RedRocksU2
Blue Crack Addict
Did not see ya, too short.
Look sharp for the shots of the challenging setlist they were going by during the rehearsals.
T.B.
Frankly, considering the production, this release is not as impressive in terms of direction/editing *or* a/v quality as it could or really should have been.
The footage quality is all over the map depending on camera angles. When band members are filmed in decent lighting conditions fairly close up, the footage looks sharp. However, for the most part it's often quite dark with a lot of black crush on mid to long shots, no doubt to obscure grain due to the poor lighting conditions. Some long shots and especially overhead footage shot from the helicopter of the stadium are extremely rough looking for HD quality.
I do prefer some of the direction over U2's recent concert releases. There's a bit less of the rapid jump cutting and some shots are very well composed, such as shots of Adam in the near foreground with Bono in the background on one of the catwalks.
IMO, the home video audio mix lacks a truly "live" feel. There's very little crowd noise mixed in (although to be fair, this was a very sedate stadium audience most of the show) so it has a very disconnected feel to it. Of the audio options, the DTS track is by far the best option. I find most of U2's home video concert releases, especially from the past two tours to be vastly superior as far as more accurately presenting what it looks and *sounds* like at a U2 show.
I was at this show, my 24th U2 show dating back to the Boy tour in '81. I've also heard the original unedited raw IEM mixing desk audio from this show which is much more in your face and vital sounding (despite the click tracks and verbal "direction" cues). It's interesting if not surprising what was edited and re-recorded as far as vocals and some instrumentation for this official home video release.
Of all the extras, the "Squaring The Circle" feature is the most interesting viewing. Look sharp for the shots of the challenging setlist they were going by during the rehearsals. The tour opener features are frustrating as they only include portions of several songs played at those shows. And I have to say the footage of New Years Day in Polnad has appallingly bad sound that isn't even mediocre bootleg quality.
IMO, this release, much like the current tour (from a musical standpoint) and their last album pales in comparison to most of their previous home video releases. It's nice that it was released on Blu-ray, but the format's quality potential is virtually wasted, especially on the below average quality bonus footage.
T.B.
Maybe none of them have a turntable in order to play it. Ha.
Just saw this on @u2's twitter: Die Super Deluxe ausgepackt: U2 Live At Rose Bowl - U2 News - U2tour.de
(Unpacking of the super deluxe box set)
I freakin love this dvd!!!
Just watched the whole thing plus some of the extras.
C'mon, make it happen...
Can you elucidate upon this?
Very interesting review, especially the info about re-recorded vocals. I was at the show, too, and loved it, but I agree - the layout and acoustics of the Rose Bowl made it seem as though the crowd was more subdued than they really were. I saw them in Cardiff last August and the vibe was through the roof, by contrast.
Some songs were abbreviated on the sheet, but it went like this:
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Vertigo
Magnificent
Get On Your Boots
Elevation
Beautiful Day
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Drowning Man
Unforgettable Fire
Bad
In A Little While (or) Stuck In A Moment
Walk On (acoustic)
----------------
Electrical Storm
No Line On The Horizon
-space chat interlude-
Unknown Caller
----------------
Pride
MLK
Where The Streets Have No Name
Ultraviolet
With Or Without You
----------------
Breathe
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
Moment Of Surrender
T.B.
Very interesting review, especially the info about re-recorded vocals. I was at the show, too, and loved it, but I agree - the layout and acoustics of the Rose Bowl made it seem as though the crowd was more subdued than they really were. I saw them in Cardiff last August and the vibe was through the roof, by contrast.
Shitty opening, but a pretty good ending...
I am patiently awaiting for my super deluxe DVD set to come at the end of the month. Amazon sent me the e-mail yesterday stating not to expect it until the 25th... It better be worth the wait because unlike some of you, the nearest HMV is 50 miles away, the nearest Wal-mart is 55 miles away, the nearest Best Buy is 72 miles away, and the nearest Target is 140 miles away...
In the meantime while my patience is being tested, I am hoping to read lots of good reviews while I wait for the DVD box set... I am trying to figure out myself how I am going to listen to my vinyl record...
There are still HMV stores in the US?
I'm in the same boat waiting for my box set from Live Nation My Amazon order shipped yesterday so hopefully it will arrive by the weekend.