HD cameras helped make U2 3D what it is

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 1st 2008 at 1:49AM

We'll be straight with you -- it's a touch difficult to describe U2 3D in words alone, but for those that have seen the extremely well received concert film, you may be interested in finding out exactly how it came together over at Sound & Vision. According to Catherine Owens, the film's co-director, the footage was shot entirely in high-definition in a digital format that proved much easier to handle than the reels used in years past. Additionally, the team behind the project had a Samsung HDTV shipped in to find out how the content translated from the big screen to one not so big, and results were described with adjectives including "phenomenal" and "insane." Yeah, we still think 3D in general has a ways to go before it shakes the gimmick label it has rightfully earned, but at least 3D in HD makes rocking those gaudy goggles slightly more bearable -- slightly.

[Image courtesy of 3ality Digital]

Filed under: Misc, Others

Tags: 3ality, 3d, movie, movies, u2, u2 3d, U23d

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MidnightDT @ Feb 1st 2008 1:52AM

cant wait to see u23d

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modenadude @ Feb 1st 2008 2:58AM

I got an e-mail this morning from ArcLight Cinemas saying its Hollywood theatre is gonna be showing this HD concert on Feb 15-17, just as an fyi to anyone in LA who's interested :)

Neutral

locke6854 @ Feb 1st 2008 3:14AM

ok this is two computers so far where i can't view comments from engadgetHD.

engadget classic comments work great, though.

I'd ask if anyone else is having the problem, but i wouldnt be able to read your response.

Neutral

scaught @ Feb 1st 2008 8:16AM

U2 3D is hands down the BEST 3D I have ever witnessed in terms of clarity. There isn't a lot of 3D gimmickry in the film (not a lot of stuff coming at you). But the sheer clearness of it all is staggering.

I wear glasses. So usually once I put 3D glasses OVER my regular glasses, the film starts to look blurry. I always figured it was just me. Well, not so with U2 3D. Everything just looked so crystal clear. I was amazed.

It was great to see 3D used to convey depth as much as this film did. So many shots were from the audience's perspective and it really made you feel like you were down there with them.

Just a great film.

Neutral

Ron @ Feb 1st 2008 9:23AM

Cool..

Neutral

Franssu @ Feb 1st 2008 9:58AM

I worked on a 3D movie made with HD cameras, and it looked absolutely fantastic on a 30 ft wide screen. The polarized goggles are lightweight now, and very bearable. We also had the occasion to test some gear within our bis-ass projection room, and the opportunity to see some footage from this 3D U2 movie, which also looked awesome.
I don't know if 3D is going to be in all living rooms soons, but one thing is certain : it's gonna be in every movie theater, more and more 3D movies are in the pipes. Hollywood is betting on it to get people back in the theaters.

Neutral

Klip @ Feb 1st 2008 10:37AM

I had 2 free passes to check this out at a local IMAX last week and didn't end up going.
Now I'm regretting it!

Neutral

Pappas @ Feb 1st 2008 5:30PM

I was fortunate enought to see this a couple of weeks ago here in NYC and I wasn't expecting much at all. I knew it was probably going to be pretty cool but did not expect what I was about to see.

Awe struck! Chills. Beautiful and gorgeous clarity transporting the viewer right into the concert. And what a concert; shot in Brazil capturing a level of exuberance that I have never witnessed in person. Certainly nothing like it in the states. But there is now doubt I was able to get a taste while sitting in that theater on 53rd St. and 5th Ave.

I feel safe in saying, we're going to see a lot more of this kind of production in the years to come.

-Mike

Neutral

Michael Pappas @ Feb 1st 2008 5:31PM

I was fortunate enought to see this a couple of weeks ago here in NYC
and I wasn't expecting much at all. I knew it was probably going to
be pretty cool but did not expect what I was about to see.

Awe struck! Chills. Beautiful and gorgeous clarity transporting the
viewer right into the concert. And what a concert; shot in Brazil
capturing a level of exuberance that I have never witnessed in
person. Certainly nothing like it in the states. But there is now
doubt I was able to get a taste while sitting in that theater on 53rd
St. and 5th Ave.

I feel safe in saying, we're going to see a lot more of this kind of
production in the years to come.

-Mike

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