A common complaint about live albums
is that they can't replicate the experience of actually being there. The same
applies to concert films, which often fall short of distilling the special buzz
that comes from seeing great music performed live and in person. U2 3D doesn't feel like going to an
actual U2 show—in fact, it's probably better. The first-ever live-action
3D concert movie, U2 3D is a vividly immersive document, moving from breathtaking aerial shots
of packed stadiums to the band's massive stage, with a view so up-close and
personal, you can count the hairs on The Edge's arms. Factor in the lack of
high-ticket prices and jerky fellow concertgoers, and U2 3D could have the unintended affect of
dissuading U2 fans from ever seeing the band in the flesh again.
Shot at nine different concerts
during the fourth leg of U2's "Vertigo" world tour in 2006, U2 3D is a technical triumph, deftly
integrating 3D technology throughout to give an uncommonly intimate look at the
world's most messianic rock band in the least intimate of settings. When the
cameras prowl through twisted throngs of sweaty fans, the film also taps into
the infectious energy of the audience, where most concert films would cut it
out completely. It's enough to make even the umpteenth live version of "New
Year's Day" seem compelling.
Well, almost compelling. The problem
with U2 3D is
that the U2 part is rarely as thrilling as the 3D part. Now in its Steel
Wheels period, U2
has evolved into a solidly professional money machine. While top-tier 2D
concert films like Stop Making Sense and The Last Waltz captured their subjects at critical moments in their
careers, U2 3D is
culled from yet another hugely profitable, not particularly historic world
tour. The band's classics—"Pride," "Where The Streets Have No Name,"
"With Or Without You"—were all performed more passionately 20 years ago
in 1988's underrated Rattle & Hum, not to mention several other concert videos taken
from various U2 tours over the years. While there's novelty in seeing Bono belt
out "Sunday Bloody Sunday" while appearing to literally touch the audience,
there's also weariness in hearing a well-worn song you would just as soon never
hear again.