Apple has taken immersive video to the next level with Metallica, a new three-song concert experience released for the Vision Pro. This latest addition to Apple’s immersive video collection captures the energy and emotion of a live Metallica show like never before.
One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when lead singer James Hetfield kneels at the edge of the stage, locking eyes with a fist-pumping fan in the front row. As they scream together, Hetfield leans in, just inches from the fan’s face. Then, as the singer moves away, the camera lingers on the stunned concertgoer. Overwhelmed, he falls back against the crowd, steadies himself on the stage, and finally buries his face in his elbow, overcome with emotion.
A new way to experience Metallica
At first glance, Metallica follows a typical concert video format, switching between shots of the band, the electrified crowd, and sweeping flyover views of the venue. The video, filmed at a show in Mexico City, features three iconic Metallica songs: Whiplash, One, and Enter Sandman. Between performances, documentary-style footage offers a behind-the-scenes look at the band, with voiceovers from Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, bassist Robert Trujillo, and guitarist Kirk Hammett.
However, Apple’s 180-degree video format and the Vision Pro’s crystal-clear displays make this experience far more immersive. Moments like Hetfield’s interaction with the fan carry an emotional intensity that would be difficult to achieve in a standard 2D format. The experience feels almost real—so much so that when the camera follows a cigar-smoking Hetfield backstage, you might even think, “Wow, he’s tall.”
The powerful visuals make every moment hit harder. The opening notes of One send chills down your spine, instantly pulling you into the performance. As Hammett stretches the song into an extended solo, you might even feel the fatigue of standing in a crowd for hours, just as the real audience does. But when Enter Sandman kicks in, the energy explodes again, reminding you why Metallica remains one of the greatest live bands ever.
Setting a new standard for immersive content
Apple’s Vision Pro immersive video collection has steadily improved over the past few months, with releases like The Weeknd: Open Hearts and the dramatic short film Submerged. While these have been impressive, much of the content in the collection has seemed more focused on showcasing the immersive format rather than delivering genuinely compelling storytelling. Metallica, however, flips the script—it’s not just an immersive video but a genuinely well-crafted concert film.
This latest release raises the bar for what Apple can achieve with immersive content. It proves that the technology isn’t just a gimmick but a way to enhance storytelling and live performances unprecedentedly. Vision Pro users have much to look forward to if Apple continues in this direction.
