Walt Disney Studios just hush-hush released a virtual reality app on Steam that allows users to explore the Wonderful World of Disney.
Disney Movies VR, which launched on May 16 without any fanfare, promises a fully immersive experience where you can visit themed worlds from the Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm properties.
So far, users can step into scenes from "The Jungle Book," "Captain America" Civil War," and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
From the looks of the trailer, you might catch a fireworks display from out front of Cinderella's castle or dodge shots from an AT-AT. For a diehard Disney fan like myself, it looks like heaven in a headset.
But don't get too amped up just yet: Redditors who tried the app say the experiences are mostly limited to 360-degree videos, which are hardly immersive. Still, the app’s very existence suggests big-name media companies like Disney are getting in on the virtual reality action.
Disney Movies VR is currently compatible with the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift, two of the best VR systems available here in the US.
Earlier this year, Tech Insider spoke with Vicki Dobbs Beck, the Lucasfilm executive in charge of their virtual reality arm, ILMxLab, and she hinted at some exciting cinematic storytelling in the future.
"We are looking at ways to use the movies as portals to enrich and expand the universe of the film," Dobbs Beck said. "I sometimes think about it as, the movie is linear and [virtual reality] is like punching through a scene and opening it up in another direction or dimension."
It's unclear if the ILMxLab made any contribution to the Disney Movies VR app; It is not listed as a developer.
Here's hoping we can pilot an Iron Man suit or X-wing soon! Check out the full trailer right here on Steam.
