I am happy to report that I received my copy of U2.COMMUNICATION in the mail today. You will need your U2.com log-in information and password in order to unlock the CDRom. You only need to unlock it once. The package did not come shrink-wrapped, and it came in a plain tan-colored package from U2.com in California.

The CDRom includes various wallpapers: one which looks like the design on Adam’s pants he has been wearing on this leg of the tour. Another wallpaper looks suspiciously like the security box outside of Hanover Quay studios. There is also a video clip of Vertigo from Milan, which looks absolutely beautiful, but it’s a little too quick cut for me. (Then again, that was what folks didn’t care about in the Chicago video).

I did find it a little difficult to use the audio tracks on the CDRom as I am working on a computer with 2 screens. As soon as my mouse is directed away from the screen accessing the CDRom, I lose the audio. Instead, it scrolls all the way to the Extras on the CDRom. This is a bit frustrating.

The screen savers are cool - especially the DNA “Miracle Drug” one. The Yahweh heart screensaver is also really neat as we normally only see the pixeled one during U2’s live performance. The same holds true with Catherine Owens’ work with the Yahweh dove screensaver. It’s amazing the detail that you do see on the beaded curtains during the show, but to see it in this fashion makes you appreciate the level of detail to the artwork. The Declaration of Human Rights is also there with the audio reading. Unfortunately, it picks up at Article 3 and ends at Article 6. It would have been nice to have had the full declaration on there.

As for the audio CD, it’s a great little gem to have the professional recordings include the audience to a certain level. (I forgot how funky Edge’s guitar sounded on The Fly in Milan).

It’s important to point out that there are rules associated with the disc:

Overall, much better than a metal card that sets off security checkpoints in airports. It’ll join my copies of Melon and Mexico City from the ol’ days of Propaganda.

For full packaging photos, visit here.