Metallica: Cunning Stunts

Metallica's Cunning Stunts takes its audience on an electrifying journey through the world of heavy metal, delivering a visually stunning concert experience that showcases the band's immense talent and technical prowess. Recorded live at The Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 9th and 10th, 1997, this concert video is a testament to Metallica's reputation as one of the greatest live bands in history. The concert footage is expertly captured, providing a high-energy and immersive experience for the viewer. Every aspect of the show is meticulously crafted, from the precise lighting and pyrotechnics to the intricate stage design. As the band launches into their set list, it's clear that Metallica is on a mission to deliver a performance that will leave their audience breathless. One of the standout aspects of Cunning Stunts is its impressive production values. The stage is transformed into a war-torn wasteland, complete with a makeshift town in the background and a massive metal beam that towers above the crowd. As the band performs, pyrotechnics and smoke machines work in tandem to create an apocalyptic atmosphere, perfectly complementing the band's aggressive and driving soundscapes. Metallica's setlist for Cunning Stunts is a carefully curated selection of some of their most iconic tracks, including songs from their groundbreaking self-titled album, often referred to as the "Black Album." Hits like "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters" are performed with precision and passion, each musician pushing themselves to new heights as they execute complex time signatures and face-melting solos. But Metallica is more than just a band – they're a visual and sonic experience. Throughout the concert, the camera cuts away from the band to reveal a range of behind-the-scenes vignettes, from makeup artists busily prepping the performers to pyrotechnics technicians carefully setting up explosive devices. These little glimpses into the world of Metallica humanize the band, reminding the viewer that even the most talented and charismatic performers are just regular people. One of the most memorable performances in Cunning Stunts is, unquestionably, the show-stopping rendition of "Enter Sandman." As the crowd erupts into a frenzy of cheers and applause, Metallica launches into the song, its haunting guitar riffs and pounding drums sending shivers down the spines of everyone in attendance. But the real showstopper comes when the entire stage appears to collapse in a pyrotechnic-fueled explosion, complete with a burning "technician" (nicknamed the "Burning Dude" in the extras) running frantically across the stage, dodging debris and flames as yet another "technician" swings precariously overhead. This breathtaking display of pyrotechnics and visual effects is a testament to Metallica's unwavering commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience. It's a move that pays off in spades, as the crowd is left speechless and awestruck by the sheer scale and technical precision of the performance. Throughout the concert, the band takes on a series of introspective and thought-provoking interview segments, in which they open up about their creative process, their inspirations, and their personal struggles. These candid discussions humanize Metallica, revealing a vulnerable and sensitive side to a band often criticized for their hard-hitting, face-melting soundscapes. In the end, Cunning Stunts is a true concert video experience, delivering an enthralling and immersive portrayal of Metallica at the height of their powers. With its state-of-the-art production values, jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, and thought-provoking interview segments, this concert video is an absolute must-see for fans of the band. Even for those unfamiliar with Metallica's music, Cunning Stunts is an unparalleled spectacle that leaves viewers breathless and begging for more.