Caves and Circles

On page 46 of the textbook, the author makes mention of the CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) project, developed by Tom DeFanti and Dan Sandin.  The CAVE is an immersive piece of artwork in which the floor, ceiling, and walls of a room are all covered by a projected image or video.  Instead of seeing a square enclosed space with edges and corners, the audience feels transported to a more open, virtual environment.

The CAVE project reminded me of the Circle Vision 360 technology used by Disney.  Circle Vision is similar to the CAVE project in its immersiveness and 360-degree capability, but the videos shown through Circle Vision are placed in a different way around the wall.  The best way to explain the layout of the room is by sharing this video of a Circle Vision attraction (currently at Tokyo Disneyland): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmv_P_wcZG4.  The show actually starts around the 11 minute mark.

The video captures the experience much better, though not as much as actually being there!

You may have noticed that one of the Cast Members had to assure the audience that the room was not, in fact, going to move.  Despite Circle Vision not covering the entire expanse of wall, floor, and ceiling, I find it interesting that the experience is still realistic enough to make you think you are moving.  It makes me want to experience it in person! :)

Other Disney attractions that use similar techniques as Circle Vision are "Star Tours" and "Soarin' Over California."

Shanken, Edward.  Art and Electronic Media.  New York: Phaidon Press, 2014.  Print.