need we say more? (picture stolen from Cece Sherman)
And, since the movie came out, our “Sleep Again” clip has been getting lots of hits on the Tube.
I met friends at the cinema, for Phish3D! The new Phish had a special 4/20 sneek peek screening at select theaters nationwide. Phish3D is a film, in 3D (doh!) of Phish’s Festival 8, which was Halloween weekend 2009, at the Polo Grounds in Indio, California.
The movie was huge fun, worth seeing for Phish fans – and the Phish curious. If you weren’t at the event, it will make you feel like you saw a lot of it. It was a good bit of 3d filmmaking, and most all of the 3D worked – and there were glow-sticks and balloons that faked me out a few times and made me duck (and made me think it would be fun to bring a few real baloons in to add to the effect).
The sound was excellent, and played at a good volume (unlike the “Crimson White and Indigo” screening). Beautiful mix, enough bass to feel it, and loud enough that it filled the space and my ears, though not too loud. Really ideal. This was a newer stadium style theater – the kind of place Avatar and other 3D hits play in, so the system had really kickin’ sound!
I liked the song selection, though I wish they would have done more from Joy , but the “Stealing Time from a Faulty Plan” was the only representative. Highlights from the bands Halloween costume, The Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street set (“Happy”, “Shine a Light”, “Soul Survivor”), and from the acoustic set (“The Curtain With”, “Sleep Again”, Wilson”) – as well as a bunch of others. I won’t spoil the whole list here, though it can be found online. It was a good selection from the shows. The highlight performance was the “Suzy Greenberg” encore after the Exile set – which featured Sharon Jones of The Dap-Kings (vocals), Saundra Williams (vocals), David Gray (trumpet), David Smith (trombone), and Tony Jarvis (sax).
Visually it was stunning. Really beautiful depth to many shots, crystal clear focus, and the 3D did make it feel like you were on stage with the band at times.
There were some audience shots that were also stunning, particularly the daytime shots, where you could see detail on all of us. Like many, i searched for myself, and didn’t see me – there was one shot of a guy waving a white hat, maybe that was me, couldn’t tell for sure. I wish there was MORE shots of the crowd, of The Coil , of the various goings on. And more of the people in costume! There were so many wonderfully creative individuals, and group costumes, I wish they were better represented in 3D. and nothing of the camping or the scope of the event. There was very little set up or back story, mostly just the show.
There was some good clips of the band rehearsing with the guest vocalists and horn section – that was fun, and we saw the pre Suzy work up. It might have also been nice to have a few words from the band about the event.
Though – the music is the thing, and there was plenty of it in this movie!
3D technology has come a long way, and it was very crisp and deep. There were some glow-sticks being tossed, and 
balloons and beach balls that were very fun. In fact, if you go see it, I recommend sneaking in a few empty balloons, inflating them when the movie starts – and you will know when to toss them, and you’ll really crack people up! I wish I had thought of that before I went… After the movie, a friend of mine did say she thought some of the balloons in the movie were not real, but added in post-production – or as she put it “I call shenanigans on some of those balloons that came at us!’”
I wish there was a bit more of things coming in front of/out of the screen – not overdone cheesy effects, but a few times it could have been a fun. Like when Trey would turn to the right, to have the neck of his guitar swing out into our faces! Or the arms of a twirler. And I can’t believe they did not get anyone hooping in 3D! Or some of the fire art? So much to see and show, and I think they could have exploited the format more.
I do have one complaint, and it is a major one. 3D films, because of the depth perception, need to be filmed and edited with a consideration of the viewers brains ability to shift perspective. When depth shifts frequently, it can be disorienting. And when a moving camera is used, slower movements are better, because they allow us to relax into the depth we are perceiving and convince us of it’s reality.
Phish3D has lots of rapid cuts, frequently shifting depth and perspective. I am a 3D aficionado – and some of the editing was disruptive to me having a flowing experience with it, and some of it made me a little disoriented. There was no time to enjoy the lusciousness of the 3D, because it kept shifting and cutting from close up to long shot to fast moving tracking shot etc. Of course, that is how concert films are usually made, as well as what is shown on the big screens at these huge festivals. I wonder if the 3D footage was shot separately, or was it the same as the footage used live at the show? Not that the edit was the same, but were the cameras? 
Dramatic features usually have long shots that establish a scene, and then move in closer, hopefully edited at a pace that flows with our perceptions. You don’t cut long/wide/close/long/close/ over and over – like a “music video”. In a 3D film, the Director, Director of Photography, and Editor all work to make sense to our perceptions. I found Avatar, even during flying and action sequences, to never betray my senses – I could follow the changes in depth, they were consistent and logical to my brain.
