Submerged is Apple’s chance to show that immersive videos can be a compelling reason to buy its expensive VR headset.
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Apple just released the trailer for Submerged, the first scripted immersive video for the Vision Pro. The short, written and directed by Edward Berger, is set inside a WWII submarine as its crew deals with “a harrowing torpedo attack.”
The trailer for Submerged consists of behind-the-scenes shots and fisheye-looking clips from the short, along with a voiceover from Berger, who claims that the immersive format will “change the future of filmmaking.”
Berger also says putting on the Vision Pro changes “the way you think about storytelling.” One could see how the location — the narrow innards of a submarine — might be both a technical challenge to overcome (it’s hard to film in tight spaces!) and an answer to the disconnect that comes with feeling like you’re in a space that you can’t actually move around in.
Submerged will be part of a run of new releases for the Vision Pro-exclusive format the company announced in July, including a performance from The Weeknd and clips from the fall’s NBA All-Star Game.
So far, the immersive videos for the Vision Pro have been brief documentary-style episodes in series like Prehistoric Planet, Adventure, or Wild Life, or sports reels for the MLS or NFL. The videos take up your entire field of view and they did make me feel almost like I’m right there with the people and animals in them.
But once you get over the neat trick of it all, there’s not much to go back for.
Still, I’m into 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 could be worth several rewatches to see what happens at different points in the space.
Those who own Apple’s headset won’t have to wait long to see if Berger’s lofty claims hold any water, as Submerged will be available on October 10th. As someone still paying off my Vision Pro, I hope they do.
