Reel Facts & Opinions: All You Need to Know About METALLICA: THROUGH THE NEVER

Last week, THE WIZARD OF OZ began a short, one-week re-release in the glorious 3D IMAX format. This week, the rainbow song gives way to the heavy metal thunder of Metallica when they release their first theatrical concert film, METALLICA: THROUGH THE NEVER. Here are the Reel facts on the film:

So it’s just another concert film? Not really. THROUGH THE NEVER is a concert film with a plot. As the band plays a sold-out arena, a young roadie is sent on a mission to retrieve an item. His task takes a surreal turn when his van is struck by another vehicle and he suddenly finds himself up against a death-dealing horseman. The band’s live performance is inter-cut with the adventure out on the street.

Who’s in this? The members of Metallica (James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammet, and Rob Trujillo) appear as themselves. The young roadie is played by Dane DeHaan, who recently appeared this year in the critically acclaimed film THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES.

Who directed this? METALLICA: THROUGH THE NEVER is directed by Nimrod Antal, who has helmed PREDATORS (2010), ARMORED (2009), VACANCY (2007), and the Hungarian-language film KONTROLL (2003), which won the Award of the Youth at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004.

Is it IMAX 3D Only? The film will be released in IMAX 3D on September 27^th, the 27^th anniversary of former Metallica bassist Cliff Burton’s death, before a release in standard 3D on October 4^th.

Who is this for? The music of Metallica is not for everyone, so if heavy metal is not your cup of tea, you don’t need Reel Speak to recommend that you stay away. Outside of those mortals, THROUGH THE NEVER seems to offer a lot. It is a concert experience and a story all in one bundle; fans of the band’s music over the past 30 years and lovers of cinema will certainly find a lot to latch onto. It’ll be loud, it’ll be a visual treat, and if anything it’ll be a fresh take on the concert film experience.