Review: LASERIUM Still Amazes and Dazzles Audiences!

Laserium, and indeed the laser light show itself, was born in the late 60's and early 1970's. Ivan Dryer, then a film maker, was treated to a lab demonstration of a new multi-colored laser at Cal Tech and was so taken by the purity and intensity of the colors that he decided to make a film and set the beautiful patterns to music. His film, Laser Image, disappointed him though. Even though it was an enchanting visual piece, the lasers, as caught on film, lacked the original sizzle they had when seen live. Convinced that one had to experience laser light live, Ivan founded Laser Images in Van Nuys, California. He gathered together a group of clever optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers and artists who, in the next two years had crafted an advanced laser projector and choreographed the original Laserium show.

Presenting the idea to the Griffith Observatory and Planetarium landed Ivan a temporary concession operating permit from the city of Los Angeles, and Laserium opened its doors on November 19, 1973. And like many Angelenos, I spent several evenings sitting back in wonder at the Planetarium shows, especially during the rock music themed productions. I recall waiting in long lines for hours in order to attend late night "Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon" Laserium shows.

Laserium expanded to many locations in the United States and abroad and has been experienced by over 20 million people, and continues to produce new laser shows for tours and for music listening events. The company also produces outdoor laser shows, night club, trade show, and rock concert laser effects, and special effects for motion pictures and television.

On the night I attended, laserist Danny Nielsen created the original shows, all of which included lasers and mind-blowing, smoke-filled designs. I attended two shows, "The Beatles" and "Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon." Both shows were took me back to my teen years, and I have to admit it was difficult to note be able to get up and dance to the early Beatles rock music. But with the laser beams filling the room, it is very necessary to stay seated throughout the show. But I encourage you to vocally react as your laserist will be even more inspired when he/she knows the audience is enjoying the show.

The "Dark Side of the Moon" show was just as radical as I remembered it to be with amazingly spectacular moments, especially the dancing clouds that so brilliantly moved across the laser beams streams. The only thing better would have been 3D laser art.

Laserium shows take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7pm, 8:30pm, 10pm and 11:30pm. Kids are $12 and adults $14 per show. There is also a family-friendly holiday show running at 5:30pm through the end of this year. For a complete schedule of dates and times, please check www.laserium.com.

Laserium is available for Corporate and select Special Events at your venue or location, and for movie, TV and music-video special effects via their production-partner, DayStar Lasers International. For more information, please email Jon jon@laserium.com or call at (818) 358-8716.

Laserium Studios is located at 6911 Hayvenhurst Avenue, Suite 102, in Van Nuys, CA 91406. Current shows include:

Beatles: A Laser Light Celebration!

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon

U2 - Live Laser Spectacular

Led Zeppelin - Get the LED Out!

Nine Inch Nails - Immersive Laser Experience

Laserium Laser Holidays - Celebrate!

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