kazu googoo

u2 3d

After viewing the sensory overload that is the spectacle of U23D last night, I'm feeling compelled to spread the promising word. Having grown up watching, no, make that consuming, U2's "Rattle and Hum" figuratively millions of times with my brother, I was going into the 3D revamp with a bit of skepticism. Certainly the visual experience would promise to offer far more than the flat, two dimensional film from the late 1980s, however, there could be now way that U2 could recapture the passion and gene'se-qua of the band at what seemed to be the height of their career.

I guess it is simply time for me to stop judging U2 by their supportive undergarments, bloated stage personas, and leathery faces, because once again, they surpassed my expectations. The three dimensional U2 movie was simply said, a unique experience, and moreover, it couldn't be pulled off by any other band. There is a unique partnering of rock ego and high definition, three dimension to which only musicians named Bono and the Edge could bring justice. Or to put it simply, only Bono's ego can make a high definition, three dimensional movie that runs 83 minutes work on every level. As much as I love the Arcade Fire and Radiohead, I'm not sure that either band could do 3D like U2 could. There was something eerily familiar about seeing Bono's face up close and clearly defined with every laugh line and empty follicle there in plain view. It was like having my own personal moment with the rock star of my youth. It is hard to say that I would want to see Thom Yorke that clearly.

In any case, I was expecting the film to be another chapter in the later, boated U2 era, nothing more than another celebration of a once great band. Yet several hours later, I'm still compelled by several of the film's visuals and an experience that was truly unique if not a little more sincere than expected.

Here is a list of what I took with me from the film and what should prove as a rationale for a repeated viewing:

* Three dimensional drums are the coolest thing ever.
* It is rather odd, finding yourself head-bobbing and foot tapping in a movie theater.
* A kiss between band mates is always charming, and between Bono and Adam Clayton it reaches the level of sweet, quite even dear.
* For some reason, 3D crowds jumping up and down at the front of the stage reminds me of Helm's Deep.
* An opening scroll down to the back of a 3D drum kit rules (see #1).
* While I usually watch a concert DVD so that I don't have to see the back of someone else's head, three dimensional backs of heads are awesome!
* Larry Mullen Jr. has a mullet, a three dimensional mullet.
* Watching a Latin American concert crowd incorrectly count from 1 to 14 is rather humorous, even if a little tongue-in-cheek.

posted by kazuhank @ 10:19 AM