U2:3D
On Saturday, trebleahead and I went to see U2:3D in Imax. It was not my first IMAX movie, and it was not my first 3D movie. Hell, it wasn't even my first U2 movie by a long stretch. However, it was the first time all these great tastes would be tasted together. I was psyched to see it (not much else would get me to the upper west side before noon on a Saturday). I picked out seats as close to the center as I could get, and attempted to find the best way to wear the really awkward 3-D imax glasses.
Even with a rather cut-down set list, the film really captured the energy of a U2 show. It was just like being back on the rail for that show I saw in October of 2005; I even cried during "Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own." (Every.single.time. I don't know what's with me). They did a few bits with silly animations and graphics, but the very best parts were feeling like you were right up close with the band. I loved hovering over Larry's drum kit, feeling like Bono was in my lap, and being close enough to Edge and Adam to really study what they do on their respective guitars. Since the last concert I saw, there's been some articles and interviews that talk at length about Adam's unique, more melodic take on the bass, so I was very interested to get a good look. As for Edge, I'm even more impressed with him, which I didn't even think was possible. But watching him play a guitar part that was as much rhythm as it is melody to compliment Adam's essentially melodic bass line was really incredible (particularly on New Year's Day - this movie has the best live performance of it I've seen in a U2 film since Under a Blood Red Sky).
In short, if you love U2 or just really like U2, go and see it. If you've kind of wanted to see them live but couldn't fork over $50+ to do so, see this. I paid about $16, and I felt like I'd gotten a lot more out of it. This was awesome, and I came out feeling like I'd had the best seat in the house for a really amazing concert.
Even with a rather cut-down set list, the film really captured the energy of a U2 show. It was just like being back on the rail for that show I saw in October of 2005; I even cried during "Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own." (Every.single.time. I don't know what's with me). They did a few bits with silly animations and graphics, but the very best parts were feeling like you were right up close with the band. I loved hovering over Larry's drum kit, feeling like Bono was in my lap, and being close enough to Edge and Adam to really study what they do on their respective guitars. Since the last concert I saw, there's been some articles and interviews that talk at length about Adam's unique, more melodic take on the bass, so I was very interested to get a good look. As for Edge, I'm even more impressed with him, which I didn't even think was possible. But watching him play a guitar part that was as much rhythm as it is melody to compliment Adam's essentially melodic bass line was really incredible (particularly on New Year's Day - this movie has the best live performance of it I've seen in a U2 film since Under a Blood Red Sky).
In short, if you love U2 or just really like U2, go and see it. If you've kind of wanted to see them live but couldn't fork over $50+ to do so, see this. I paid about $16, and I felt like I'd gotten a lot more out of it. This was awesome, and I came out feeling like I'd had the best seat in the house for a really amazing concert.