Star Wars In Concert- Why do I feel slightly ripped off?

[denryanj]

I went to the critically acclaimed Star Wars In Concert at the Nokia at LA Live last night. I was really looking forward to it, as the chance to hear a live symphony play music from the films( with footage from the films on a gigantic HD screen) seemed like a sure winner.

However, I was extremely disappointed when I discovered that the concert is essentially an exact retread of the "Star Wars; A Musical Journey" DVD that was released over 4 years ago with the Revenge Of The Sith soundtrack. The exact same videos, the exact same pieces of music, and (if I am not mistaken), the exact same word-for-word narration, albeit this time from Anthony Daniels and not Ian McDiarmid. For what the tickets cost, it seems to me that Lucasfilm might have gone the extra mile to create a new visual presentation for such a grand endeavour, as opposed to using old videos from a 4 year old bonus DVD. This wasn't hepled by the fact that I paid 50 bucks each for tickets that were in the next to last row of the balcony, and it seemed as though I was looking at the stage from space.

So, if anyone is planning on seeing this when it comes to your town, be forewarned. For those who have never seen the "A Musical Journey" DVD, it is worthwhile. But it might seem a bit like warmed over leftovers to those who have.

 

[pixletwin]

Not sure what you were expecting. The Musical Journey CD contains pretty much every theme from star wars which you would want to hear.

 

[FQRizzo]

So, if anyone is planning on seeing this when it comes to your town, be forewarned. For those who have never seen the "A Musical Journey" DVD, it is worthwhile. But it might seem a bit like warmed over leftovers to those who have.

Whew...I read the title and was getting worried. I'm going to this in November, but I've never seen the "Musical Journey" thingie, so I'm good.

 

[Voorhees27]

Did you rock out with your ^^^^ out?

 

[denryanj]

Not sure what you were expecting. The Musical Journey CD contains pretty much every theme from star wars which you would want to hear.

Well, the musical selections really weren't the major cause of disappointment. But a big part of this presentation is the visual aspect of the scenes playing behind the orchestra. When I discovered that they were the exact same old videos from A Musical Journey, it was a let down. It lent a 'been there, done that" air to the proceedings. In addition, the way those videos are cut(especially those concerning the original trilogy) don't mesh with the chronologically linear narration Daniels provides. To hear him introduce a segment about the rebels last stand in ROTJ, and then to see footage of Jar Jar running around on Naboo to the strains of "The Forest Battle" doesn't make a lot of sense. That was fine for a bonus DVD from 2005, but not for a "prestige" live presentation 4 years after the fact. I don't know, maybe I'm just getting picky in my old age.

As I said, for those unfamiliar with A Musical Journey, it is worthwhile. But I would imagine there are plenty of fans planning on attending who have seen A Musical Journey many times, and may be nonplussed when they realize that a big part of the presentation is old news.

 

[barryo]

Did you rock out with your ^^^^ out?

i thought you could post "lightsaber" without the filter messing it up????....

 

[Darth Caedus]

I was going to go, but I'm not going to spend $150, which is ridiculous. John Williams performing at the Hollywood Bowl Live (where he plays the same themes) is $30........

 

[Darkseed]

I never heard of this concert however, the wife informed me the in-laws purchased tickets for my birthday. I guess I will find out in December.

I never been to nor watched any other musical event therefore, I may enjoy this? Heck it is free and a night out with just the wife = good times

 

[Boba Fett]

I've never seen the DVD, so it looks like my anticipation for this won't be affected. I can't wait for Nov. 3rd!

 

[jimjimmyjones85]

Well. isn't that pretty much what any concert or symphony is ?

Do you expect more ?

I'll be happy hearing the themes in such a setting alone.

It's not that expensive here so I hope to see it.

 

[ambasah]

I am seeing this the end of Nov...question - do they have a lot of props displayed in the "lobby". I wasn't sure if it was worth bringing my camera.

 

[FLOSI]

I'm going Saturday night. Never seen a Muscial Journey so I'm good to go... sorry you were disapointed.

I am seeing this the end of Nov...question - do they have a lot of props displayed in the "lobby". I wasn't sure if it was worth bringing my camera.

Great question! I've seen some pics online and the props look cool. Was there quite a bit to see? If so, how early should we get there in order to see it all and can you still view everything after the concert?

 

[denryanj]

I can't honestly say that there was "a lot" to see, having experienced both the Dressing A Galaxy and The Magic Of Myth exhibits in the past, which were sensory overload in the props, models and costume departments.

But I do remember seeing several costumes displayed on mannequins, including Imperial Officers, Chewbacca, Naboo pilot, Amidala(from TPM),
and I think either Jawas or Ewoks in a far corner.

 

[agen_kolar]

I wasn't really interested in seeing this, but now hearing what it is, count me out for sure. I own the DVD and that was decent, but no need for me to go pay lots of money to see it on a big screen behind an orchestra. I'll just click on "Star Wars Sountracks" in my iTunes and turn it up loud if I feel the need to rock out to John Williams.

 

[The Ween]

Well. isn't that pretty much what any concert or symphony is ?

Do you expect more ?

I'll be happy hearing the themes in such a setting alone.

It's not that expensive here so I hope to see it.

Maybe what he thought it would be more along the lines of what they're doing with LotR.

I wouldn't like it either if the music or narration didn't match the screen.

 

[galactiboy]

I saw this was coming and looked into it, but honestly sounded pretty weak. Not to mention the price just seemed to high.

I was interested in seeing the props that are traveling with the show... was that part any good?

 

[EVILFACE]

Yea, was going to try and go as well till I heard it was a bit high.

 

[jimjimmyjones85]

Maybe what he thought it would be more along the lines of what they're doing with LotR.

I wouldn't like it either if the music or narration didn't match the screen.

What are they doing with LOTR ?










How much is it near you guys ? I didn't think it was that much in this area.

 

[galactiboy]

Yea, was going to try and go as well till I heard it was a bit high.

Oooooh lets nerd date

 

[thx217]

You can listen to the music gets beautifully played, LIVE. Disappointed...lol.

I'm going to the concert later and I know I won't be disappointed.