Had the absolute pleasure of watching this in concert, perfectly performed by the Hamilton Philharmonic. It’s incredible how immersive a film becomes when the orchestra is performing live. A sublime, near religious experience.
The Philharmonic did an exceptional job, and played every note beautifully. At times, I was so immersed in the soundscape I forgot I was there. At other moments, like when the main theme hits, or when Malcolm and the others escape from the T‑Rex, the crowd burst into spontaneous applause, as though the majesty of the score had occurred to each of us simultaneously and for the first time.
This was my first time seeing a film in concert, and I wasn’t aware of how overpowering the music would be. Subtitles are on for the duration of the film, and a lot of the dialogue is less audible than it would be in a theatrical mix.
That leaves you mostly focused on the music and the visuals. Spielberg’s power as a filmmaker was consequently on full display. Without the benefits of loud, clear dialogue, you’re left watching him play with light, camerawork, editing, and visual effects (so much fog). I walked away with a new appreciation for Jurassic Park, which suddenly seems to me a visual masterpiece, and at times a real masterclass in suspense and horror. It felt like I had seen it for the first time. I’ve seen the film in theatres a couple times as an adult, and watched it many times in our home theatre over the past fifteen years. Nothing compared to this experience.
I’d see a film in concert again in a heartbeat. Couldn’t recommend it more.