Visual effects leader teaming with HTC and Qualcomm Technologies to share sneak preview of legendary Chinese character in an immersive new tale
PLAYA VISTA, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — January 4, 2017 — Digital Domain, one of the largest and most innovative providers of visual effects and immersive experiences, announced today that it is showing a sneak preview of its upcoming original virtual reality series, “Monkey King” with HTC VIVE and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. The studio’s first cinematic VR experience is an epic fantasy starring the mythological Chinese character set in a lush 360° environment. The “Monkey King” teaser will be on display in the HTC VIVE booth and on untethered mobile VR headsets powered by Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processors in the Qualcomm Technologies booth at the 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
“HTC Vive and Qualcomm Technologies are providing consumers with powerful technologies for experiencing the full potential of virtual reality,” said Daniel Seah, CEO, Digital Domain. “CES attendees using Vive headsets and headsets powered by Snapdragon processors can enjoy VR experiences that are more responsive and immersive than was ever before possible. We are very glad to work with these companies to share our Monkey King sneak preview at CES.”
Digital Domain is uniquely positioned to play a key role in the VR content market. Following years of experience creating visual effects for Hollywood feature films, advertisements, and video games, in 2016 the company made advances in 360o livestreaming, producing virtual reality experiences like the recent Nobel Peace Prize Concert and Faye Wong Moments Live concert in China. Digital Domain’s “Monkey King” episodic VR experience introduces a new chapter for supernatural simian Sun Wukong, aka the Monkey King, one of the most famous literary figures in Chinese mythology.
“It’s our pleasure to work with Digital Domain to unveil its sneak preview of Monkey King,” said Mr. Raymond Pao, Vice President, VR New Technology, HTC. “The renowned artists at Digital Domain bring imagination to life in stunning detail, and high-quality content like the ‘Monkey King’ experience will inspire consumers to make VR entertainment a part of their everyday lives. We believe that computer-generated experiences like ‘Monkey King’ will help usher the entertainment industry into a new era, bringing immersive visual experiences to captivated audiences.”
“Our new flagship Snapdragon 835 processor is designed to meet the demanding requirements of advanced, highly engaging mobile virtual reality content like Monkey King, on thin and light mobile designs,” said Dave Durnil, Senior Director, Advanced Content Group, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “VR will be a new paradigm for how we interact with the world, and we’re excited to work with mobile VR developers like Digital Domain to help them deliver compelling and high-quality experiences on upcoming Snapdragon smartphones and headsets.”
Where to See Monkey King at CES
CES attendees can view the “Monkey King” sneak preview at the following booths:
- On HTC Vive headsets at the Alsace Ballroom in the Wynn Hotel.
- On Qualcomm Virtual Reality Concept designs powered by Snapdragon 835 at the Qualcomm Technologies booth (#10948 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center). This content will be available on devices powered by Snapdragon 820, Snapdragon 821 and next-generation Snapdragon 835 platforms.
- Monkey King will also be shown with Dacuda's inside-out tracking for room-scale, mobile VR, which enables the viewer to move through the VR experience using mobile headsets, in the ZEISS booth (Booth 26429 in South Hall 2 of the Las Vegas Convention Center).
About Digital Domain
Digital Domain creates transportive experiences that entertain, inform and inspire. The company is a pioneer in many fields, including visual effects, livestreaming landmark events in 360° virtual reality, building situational awareness applications, creating “virtual humans” for use in films and live events, and developing interactive content. A creative force in visual effects and media applications, Digital Domain and its predecessor entities have brought artistry and technology to hundreds of motion pictures, commercials, video games, music videos and virtual reality experiences. Its groundbreaking visual effects appear in films such as "Titanic," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and recent blockbusters "Furious 7" and "Deadpool." Staff artists have won more than 100 major awards, including Academy Awards, Clios, BAFTA awards and Cannes Lions. Digital Domain has offices in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei and Hong Kong. Digital Domain Holdings Limited ( www.ddhl.com) is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code 547). www.digitaldomain.com
Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated,
registered in the United States and other countries.
Qualcomm
Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
