Review of U2 3D (2008) by Andy T — 19 Jan 2009

I saw this on Monday 19 January 2009, and paid 14 pounds... If you're in London and are a U2 fan wanting to see it, there are three days left. The last day is Thursday 22 January.

Loads of people have given this film 4 to 5 stars but I'm going to be a bit more critical. It is an essential viewing if you are a U2 fan but having seen all their big concerts I felt this was more a 'U2 greatest hits package' rather than offering anything new. U2 have always seen their strength in performing live, and on a positive note, U23D's Latin America location does capture a unique crowd atmosphere. Rather than an American or European audience, the film focuses on the crowds in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. They are so much more passionate!

Bono's voice doesn't sound as powerful as what I've heard from other outdoor venues (such as Slane Castle) and he at times noticeably saved his breath to get through the more difficult parts.

Bono is looking a bit pudgy these days and it started going downhill from the Chicago DVD! I remember him admitting in interviews (during filming of U23D), that he was not up to fighting fit from all his indulgent eating in Nice! He was certainly lacking all of his sharp coolness. He looks much cooler in Elevation at Boston.

Adam and Larry's roles are normally sidelined for Edge and Bono so it was refreshing that the director balanced up the band time with more visual focus on the bass and drums.

The 3D element is really immersive and it's very very convincing! There were some points however where the imagery looked doubled or offset incorrectly even with the 3D glasses on (unfortunately it looks like a mistake!) Also nasty flecks of dust or hair kept appearing on the big IMAX screen which looked like tiny worms. I really noticed it as the image quality was so crisp and clean. It looked like it was on the actual film because the dust particles or hair kept disappearing when the camera cut to different angles (If it was they should of at least airbrushed them out!). Maybe it was just from the projector.

I decided to stay for the credits as it had a beautiful acoustic rendition of 'Yaweh' playing through with a cool animation (which is great for the die hard fans).

Overall it was worth a watch. U2 tickets go for 80 pounds plus! I didn't have to wait in a long line for hours desperate to go to the loo... I didn't have to listen to a support act I didn't like, and I didn't have to worry about being lifted off my feet from unexpected crowd surges that separate me from friends. All the best bits of a vicarious concert experience are spliced together for your pleasure!

I wanted to see it last year but I was away in Japan. So I feel lucky that they are reshowing it in 2009 at the IMAX at Waterloo station. I thought if I really liked it I would rewatch it again, but for me there's nothing really new that I haven't seen before from other DVD performances.

If you're a casual U2 fan you will probably enjoy this very much as it has solid performances of 'With or Without you', 'Pride' and 'Streets have no Name.'.

For me, I'm too die hard. I wanted new lyrics or at least a new twist or unusual creative segues to the songs. I'm glad I managed to watch it at last though. Looking forward to their new album :) "Sexy Boots!... Get on your Boots... Yeah!!!