Empire is to publish a ground-breaking virtual reality issue to coincide with the launch of the eagerly anticipated Alien: Covenant film.

The special issue, produced in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox for the release of Alien: Covenant on Friday 12 May, is the first ever Virtual Reality magazine issue in the UK and will go on sale on Alien Day, Wednesday 26 April – a nod to planet LV-426 from the iconic Alien films.

7,500 copies of the limited edition special issue, will be available exclusively through Sainsbury’s, with an additional 2,000 available to buy online. The issue unlocks two pieces of video content.

The first, Alien: Covenant In Utero, is a 360-degree virtual reality journey into a living nightmare that offers a terrifyingly close and personal encounter as an alien Neomorph at the time of its birth.  The second is an in-world scene not featured in the film.

This footage can be accessed using a unique Snapchat Snapcode found on the special Google VR headset that comes with the issue, all bagged together in a package featuring exclusive cover art.

Terri White, Editor-in-Chief of Empire, commented: “Once again, Empire is leading the way when it comes to innovation and creativity in magazine media. With our exclusive virtual reality issue, we’re bringing our readers even closer to the films and filmmakers they love.”

Chris Green, UK Marketing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Film, said:

“It’s fantastic to be working with Empire to bring fans this virtual reality experience. For those brave enough, it’s a unique opportunity to step inside the Alien universe for an exhilarating and immersive taste of what’s in store for them when Alien: Covenant hits cinemas on 12 May.”

Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with Alien: Covenant, a new chapter in the ground-breaking Alien franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.