Watch Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M2

Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M2 is a concert film capturing one of the most iconic rock bands of all time teaming up with a world-renowned symphony orchestra. The film, which premiered in 2019, stars Metallica's lead guitarists Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield, as well as drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo. It was directed by Wayne Isham and recorded over two consecutive nights at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The film opens with a dramatic shot of the Chase Center as the orchestra tunes up in the background. The tension builds as both Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony enter the stage to thunderous applause. The two groups launch into an electric performance of "The Ecstasy of Gold," the classic Ennio Morricone composition that has been a staple of Metallica's live shows for years.

From there, the film weaves back and forth between Metallica's greatest hits and more experimental tracks, all accompanied by the full force of the San Francisco Symphony. Classics like "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman" shine in this new arrangement, with the symphony bringing added depth and complexity to the band's already epic sound.

One of the highlights of the film is the premiere of a new Metallica composition, "Scythian Suite, Op. 20 II: The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Dark Spirits," which was specially composed for this collaboration. The piece opens with a haunting melody played by an unaccompanied violin, before building to a thunderous crescendo as the symphony takes over. The song features intricate time signatures and a wide range of orchestration, demonstrating both Metallica's musical chops and the versatility of the San Francisco Symphony.

Throughout the film, the camera work is stunning, capturing the passion and energy of both the band and the orchestra. Close-ups of the musicians and sweeping overhead shots of the stage give viewers a sense of the massive scale of the production. The film's editing is also excellent, allowing the concert to unfold in a natural and cohesive way.

Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M2 is more than just a concert film, however. It also explores the unique relationship between Metallica and the city of San Francisco. The band got its start in the Bay Area in the early 1980s, and throughout their careers, they have remained deeply connected to the local music scene. This history is evident in the film's interviews with the band and symphony members, who all speak about the significance of the collaboration and the impact the city has had on their careers.

Overall, Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M2 is a thrilling and emotional experience that showcases both the raw power of Metallica and the beauty of the San Francisco Symphony. The film is a testament to the enduring appeal of rock music and the endless possibilities of artistic collaboration.

Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M2 is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.