LOS ANGELES, Oct 8 — Fox’s animated series is offering fans a special immersive experience to celebrate its 600th episode on Sunday, October 16. The famous couch gag will be available to view in virtual reality for anyone equipped with the relevant Google gadgetry.
America’s longest-running primetime scripted TV series, The Simpsons has a very special episode in store for viewers on October 16. “Treehouse of Horror XXVII” is not only a Halloween special — an annual tradition for the show since 1990 — but is also the first ever episode to offer a virtual reality experience.
This 360° VR experience will take viewers into the world of the famous yellow family, but not for an entire episode. It is, in fact, the famous “couch gag” that has faithfully opened each episode of The Simpsons for 28 seasons that’s due for VR treatment. The gag, dubbed “Planet of the Couches,” was already animated but never used, and was hanging around at Fox waiting for its moment to screen.
TV viewers will see the 45-second opening ritual in its usual form. However, a three-minute virtual reality version has been specially designed for the occasion. At one point, viewers will see Homer, Marge and their kids in a prison cell and be able to explore the scene from six different angles.
To enjoy the VR experience, fans will need the Google Spotlight Stories application, available for Android and iOS, and a Google Cardboard VR viewer for use with a smartphone. Selling for US$15 (RM69), Google’s VR viewer is compatible with most Android and Apple smartphones. Google has even created a limited-edition yellow model for the event, finished with various Simpsons characters. Fans can sign up for one of the 25,000 free special-edition Cardboard viewers here.
The Simpsons made its debut in 1989 on the Fox network, which began airing the show’s 28th season on September 25, 2016. — AFP-Relaxnews
