“The Siege of Bastogne” is a must-see if you enjoy history like I do or are just searching for a distinctive and engaging cinematic experience. This virtual reality story experience film whisks you away to the Belgian hamlet of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
“The Siege of Bastogne” allows you to become a part of the action, to look around and experience the events of the battle as if you were really there. The film was created using a combination of CGI and live-action footage, and the result is a realistic and visually stunning depiction of the events that took place.
The story follows the 101st Airborne Division as they defend Bastogne against a surprise attack by the German army. You’ll feel the tension and fear of the soldiers as they face unimaginable odds and fight to hold the town against a relentless enemy. The film does an excellent job of conveying the chaos and intensity of war, and you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the story.
In addition to the immersive visual and auditory experience, “The Siege of Bastogne” also does a great job of conveying the human side of the conflict. You’ll see the soldiers struggling with the physical and emotional toll of battle, and you’ll get a sense of the camaraderie and bond that develops between them.
Overall, “The Siege of Bastogne” is a unique and powerful film experience that brings the events of the Battle of the Bulge to life in a way that traditional films cannot.
Personal Note from the Editor
On a personal note, I have seen a lot of 360 video experiences in my day, so admittedly, it takes a lot to impress me, so I don’t cover many of them. That being said, I would really encourage you to check out this film. It really is something truly special and makes for an exceptional example of how to use 360 media in an educational and emotional way.
Read the full press release below:
The World War II Foundation Releases 3rd Virtual Reality Film focused on the Incredible Personal Stories of World War II
The Siege of Bastogne: Hold at All Costs joins Award-Winning Omaha Beach and Pearl Harbor now airing for free on Oculus TV and YouTubeVR
Press Release: South Kingstown, Rhode Island, January 3, 2023 – The third World War II-focused Virtual Reality film produced in concert with The World War II Foundation and KonceptVR has been released on both the Oculus TV and YouTubeVR platforms.
The Siege of Bastogne Hold at All Costs was filmed on location in Belgium and shares the story of the 101st Airborne’s heroic defense of the town in the winter of 1944-1945 during the famed Battle of the Bulge.
“All of our 33 documentaries to date and now, Virtual Reality films, are all filmed on location wherever the World War II story played out,” said Tim Gray, Founder, President, and Filmmaker of The World War II Foundation. “The VR videos are a mix of what the area looks like today, interspersed with archival footage from World War II and interviews with the veterans who took part in the battle.
We find the new VR films an excellent way to give younger people an immersive look into history. The general reaction we get is ‘wow,’ Gray said. Gray continued, “Anytime you get a young person to say ‘wow’ about learning history, it is a major victory.”
Omaha Beach was also produced in cooperation with KonceptVR and was the recipient of two significant awards, including The Festival of International Virtual & Augmented Reality Stories (FIVARS) 2021 People’s Choice Award for Best Passive Experience and another award for the best narration of a VR film (Brad Hyland).
The World War II Foundation and KonceptVR are currently working on its 4th VR project, a film shot on location in Ramitelli, Italy sharing the story of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. The foundation of the VR film plays out at the African American airmen’s main airfield located near the Adriatic Sea. Today, just the Tuskegee air operations building is left at Ramitelli.
