My brother rang me a couple of weeks back and offered to take his nephews to the Walking with Dinosaurs show at the O2 Arena. I insisted on coming too - it has received rave reviews and is currently completing the final world tour. There wouldn't be another chance and this was a fantastic opportunity to give the kids an impression of what dinosaurs were really like.
Extinct they may be, but fossil evidence remains to excite the imagination and allow shows like this to attempt a demonstration of their majesty. The arena features several scattered mountain segments, which shift into different positions as required. There are people inside and they cunningly release various props, which are used as part of the show. It is all very clever and appropriately begins with a small clutch of dinosaur eggs hatching, before mum comes trundling into the arena and species discussion begins.
We are treated to several species including essentials such as Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Torosaurus (a Triceratops lookalike with every child assuming it was a Triceratops!) and of course Tyrannosaurus Rex. The producers got this right, because any child interested in dinosaurs will instantly recognise the classic examples. Lesser known species such as the giant winged Pteranodon Ornithocheirus were included in their vision - this particular species soaring through an astounding flight scene, which was truly beautiful to behold.
The show takes us chronologically through the three main dinosaur eras - the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Amazing visual effects are employed to demonstrate the rapid growth of vegetation and the appearance of flowers.
There are some comedy elements, such as the appearance of an enormous mound of dino dung, which is of particular interest to the presenting palaeontologist. It is all very educational and teaches children how dung heaps can assist in understanding the diet of dinosaurs (something which is, of course, no different with modern animals).
The finale features the T-Rex, as you could probably guess, and everyone laughs as a baby T-Rex trundles into the arena first and makes a feeble attempt at roaring. Soon after he finds himself in a spot of bother with two enormous herbivores but you can guess who comes to save the day - that is right, mum makes an appearance!
The adult T-Rex model is truly amazing and the dramatic music, coupled with the earth shattering roars, create an incredible and immersive experience.
The models are operated by varying means. Smaller species or babies are often detailed rubber suits with people standing inside. You can see the human legs alongside the dino ones, but it is cleverly done and doesn't detract from the spectacle. The most amazing are without doubt the huge animatronic giants, however, and the effort and expense that went into creating this type must have been immense. They have stone coloured bases, which ensure they remain upright, and the walking action is created by metal rods discretely attached to the base. Watching T-Rex stomp around the arena was mesmerising and worth the entry fee alone.
Educational, well scripted, amazing special effects - this show is essential viewing for anyone interested in the natural world of yesterday. The kids loved it.
We are treated to several species including essentials such as Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Torosaurus (a Triceratops lookalike with every child assuming it was a Triceratops!) and of course Tyrannosaurus Rex. The producers got this right, because any child interested in dinosaurs will instantly recognise the classic examples. Lesser known species such as the giant winged Pteranodon Ornithocheirus were included in their vision - this particular species soaring through an astounding flight scene, which was truly beautiful to behold.
The show takes us chronologically through the three main dinosaur eras - the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Amazing visual effects are employed to demonstrate the rapid growth of vegetation and the appearance of flowers.
There are some comedy elements, such as the appearance of an enormous mound of dino dung, which is of particular interest to the presenting palaeontologist. It is all very educational and teaches children how dung heaps can assist in understanding the diet of dinosaurs (something which is, of course, no different with modern animals).
The finale features the T-Rex, as you could probably guess, and everyone laughs as a baby T-Rex trundles into the arena first and makes a feeble attempt at roaring. Soon after he finds himself in a spot of bother with two enormous herbivores but you can guess who comes to save the day - that is right, mum makes an appearance!
The adult T-Rex model is truly amazing and the dramatic music, coupled with the earth shattering roars, create an incredible and immersive experience.
The models are operated by varying means. Smaller species or babies are often detailed rubber suits with people standing inside. You can see the human legs alongside the dino ones, but it is cleverly done and doesn't detract from the spectacle. The most amazing are without doubt the huge animatronic giants, however, and the effort and expense that went into creating this type must have been immense. They have stone coloured bases, which ensure they remain upright, and the walking action is created by metal rods discretely attached to the base. Watching T-Rex stomp around the arena was mesmerising and worth the entry fee alone.
Educational, well scripted, amazing special effects - this show is essential viewing for anyone interested in the natural world of yesterday. The kids loved it.
No comments:
Post a Comment