The scene that shows the Alien bursting through John Hurt's chest has gone down in history as one of the most epic and disturbing moments in science fiction. With the release of Alien: Covenant just around the corner, we're certain we'll see that scene one or two more times, and as a promotional stunt, Fox decided to launch Alien: Covenant – In Utero, a 90-second short for the Oculus platform that will place us in the role of the Alien as it emerges into the world…
A Truly Disturbing Birth
There's no point in denying it at this point, especially since it was the original film's writer Dan O'Bannon himself who admitted it: The complete gestation and birth process of the Alien is nothing less than a violation. If we add to that the multiple sexual details of the film enhanced by the art of H.R. Giger, and the way the "chestburster" scene was developed (basically, none of the actors knew anything, except Hurt), the impact is even greater. The Alien comes into the world with violence, hatred, contempt, and the intention to destroy everything that is not like itself. We've had several opportunities to see that "from the outside". Now… what about seeing it from the Alien's eyes?
Into the Alien's World
Alien: Covenant premieres on May 19 in the United States. Two trailers and a lot of secondary material have been used for its promotion, but Fox has something extra, and it's Alien: Covenant – In Utero. As its name suggests, it's a virtual reality short that turns us into the Alien when it emerges from its victim's chest, while we hear the desperate screams of the crew that serves as witnesses. The video, approximately 90 seconds long, will be available in the Oculus Video app for the Rift headset and devices compatible with the Samsung Gear VR.
Technically, this isn't the first time Fox has experimented with virtual reality. In the past, it tried to offer a similar experience based on the film The Martian, but at a price of 20 dollars, very few decided to see Mars through Matt Damon's eyes. This time, it's expected that the story will be very different.
