Review: JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT, Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall celebrates the 25th anniversary of the release of Jurassic Park presenting the cult classic with a full symphonic orchestra, creating a magical and hair-raising experience. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ben Palmer delivers the overwhelming fascination that's inherent to John Williams' score.

The first episode of an extremely successful franchise, the 1993 blockbuster sees nature turning against technology when man-made dinosaurs get out of control on an island in the Pacific Ocean. The ensuing race for survival proves that "life finds a way" and men need to reassess their priority in the grand scheme of human existence.

It's another chapter in the Royal Albert Hall's series of Films in Concert, which brings classic films to the venue accompanied by orchestras. By including live music, they weld together the seventh art with a new performative element. This not only adds fundamental value to the screening but plays well with its surroundings and introduces an additional level to the discourse regarding cinema as a social event rather than reducing it to watching a film.

For instance, the natural reverberation of the room drastically changes the reception of the spoken word while simultaneously getting filled up by the music rising from the pit. The appeal is the sensory essence of the happening. The grandeur of the surroundings paired with the large HD screen and the orchestra obviously make it a captivating night out.

People new to Spielberg's brand and aficionados wearing themed t-shirts flock to witness the occurrence, which is definitely more attractive than any screening in IMAX theatres. Between the cheers directed at Jeff Goldblum's witticisms (and bare chest) and the thundering applause and standing ovation for the marvellous Palmer, Jurassic Park In Concert is a success.

It's when the credits start to roll that Palmer and the musicians give their all. With the lights still down and nothing major happening on the screen, the orchestra who had been shadowed by dinosaurs all along soar and establish their presence once and for all with all their power. The well-known theme plays once again and, this time, it's the true protagonist of the moment in a chilling and all-around surreal spectacle.

With this venture, the Royal Albert Hall has opened its doors to a different group of patrons and certainly has pioneered a new and exciting way to experience and rediscover classics films.

Jurassic Park In Concert is presented once more on 30 September but the Royal Albert Hall's list of Films In concert is extensive.

Photo credit: Cindy Marcolina

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