Secret Cinema has left its fans bemused after announcing that its latest project, a screening of Ghostbusters, will be virtual.
The group, which founded its long-running success on the strength of its immersive events, is to show the 1984 comedy favourite as nod to the new Ghostbusters: Afterlife film, released on November 18.
The virtual event, which is being put on in partnership with Sony, will be called "Ghostbusters: The Gates of Gozer", and is set to launch on December 1. Secret Cinema are promising the chance to “travel back to the ‘80s and experience never-before-seen storylines based on the original film in this live virtual adventure.”
The blurb continues: “Team up with the Ghostbusters to investigate paranormal activity, explore the infamous 550 Central Park West and uncover spine-chilling secrets from other dimensions. The world needs saving and you’re the one for the job! Immersive theatre. 3D binaural sound. Real ghostbusting.”
Explaining what a “virtual live event” means, the @secretcinema Twitter account clarified: “It means it’s all set online, but with all the detail of our in-person events! Live âactors, special effects, interactive games, motion-triggered filters, 3D binaural sound, clues, ghostbusting, and perhaps a possession or two…”
While the website does have a waiting list for an in-person event in 2022, the idea of virtual ghostbusting is not, it seems, making fans feel good.
One Twitter user wrote: “Massive disappointment. Another own goal from you guys. After all the lockdowns the last thing we need is another bloody night in round the computer screen! Hard pass from a very dissapointed, former loyal customer. [SIC]”
Another added: “Hmmm, the fun of secret cinema is being there in person not some other shite to watch on a screen, this has dissapointment written all over it, something like this ip deserves better treatment, why do it online [SIC]”
Others were simpler in their critique, with one person writing: “An online event? Why do you hate us?”
Ticket for Ghostbusters: The Gates of Gozer will be released on November 1.
