The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, Hawai’i recently celebrated the reopening planetarium with an upgraded 10-K resolution system with a limited showing of The Dark Side of the Moon: 50 Years in a Heartbeat. With 120 seats and just two shows, with the purchase of our two tickets, there were only 15 remaining. These sought after tickets sold out quickly. People chatted about it everywhere. At the beach, we were told that when something new happens, everyone wants to go.
First off, Dark Side of the Moon (DSOTM) is no stranger to planetarium shows. As a kid in the early 80’s in Ohio my parents took us to at least three DSOTM planetarium shows at the local planetarium. But make no mistake this ain’t your parents planetarium show. This show is the only one that has been done in conjunction and with approval of Pink Floyd.
Perhaps the intention of the band wasn’t initially intended to be joined with space, their music has become the soundtrack for space exploration. Pink Floyd became known as ‘the first band in outer space’ thanks to their music being played during a cosmonaut mission. For this 50 year celebration of the release of Dark Side of the Moon, their music is a perfect partner with the images as you are led on a journey of space and time. The images capture the vastness and beauty of space and imagination and in a sense, the album itself.
We soon understood why the people looked so relaxed when they walked out of the theater from the first showing. As soon as the music begins, you are launched into space, the planetarium uses full-dome technology, to land you on the moon, fly through the rings of Saturn and dance the Crab Nebula. The planetarium’s seating ensures a good seat anywhere. For those who need extra leg room - there are three sections of “front row” seats. If you seek the greatest viewing expanse, sitting against the back wall may provide the best experience. Highlights for me were during ‘The Great Gig In the Sky’ and ‘Time’. There's never a dull moment and it is very easy to get lost in the visuals of it all and is worth a repeated viewing.
As of right now, ‘Imiloa has no further showings scheduled, the host/announcer was quick to say they hoped to offer it again and to watch the website for future showings and the December schedule. Both shows of the original night sold out super fast and I would expect future shows to do the same. If a planetarium near you offers the planetarium project, The Dark Side of the Moon: 50 Years in a Heartbeat, experience that mesmerizing journey of space and time.
Peace, love and moshpits,
Scott
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