Infusing my VR cinema since 2019 with vibrant creativity and the latest technology, I've crafted five immersive VR360 Stereoscopic films that break the bounds of conventional storytelling.
My background in art and film, combined with my skill in Blender, ignites a dynamic blend of innovation and artistic expression. Follow my journey and the evolution of my new projects on my WordPress blog.
Experience my stories in widescreen on this site or fully immerse yourself with a VR headset through my YouTube channel 'ragnardimarzo' or on Meta Quest TV.
My VR films are designed to transport you into heart-stirring narratives, where each scene is more than a visual feast—it's an emotional journey. From the serene whispers of space to the intense echoes of historical homage, these experiences aim to touch the soul and awaken a deep sense of wonder. Through the lens of VR, viewers are not just observers but participants in stories that evoke a spectrum of emotions, offering a profound connection to the narratives we explore together.
’Ragnar di Marzo’s VR Studio' is a testament to my commitment as a solo creator, eager to push the limits of VR and collaborate with like-minded visionaries.
Premiere December 2023
Experience the profound journey of '2023 a Requiem,' a film that navigates the depths of human emotion and the vastness of space. This immersive VR experience melds the stirring beauty of Beethoven's music with a powerful visual narrative.
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"2023 a Requiem" immerses you in a visual odyssey from the tumult of war to the tranquility of the sublime, capturing the multifaceted nature of human experience. Set against the timeless chorus of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy,' this film weaves a narrative that spans the breadth of human emotions and actions. It's an exploration of our collective journey, highlighting the contrasts that define us – from conflict to serenity, despair to hope. As viewers, we are invited to reflect on our role in the universe, surrounded by the grandeur of space and confronted with the consequences of our choices. This journey is not just a cinematic experience; it's a call to introspection and understanding of the intricate dance between chaos and cosmos in our lives.
This cinematic journey is presented in a cutting-edge Virtual Reality 360 stereoscopic format, offering an immersive experience like no other. This innovative approach allows viewers to step directly into the scenes, enveloped by the vivid landscapes of war and peace, earth and cosmos. The use of VR technology not only enhances the visual spectacle but also deepens the emotional connection, inviting audiences to be part of the narrative itself.
If you're eager to experience the journey without a VR headset, a widescreen version is available for flat screens here. This alternative format offers a different yet equally captivating perspective of the film's narrative
CREDITS
Thanks to the Blender community for all help from tutorials and forums.
3D work in Blender
Editing and audiomix in Final Cut Pro X
Music:
Ode To Joy Chorus, Beethoven
Audio
Final Cut Pro X Audio library
SoundSnap
Pond5
Render farm: RenderStreet
Premiere February 2022
Embark on a visual odyssey that merges nostalgia, reality, and cosmic expanses in this VR creation. Beginning at ‘The Owl’ theater, an emblem of cinematic allure, the film swiftly immerses you in a 360-degree world that transcends its physical boundaries. Witness a seamless transition from observer to participant as you progress from a tranquil poolside assembly to the center of a lively garden, before metaphorically diving into space, venturing towards a distant constellation.
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“The Missing Party” is a visual delight, combining intricate lighting and detailed environments to juxtapose earthly moments with celestial grandeur. This film isn’t just a narrative; it’s a visual and emotional exploration, inviting introspection on our place in the universe. Whether experienced in VR or on a flat screen, it offers a journey that resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression of wonder.
CREDITS
Thanks to the Blender community for all help from tutorials and forums.
3D work in Blender3.0
Editing and audiomix in Final Cut Pro X
Group in the film:
Anna Gorsetman
Lars and Linda
My wife and I
Music:
Cinematic Spaghetti Western by FicusProsound
Spaghetti Western Lullaby by Stefano Fucili
Audio
Final Cut Pro X Audio library
SoundSnap
Pond5
Render farm: RenderStreet
The Monolith, A Space Odyssey in Virtual Reality
Premiere February 2021
The Monolith, A Space Odyssey in Virtual Reality," created by Ragnar di Marzo, is a VR film that takes viewers on a profound journey through space and time, blending surreal narratives with a deep exploration of human emotion. Set against the vast canvas of the cosmos, the film introduces a monolithic structure in space, a symbol of mystery and a gateway to a multitude of dimensions.
