Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience on Blu-ray Disc Review
By Rachel Cericola
The Film
The
Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience is three discs of fun for some of the family -- the part of the family that doesn't include
you. No matter how cute and catchy the Jonas Brothers may be, they have a certain demographic, and we're guessing most of them don't control the Blu-ray purchases.
If you are talked into coughing up that cash, expect to be turned off from the opening credits, which are completely hokey. The Brothers must escape fans through the top of their car, abandon their giant bodyguard, and run through the streets in Beatles/Monkee-like fashion. We get it; they are fun and they are popular. Instead of going for goofy, it would have been nice if they continued to show more of a day in the life of Jonas, like the very beginning of the flick. However, the target audience will probably appreciate the cute route much more.
Once you get beyond the wackiness, the movie busts right into concert mode. However, it doesn't stay there that long. Gratuitous shirt-changing scene aside, the film does give a little glimpse into various aspects of the Jonas phenomenon. Those scenes include everything from people crying and passing out to band practice to, of course, tons of screaming girls. Towards the end of the film, there's an intermission with a little music video, which seems completely out of place, but again, probably fun for the fans.
Complain all you want about the quality of the Jonas Brothers. We're pretty sure there's a Beatles wig, NKOTB lunchbox or even a Spice Girls CD stashed in the back of your closet. Every generation has its own Jonas Brothers. Unfortunately, this isn't your generation. Just hit play and leave the room quietly.
The Picture
Disney gave the Jonas Brothers the 3-D treatment both in theaters and on this release. Strap on one of the four pairs of 3-D glasses included in the set, and (literally) enjoy the show. Most of the effects pop during the actual concert, with glowsticks and waving hands flying all over the place. Also, the technology did make it seem like the Jonas Brothers were actually playing in our living room – especially when one of the three would gaze into the camera (Joe was looking at
me!). Sure it's fun. However, it also defeats the purpose of buying Blu-ray, because the picture is not all that good. Also, once you get tired of those paper glasses (and you will), the image on-screen is pretty horrible due to the "wonders" of old school anaglyph 3D.
Thankfully, the menu allows you to easily switch back to 2D, making all right in Jonas world. Those images are actually really good, with tons of purples and blues, as well as details both on-stage and in the crowd.
The Sound
Like the sound of girls screaming? How about thousands of them scattered around your living room? The DTS-HD Master Audio track does a good job of conveying the fan excitement both during the live show as well as the in-between scenes. During the concert, though, it's never distracting. The music is first, foremost, and as clean as the Jonas brand of comedy.
The Extras
You'd think that Jonas fans could never get enough of the boys. Well, there is a limit -- at least with this release. Aside from 2D and 3D versions, this 3-disc release includes a standard-def version of the movie and a digital copy. The actual extras are slim, with just two bonus songs and a 15-minute "Up Close and Personal" featurette.
Final Thoughts
If you're buying this Blu-ray, does it really matter what it looks and sounds like? It's for the kids, and for many, it will be a must-have. Prepare to cough up the extra cash for the Blu-ray/3-D experience. It's cute, but unless you're a true fan, no amount of technology will make you want to sit through this one.
Where to Buy:
Product Details
- Stars: Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift
- Director: Bruce Hendricks
- Audio/Languages: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (Spanish)
- Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Region: A
- Number of Discs: 3
- Rating: G
- Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
- Blu-ray Disc Release Date: June 30, 2009
- Run Time: 100 minutes
- List Price: $44.99
- Extras:
- Extended Movie in 3D and 2D
- 2 Bonus Songs
- Up Close & Personal
- Standard-Def DVD in 2D
- Digital Copy
- 4 pairs 3-D Glasses
