Unlike regular streaming and video on demand, or VOD, virtual cinema implies a direct connection between movie theater or distributor and the viewer. Granted, so far this has applied mostly to more independent, smaller scale releases and venues, but that could change. Arthouse movie chains like the Alamo Drafthouse have embraced virtual cinema, as did platforms such as Film Movement. Even entire film festivals have moved to virtual due to current conditions and travel considerations.
With virtual cinema, you go directly to your local movie house’s website, not to a streaming app or a VOD storefront. You peruse currently available films and pay for a showing. Instead of a ticket, you get a link via email that can be activated in different ways, either a browser or a set-top box like Apple TV. Simply connect the source device to your projector via HDMI or even wirelessly, and off you go. Usually you have up to three days to watch the movie, but some places like to maintain the theatrical feel, so if the schedule says the movie will play on Thursday at 8pm, then your stream will start then, not sooner.
Also, movies rotate all the time with virtual cinema, unlike traditional VOD where once on the store they just stay there. Clearly virtual cinema has been intentionally designed to evoke the moviegoing experience for people who can’t or don’t want to venture out to the real thing. Importantly, by buying tickets directly you support local theaters and movie distributors since there are fewer mediators along the way compared to streaming and VOD.
All of that independence doesn’t mean lesser image quality, as a lot of the movies offered via virtual cinemas take advantage of high end 4K HDR home cinema advancements.