U2 3D @ Rock Hall 12/13/09

The easy way would have been to throw a bunch of special effects into what was going to be the first-ever live-action 3-D movie ever made, and simply dazzle the U2 fans who will flock to this movie regardless. But the real achievement of U2 3D is that it is free of gimmicks and is as "authentic" as a wholly mediated digital experience can possibly hope to be.

In a fascinating blog posting, Producer Jon Shapiro (along with brother Peter), and talked about the process of working with the artists in U2 who wanted to "go somewhere magical" with this film, bringing viewers into an unprecedented intimacy with the performers, the stage, and the live audience experience. As it turns out, some shots were "staged" (as if anything in U2's life isn't these days), with the band playing two "cameras only" performances for closeups.

But the best fiction is more real than non-fiction, and this film portrays the live concert experience better than any other rock film. The producers talk about "walking a fine line between making art and reflecting the honesty of their performance" and they have succeeded brilliantly. Except for the high priced beers, the mosh pit jostling and the inevitable contact high, you leave U2 3D feeling like you just saw U2 in concert.

As the Rock Hall sets its vision on a complete remodeling job over the next few years, the Foster Theatre on the Rock Hall's 4th floor has been revamped with new seats and a killer Dolby 7.1 surround sound system, plus a new 3D projection system. The screen is now 50% larger, and inside the intimate Foster space, almost overwhelming. It is safe to say that viewers of the film can feel that they have truly experienced the concert, and actually seeing much more than any audience member.

With multiple 3D cameras in motion during the live concert, Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen, Jr. and Adam Clayton each have many opportunities to practice their rock star poses, even utilizing a massive live stage set with ramps built out into the audience at 4 Latin American outdoor stadium venues. But with the addition of 3D cameras, those poses, guitar thrusts and cathartic fist pumps are thrust directly at your face in the theatre. A bit disconcerting at first, as is the head of the audience member in front of you when the camera drops you into the crowd. Or the crane shots that swoop you over the stage. Or the in-depth view of Mullen's drum set, perfectly fixed in space and tempting you to reach out and touch his cymbals. But don't do it. Your friends will laugh.

The film U2 3D is showing everyday through Sat 1/2/10 at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the film U2 3D is free with admission to the Rock Hall. We suggest arriving at the Foster Theatre a few minutes early for best seating and proper fitting of the 3D glasses and the requisite photos you'll want to take of your friends wearing them. RockHall.com

Review and photo by Thomas Mulready, the creator of CoolCleveland.com.