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U2 takes film to next dimension

The opening sequence of “U2:3D” features a woman sprinting at full speed through the corridors of a desolate stadium, and it is this seemingly unimportant sequence that personifies the explosive blend of traditional concert video and digital 3-D technology.

“U2:3D” is a full-throttle spectacle that starts off running and refuses to slow down. From the electrifying, opening guitar riff of “Vertigo” to the compelling last note of “With or Without You,” the audience is pulled into a whole new dimension of visual and acoustic effulgence.

Director Mark Pellington (“The Mothman Prophecies”) skillfully transfers the audience to this added dimension through the groundbreaking use of digital 3-D technology. The first live-action movie to be produced exclusively with this technology, the film is comprised primarily of footage from U2’s 2006 Vertigo Tour. The result is a mind-blowing concert by way of cinema that has never felt so unequivocally real.

Pellington excels in catapulting the viewer to the front row of a pulsating U2 stadium tour in a way that is artistic and energetic. The film rightfully steers clear of the cliché effects found in other 3-D movies, meaning that drummer Larry Mullen Jr. does not send his sticks flying into the audience. Instead of these antics, the film strives to enhance the in-concert feel rather than distract from it.

At one point the theater is immersed in a three-dimensional array of lighter flames during the powerful chorus of “One.” Simple but effective use of technology such as this creates the kind of lifelike and majestic atmosphere that sends a chill up the spine.

But the chills do not stop with this 3-D technology. The creative genius of the film also extends to breathtaking camerawork, which makes this experience feel like an all-access backstage pass.

The cameras not only effectively capture the raw spirit of the crowd, but numerous artistic angles onstage help to capture the energy of the band as well. As a result, the audience gets both the authentic feel of being in the crowd as well as being up close and personal with the band members, resulting in an opportunity to see a concert like never before.

In the end, this technology and ingenious cinematography only add a creative spark to the real energy of the film, which stems from the music and performance of one of the world’s greatest rock bands.

While the film does include a few relatively unknown songs such as “Bullet the Blue Sky,” it does make sure to include the band’s most popular hits like “Beautiful Day” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”

Regardless of what song he is performing, Bono’s ability to stimulate the emotions of the crowd with his powerful vocals and message of global peace and love remains unmatched. It is almost as if his sheer presence on the stage is enough to captivate the theater.

But even Bono’s dominant vocals are not complete without some of music’s greatest instrumentalists. The Edge’s distinctive guitar style creates a wall-shattering sound that resonates from the screen. Complete with Mullen on the drums and Adam Clayton on the bass, it is hard to imagine a band more perfect than U2 to create this monumental first in 3-D concert film.

“U2:3D” not only sets the bar for future concert films but also revolutionizes the art of 3-D. Pellington masterfully blends together the future of technology with time-tested cinematography to create the perfect chemistry onscreen. Mix in the timeless music of U2, and you have an audiovisual explosion powerful enough to send the audience’s senses into a whole new dimension.

 

4 stars out of 5