Suggestion (not that anyone asked me for one, and it is too late now):
When creating a 3D concert film, the DP and Editor, coordinated by the Director, should approach it as they would a dramatic story, rather than as a concert 
movie. Stay on a scene, allow us to relax and be with the depth and perspective, to enjoy it’s as hyperrealism. Moving camera shots should be slower overall, or at least more consistent in motion, and edits should be aware of the speed, and perspective of one clip to the next. As a viewer, I want to feel like I am there cinematically. Rapid cuts, alternating camera speeds, shifting depth perception all keep me from fully surrendering my disbelief – and for some it might even be unsettling to the point of nausea or headaches. The camera and the editing should be invisible.
Regardless, I am sure any Phish fan will be thrilled with it, and will want to see it more than once. They may or may not agree with me on the edit, 3D aspects, but the fans will love the music and the chance to experience some of Festival 8, whether for the first time, or to relive it. I don’t think this film is the best entry point for someone who has never been exposed to Phish, but heck, drag them along anyway.
And bring some balloons to toss, for the 4D experience! (no glow sticks, it would suck if something damaged the screen!)
Phish 3D opens in theaters on April 30th – check http://www.phish3dmovie.com/ for more information.
Here is a clip from “Fan Reviews” that actually features a many of my friends, most of which actually went to Festival 8 as well. Their response is very enthused! And on most counts I agree, except as noted.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpJOlRokQ_E
This is from the official press release about the Phish 3D movie:
Exclusive April 20th Preview Screenings in Nine US Cities
Action 3D Productions, Network LIVE and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Partner for Limited Engagement
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Phish 3D, a 3D concert experience, is opening nationwide on Friday, April 30th for an exclusive one week run. The more than two hour movie, presented by Action 3D Productions in association with Network LIVE and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp., highlights Phish’s Festival 8, a three-day, eight-set, 16-hour concert in the Southern California desert.
In advance of the nationwide roll-out, exclusive preview screenings will be shown in nine cities — Boston; Burlington, VT; Chicago; Denver; Houston; Los Angeles; New York; Raleigh/Durham, NC; and Washington, D.C. — on April 20th. (more…)
Phish 3D, filmed at Festival 8 – the band’s three-day festival which took place on October 30th, 31st and November 1st at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California – will be in theatres in 3D this April. The band performed 8 sets over the course of the weekend, including a special Acoustic Set on Sunday afternoon. Keeping the tradition of past Halloween shows, they donned a musical costume on Halloween night, covering The Rolling Stones’ album Exile On Main Street.
For complete ticketing and theater information,
please visit http://www.phish3dmovie.com .
These are the confirmed dates from PHISH
Phish Summer Dates
June 11 Chicago, IL Toyota Park
June 12 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
June 13 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium
June 15 Portsmouth, VA nTelos Pavilion at Harbor Center
June 17 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre
June 18 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre
June 19 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
June 20 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
June 22 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center
June 24 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
June 25 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
June 26 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 27 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 29 Canandaigua, NY CMAC
July 1 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
July 2 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 3 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
July 4 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
August 5 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
August 6 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
August 7 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
August 9 Telluride, CO Telluride Town Park
August 10 Telluride, CO Telluride Town Park
August 12 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
August 13 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
August 14 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre
August 15 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre
August 17 Wantagh, NY Nikon Theater at Jones Beach
August 18 Wantagh, NY Nikon Theater at Jones Beach
DETAILS:
71st & Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60455
Tel: 708-594-7200
Show Starts: 7:00pm Doors Open: 5:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at 10:00am Central Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 312.559.1212 or 800.745.3000 or 866.448.7849. Tickets can also be purchased at select TicketMaster outlets and at the venue box office. Tapers will need a GA floor ticket.
Pricing: $50.00 GA / $50.00 Reserved.
Venue Website: http://toyotapark.com/
Jun 12
1145 West Steels Corners
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Tel: 330.920.8040
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, April 3rd at 1pm Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets and at the venue box office.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/blossom-music-center-tickets
Jun 13
100 W Hersheypark Drive
Hershey PA, 17033
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Doors Open: 5:30pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, April 3rd at 10:00am Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at http://hersheyentertainment.portals.musictoday.com/
Or charge by phone at 877-598-6504 or 717-534-3911. Ticket may also be purchased at the GIANT Center (550 Hersheypark Drive).
