Film / Reviews
Review: Jurassic Park in Concert, Hippodrome
Well-known films played on a large screen accompanied by a live orchestra have grown in popularity in Bristol. But the sold out Jurassic Park with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra was clearly the most popular event of this kind so far. Previous live music films (run at the Colston Hall) such as Love, Actually, Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark were wonderful to watch, but there was something extra special about watching this iconic science fiction film with its memorable musical score being led by an extremely enthusiastic conductor.
There was an obvious air of excitement as people expectantly took their seats and humming of the most well-known part of the soundtrack could be heard from several members of the audience. Then as the orchestra, who are known as one of Czech and Europe’s top symphonic ensembles, came onto the stage with their various instruments the seated audience cheered loudly. Everyone knew they were in for a treat as this triple Academy Award winning film, which became the highest-grossing film of all time in 1993, is a favourite of many generations.
You would be hard-pressed to find someone who has not seen this film, but to recap: it is about a theme park that is based on a secluded island and it contains many species of dinosaurs which have been brought back to life by scientists after finding blood of these ancient reptiles in mosquitos that have been preserved. Paleontologists Alan Grant (played by Sam Neill) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) are part of a group that get invited to view the island before the public. Although it all starts off wonderfully, everything predictably turns to disaster.
is needed now More than ever
Seeing this popular movie played out in HD on a reasonably large screen, it was sometimes easy to forget the orchestra were there. But then as the excitable conductor threw her hands up in the air as she guided her orchestra, you were drawn back to what made this evening different from your usual cinematic experience.
It’s easy to understand how this orchestra has also accompanied some of the most important pop artists (such as Sting and George Michael) on the stage as well as doing concerts in many auditoria and concert halls because they are just so polished and inspirational to witness in action. John Williams’ score and Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel were truly brought to life and everyone was entertained throughout the whole evening.
The next film in the orchestra series, which is coming to the Colston Hall, has been advertised as E.T (the Extra-Terrestrial) and it can confidently be assumed that this will be another fantastic production that leaves you breathless with awe and glee.
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