Sky releases Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko highlights in VR
David Farnor | On 09, May 2017
Sports fans around the world can now relive Anthony Joshua’s defeat of Wladimir Klitschko in Virtual Reality, thanks to Sky.
The broadcaster announced its new VR efforts last year, launching a new in-house production unit dedicated to the new technology. The 12-minute film provides a unique perspective on the heavyweight bout, which took place last weekend.
The fight, which also caught the attention of online channel BBC 3, where behind-the-scenes videos were released on YouTube, was captured by Sky VR Studios using eight custom-built 360 cameras, giving viewers a glimpse into what it is like to step into the ring with two of the world’s top heavyweight boxers.
The film offers an up-close look at both fighters as they run through their preparations in their dressing rooms, and as they make their way through the 90,000 spectators packed into Wembley Stadium down to the ring. Once the bell rings, viewers come within arms-length of punches, using cutting-edge technology.
Neil Graham, Executive Producer of Sky VR Studios, says: “There’s no doubt that this was one of the all-time great heavyweight fights, and it was an incredible to be given such unprecedented access to the action. The resulting film takes viewers closer to the action than ever before – closer than Arnie’s ringside seat!”
The Joshua vs Klitschko VR film is now available to download via the Sky VR App. The app is available to download on a compatible mobile from Google Play or the App Store. The app will let anyone watch immersive Virtual Reality content on a Smartphone either in conjunction with a Google Cardboard headset or in 2D (360 degrees) without a headset. The app will also work when using Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and Daydream.