Back to the moon

Google is bringing virtual reality (VR) to a new animated 360-degree short film called “Back to the Moon” that celebrates the life and work of special effects pioneer French filmmaker Georges Méliès. “Back to the Moon” was created by Google’s doodle team in collaboration with Google Spotlight Stories, Google Arts & Culture and Cinémathèque Française teams, and produced by London’s Nexus Studios.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the work of George Méliès you may recognize his work in Martin Scorsese's film "Hugo." Scorsese paid tribute to  the director who produced his most famous films at the turn of the 20th century and is known as a pioneer of visual effects. He built his own sets and starred in most of his own films. Méliès would film himself multiple times over the same film strip to create the illusion of a seven-member band of identical musicians, make items mysteriously disappear and confuse the audience by switching characters mid-scene — all of which are depicted in the Google doodle.

I have put 3 videos on this page. The first is the theatrical version of the video. The second is the 360 degree video. The third is the making of video. Please enjoy them all. They each have some incredible things to offer. Please enjoy Google Doodle's Back to the Moon. 

Here you will see a 360-degree YouTube video you can explore  by either navigating with your mouse or finger, or by tilting your phone in a magic-window-like mode.

For the final video please enjoy the making of "Back to the Moon." The talent behind the video is incredible and the ideas came together beautifully.