Even Better than the Real Thing (well, almost)

If you've never been to a U2 concert in person before, you should spend the $12 to go see the U23D movie because its hard to come by a better experience. I've seen the band live 3 times...and only once I was lucky enough to be in the front row of the ellipse, and it didn't come easily. Nothing can ever compare to being able to stick your arm out and trip Bono as he walks by or have Adam Clayton park himself right in front of you during Streets with No Name. That's unbeatable. But for the people that made up the other 98% of the arena that night and the other two shows I've seen, this movie will get you so close that you might think you can touch these guys for real.

The IMAX had a disclaimer that you might feel motion sickness or you might think things are really moving towards you but its not real so don't panic. Yeah, well when Adam swings the neck of his bass across your face, I'd like to see you not flinch! Or when Bono reaches out to "wipe your tears away" during Sunday Bloody Sunday, you look me in the eye and say that you didn't get butterflies when BONO was looking into your eyes and reaching to caress your cheek. Yeah, don't lie, it seems real all right. There are so many layers its almost more than you can take in. But trust me, you can and its worth it.

More than just the musicians moving around in three dimensions, though, this movie really takes you through the full experience of a U2 concert. It starts out showing a girl panting and running and soon you realize you're running with her down the hallway to get to the front row of the arena...I was immediately brought back to my sprint with Chris and CJ at Madison Square Garden...even my heart was beating faster after that. You also feel like you are part of the crowd...at some points, you're even looking over the shoulder of a girl sitting on her boyfriends shoulders (and we know we've all been stuck in that spot before).

Not only was this a cool movie because it was in 3-D, but I'd say it was their best live DVD to date even in just two dimensions. The set list was great, their energy was strong and the crowd was really into it. Similar to the Slane Castle show during "Out of Control", I got goosebumps during this movie when they'd pan the crowd and they no longer looked like individuals but instead, one massive organism moving in ripples as they bounced up and down. Reminded me of a sound wave pulsing over ball bearings.

I don't want to tell too much more...I want you to experience it for yourself! So be prepared to get rocked off your chair...because you might feel the urge to stand up and cheer...I almost did.

Some articles with reviews...
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/kelso/entries/2008/01/24/if_bob_bullock_new_they_were_s.html

http://www.austin360.com/movies/content/movies/stories/2008/0125U23D.html