Looking
back at the concert now, many will may be unphased by the size or
stature of the production - but bear in mind, that this was an
unprecedented event in the early 90's. ZooTv
set out to and achieved its aim of being an entertainment vehicle not
only for U2’s music, but as a vehicle for their personalities,
egos and ultimately the U2 brand name. It sparks the
senses with its baffling random graphics, words, TV images, numbers and
subliminal messages constantly flash across the screen. This
results in some stunning visuals, such as in The Fly,
and some of the most astounding pieces of visual imagery you are ever
likely to see - and quite possibly never see again see on such a scale. The stage, strikingly lit by vivid purples and oranges,
was a new concept in its own right, with a 20 metre high stage and
dangling cars smashing into each other above the band. It was the
beginning of a new era of concerts (Robbie Williams must have watched
this a few times), and the soon to become trademark of U2 with the
stage extending out into the crowd of over 40,000 - lead singer, Bono,
as one with his beloving audience - crowd surfing to the song Until the End of the World. U2
is lead from the front by the incomparable man they call Bono, who is
at his rock star persona best in this concert - a man on the verge of
greatness. Bono is clearly a fascinating performer here in
this 1993 concert, without the weight of being the humanitarian
crusader that he would eventually become over the following
decade. Indulging in bizarre, camp and kinky personas such as The
Fly and the devilish Mr MacPhisto. What makes this such a special
event is U2's ability to show their versatility as performers.
Just as hard as they rock out with their over-the-top rock performance,
the band (Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullins Jnr and the always subdued Adam
Clayton) also include an impromptu jam session in the middle of the
Sydney Football Stadium for a stripped down acoustic version of the
"Rattle & Hum" classic Angel of Harlem.
This is an amazing and mind blowing moment in the concert, with the
audience silent and in awe - intimacy with a crowd on such a large
scale just proves the undeniable skill and versatility of this great
band. ZooTv is definitely one of U2’s best and biggest
concert performances to date. While POPMART went upscale in size,
nothing can really compare to this original concept that will no doubt
stand as a pivitol and historical point in live music history. The must have music DVD of the year - and it's been a long time coming! EXTRAS
With two discs including three mini-documentaries, this is
definitely value for money and well worth the wait now that this
concert is available in DVD format (those who still own their copy of ZooTV on VHS will welcome the update in sound and clarity of vision). Special
limited edition with a bonus DVD of four live tracks, three
mini-documentaries and the inimitable 'Video Confessional' and special Zoo TV stickers. It comes just in time for U2's long awaited and highly anticipated Australian tour this November. A fantastic package as always from the U2 clan, who are again setting the benchmark for concert DVD releases.
Conclusion:
Movie 95% Extras: 90%
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