Review from a Croatian U2 forum:
VERTIGO//2005 -U2 LIVE FROM CHICAGO (Super Jewel Box Edition - 1xDVD9)
In the fall of last year, U2 released "How to dismantle an atomic bomb", announced as a "masive" rock album, filled with guitar riffs. Announcements were overreacting and another typical U2 album saw the light of day. Everyone at least a bit knowledgeable will know this means an album with one or two massive rock songs, a song here and there for the masses, and a few easy songs with lots of emotions that hit the audience straight into the heart. As always, the album was followed by a tour that started in North America in the end of March.
Chicago had its turn too, in this first North-American part of the tour, a city where U2 got its first serious experiences in the start of the 80ies.
Being familiar with the fondness and appreciation that the chicago audience has for them, the Irish decided to film their performance in the Windy City. U2 has played 4 nights in Chicago (7., 9., 10. and 12. of May), but they only chose the shows from 9. and 10. May for filming. (by the way, 10. May is Bono's birthday!)
The concert itself is, as always with the biggest band in the world, a healthy mix of theater and rock concert. It is important to mention that from 4 people in their age, we can no longer expect the crazyness and coolness they had on Zoo TV or Popmart shows.
The maturity and unwillingness to risk showed itself on the setlist too, which is virtually totally expected or, to be mean, a bit boring. The reason is, it has songs that U2 has been playing for years (which is not necessarily negative, but the performance fades as the years go by...) As far as performances of the songs are concerned, mostly average and in some cases dissapointing (All because of you). However, fantastic perfomances of Electric co., acoustic Yahweh and unbelievably good City of blinding lights that opens the show, will convince you this is the biggest band in the world.
Of course, the band (mostly Bono) used the opportunity to lead the Americans on the right path again, so Bono had a moving speech that preceded the eternal One, he spent a part of the legendary Bullet the blue sky with a bandana over his eyes like a prisoner in Guantanamo but questioned it all when the dedicated the beautiful Running to stand still to, no more no less, " brave men and women in US Military" - bit confusing for me but someone will understand I guess.
The visual concept of the show is reminiscent of Elevation, except this time they added a lightbulb curtain that creates a big screen. Needless to say, this looks much more effective on stadium shows (like Europe), but the show is from an arena so the curtain is by far the best and most original solution.
Also reminiscent of Elevation tour in Boston is the way the show is filmed, but this time there's two more cameras, one following the show from the audience (bit irritating, because you can't see anything about the hands in the air) and one from the bird's point of view - exactly above the stage (exceptionally interesting!).
In the end, I would say this is another solid creation from the Irish foursome, but not the best. 17 shows prior to Chicago filming have taken their toll on the band (particularly Bono) so the performances aren't at the expected level - especially compared to shows Europe. But it has to be noted these are U2 standards, and those are very high. The show in Milan (who wil also be released on DVD soon) will surely offer us much better performances and unprecedented visual spectacle. Till then, enjoy Vertigo from Chicago.
Rate: 3,5/5
I ordered the DVD (regular version) on the internet today - I'm not sure what to expect. In between Boston and Slane DVD, or worse than those two?
).
and of course the funniest moment of the night when Bono slams one of Larry's drums and gets a 
look from Larry
Some sound/video timing problems too. That said, I think it works far better as Boston as a whole being mixed out of two shows.
I do agree that waiting for a leg three show would have been better (like Chicago 9/20 or Toronto...3, was it? whichever one had DISCOTHEQUE 
