Last week, Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway made history being the first Broadway production to bring 360 degree video into a Broadway theater. The result is a 5-minute video of the opening puppet filled number “Circle of Life” that lets you step on stage with the cast and see the show from an entirely new perspective.
The 360-video works best in Chrome when viewed in Facebook or YouTube. Click and drag around to change perspective. It’s also designed to work with some VR headsets.
What’s wonderful about this 360 video (produced by Total Cinema 360) filmed inside the Minskoff Theatre right off Times Square, is how close you get to the action and the puppets designed by Michael Curry based on the concept by Julie Taymor.
“In our 19th year, The Lion King continues to be embraced to an unprecedented degree around the world,” said Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Group, in a statement. “But with that success comes the responsibility to consistently find new ways of sharing Julie Taymor’s bold artistry. What better way to do that than this cutting-edge virtual-reality technology that puts you right in the middle of one of the most unforgettable production numbers ever staged?”
I was impressed with seeing this portion of the show when I saw it back in its premiere year. The whole theater comes alive with a parade of animal puppets. It’s nice to have this perspective too.
How else would you like to see Disney utilize 360 video? Perhaps the Beauty and the Beast stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?