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In this cinematic odyssey, viewers travel from the stark, desolate landscapes of the moon to the ethereal beauty of Michelangelo's 'The Pieta,' and then to serene natural environments. Each setting in the film is meticulously crafted, using Blender's advanced 3D modeling and rendering capabilities, to create a visual and emotional narrative that moves seamlessly between the celestial and the terrestrial.
"The Monolith" employs a unique technique of bi-association, where the narrative perspective and sensory experience shift dynamically, challenging viewers to engage with the film on multiple levels. The auditory elements of the film are carefully chosen to complement and enhance the visual storytelling, creating an immersive experience that is both visually and sonically rich.
CREDITS
Thanks to the Blender community for all help from tutorials and forums.
3D work in Blender 2.9
Editing and audiomix in Final Cut Pro X
Addons in Blender:
Trees are made with The Grove
Grass and flowers: Graswald
Sculpture:
La Pietà, Michelangelo: SMK Statens Museum for Kunst
Scan the world, MyMiniFactory
Audio
Final Cut Pro X Audio library
SoundSnap
Pond5
Render farm: RenderStreet
The ’?’ Motorist Revisited in Virtual Reality
Premiere July 2020
Reviving Cinema's Magic: 'The '?' Motorist' in VR" is a transformative virtual reality experience that bridges over a century of cinematic evolution. Created by Ragnar di Marzo, this film is a homage to the ingenuity of early cinema, specifically celebrating the pioneering spirit of Walter Booth.
Embark on a journey through time and technology as you step into a virtual T-Ford, a classic symbol of early 20th-century innovation. This extraordinary vehicle takes you on a moon-bound voyage, leading to a charming cinema setting styled after the early 1900s. Here, you'll experience Booth's original film "The '?' Motorist," reimagined in a fully immersive VR environment.
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This project is more than a mere adaptation; it's a fusion of past and present, an exploration of how virtual reality can breathe new life into classic film narratives. The experience captures the original awe and excitement that audiences felt in 1906, while adding a contemporary layer of immersive storytelling.
This VR experience stands at the crossroads of past and future, not only preserving Booth's legacy but also showcasing the endless possibilities for storytelling in the modern film industry. It invites viewers to contemplate the journey of cinema and to appreciate the art form's evolution from its silent, black-and-white origins to the vivid, immersive realities of today.
Thanks to the Blender Foundation and community for all help.
3D work in Blender 2.8 and editing in Final Cut Pro X
On screen: my wife, Anna Gorsetman and I
Original film by Walter R. Booth: The‘?’Motorist from 1906
Music: Mister Expedition, by Kevin MacLeod
Music: Cheek to Cheek, by Fred Astaire
Music: Iron Horse- Silent film Dark, by Kevin MacLeod Youtube Audio library
Sculptures: Nike of Samothrace by Panomedia
Sculptures: Jason with the Golden Fleece by Geofrey Marchal
Audio: Final Cut Pro X Audio library, SoundSnap, Pond5
Render farm: RenderStreet
Romance in VR: A Cinematic Odyssey of the Senses
Premiere August 2019
"Romance in VR: A Cinematic Odyssey of the Senses," crafted by Ragnar di Marzo, is a virtual reality tribute to the dawn of cinema and a bold exploration of narrative and expression within the VR landscape. This film reawakens the Lumière brothers' iconic "Arrival of a Train" in a virtual milieu, inviting contemporary audiences to experience this pivotal moment in film history through a new, immersive lens. Read more
Integrating the expressive power of Pina Bausch's modern ballet, "Romance" elevates movement to a narrative language, where each gesture weaves a part of the story, enhancing the emotional depth of the VR experience. The film guides viewers through a series of ethereal VR landscapes, from surreal gates reminiscent of Renaissance perspectives to vast cosmic expanses, engaging the audience in a visual dialogue that transcends time and space.