Tapers will need a GA floor ticket.
Pricing: $50.00 GA Field / $50.00 Reserved Stands
Venue Website: http://hersheyparkstadium.com
Jun 15
901 Crawford Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Tel: 757.393.8181
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Lots Open: 5:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at 1:00pm Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select TicketMaster outlets and at the venue box office
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.pavilionconcerts.com/
Jun 17 & 18
61 Savitt Way
Hartford, CT 06120
Tel: 203-265-1501 or 860-548-7370
Show Starts: 8:00pm
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Lots Open: 4:30pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at 1:00PM Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets. If tickets are still available, they can be purchased at the Chevrolet Theatre box office in Wallingford beginning Monday, April 5th.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/comcast-theatre-tickets
Jun 19
108 Avenue of the Pines
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at noon Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/saratoga-performing-arts-center-tickets/
Jun 20
108 Avenue of the Pines
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at noon Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/saratoga-performing-arts-center-tickets/
Jun 22
885 South Main Street
Mansfield, MA 02048
Tel: 508.339.2333
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Lots Open: 4:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at 10:00am Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets and at the venue box office.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/comcast-center-tickets
Jun 24 & 25
1 Harbour Blvd.
Camden, NJ 08103
Tel: 856.365.1300
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at 2:00pm Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/susquehanna-bank-center-tickets
Jun 26 & 27
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
Tel: 410.715.5550 Email: [email protected]
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Doors Open: 5:30pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 2nd at Noon EST. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.ticketfly.com/ or charge by phone at 1-800-4FLYTIX. Tickets can also be purchased at the Merriweather Post Pavilion and 9:30 Club box offices.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.merriweathermusic.com/
Jun 29
3355 Marvin Sands Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585.393.4880 beginning May 1st or 585.394.4400 for the Canandaigua COC
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Doors Open: 5:30pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at Noon Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select TicketMaster outlets and the venue box office.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: hhttp://www.cmacevents.com/Default.aspx
Jul 01
3801 Rock Quarry Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Tel: 919-831-6400
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, April 3rd at 10:00am Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets. Tickets can also be purchased at the venue box office.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: Posted in |
Jul 02
707 Pavilion Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Tel: 704-549-5555
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, April 3rd at 11:00am Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets. Tickets can also be purchased at the venue box office.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: Posted in |
Jul 3 & 4
2200 Encore Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Tel: 404-733-5010
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, April 3rd at 1:00pm Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select TicketMaster outlets. Tickets can also be purchased at the venue box office.
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved Pavilion/ GA Pit / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.vzwamp.com/
Aug 4, 6, 7
Hearst & Gayley
Berkeley, CA 94720
Tel: 510-809-0100
Show Starts: 6:30pm
Doors Open: 5:30pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at 10:00am Pacific Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.apeconcerts.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select TicketMaster outlets.
Pricing: $50.00 GA
Venue Website: http://www.apeconcerts.com/venue_greekTheatre.cfm
Aug 09 & 10
Telluride, CO 81435
Show Starts: 6:30pm
Doors Open: 5:30pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. Tickets for this show are only available as part of a 2-day ticket for both 8/9 and 8/10. You cannot purchase days individually. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 2nd at Noon Mountain time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tickethorse.com or charge by phone at 866.461.6556. Tickets may also be purchased at the Sheridan Opera House and the Telluride Music Company. Tickets for this show are only available as part of a 2-day ticket for entry to both 8/9 and 8/10. You cannot purchase tickets for individual days.
Pricing: $50.00 GA
Aug 12 & 13
12880 E 146th
Noblesville, IN 46060
Tel: 317.776.8181
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, April 3rd at 10:00am Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/verizon-wireless-music-center-indianapolis-tickets
Aug 14 & 15
2699 Highway D
East Troy, WI 53120
Tel: 262.642.4400
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Lots Open: 3:00pm
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, April 3 at 10:00am Central Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets. Tickets can also be purchased at the venue box office (on sale day and show days only).
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/alpine-valley-music-theatre-tickets/”
Aug 17 & 18
1000 Ocean Parkway
Wantagh, NY 11793
Tel: 516.221.1000
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Lots: Free concert parking with concert ticket. Lots open at 5:30pm. All passengers must have valid ticket.
Ticket Information: A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end Friday, March 26th at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2nd at Noon Eastern Time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets can also be purchased at select Blockbuster outlets
Pricing: $50.00 Reserved / $50.00 GA Lawn
Venue Website: http://www.livenation.com/venue/nikon-at-jones-beach-theater-tickets
