Saturday, January 26, 2008

Hair Plugs Never Looked So Good.

When I was about six years-old, I remember one Friday night, goin’ to the Sev with my dad to score some blue and red lensed classic 3D glasses. Tons of people were there on the same mission—all getting glasses for some 3D version of King Kong or something like that on television. That was my first 3D experience and luckily it wasn’t my last.

The National Geographic production of U23D premiered at Sundance this year and we had the chance to catch a showing last night. With tickets for the best seats in the house in hand, we sat down with high-tech grandma-style glasses in a giant IMAX theater. As soon as the opening credits appeared off the screen with beautiful typography floating right before our eyes—I knew this was going to rock.

Now I’ve been to my share of U2 concerts, but this was something else entirely. This was like being at a concert except you’re in Buenos Aries, as part of the audience, and at the exact same time you’re on the stage, and you're in the band. There’s definitely a major audience draw to this film due to the sheer spectacle of the 3D experience, but we’re not talking about Terminator 3D at Universal Studios—there’s something far more emotional going on here.


Seriously, when the Edge shoves the neck of his Gibson Explorer right in your face, or when Bono sings about drying tears then reaches out to dry yours—trust me—you feel something. Granted you get a hi-def glimpse of Bono’s plugs, but frankly it doesn't even matter, you’re just lovin’ it all anyway.

The real star of the show is in all actuality the concert-going, Argentinean audience. Somehow, someway you’re joined to them. At times you’re one of them—wishing that chick in front of you would just get off that dood’s shoulders. Other times you’re right in their face sharing in their excitement, passion, and at times, frenzy. Let’s just say South Americans know how to party, crowd-style.

I’m not going to give away everything, but I can confidently say that for anyone who likes movies, music, (or typography in motion)—U23D is without a doubt an absolute must-see event.

4 comments:

rsnarr said...

I feel like U23D will make my copy of Rattle & Hum seem like an 8 track cassette. I've got to check this one out.

shayna said...

wow....I've always wanted to be South American and now I get to party like one. I'm going to go. Your writing is beautiful and convincing.

Dainon. said...

Sold!

Dainon. said...

Wait ... Bono's got plugs? Rock stars do age then, do they? Pity.