Metallica - S And M [DVD] [1999]

It is almost essential to listen to this concert at least three times, differently. The best feature has to be the ability to play the concert listening to the orchestra only (cutting out the band) and vice versa. This way you can listen in awe to the orchestra playing without the band. The fact that you can hear the guys echoeing in the background too adds to the flavour of the sound. The San Francisco Symphony sound amazing backing up those classic tunes, and likewise Metallica pump out an amazing performance with two new songs to boot. And you can't beat Battery finishing the whole thing off.

From start to finish, listening to it with the orchestra, without the orchestra, and with orchestra on it's own, it it an awe-inspiring musical experience.


Special + Memorable   June 10, 2003
Moi (England, UK)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This concert sees the combination of two very different worlds - heavy metal and classical music, but they come together amazingly! The orchestra emphasises James' vocals, Kirk's lead guitar, Jason's bass and Lars' drums to perfection. The whole concert is an amazing concept which adds that extra special something to Metallica's already sensational music. There are Metallica's classics: Nothing Else Matters, One and Master of Puppets all on here as well as two new tracks: '-Human' and 'No leaf clover'. The genius that is Michael Kamen makes this concert so distinctive in the contribution of his talent as well. The orchestra cannot be ignored - even if you're no fan of classical music, you cannot say that they haven't made something remarkable.
The extras are good as well. There's in-depth behind-the-scenes footage, angles and the option to play the orchestra alone, or Metallica on their own - but the two playing simultaneously is something not to be missed. It's breathtaking and even die-hard Metallica fans will not be disappointed. To be honest, I was very sceptical of this concert, but now, I can't get enough. Watch or listen with an open mind and prepare to be amazed!


simply epic   April 9, 2005
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

what can i say that has'nt been written about metallica? this dvd in my mind is epic. from the intro of ecstasy of gold, to the incredibly deep master of puppets, and the surprisingly touching rendition of outlaw torn, this dvd is worth getting if you're an open minded metal fan, or open minded classical fan.
i think its incredible how metallica's work translates so easily and beautifully to classical, and the band should be given credit for this. the conducter, michael kamen, unfortunately passed away in 2004 i beleive, which adds even more to the occasion.

inspiring and jaw -droppingly incredible, i am simply in even more awe than i was before of the awesome metallica


As good as it gets   October 16, 2006
Claymore (Essex, UK)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Awesome is an often overused adjective, but here it is rightfully assigned. The combination of classical textures and pure-metal riffs is exquisite. Whilst many people would have doubted such a premise, maybe they don't realise that so many metal musicians take classical music techniques and theory as primary influences. This DVD (and album of course), prove the point with style.

There will always be a few pet omissions from such a project (my particular one is The Unforgiven), but overall this is a rich and spectacular union.

This is an emotional event, and to see the pure joy in the faces of the musicians on both sides as they share the moment, is quite stirring.

This is a DVD for any music lover's collection, and it will surprise and delight even the most hardcore of metal haters.


don't get any better than this   July 10, 2003
METALLICA's NEWEST FAN (London, United Kingdom)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Well what can i say apart from "this is music at it's finest." The documentary provides an insite into what went into making this concert.

After hearing that Metallica was going to play with an orchestra i thought it was going to be carrer suiced. I was completly wrong. People may think that Metallica are going to soften up some of their songs to allow the orchestra to get in, but the opposite happened. The orchestra played harder to keep up with James, Lars, Kirk and Jason. In all this is BY FAR the best music DVD out there. This will be the best value for money you will ever see.