Ayu 3D - Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2009 - Next Level 3D Film Review

So as I hinted the other day, I was fortunate to get an invite to the Hong Kong premiere screening of Hamasaki Ayumi's 3D concert film!

Having seen Hamasaki Ayumi's live concert a good number of times since I moved to Japan,  I was eagerly looking forward to seeing this 3D rendition of her 2009 'Next Level' Arena Tour.

Those who aren't familiar may not know, but every year Avex releases a concert DVD of that year's show (usually filmed at the final concert location, Yoyogi Park in Tokyo).  I guess they decided to spice things up by doing it in 3D.

The key result of this decision is quite significant.  Instead of being a product for viewing on DVD at home, now you actually have the opportunity to go to the theater and see the show on the big screen!  (in 3D!) 

Concert films shown in theaters haven't really been very numerous since the launch of home video in the 80s (Woodstock, Rattle and Hum, The Song Remains the Same, a few Who and Rolling Stones movies are the only ones I can think of...  the only recent example I can think of is Michael Jackson's 'This is It').

Long time Etchy blog readers will remember that I actually saw the 2009 tour show in Kobe (I timed my trip to Osaka the same weekend so I'd have a chance to go!)  so I was looking forward to comparing the experience in real life 3D versus movie theater 3D.

I won't give comment on the actual content of the film (the music and concert, etc) since that's pretty much already a known quantity, if you enjoy Hamasaki Ayumi's music and have seen her concert videos this is basically more of what you know and love. 

As far as the 3D aspect goes - its actually pretty cool.  I was a bit on the fence going into it - how much 3D will you really see? is it that much different than just seeing a 2D concert film on the big screen?   will they cheese it up with some lame 3D CG or something just because they can?

Well I definitely appreciated the 3D view of the show, especially the long shots in the concert hall.  But for some reason they did put a few 3D CG effects in...  completely not necessary but thankfully few and far between so they don't distract you TOO much other than "Who thought this would be a good idea???' (just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you should do something). :-P

The single coolest part of the film was actually watching the dancers in 3D... it really makes me want to go watch 'Step-Up 3D' if I ever get a chance. (yes, I would actually be willing to pay to see it now!) :-P

That said, I think there's a good bit of refinement that these types of live 3D concert films can endure to improve the experience.  I didn't like some of the cuts and edits and fades they put into the film, I don't think  the same things that work in 2D necessarily work in 3D, so the film makers will need to adapt.

As a hardcore fan, I can't fairly rate this movie on the content itself (11 out of 10!)  but of I'll give it a 7/10 rating on its groundbreaking technical merit, although that can definitely improve too.

ps - thanks to MCL and Avex for the screening with free popcorn and drinks! ;-)

pps - they interviewed me for a promo video so you may see me raving on camera in front of the poster after the show... "I loved it! It was much better than Cats!  I going to see it again and again!" Let me know if you see it anywhere.  I'm the creepy white guy with the beard and Cal hat. :-P