Earlier tonight, we premiered
U2 3D at Sundance 2008 for approximately 1200 people. Hollywood heavyweights, politicians, musicians, and rabid
U2 fans packed the house. It was an epic night for many as hundreds witnessed a historical film event. Lots of amazing things happened throughout the evening. Following is a recap in case I wake up and think it was all a dream:
The evening kicked off at the Supper Club at
Riverhorse on Main with a U2 3D Talent-Filmmaker cocktails and dinner.
3ality Digital filmmakers,
National Geographic staff,
Best Buy executives, talent, and guests enjoyed the exclusive engagement while
Paddy Casey performed a soulful acoustic set. Members of U2 walked the floor mingling with guests, who for many reasons, had to keep pinching themselves in disbelief.
Acclaimed New Orleans chef,
John Besh, created and served a scrumptious Bon Appetit-sponsored meal fit for rock gods and guitar heroes. Dinner notables included Former Vice President Al Gore, music mogul Jimmy Iovine, actor Woody Harrelson, and musical artist will.i.am.
Immediately following the exclusive dinner, Team U2 3D transported the whole crew to the Eccles Theatre. Once there, producers, directors, and members of U2 walked the Sundance red carpet. Flashes were popping off like fireworks inside. Director Catherine Owens looked radiant and the producers stood proud. It was electrifying!
The undisputed highlight of the evening immediately followed the red carpet. The crowd roared as Robert Redford and then U2 entered the theatre. As the lights faded, the excitement quickly grew. Many attendees moved to the music while participating as though they were attending a live concert -- waving hands in the air, shining mobile phones in lieu of lighters, and clapping passionately at the end of each song. Invited guest, Jeffrey Hopkins, Program Manager for Waterfront Film Festival was awed to see the theatre audience merge with the film audience, "It made the point that we experienced what the concert goers experienced during the show."
Many attendees walked away feeling inspired. Irish actor Kevin J. Ryan felt that U2 3D was more emotional, inspirational, and charismatic than 99% of films today, "It spoke for the Irish and it spoke for the people. It wasn't about 'I'm proud to be Irish', it's that I'm proud of being human." Hopkins agreed adding that he thought the 3D technology helped push Bono and U2's messages of positivity.
The film received a boisterous standing ovation at the end with the audience enjoying the credits on their feet. Congratulations to the U2 3D family. You should be so proud of being a part of filmmaking history! U2 3D launches in IMAX theaters on January 23, 2008.
More premiere night images can be found on the U2 3D movie website
here.
