan Cranston, the new VR film features motion, scent, and haptics to give visitors an unforgettable journey.
In addition to Experience Yosemite, the Positron XR Cinema will feature a slate of VR films from award-winning creators and directors, taking guests into places they may never visit on their own, such as outer space or the top of Everest. Other VR films currently available include The Secrets of Tutankhamun, Everest VR, and the two-part documentary JFK Memento. Positron continues to work with filmmakers to add to its offerings.
"We are excited to bring this futuristic technology to Yosemite Cinema and allow visitors to experience Yosemite National Park in a way that they otherwise never could," said Keith Walker, CEO of Yosemite Cinema
"Positron is proud to partner with Yosemite Cinema to launch the first permanent XR Cinema in North America with its most advanced Voyager VR chairs showcasing premium content. With millions of visitors coming to Yosemite National Park every year, we expect this immersive experience to become a highly popular attraction," said Travis.
"This was a labor of love and being able to share the awe-inspiring experience at a theatre of this caliber is a great honor," said Joel Newton, co-founder of City Lights and director of Experience Yosemite. "We're excited to have the audiences immerse themselves in the film and revel in the beauty that is Yosemite."
Positron’s VR movies are typically 20-25 minutes and are delivered to the theatre wirelessly to the chairs' operating software from Positron's servers. An exhibitor can pick and choose from the content available.
The average ticket price is about $20, Haddad said, but remains flexible at the discretion of the exhibitor to make it in line with the local community.
Digital Light Sources https://www.dls.digital
Positron Inc. https://www.gopositron.com