Review of U2 3D (2008) by Mike H — 20 Feb 2008

Amazing! I will admit I was a little skeptical going into it, even though I loved the concert I went to at the Delta Center when the Vertigo tour stormed through SLC a couple of years ago (with Kanye West).

I was afraid the 3D glasses and huge Imax screen would be too much of a gimmick and would detract from the music and feel of the concert. All my doubts were put to rest though as the show began and the huge crowd in 3D came into focus.

When Bono led the Latin American crowd through the gimmick "uno, dos, tres, catorce" opening with over 50,000 screaming it, I got chills that never really ended until I was already halfway back down I-15 on my drive home to Provo.

The camera angles were incredible. I felt like I was hovering over Larry's drums or jamming with Adam or standing by the Edge on the keyboards. But by far, the most incredible feeling was the illusion that I was standing in the crowd during the concert.

The 3D Imax experience let me feel that way. I had so many favorite moments, but right now, I think the highlight was the transition from a reading of the Declaration of Human Rights in English while it was on the screen in Spanish to the opening of Pride(In the Name of Love) with an image of the Reverend on the screen.

I think the amazing thing is that U2's music is really universal. This crowd in Argentina and Mexico was able to appreciate it in a way Latin American crowds have been unable to appreciate music since Freddie Mercury was singing Las Palabras de Amor to them 25 years ago.

I'm sure Brian May was incredibly jealous that Bono was able to out-gimmick him in the concert film genre. Now all Bono needs to do is make a musical from their music...