Zeiss Großplanetarium - Cosmic Movie Melodies

Berlin

 

Movies are just as important to me as music is, so when I got the opportunity to attend a show at the Zeiss Großplanetarium, I was ecstatic to discover they had a presentation titled “Cosmic Movie Melodies.” Even in a different country, the cool thing about a music program is no understanding of a particular language is required for viewing. 

The show’s description invites viewers to travel under distant galaxies, our solar system and more while listening to melodies from the soundtracks of popular movies - new and old. Musical styles in the Planetarium’s “Cosmic” series are described as chillout, jazz and rock. 

Sound is usually one of the first senses we develop from birth (or even before), so I think it’s fair to say that we all probably heard our first song before we spoke our first word. Music is a creation that has been around long before we labeled it and one that will outlive us long after we’ve left this Earth. Music has the incredible ability to reach depths inside our hearts and minds that no soul has ever seen or felt before. Music tells stories and makes us feel all kinds of emotions. Music is an expression of ourselves and all that we could be. Music is the dichotomy of the present and the visionary and it holds so much meaning to each and every listener.

I have had a couple of experiences at planetariums before, usually your typical ‘tour of the constellations’ or ‘look at our solar system’ type-deals. It was cool to be able to go and relax and see something different this time around and enjoy listening to such auditory delights as well as watching an engrossing spectacle. Even if it takes no exuberant amount of brain power, listening to someone speak about the stars or anything science-related still takes effort to engage and hear what is being said. Music, on the other hand, moves the person and allows the freedom for them to engage at whatever level they see fit - even if that means disassociating.

The show itself lived up to its promise, opening with the very familiar Harry Potter theme, and throughout the show playing other easily recognizable tunes like those from Jaws, Dune (2020) and closing with Titanic. Other, maybe less noticeable (to certain audiences) instrumentals include songs from Joker, Blade Runner 2049 and Fabulous World of Amelie. Both the musical and scenic transitions were flawless and paired wonderfully in tone and angst. For example, the Jaws theme song played over multiple shots of a black hole - talk about suspense!

The planetarium image was clear as day in the unlit room. Of course, the entire point of the circular, dome shape is to completely immerse viewers in the screen, making it appear as if you were looking at the sky. Some shots were still, while others took you around in circles or weaved through objects above, making you feel like you’re moving while leaning back in the chairs, head tilted upwards. This is personally my favorite part, but I guess it should also be a warning for anyone prone to dizziness - if it helps, it’s not quite as immersive as an amusement park ride, that not only moves the screen but also your chair.

Scenery during the show ranged from the moon and the stars, to our solar system, distant galaxies and more - including a cute little cabin scene with snow on the ground and the bright green of the Aurora Borealis shining above. 

The show ran for about an hour total, with very nice assistance from the planetarium staff before and after. Part of what made the experience that much greater was the cleanliness and comfortability of the space, as well as the exceptional service. 

For anyone looking for a new type of film experience, I would highly recommend people of all ages to go see any showing at the Zeiss Großplanetarium!

For more available planetarium event dates and tickets, click here.