ninemsn

If you’ve ever left a concert with nothing but an eyeful of armpit from the row standing in front of you, you may be interested in the series of films coming to the IMAX big screen that bring new meaning to the phrase “up close and personal”.

“U2 3D” is the first live-action concert film to be shot and screened using digital 3D technology. Taken from several Latin American shows from U2′s 2006 Vertigo tour, this is the Irish band like you’ve never seen them before.

Blown up big and in 3D, there’s a heightened sense of immersion never before experienced on the silver screen. Best of all, you can make like a ghost, rising above the audience to hover right next to the band, seeing the beads of sweat dripping down Bono’s cheek or making out the guitar riff being ripped by the Edge. Although they’re playing to thousands, there’s something oddly humbling and intimate about being so close to the band and realising they are but four men, gracefully conducting an entire, raucous stadium of energy.

Bono apparently chose to film the Latin American concerts as he felt the passion of the audiences there matched the passion of those from his home country. And when the camera does swoop over and dip into the audience, the excitement sizzles and the love from the audience, who sing every word, emanates in waves. It’s a kind of ecstasy that should be familiar to any big concert goer and is normally very difficult to capture on screen. And the kind of love generated by the peace-promoting songs of U2 is particularly moving.

While this will be an easy watch for any music lover, it goes without saying that U2 fans will come away with the best experience. In fact it’s safe to say this is a must-see for anyone who has ever owned a U2 album or been to one of their concerts – you’ve never experienced ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ or ‘Beautiful Day’ quite like this.

And stay tuned for the Hannah Montana and Rolling Stones concert films also coming to the IMAX big screen!

ninemsn’s MovieFix, April 2008.