Movie Review: Larger Than Life 3D Concert With Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper and Relentless 7

By Matt Levine • December 11, 2009 • View Comments

Dave Matthews Literally Larger Than Life in New 3D Concert

While James Cameron’s Avatar is tearing the industry a new one with its cutting edge 3D technology, other smaller- and that’s only by comparison- studios, like inconcert3d, are trying to do just the same, but with live concert performances.

Now I might be putting my foot in my mouth with this one, but have you checked out a NON-HD TV lately? It’s virtually un-watchable. VHS, DVD’s, and even basic low-def cable seem to have become whispered testaments to the home entertainment system and things like black and white or 35MM film are as alien and rare as sighting Big Foot. I can see it now: my children, they turn to me and say, “what do you mean movies weren’t always burned directly into my retina?” And lately, the advances in cinema technology have been truly staggering. I had the chance to attend a press screening (thanks FusedFilm!) of what could be, in theory at least, something just as ground breaking as blue aliens that look like Sam Worthington.

Inconert3d has taken the latest stereoscopic technology and applied it to the concert going experience. Shot in hi-def digital 3D, the aim is to put the total aesthetic of a live band right in your local theater. First reactions…GO! NOTHING can replace the excitement and thrill of seeing a band live. Period. On the other hand, there have been great award-winning films of concerts, just watch The Last Waltz. But the members of Action 3D productions and AEG Network Live, the other cooks in the kitchen, prefaced the screening by saying this is NOT a movie about a concert, it IS a concert. There will be no backstage insight, no dreamy montages between songs, and no band interviews. Well unless that curtain opens up and amps carted on to the stage, I was still a bit confused, but I digress.

The concert captures the mammoth talents of Dave Matthews Band at the 2009 Austin City Limits Festival, Ben Harper and Relentless7 at the Mile High Music Festival, and the psychotically entertaining Gogol Bordello at the All Points West Music and Arts Festival. And hot damn, what a show. As a newcomer to all three artists, I can only liken the experience to the feeling my parents got when they first played Sgt. Pepper on vinyl. Ok, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. A HUGE one in fact, but the point is, no matter how much they’d like to think so, this is not a concert. Nor is it just a filmed show. It is a unique hybrid of circuitry and melody that attacks on all fronts.  I had to reorient myself to experience the size and scope of this show from my lonely theater seat but once I did, I was totally immersed.

But, ok, don’t expect Dave Matthews to put down his guitar and karate kick the camera, sending his foot cascading out into the audience and over your head. There are no bells and whistles. The 3D platform simply and miraculously supplements the music, capturing the artists in their true form, putting you front row center. Matthews, who is known for his massive talent and tenacity for long jams, brings down the house but the real showstoppers are Gogol Bordello- an immigrant gypsy punk band, members from every corner of the earth. I will say no more because if you haven’t heard of them, that sentence should suffice. Ben Harper, on the other hand, is a great live act and talented songwriter but his on stage charisma just falls short of the 3D treatment. I really could have used a karate kick there.

Nevertheless! Inconcert3d has over 30 acts taped and canned, all with the same 360 view (personally, I’d love me some Beyonce in 3D).

Larger Than Life: in 3D. Featuring Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper and Relentless7, and Gogol Bordello hit’s theaters today. Select cities and for a limited one week engagement. For a list of theaters and showtimes check out www.inconert3d.com .

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About the Author

Matt Levine

Matt Levine is a writer(‘s assistant) living in Los Angeles. He’s written short stories as well as several short films and hopes to make as a writer of…anything! A connoisseur of comic’s and all things film related, Matt spends his time buzzing about the San Fernando Valley like a gnat fly placating citizens with random film and TV factoids. His free time is spent battling Dragon’s in his mind. A film student and literary studies major, Matt plans to dominate the entertainment industry with his unwavering witticisms, cougar like reflexes and dashing good looks (can you tell he wrote this yet?)