Apple just released the trailer for Submergedthe first immersive scripted video for Vision Pro. The short, written and directed by Edward Berger, takes place inside a World War II submarine as its crew faces “a harrowing torpedo attack.”
The trailer of Submerged consists of behind-the-scenes shots and fish-eye clips from the short, along with a voiceover by Berger, who states that the immersive format will “change the future of cinema.”
Berger also says that putting on Vision Pro changes “the way you think about storytelling.” One could see how the location (the cramped bowels of a submarine) could be both a technical challenge to overcome (it's difficult to film in confined spaces!) and a response to the disconnection that comes from feeling like you're in a space that You can't actually move.
Submerged will be part of a series of new releases the company announced in July for the exclusive Vision Pro format, including a performance by The Weeknd and clips from the fall NBA All-Star Game.
Until now, Vision Pro's immersive videos have been short documentary-style episodes in series like prehistoric planetAdventure, either wildlife, or sports reels for the MLS or NFL. The videos take up the entire field of view and made me feel almost like I was there with the people and animals in them.
But once you get past the trick, there's not much to go back to.
Still, I like the idea of Apple applying the format to a scripted show. There's more space to play with than the usual flat rectangle of a typical TV show or movie, so depending on how it's done, it might be worth rewatching it a few times to see what's happening at different points in the space.
Those who own Apple's headphones won't have to wait long to see if Berger's lofty claims have any substance, as Submerged It will be available on October 10. As someone who is still paying for my Vision Pro, I hope they do it.
