Apple recently unveiled a slew of new offerings captured in Apple Immersive Video, marking a significant expansion in the content available on Apple Vision Pro. Among these, Submerged, a scripted short film by Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), stands out as the first scripted film shot in this innovative format. This film is now accessible to Apple Vision Pro users worldwide at no additional cost, offering a riveting experience aboard a WWII-era submarine.
Apple Immersive Video, which combines ultra-high-resolution 3D video and Spatial Audio, aims to place viewers at the heart of the action. This technology allows for a deeply immersive experience, as demonstrated in Submerged. The film transports viewers inside a tightly packed submarine, enhancing the narrative’s tension and urgency. Berger praised Apple Vision Pro for transforming his approach to storytelling, “Apple Vision Pro inspired me to tell a story in a way that just wasn’t possible before, and in the process, it changed the way my team and I think about creating a story. This immersive technology pioneered by Apple is going to change the future of filmmaking.”
Submerged was filmed over three weeks across Prague, Brussels, and Malta. The production used a 23-ton submarine set, authentically constructed from steel and brass to mimic WWII vessels. The set included practical camera traps and special effects, allowing for realistic depiction of elements like sparks, steam, water, and fire. This setup was crucial in maintaining the film’s immersive quality without disrupting the viewer’s engagement.
The broader slate of Apple Immersive Video includes other notable entries. Elevated, an aerial travel series, recently premiered with an episode exploring Hawaii’s volcanoes and waterfalls. The series will continue with an episode set in Maine, offering viewers a picturesque autumn landscape.
Apple’s expansion into immersive video content also extends to adventure-themed programming. Adventure series will feature episodes like Ice Dive, where viewers follow a freediver under ice, and Free Solo, which showcases the risks of free-solo climbing in Majorca.
In November, Apple will collaborate with The Weeknd to launch an immersive music experience timed with his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Additionally, Concert for One, a series debuting later this year, will feature intimate performances by top artists, including British singer-songwriter RAYE.
Moreover, sports fans can look forward to an immersive film covering the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. This feature will include various events, highlighting the competition and athleticism in an engaging new format.
Apple Vision Pro is currently available in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, China mainland, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Users can explore Apple Immersive Video at no extra cost via the Apple TV app, with additional accessibility through Migu Video and Tencent Video apps in China mainland.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Kevin Low
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