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Review from Sundance: U23D is
a must-see
By Ben Hansen
January 23, 2008 | PARK CITY -- Is U2 still the biggest
band in the world? Are these musicians larger than life?
If three-dimensional production has anything to do with
it, the answer to both of these is a guaranteed yes.
The Sundance guide's preview of the hottest ticket
in town stated, "U2 has always understood the power
of multisensory engagement in conveying its message,
in this case, coexistence, so it's not surprising that
the band would be inspired to explore the immersive
possibilities of 3-D. Call them polarized or rosy, from
behind these glasses, the world may indeed be a place
of peace and hope."
After months of buildup and global anticipation, U23D
was finally released to two sellout crowds at the Eccles
Theater during the opening weekend of the Sundance Music
Festival. Fans from all over the world flocked to Park
City this weekend to catch the show, many without a
ticket and hopes of finding a way in. Rumors were rampant
that U2 themselves would be in town for the show. How
could a band live up to such high expectations? Pretty
easily, if that band happens to be U2.
At about 9:15 p.m. Saturday, U2 made a surprise entrance
past the line of eager ticket holders and walked into
the venue. Fans could not believe what they were seeing
-- U2 was going to watch the movie debut with them!
As soon as the line released, fans rushed into the venue
to get the best seat possible within eyesight of the
band, but the band was nowhere to be found. As soon
as the audience was seated, the band entered the theater
through the side door, alongside the festival founder
Robert Redford himself.
The band went to the podium in front of the screen
and gave a quick speech before the show began. Lead
Singer Bono relayed to the audience, "It's somewhat
fitting that we are in a high school. We are a high
school band after all!" They then took their seats squarely
in the middle of the audience.
What happened next was almost beyond words. From the
second the actual concert footage began, every sight
and sound experience made me feel like I had returned
to an actual U2 concert! The 3-D experience created
by 3ality Digital Entertainment was unlike anything
ever experienced in this type of movie before. The capacity
audience was yelling and screaming in excitement with
the fans from the footage, but it was nearly impossible
to differentiate who was yelling, who was singing along,
and who had their hands in the air between the virtual
and actual audience. This was truly the closest thing
possible to being at the actual concert, and with some
of the added effects, possibly even better.
The set list included an excellent blend of old and
new U2, including songs such as One, Where the Streets
Have No Name, Sunday Bloody Sunday and Beautiful
Day. The camera angles used added greatly to the
experiences, providing a new and interesting perspective
for even the most devout fans that "have already
seen it all." Added visual effects including superimposing
band members onto each other's frames, floating text,
and Bono literally reaching out into the audience to
"Wipe your tears away."
U23D will open later in the week in selected theaters,
with a larger opening scheduled for next month. This
show will definitely increase your appreciation for
the 3-D experience, and should not be missed. With 13
total songs in the set (not counting the added track
during the credits) there was enough meat to appease
the most ravenous U2 fans, but still room to want to
hear more. Hopefully the band continues their trend
of exceptional music and gives us another album and
tour in the near future. When asked if they would return
to Utah soon, Bono responded, "The answer to that is
yes. We will be back."
I'll see you at the band's next show.
MS
MS
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