Two Greats in 2008 (Cont')

A person can be transported in a story when they are completely immersed in the story.
The idea of films in 3-D has been around for years, but in the last several years (with the arrival of Digital 3-D) the concept has been revisited. Filmmakers seem to be taking a new interest in this film medium with its power to visually immerse its viewers. Directors like James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, and Pixar's John Lassiter are all embarking into the 3-D world. It's obvious that these guys are realizing something about this visual medium..

I was able to get a good taste of this power last week. My buddy Jordy and I went to the 9:40 show of U2 3D, and I have to say that this was definitely an IMMERSIVE experience.


Why it's good...
From the opening shots of the film, we were exposed to subtle rays of light shining through cracks in a wall, these rays of light broke through the screen and entered the theater. It was at moments like this where I knew that I would no longer be at the theater, but I would be able to attend a great concert.

U2 is a great band with a sound that is always epic and large. Their concerts reflect this large atmosphere, and the 3D exposure allowed me to deeper experience the epic nature of the film. At times I was watching the concert on the shoulders of some person in about the 10th row. At other times, I was flying over the heads of everybody landing next to Bono. And at other times, I was able to hover over Larry Mullen playing drums. It was all very surreal and very cool.

So was it worth the $11?

I would definitely say yes. I was a little nervous about the 3D effects being gimmicky, and yes, there were a few spots where it felt like the shots were being created to feature the 3D technology. But like my buddy Jordy said, "If anybody could have an excuse to use over the top 3D in a concert film, it's U2", and I concur. As a whole, the 3D is very tasteful, and I was able to enjoy my first U2 concert experience in a unique and immersive way.

I'm really pumped to see how digital 3D in film develops...It's seems like we're at the cusp of something really cool.


By the way:
As you know, Bono is a non-stop true humanitarian, and I was impressed to see how he merged this into the concert. I don't want to tell you too much, you need to just go see the whole thing for yourself.

You may also be aware of Bono's faith. I just want to add that it is so awesome to see a person who is impacting the entertainment world, and is also an unapologetic follower of Christ.
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If you've seen the film or heard any talk about his "Jesus, Jew. Mohammed" statement, and if you're at all confused at his implications. Here is a quote from film critic Jeffrey Overstreet who gives a decent explanation of the whole thing.

"And before anybody starts complaining about Bono’s mantra from this concert — “Jesus, Jew, Mohammed, it’s true…” — please don’t jump to conclusions. He’s not saying that all paths to God are equal. Listen closely. He then says, “All sons of Abraham.” He’s saying we’re all part of one family [as humans--- Haeger addendum], and we must learn to live together as in brotherly love. There’s nothing there that conflicts with the Gospel. So before the comments thread turns into another ludicrous “they’ve fallen away from the faith” lament, pick up the recent book of interviews called “Bono in Conversation.” You’ll find him fearlessly spelling out the gospel, as he does through his songwriting and through his tireless conscience-driven work." (Quoted in Looking Closer, Jeffrey Overstreet's Personal Blog, Click HERE TO SEE ARTICLE)