Portsmouth Guildhall, September 26, 2018

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ first entry in the Indiana Jones series is presented on the big screen to a live accompaniment by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ben Palmer.

The people of Portsmouth were embracing this special screening of Raiders, many having dressed up in fedora and leather jacket, one even in full desert gear, complete with Staff of Ra. Clearly more than just a recital, this was going to be an event, and the love for the movie was evident from the moment that the Paramount logo flashed up.

John Williams’ score is of course a classic, from the Raiders March to the Well of Souls to the beautiful love theme. The composer was clearly enjoying the opportunity to make audio nods back to the old Republic serials that the movie was shaped around. This was Williams post-Empire Strikes Back and before ET, and his writing was at its height.

Unlike many of the Royal Albert Hall ‘live orchestral’ movies, there were no subtitles on screen, but they really weren’t needed anyway, as the sound balance enabled the dialogue to be heard above the music… not that most of us in that room didn’t already know most of the script by heart already.

I hadn’t seen this movie for a good five years, and it struck me just what a perfect adventure it is. Witty dialogue, derring-do, spectacular stunts and action pieces, and a hummable main theme. The orchestra genuinely looked like they were having a blast, the brass section getting a huge cheer at the end. Uncannily, conductor Ben Palmer also looked the spitting image of John Williams circa 1980… no, seriously.

Verdict: I’ve yet to watch a film that hasn’t been enhanced by live orchestral accompaniment, and when it’s a classic like Raiders of the Lost Ark you know it’s going to be a treat. You may have seen it multiple times before, but never like this. 9/10

Nick Joy