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//U2 3D// is a concert, which was filmed simultaneously with a large number of (eleven?) IMAX cameras (across several actual concerts) and spliced together in the studio. Very well done, considering that almost no material other than the concert itself was used, with the exception of some lines or text rendered onto the image in two or three places. Sound quality was not that sharp, although probably equivalent to the level of fidelity an audience member would have heard through any venue’s sound system. I say this because during the credits, the studio-mastered music had a completely different balance and quality of sound. Interesting that a consistent and continuous mix was made even though several concerts were collapsed into one. (Were they all at the same venue?)

Tickets to the movie were slightly over $20 though, which is a bit outrageous for what is still just a movie, 3D IMAX or not. And this was short — a little over an hour, if I recall correctly. But still, cheaper (and less hearing-damaging) than being at an actual concert, with varied and versatile views (close-ups of the band members playing, instruments, facial expressions, the crowd, stage lights and effects, and so on). Visually, the best part was a 3-D rendered line-drawing animation right before the credits, though. I wish the film had had more of a big creative music video feel, than simply having been footage, no matter how well shot and cut together.

But the band’s simple message of peace and religious tolerance was moving. At one point almost every single person in the audience held up a cell phone, which got me thinking about how incredible it is, in our age, that so many people, no matter where they are across the globe, are just a phone call away. Almost every single person in the audience, linked through this little electronic device. How is it that cell phone towers can so easily handle the load of tens of thousands of devices in the same area, when usually the devices are not nearly that concentrated?

Just a shot away.