The film, which is being distributed by Time Warner Inc’s Warner Bros, is shown on a traditional movie screen, no headset required. VR supporters hope Ready Player One, filled with special effects and backed by an upbeat 1980s rock soundtrack, thrills audiences and piques their curiosity.

Several related VR experiences, such as a trip inside the movie’s dance club, will be offered on the HTC Vive headset through an official partnership with the film. People who do not own the equipment can head to VR arcades to try out the technology.

“We are really are excited to show people VR is not something futuristic,” said JB McRee, HTC Vive’s senior manager of product marketing. “It really is something that exists now.”

Actress Lena Waithe, who plays an auto mechanic in the Oasis, said she enjoys VR but encouraged limits to time spent in a virtual world.

“It’s fascinating, but it can be a little dangerous if you play in it too much,” she said. “There needs to be a bit of balance. I think that’s the message we are trying to get through with the film.”

Reuters