If you are a collector of all things U2, then you will want to buy this DVD. If, on the other hand, you were wanting to spend your money on the best, then Slane, Zoo TV and Popmart are better choices. But hey, this is still a pretty good watch.
It is a fair comment, most would agree, that U2 put on the best live shows. Bono has been quoted on many occasions saying that 'live is where the band lives.' Now a lot of factors go into making these great shows but one that sticks out down the years are the concert openers. 'I Will Follow', 'Where The Streets Have No Name', 'Mofo' etc, are all great ways to kick off the show. And this trend continues here with the majestic 'City of Blinding Lights' in which it is declared that everyone looks 'So Beautiful Tonight'. In what also could have been an opener that night (it was on the European leg of the tour) is what comes next- the highly energetic 'Vertigo', which leaves the crowd jumping for joy and sets up 'Elevation' nicely.
Then the band rewind 20 plus years and play an unbelievable version of 'Electric Co'. Watching The Edge during this song is great as he plays terrificly well. What is a little disappointing for me, and this happens in different parts of the show, is that the crowd goes a little bit stale, during the earlier hits. I mean I don't mind new U2 fans, but there are many there in the audience who I bet only owned the Greatest Hits CD's. This staleness continues through a classic like 'Miracle Drug' where I even saw people leaving their seats!! I mean come on people, enjoy it!!
The crowd do eventually get back off their seats during the fantastic 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', although it is a bit soured halfway through with Bono doing his thing. Each to their own as they say. The second part of the show is the strongest with an emotional 'Running To Stand Still' being followed by 'Pride', 'Streets' and 'One'.
What is so great about the show as a whole are the different depths. So after a speech about making poverty history we are then treated to that fantastic opening of 'Zoo Station', followed by one of the bands best ever songs 'The Fly'.
The show finishes with all areas covered. A few more from 'Bomb' and then the classic '40' to finish the show, with each member of the band leaving the stage individually, which is very touching.
Overall, this isn't the bands greatest ever live show, but it is a very good one. The set list is amazing with hits young and old, but the crowd are a bit of a let down. (Youtube footage of the gigs from Croke Park and Brazil and you'll catch my drift.) But, it is not a waste of money and you will watch it again and again.
