A Reel Review: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Live in Concert

Last year, this Blogger and his girlfriend were enthralled by STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE live in concert at the Mann Center in Philadelphia, where the 1977 film that became a world-changing cultural phenom was played on the big screen with the score conducted live by the Philadelphia Orchestra. At the end of that performance, the announcement came of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK getting the same treatment in 2019. And so, one year later…we were going back to see an old friend. 

Originally released in 1980, EMPIRE picked right up where its predecessor had left off. Where STAR WARS changed culture and the way films were made and marketed, EMPIRE set the template for all sequels. Where STAR WARS was a roller-coaster ride, EMPIRE dug in deep; putting its characters into trees and throwing stones at them with no end in sight. It was, and still is an emotional adventure, and carries the distinction of the best sequel of all time and perhaps even the best of the STAR WARS franchise. 

Much like the STAR WARS performance in 2018, this event carried a buzz in the air. The capacity crowd was energetic, enthusiastic, and full of positive energy. Adults and kids came in costume, and were more than happy to pose for photos. A lot has been said of STAR WARS fandom in the last few years (much of it deserved), and in recent weeks a lot has been said of adults spending time at kid-themed events and places like Disney (none of which is deserved), but anyone who attended this event could not take away from the atmosphere. This was a community enjoying what they enjoy, and nothing could stop them. 

At 8pm sharp, the lights dimmed and the show began. That familiar 20^thCentury Fox fanfare followed by the beloved BLAST of orchestra when the magnificent yellow STAR WARS logo appears before an endless sea of stars was performed perfectly. The orchestra sounded crisp and clear, and was right on cue throughout the film. After watching EMPIRE for over 30 years, fans know exactly when all the cues should hit. The orchestra knew that, and did not disappoint. 

Since it was still daylight at 8pm, the picture looked a bit dim for the first 40 minutes or so, but improved as the sun went down. The audio-mixing was a treat, as the orchestra was up-front more than we are used to…and that leads to a lot of hidden gems in that terrific John Williams score…and no one who attended this performance could ever listen and watch the film the same way again. An eye and ear opener for sure. 

The enthusiasm of the crowd carried over into the show, as people applauded the orchestra after some of their longer stretches, and cheered when fan-favorites like Yoda and Boba Fett first appear. Despite the many outbursts of applause and laughter, the crowd was very respectful…and resisted the urge to recite the dialogue word-for-word. 

It was overall another magnificent performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Selections such as the famed Imperial March, Han and Leia’s theme, and Yoda’s theme brought out all of the emotions, and the Battle of Hoth was a thrill. After 30 years THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK still carries a powerful punch, and this night’s live performance made it all the more galactic. 

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Read Reel Speak’s review on the 2018 STAR WARS performance HERE.