U2/3D missing the 4thD

Just over a week ago I took my wife to see U23D. I have seen U2 in concert twice. Once before my wife and I were married, and then a second time after we were married. If you have seen U2 in concert, you know that they don't just put on a show they put together an experience. You also know that if you haven't experienced the band live, you don't really know U2. I am a huge U2 fan. Its to the point of embarrassment. My wife calls Bono "Uncle Bono". Ever since I got back from the second concert I have wanted so badly to see U2 live with my wife. When I heard about U23D last spring, I thought "this is my chance" (at the time, I thought it might be my last chance . . . but there are strong rumors of a new album in October, which means a new tour!).

I gotta tell you, the experience of U23D is incredible! The sound system of the IMAX theater is great (its not live, but it is great). The 3D technology was actually more impressive to me than the bands performance (and that is not to take anything away from the band). The best part of the 3D is that it is not over done. If you have not seen U2 live and you like their music or you have a friend that does, you must go see this movie! The ticket price is $10.50 and is well worth it (its cheaper than the $50 I "invested" when I saw them live; I would have paid $100, but don't tell them that).

Having said that, I should mention that this movie is missing the 4th D. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. As I sat through the first song of U23D I immediatly found myself wanting to sing (or scream) along with the music. If I had, I would have been the only one. As real as the 3D made the experience seem, I had to work at first to not join in with the crowd that was jumping off the screen. A U2 concert is a communal thing, a U2 concert film is not. A U2 concert demands active participation, a U2 concert film forbids it. At the same time, the film allowed a perspective of a U2 concert that I would never get in person. The viewer is invited on stage with the band; we have the best seat in the house. We fix eyes with Bono, the Edge, Adam and Larry. At one point Bono wipes the tears from our eyes. For Steph this was really cool. For me, I couldn't get past not actively being there (probably unique to someone that has "been there").

Here is the thing . . . I would highly recommend this movie if you like an arena-rock-show even if you aren't U2's biggest fan. The 3D is absolutely incredible (not cheesy at all). I am not sure how long the run will last, so don't wait too long.

See you on the next tour! Maybe they will make a stop in Tulsa and redeem the BOK Arena from the Celine Dion Concert (if only!).