I was never a massive Star Wars fan. Born in 1981, I think the Star Wars mania of the late 70s/early 80s just missed me. In fact, I think I only got around to watching them in sequence about three years ago. When the new wave of Star Wars films came out (Episodes 1, 2 and 3), I did watch them, but I was far from amazed. The poor acting and dodgy plot did not save them from being nothing more than interesting action films.
- Anthony Daniels and C-3PO’s head
So, what do I think of the new Star Wars: In Concert? Well, I’m open minded. It’s described as a Massive multi-media event features stunning visuals, a live orchestra, choir and narration, so the sales pitch is fairly exciting. There’s no doubt that hearing John Williams music performed by a large live orchestra is a huge draw for me.
Narrated live by Anthony Daniels (the actor who portrayed C-3PO in all six films), the production features a full symphony orchestra and choir, accompanied by specially edited footage from the films displayed on a three-story-tall, high-definition LED super-screen – one of the largest ever put on tour. The trailer looks pretty cool :
According to George Lucas himself, “We’ve taken the key themes from the music and cut together all the images that fit with each theme, so you can really get a sense of how the music played into the images. The whole soundtrack is a testament to John Williams’ creativity and his extraordinary ability to enhance the emotional aspects of the films.”
Composer John Williams was equally excited: “Creating the music for the Star Wars films has been an exciting and wonderful experience for me, and I therefore have derived particular pleasure in assembling a compendium of themes from all of the films to be presented in Star Wars in Concert. I believe that a singular and unique Star Wars experience has been born.”
What do you think? Will this add to the Star Wars universe or is it flogging a dead franchise. I’m intrigued and may go along. It’s playing in The O2 Dublin on Sunday 7th March 2010 and tickets go on sale on Friday week, 27th November.
If you’re a serious fanboy, you might also be interested in the exhibit of Star Wars costumes, props, artifacts, production artwork and behind-the-scenes videos which accompanies the Concert.
Tickets are from €70 and are available from TicketMaster.ie (from Friday 27th November). For more info, check out StarWarsInConcert.com.
70 quid? That’s a load of Sith anagram.
I’m contemplating getting tickets to this. Star Wars + John Williams + Live Orchestra = very happy geek
I read this piece with mounting excitement. Not on my own behalf (I have never actually seen a Star Wars film) but on behalf of my Star Wars obsessed ten year old son. I know he would love it. Bit crushed when I got to the end though - the tickets are from €70? The cost rules out a family outing. Maybe one of us can take him as a birthday treat.
This was in Boston during the weekend, I did not attend, ticket cost prob part of the reason. It got a decent review in the Boston Globe.
@Catherine @Allan The ticket prices are a bit excessive alright. With only a passing interest, I couldn’t justify it.
Pingback: Culch.ie » Blog Archive » Culchie Catch-Up (12)
Just home from the concert and I have to say it was superb. I found myself watching the performers in the orchestra more than the visuals on screen. Amazing experience.
@Noel I saw it this afternoon myself. I did enjoy it, but it was far more camp and silly than I expected. There should be a full review up tomorrow.