'The Simpsons' celebrates 600th episode with virtual reality short

Not everyone is convinced that virtual reality is the future, but at least one beloved institution, The Simpsons, has hopped onto the VR train.

In celebration of the series' 600th episode, the show decided to offer its opening couch scene in VR using Google Cardboard, and the result is incredible.

Titled "Planet of the Couches," the short experience is inspired by the classic science fiction film Planet of the Apes. But this time, couches, not apes, are in control. If you know anything about the film, you can guess what the Simpsons go through in terms of plot, but the real treat here comes via the VR features.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Rather than just giving viewers a simple panoramic experience, the VR video appears to respond to wherever you direct your gaze in the VR environment.

So when you discover tiny details, like Comic Book Guy rating the VR experience in real time, or the appearance of a couple of familiar aliens in the sky, it's like the characters are waiting for you to look their way.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If you don't have a Google Cardboard device, you can still download the Cardboard app on your mobile device and watch the VR experience on a normal screen.

Whether or not this kind of thing is the future of VR entertainment remains to be seen, but if this great outing by The Simpsons is any indication, we're likely to see more of these VR shorts invading the TV landscape soon.