As the journey unfolds, viewers are transported to a serene woodland setting, symbolizing a return to the roots of beauty and simplicity in the midst of technological marvels. This conclusion serves as a poetic reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the harmony between the natural world and virtual creation.
"Romance in VR" is not just a cinematic experience; it is an invitation to explore the sensory possibilities of virtual reality, to become part of a narrative that honors the past while boldly stepping into the future of filmmaking.
Thanks to the Blender Foundation and community for all help.
3D work in Blender 2.79 and editing in Final Cut Pro X
Original film from Lumières: L'arrivée d'un train à la Ciotat
Audio: SoundSnap, Final Cut audio library and Pond5
Music: Youtube library, Blue Danube by Richard Strauss
AudioMusic: Valse no.1 from Valses oubliées, S.215
by Franz Liszt (1811-1886).
Performed by Vadim Chaimovich, Musopen
HDRI sky: CGSkies and hdri-hub.com
Render farm: RenderStreet
Welcome to a collection of my pioneering works where I first began to harness the power of Blender. These six films mark a significant phase in my artistic journey, representing my initial foray into the world of digital art and 3D modeling. Each piece showcases not only my evolving mastery of Blender but also a deepening engagement with the rich tapestry of art history and cinematic storytelling. From reimagining classic masterpieces to paying homage to the early days of film, these works blend traditional artistic influences with modern digital techniques, reflecting my exploratory approach to both learning and innovating within the realm of Blender.
Inspired by the profound insight of Alexis de Tocqueville and the masterful blending of light and color in William Turner’s “Rain, Steam and Speed – The Great Western Railway,” “The Carth” is a visual exploration set to the harmonious tunes of Strauss’s “Blue Danube.” This film delves into the depths of history and art, creating a cinematic journey that intertwines past and future.
Thanks to the Blender Foundation and community for all help.
3D work in Blender 2.7 and editing in Final Cut Pro X
Audio: SoundSnap, Final Cut audio library and Pond5
Music: Youtube library, Blue Danube by Richard Strauss
Willam Turner painting: The National Gallery download page
HDRI sky: CGSkies and hdri-hub.com
Render farm: RenderStreet
“Europa 2016” reimagines Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” in a 3D space, capturing the fresco’s dynamic and desperate figures. This film, with its camera sweeping around the chaos reminiscent of a sinking ship, echoes the intensity of Michelangelo’s work, complemented by the etchings of Giovanni Battista Piranesi, portraying a struggle for salvation amidst turmoil.
3D work in Blender and editing in Final Cut pro X.
Audio from Final Cut audio library and from Pond5
Skeleton rig by feelgoodcomics.
Blending the tranquil domestic scenes of painting with the historical significance of the Lumière Brothers’ “L’arrivée d’un train en gare de la Ciotat,” “The Enigma of La Ciotat” is a silent, black and white homage to the origins of cinema. Set against Franz Liszt’s “Valse no.1,” this film invites viewers into a surreal landscape inspired by Giorgio de Chirico.
Blending the tranquil domestic scenes of painting with the historical significance of the Lumière Brothers’ “L’arrivée d’un train en gare de la Ciotat,” “The Enigma of La Ciotat” is a silent, black and white homage to the origins of cinema. Set against Franz Liszt’s “Valse no.1,” this film invites viewers into a surreal landscape inspired by Giorgio de Chirico.
“Fireplace,” the film juxtaposes the enigmatic allure of an unknown painting with Doré’s “The Confusion of Tongues” and Messina’s “The Virgin Annunciate.” This cinematic creation weaves a narrative that transcends time, linking disparate artworks through the warmth and mystery of a fireplace.
A tribute to the art of early cinema and the legacy of Georges Méliès and Walter R. Booth, “Carousel” is an enchanting journey through film history. Integrating scenes from Méliès’s “Voyage Impossible” and Booth’s “The ‘?’ Motorist,” this film celebrates the whimsical and innovative spirit of its pioneers.