January 22, 2008

SUNDANCE: BLUE ROCK CUTS 'U2 3D'

The feature runs 85 minutes and consists of clips culled from more than 600 hours of footage, shot during seven of the band’s concerts during its 2006 Vertigo World Tour. No less than nine pairs of digital 3D cameras were used for the project, which documents 15 of the band’s best performances.

Selecting footage took eight months. Wicki would send the edits to 3ality in Burbank and continue working. The next nine months were spent in Los Angeles, working directly with the California-based 3D team.

“The development of 3D layering and compositing by 3ality enables viewers to see multiple images composed on the screen at the same time,” Wicki explains. “This is also the first time that audiences will see CGI blended so seamlessly with live action.”

“Olivier became an important member of the production and post production team during editing,” notes director Owens. “His ability to understand my artistic vision is deeply rooted in our mutual passion for art and music.”

Bluerock partner Spontaneous (www.spon.com) was also heavily involved in the project, with creative director John Leamy designing the film’s opening title sequence, logo and poster. He also edited the trailer.

“This project is something that will be seen all over the world, so we wanted the concept to feel exciting and match the energy of the film,” explains Leamy.

The film will be distributed by National Geographic Entertainment in IMAX beginning January 23rd, and expanded in Dolby, Real D, and other digital 3D formats on February 15th.