In just two short days the Sundance Film Festival will begin. This is where hundreds of independent films and movies make their debut as well as musical acts. Each year, hundreds of people come out to Utah to experience the independent industry. Many of these events and films as well as coverage of important events are aired on the Sundance Channel.
I had the chance to view several films early as a sneak peek and I was thoroughly impressed with many of the offerings. However, one of the most unique was U2's 3D concert to be introduced at the film festival before going to IMAX theaters.
The film is called U23D. The band has put together segments from their 2006 tour in a jaw dropping experience that takes concerts to the next level. Not only do viewers get to enjoy an almost real life concert, but 3D film making is at its best here. Put on your 3D glasses and take an adventure!
Uniquely, as viewers watch the concert, the 3D technology used to record the concerts are a first of its kind. The stereoscopic lens aligns eye-positions just right with digital processing in a high-resolution format. The first-ever live 3D recording brings the image right to the front of your face, as if the band were playing 2 feet in front of you. Digital imaging and processing has come a long way since it was first introduced over 15 years ago.
Aside the incredible visual stimulation viewers get from watching the film, your ears will enjoy the concert as well. In a 5.1 surround sound quality, you would have never guess it was only 5.1 quality. The audio is as crisp and clear as an audio recording, maybe even better. Live recordings generally don't possess the same quality as if it were taken into a high-definition studio. However, as the band goes through many of their beloved hits such as "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday," you feel as if the live aspect is gone. It's almost as if they have perfected digital audio processing as well. Who would have ever thought of 3D audio?
Now to the performances themselves. U2 has been one of music's best bands to ever hit the market. Starting back in the early 80's, they have scored several No.1 hits around the world and continue to win Grammy Awards for their continuing effort in writing music that not only touches the world, but describes the world's state.
The band runs through a typical setlist that consist of their biggest hits such as "With or Without You," "Pride (In The Name of Love," and continues on with more recent favorites such as "Vertigo." The show was filmed in South Africa during the "Vertigo Tour." The stage reflects what a vertigo could look like. As the band makes it way around the giant stadiums, the lights and effects come to life through the digital 3D art form. Viewers can't help but be taken in by the red swirls used throughout. During the performances, once Bono reaches his hand out in several songs, it's almost as if you could reach out and grab his hand.
As an experiment, after previewing U23D that will be premiered at the Sundance Festival on January 19th, I immediately bought the "Vertigo Tour" DVD that was filmed in Chicago. I thought to give it a try at comparing the two concerts. Obviously the 3D concert was significantly better and the imagery on both concerts really contrast each other.
Although, if U2 fans, or just casual fans won't be able to see the film at the festival, beginning January 23rd the concert will be shown worldwide at various cimenas and IMAX theaters. This is a concert experience no one will want to miss even if you're not a U2 fan. This is the future of concert recording at its finest.
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