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VR5 jack-in via phone modem

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from VR5 (1995)
Created by Jeannine Renshaw
Distributed by Fox Newscorp
Posted bySteve Anderson

The 1995 Fox TV series VR5 used phone modems and virtual reality as a way to access the subconscious

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The unimaginative imaginary of VR5

by Steve Anderson

Fox's VR5 represents the lowest common denominator for imagining virtual reality in the mid-1990s

In this scene from Fox's ill-conceived and short-lived, mid-90s TV series VR5, the show's main character, Lori Singer, enters the subconscious of a condemned man in an attempt to discover the truth of his guilt or innocence. A phone modem is used to access the subconscious, which is experienced as a shared, total sensory virtual environment. In keeping with the stereotypes of 20th century imaginings of the virtual, VR5 repeatedly focuses on experiences that are old, exotic, sexual or violent. This particular scene emphasizes the latter two as a scantily-clad Singer nearly seduces the condemned man while questioning him about his crime.

Copyright 2010, by the Contributing Authors. Cite/attribute Resource. ironman28. (2010, February 07). The unimaginative imaginary of VR5. Retrieved July 31, 2010, from Critical Commons Web site: http://criticalcommons.org/Members/ironman28/commentaries/the-unimaginative-imaginary-of-vr5. This work is licensed under a No Copyright; No Rights Reserved.