Music, Film & Media: U2 3D at BFI IMAX Waterloo

This evening, I was lucky enough to be invited to a press screening of the new U2 3D concert film at the IMAX Cinema in London. I would class myself as a casual U2 fan at best, but it's difficult not to be a fan of some of their songs considering how often they are played on radio, TV and film. Looking at the playlist in advance, there were enough songs that I liked to make it worth my while going, and probably enough to satisfy any other casual listener.

Although I have experienced 3D cinema before, I've never been to the IMAX before. The London branch has the largest 3D screen in the UK, with an insanely powerful surround sound system to boot. Considering all this, I was expecting the price to be very high, but in fact, had the circumstances been normal, it would have worked out to be the same price as my local cinema in Tunbridge Wells, at £8.50 a head. They currently have I Am Legend, as well several themed nights, such as a zombie film all nighter, The Lord of The Rings Trilogy and other such things. Seats were comfortable and it was easy to get to from Waterloo station. Suffice to say, I'll definitely be going back.

Watching the film, two things were running through my mind, was the concert any good, and how did being in 3D add to the effect? The concert was recorded in South America, during the "Vertigo" tour, and the stage was quite simply phenominal. The bands performance was to match, with Bono's on stage presence really shining through, making you feel like you were really there. It did feel a little preachy at points, but It wasn't too over the top and guess it all goes hand in hand with U2.

The 3D, was shockingly realistic. The visual depth at the beginning was breath taking, and little touches like the spilled bottles of water that gushed out in front of you, or the cute blonde girl on her boyfriend's shoulders taking pictures while singing along. Certainly what caught my attention the most was how good the drum kit looked, with a glass of orange liquid to add to the "I'm really here" feel.

The editing was really nicely done, but after about 15 minutes or so, the 3D novelty wore off somewhat. At points I closed one eye to see if the reason it felt so good was because it was in 3D, or because it was on a gigantic screen with an amazing sound system. It had been edited so well, that even if it was in 2D, it would still be a very well put together concert.

Considering the prices are the same as going to the cinema, arguing over whether the 3D adds anything is fairly pointless - it is the finishing touch that completed the illusion that you were actually at the concert. Certainly I had a better view than any of the many thousands of people who queued up for hours to attend the real thing.

The music was good, the filming and editing was good, the sound was better setup than any gig I've been to. The experience was complete. This film will not be released on DVD, so if you are a U2 fan, it goes without saying that it's worth seeing.

With most people having large widescreen TVs and surround sound at home, going to the cinema is less and less appealing, but the 3D element adds that little something extra. If you haven't checked out the IMAX before - I thoroughly recommend it.

Posted By: Eyes Open

Sounds like it's very good, and I like U2. Thanks for the write up.

Excuse my ignorance, but why is it "3D"? Is it just a very big screen that encompasses most of your view, or what?

It is 3D, as in three dimensions. You actually see things with depth. Not just a flat 2D screen.

Eyes Open - I can't believe I managed to forget something as simple as that in the write up. You wear a gigantic pair of glasses that filter out two overlapping images, to give you the effect of real 3D. And boy, does it!

I'm hoping to go tomorrow!

Where would you recommend sitting, Spode? I'd like to be immersed, but don't want a crick in my neck. Front, middle or back?

Booked; middle-to-frontish.

We're also seeing the Deep Sea 3D film. Looking forward to it.