With the advent of fully immersive game experiences DayZ, and the upcoming H1Z1 all the rage, interactive movies offer a different kind of experience that is no less immersive. In many cases, the live action can be even more so. If done right.

While still in the experimental stages, interactive movies offer an entirely different experience than standard films, and a glimpse of what is to come. As realistic as digital gaming experiences are right now, they still do not stand up against a well photographed, well acted film.

Interactive movies are more than just video versions of “choose your own adventure” novels, that are still popular. If done correctly, they can actually draw you in with all of the elements of a well produced movie, with the thrill of being in control of what’s happening on the screen. You are not passively watching the action, you are controlling the action as if you were in the film itself.

Interestingly enough, some of the best examples of interactive movies have used the zombie apocalypse as the backdrop for their stories. Not exactly sure what that says about the current state of the popular psyche, but we’re not complaining.

The following are three excellent examples of “doing it right.” Check them out, and let us know what you think.

DELIVER ME TO HELL

Currently over 10 Million hits on Youtube.

HELL, was spawned by Callum Davies in the year 1996 in Vancouver. In the early days they tried everything, rice tandori pizza, delivery milkshakes, curries, mud cake, all in search of the wicked menu that is HELL today. Like a virus, they spread and multiplied, and then, having lost their mind completely, sold their souls to the then owners of Burger King.

Wallowing in Purgatory for their sins, HELL managed to buy back their soul in 2009. Hell was resurrected. (Read their full harried story HERE!).

They opened 2 new stores, took out the trash, had fun with marketing, improved ingredients and launched some new products. HELL is once again 666% owned by kiwis and committed to giving you the best damned pizza in this life or the next.

Oh, and they made this awesome interactive movie to promote their awesome pizza and delivery. It started as a contest, which is long closed. But you can still play the game! As you watch the video, you will be required to make decisions (often life or death decisions). The object of the game is to get Steve across the city to deliver his pizza without being killed by the zombies.

‘Haributo’ comment says it all:

“Umm… It’s Hell Delivery Services. You get your pizza no matter what. That’s how devoted they are. Fine men and women they are indeed.”

THE OUTBREAK

A truly excellent, well produced, decently acted interactive movie that requires you to make choices at various points in the video. It’s a bit tough, but is doable, and a lot of fun. If you get really stuck, you can Google a walkthrough to help.

It can be played HERE: http://www.survivetheoutbreak.com/

FIVE MINUTES

Just released Nov. 19th!

FIVE MINUTES was created for zombie-loving gamers who enjoy interactive films and the latest web technology. Produced by two students from the prestigious Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, FIVE MINUTES is a live-action zombie gaming experience that allows users to interact with and alter the storyline.

FIVE MINUTES is the ultimate zombie countdown. The game is based on the concept that the first symptom of infection is memory loss. John, the main character, is fighting to survive after being injured during a battle with a zombie. Only five minutes remain for John to figure out his fate and for the player to help him and his daughter survive up to the twisted climax.

FIVE MINUTES has a unique gaming mechanism which uses swipes of your mouse (or finger, if you’re using a tablet, which I recommend) to progress through the film. Highly recommend!

Will John survive these critical five minutes? His fate is in your hands.

It can be played HERE: http://www.fiveminutes.gs/

FIVE MINUTES was produced by two students from Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, writer/director Maximilian Niemann and producer Felix Faist, and