In 1973, multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield released his debut album Tubular Bells on Virgin Records. The mostly instrumental album, recorded by a then-19 year old Oldfield, had a quiet release and, initially, low sales. When its opening theme was used in the soundtrack of The Exorcist, the album exploded and, to date, has sold an estimated 18 million copies.
Celebrating the forthcoming 50th anniversary of this seminal album in 2023, a breathtaking stage show filmed at the world-famous Royal Festival Hall over three magical nights is being released on the big screen so fans can enjoy this spectacular concert in glorious 4K in cinemas.
Combining the hauntingly beautiful music – gloriously performed by an impeccable band – with astonishingly choreographed contemporary dance and acrobatics, this experience is a truly mesmerising spectacle. While Oldfield, who performed almost all of instruments on the original recording himself, doesn’t appear (although is involved in the production), the performance feels so authentic and genuine to the original work – while subtly modernising it through the compelling performative dance.
This is a passionate and celebratory experience that is made with a genuine reverence for the ‘73 album, that acts as both a stunning interpretation to the album as well as a love letter to it. With the performances of the musicians and dancers both given opportunity to shine, the film is an absolute feast of sound and vision – although perhaps the focus can become a little scattered when trying to cover both sides of the performance.
The film looks and sounds impeccable – the 4K visuals put you right there onstage with the performers, while the music itself is perfectly suited to cinema sound (as anyone who has seen The Exorcist in a cinema will agree). This is a truly immersive way to experience Tubular Bells, whether you’re new to the work, or you remember wearing the grooves of your original LP down to nothing back in the early 1970s.
Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary is an unmissable cinema experience for music fans, with a genuine love for Mike Oldfield’s seminal work shining through every moment.
TUBULAR BELLS 50TH ANNIVERSARY IS RELEASING IN CINEMAS FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM KALEIDOSCOPE ENTERTAINMENT