If you've ever seen The Lion King on Broadway, then you've probably been astounded by the show's opening number. Even if you haven't seen the show, you've probably heard about it: "Animals" leap around the stage and walk (or run) down the aisles, while the movie's iconic Pride Rock emerges from the center of the stage.
If you'll allow this writer to get personal for a moment, I'd argue that it's one of the better openings of a musical theater production, if not the best. But you don't have to take my word for it; Disney Theatrical has made it a lot easier for you to see it yourself because it's now available as a 360-degree video.
"Unlike most virtual reality captures of landscapes, sporting events, or concerts, The Lion King's allows viewers to experience 'Circle of Life' from the actors' point of view and see activity otherwise invisible to an audience," reads Disney's description. "The camera allows viewers – in a seamless 360° sweep – to experience the number from within it, completely surrounded by the 31 cast members onstage, Julie Taymor's eye-popping puppets and masks, the audience seated in the Minskoff Theatre auditorium, set pieces flying in from above and actors emerging from two floors below the stage as Pride Rock rises up to present Mufasa, Rafiki and baby Simba.
"The virtual reality technology enables viewers to choose where to look at every point, inviting repeat viewings of the video to take in every possible vantage point," Disney says.
The five-minute video, embedded below, was filmed using six GoPro cameras over the course of six performances, reports Wired. The different vantage points Disney cuts to give you a chance to experience the action from a number of different locations, including the very top of Pride Rock.
"In our 19th year, The Lion King continues to be embraced to an unprecedented degree around the world, and we are humbled," Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Productions, said in a statement. "But with that success comes the responsibility to consistently find new ways of sharing Julie Taymor's bold artistry. What better way to do that than this cutting edge virtual reality technology that puts you right in the middle of one of the most unforgettable production numbers ever staged? For the first time ever, you become part of the 'Circle of Life.'"
As Wired notes, you can watch on Google Cardboard via YouTube 360 on Android, the Littlstar app on iOS or Android, the Vrideo app, or on a Samsung Gear VR headset via MilkVR.