Jump to: Reviews | Our Laser Nation
If you've always dreamed of a future where lasers do more than just bloodless surgery and hair removal, today's Groupon is your ticket to that future. With today's deal, $5 gets you a ticket to see a laser light show at the new Laserium CyberTheater location in the historic Vine Theatre. Classic Laserium shows normally run $15 at the door ($13 in advance online); your $5 gets you a walk-up ticket, so you don't have to reserve a seat or plan ahead. Your Groupon is good for any Classic Laserium Show, which features hits from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.
Pay no attention to rumors that the laser show is only a cover story for a spectacular battle against stealthy, mechanical spacebats. The only function of these non-violent lasers is to blow your mind. Whether you fondly recall the old Laserium in the Griffith Observatory or you've never seen a laser show in your life, you'll be impressed by the technological innovations that wrap you in a panoramic laser extravaganza. The new Vine Theatre location gives you a chance to appreciate classic rock the way it was meant to be experienced. In the roar and haze of a rock-concert atmosphere, live laserists manipulate the enigmatic future beams in 3-D throughout the theater while six eye-level projection screens feature surreal visual effects.
From the moment you step into the funky lobby full of blacklights, the lint on your shirt will glow with excitement. The 424-seat theater's vintage looks will deceive you, but do not fear—the future arrives from the past each Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Laserium recommends arriving 30 minutes before showtime. Great for families and friends, the new Laserium will envelop you in a cradle of lasers and a loud rockin' lullaby.
Reviews
Media outlets like LA.com are abuzz over the new Laserium. Here's what some publications had to say:
- Fans can still see the classic Laserium rock show - only it's new and improved. – Sandra Barrera, Los Angeles Daily News
- Producers insist the days of chiropractor-friendly neck-craning have come to an end, because all the action is at panoramic eye level. Each show starts with animations projected on the former movie screen, then expands the action to three semi-transparent scrims closer to the audience, two additional screens on the side walls, mirrors, and -- new to the Laserium experience, surprisingly enough -- real mid-air effects. – Chris Willman, Los Angeles Times
The new location of Laserium hasn't been open long, so the reviews are only beginning to trickle in. Some Yelpers just can't get over the loss of the old Laserium, but some love that the new setting blasts the music like a live concert; they give the new show three stars:
- I went to the Led Zeppelin show and I thought it rocked! What great people running it to [sic]. Very personal and friendly. – Shelly B.
- ...the lasers were impressive and it wasn't repetitive. It gave us something different to do in LA and it was fun to watch. – Charlotte R.
- ...the lasers shown on the scrim are actually a little brighter than I remember them at the observatory...there are more lasers shooting all over... – Stewart I.
Our Laser Nation
The Laser is so much a part of daily American life that we sometimes take its many uses for granted, from reading data off our DVDs to screwing with our cats. Let's look back at some signature moments in the history of the laser.
1804: Vice-President Aaron Burr singes off Alexander Hamilton's eyebrows at 30 yards.
1865: John Wilkes Booth and Abraham Lincoln awkwardly brush hands while sharing armrest at Ford's Theatre Laser-Zeppelin Night.
1990: The Hubble Telescope becomes self-aware, prompting the launch of the Hubble-Response Death Ray.
2006: Ryan Seacrest carves own face into moon.
2010: September 17, Hubble-Response Death Ray becomes self-aware.