U23D Loyalty Rewarded - But is it a Best Buy?
We all know how U2 feels about corporate sponsorship…or at least used to. In the past, we didn’t have “Budweiser - the official sponsor of the Vertigo tour,” right? U2 did their best to communicate that their relationship with Apple wasn’t them “selling out.” Then again, they had direct control over who they partnered with.
As folks know, National Geographic is the distributor for U23D. Given the costs involved in this production, it was only a matter of time before some company came on board to help “sponsor” the production. It was announced today that Best Buy is the “Official Presenting Sponsor and exclusive consumer electronics partner for U2 3D in the United States.”
What this means to fans….
If you are a member of Best Buy’s Membership Rewards Loyalty Program, you’ll have access to preview nights for U23D showings in 25 cities in the US prior to the film’s formal release on January 23.
Looking into the future, one could only put two-and-two together that Best Buy will soon be selling the 3D electronics for your home and will probably cut a deal (if they haven’t done so already) in offering U23D as a home video release.
U2rules said,
January 11, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
anyone know when Best Buy’s preview nights will be or how to find out?
Robyn Gervais said,
January 11, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
Anybody know if that was his daughter Evie dancing in one of his concerts or his niece- I swear he said “My Niece Evie”
Sherry said,
January 11, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
I’ve been in contact with Best Buy’s media relations person. She said they’re still finalizing the details on it. One would have thought they would have had that sorted prior to the press release’s release. When I hear back from her, I’ll let y’all know.
Sherry said,
January 11, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
Robyn - it’s his youngest daughter, Eve.
U2rules said,
January 11, 2008 @ 8:06 pm
Thanks for the update Sherry!
It would be great if it was the weekend before instead of having to go to a midnight show in the middle of the week!
Andy Bartotto said,
January 16, 2008 @ 8:46 am
I’ve been a fan for a very long time, and yeah, it’s nice they’ve been against corporate sponsorship for a long time. But look at your Zoo TV tickets, presented by MTV, and same for Pop Mart. How come we don’t come down on atheletes and actors for being sponsored by people? People need to make money while they can, and why not recover some of the costs! At least U2 is not like the Rolling Stones who have their tours sponsored and tickets are still priced outrageously!
I’m bummed San Diego isn’t one of the cities on the IMAX showing. The first IMAX theater was built in San Diego. Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater. Go figure!
cubfanet said,
January 22, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
SAN DIEGO IS!! not at Ruben H Fleet, but at Mira Mesa..hope you know that by now Andy!!!
U2 and Fast Cars » @U2blog - U2 news and discussion said,
February 20, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
[...] all came together. If you were reading the blog last month, you may recall Sherry writing about Best Buy’s involvement as a “presenting sponsor” of the [...]