This year we headed out to Austin a few days earlier than usual in hopes of catching the Ready Player One experience that was setup for fans. The on-site activation featured many interactive experiences including Virtual VR (of course), replica sets from the movie spread out through out a vast warehouse space, a computer station in which one could create their own avatar, a pop-up shop by Hot Topic with some merchandise and collectibles from the show and much more. We arrived just as the cat of the movie was finishing up a panel hosted by IMDB. The High Five (the first OASIS users to get on the Hunt’s scoreboard) as their know in the movie answered questions about their role in the Steven Spielberg film. The experience featured free cocktails and an impressive 80's soundtrack blaring from the speakers as fans of the movie mingled around.

Much to our own surprise it was announced that the movie itself was going to make its world premiere later on that night. Of course we had to figure out a way to get tickets ourselves (just like the characters in the movie in search of the three keys). We managed to wait in line for almost three hours in hope of securing a spot, as the theatre began to fill up our hopes looked like it was game over for us. Luckily as we walked away we managed to secure two tickets (which in turn were the very last two) and in we made ourselves inside. You could feel a buzz in the theatre as the cast of the film was in attendance as was author of the book and Austin resident Ernest Cline. most importantly the man himself Mr. Steven Spielberg was on hand to give us his masterpiece. We won't give any spoilers but we will say the movie is amazing and in typical Spielberg fashion one you do not want to miss. It gave us the same chilling feelings as movies such as E.T. and Jurassic Park from the past. The film is scheduled to come out later this week on March 29th. Get ready for a wild ride!

Words and Images-Robert Castro