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Pop-up theatre offers virtual horror

Vancouver’s first haunted virtual reality experience on now through Halloween

“Look behind you...”

When I heard that whispered warning the last thing I wanted to do was turn around, but I was more afraid of what would happen if I didn’t. As I slowly swung my chair around, my worst nightmare became reality and then, well I wouldn’t want to give away the ending.

On Wednesday morning, Oct.  11, I had the frightening opportunity to live through the city’s first haunted virtual reality experience Hallowe’en Dreamscape. And while I did survive, I also let out a few shrieks, much to my co-workers’ amusement.

Blaise Sack, owner of Moves Media, explained knowingly prior to me strapping on the virtual reality goggles and headset, it’s one thing to watch a scary movie, but it’s a completely different experience to find yourself trapped in one. And after experiencing that horror first hand, I had to agree. Moves Media is a Vancouver-based production company specializing in creative video production from concept to creation.

 

“The experience is different for everyone,” says Sack. “If you put someone in a dark forest and that’s what they’re scared of, that will be the scariest part for them. “For me it’s the jump scenes, when monsters and murders are getting closer and there’s no way to escape and they’re taking away my personal space.”

Dreamscape
The pop-up, virtual-reality event at Shebeen in Gastown allows those brave enough to come face-to-face with their worst nightmares.

 

And there were a few times during my 10-minute experience when I was concerned by a lot more than someone invading my “personal space.” Dreamscape was filmed using 360-degree directional cameras to absorb viewers in the video as the terrifying experience unfolds.

I don’t want to give anything else away, but for anyone 19 and older interested in having the bejeesuz scared out of them, they can attend a session of virtual reality terror at a pop-up event running now through Oct. 31 at Shebeen Whiskey House in Gastown at 212 Carrall St. To access Shebeen enter through the Irish Heather pub, also on Carrall Street.

When: Open Oct. 10 to 23 (closed Sundays and Mondays) and then open every day in the week leading up to Halloween. The hours of operation are from 6 to 8 p.m. and reservations are recommended. The cost is $20 per person.

For more information visit movesmedia.com/dreamscape.

sthomas@vancourier.com

@sthomas10