Henry is Oculus VR’s first-ever virtual reality film

The Oculus Rift is about much more than bringing virtual reality to gaming, its about bringing virtual reality to the entertainment industry as a whole, which includes film. That’s why Oculus VR’s Story Studio team has released its first-ever virtual reality film. Known as Henry, this animated short has only been shown to a handful f invited attendees at a special event in California yesterday, but everyone else can still get a glimpse of Henry in the official teaser. 

Oculus Rift’s Story Studio team finally took the wraps off its new virtual reality film Henry on Tuesday at a special event in Beverley Hills, California. The premiere of the VR short film marks a new phase for the Oculus Rift — still the most buzzed about VR headset — as it takes us deeper into the world of cinema instead of gaming. The project’s Pixar-level pedigree is due in part to the presence of Oculus Story Studio creative director Saschka Unseld, a former animator at the Disney animation imprint who worked on Toy Story 3, Cars 2 and Brave. For those unable to attend the invitation-only premiere, the team posted a brief video showing off some footage from Henry, and it’s impressive. The viewer is plunged into the interior of Henry the hedgehog’s tiny home, and it when he finally makes his appearance he playfully winks at you as if you’re really both in the same room. Although you can’t touch Henry, he does sense and will react to your presence.