Elevation 2001: U2 Live from Boston

First of all let me say that U2 is my favorite band and will probably always be my favorite band (although I dislike Zooropa and Pop, personally).

I saw them twice on their Elevation Tour, and both times were some of the greatest experiences of my life. The DVD of their show in Boston helps me remember a lot of the enjoyment I got from the concert, but it also has a shortcoming that I cannot forgive..

Both of the times I saw U2 in concert, they played One and New Year's Day. In the Boston show, however, they neglected to play either of them. In my opinion, if they wanted to drop two songs they could have made a better choice. Sure it's all opinion, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed to see those two songs absent from the DVD.

Anyway.. the DVD could not possibly recreate the live experience, but it does an admirable job of trying. Any U2 fan should be pleased.

8/10

U2 has proven time and time again, that they can still put on a great rock show. It's truly amazing to me to see how beautifully they can still perform, and how they performed at Boston. From the energetic opening of the show with "Elevation", to the emotional performance of "With or Without You", to the extended version of "Walk On" to close things up - U2 designed a concert so pure and perfect, and it was U2 at their finest, and most brilliant of times. Not for one second will anyone get bored of watching this show. Bono is constantly keeping everyone in the crowd awake and alive, and the rest of the band performs without any mistakes (as usual). It's truly a moving experience to watch this concert, for almost every classic is played, and played well. The "old" U2 is back, and they play the classics like they just wrote them yesterday.

Some notable performances on this tape would include : "Where the Streets Have No Name" (incredible to see live), "With or Without You" (a beautiful, passionate version, on where Bono sings the entire song personally to a woman from the crowd), "New Year's Day", and "Walk On". Overall, though, the entire concert is appropriately done. The production and camera shots could not have been any better, and at the end you feel like you were actually there.

I would like to congratulate U2 on successfully winning over their fans again. Not only has their tour been a huge success this year, but they have shown great support to Americans everywhere after the Sept. 11 events. I recommend, and endorse this concert taping full heartedly. U2 is back with an a familiar energy, and they are still packing arenas and touching the hearts of many.

The first time I saw this I couldn't believe it. This film is absolutely stunning. Anybody, without a doubt, can feel the energy like you were right in the room. You want to get up and jump around with everybody in the screen when U2 plays "Elevation" and you are brought to tears during songs like "Stay" and "Kite". The heart-shaped stage really did help the performers and audience connect, everybody's closer together, not only physically, but emotionally, too, I think. It was a bit if-y as to whether or not U2 was still the best band in the world, but this film proved it. Perfect 10.

U2 prove once again that they are the loudest and largest band on the face of the earth. No film could ever justify the energy and emotion of a live U2 show, but if ever one could come close... that one would be the Elevation in Boston DVD. Make sure you watch it on a large screen with full surround sound and sub-woofer action for full effect!!

Ripping open with "Elevation", check out the hidden track on DVD 1 to watch the entire song from Bono's perspective via the bono-goggles-cam. As the lights flash and dim down to introduce "Beautiful Day", U2 pour out their souls into an awesome concert full of emotion and good old rock and roll. Watch as Edge looses his pick during "Gone", then looses it on his guitar by throwing it onto the floor in disgust - as anyone would trying to play a hard solo with bare fingers. Only disappointment is the non-existent track "One" - simply one of their best tracks in not on the DVD.

A definite must have for all U2 fans, and a must-see for everyone to appreciate U2 throwing down an awesome performance.

Cheers!

I saw the Elevation concert here in Calgary. From the moment we realized that the band was on stage (they snuck in) until a few minutes after the last chords faded away, everyone was screaming, yelling, and singing every word.

I've been a U2 fan for most of my adult life, and seeing this concert was like a completion for me. This DVD is an extremely well shot summary of the concert, with excellent sound.

Nobody needs to explain anything political or technical about U2 or their lives. If you love U2, you need this DVD and will buy it anyway. If you hate U2, nothing I can say will change your mind, so I'll just feel sorry for you.