‘How To Train Your Dragon In Concert’ Brings The Magic Of Berk To Life — Review

How To Train Your Dragon In Concert was a journey like no other, elevated by a live orchestra, passionate fans cheering, and the immersive cinematic experience.

It was my first ever experience watching a film with a live orchestra bringing the score to life. Having seen the original film a couple of times, I would say this experience elevated my adoration for it, all thanks to Thanapol Setabrahmana and the Filharmonika Orchestra, who brought John Powell’s Celtic-inspired and epic orchestral score to life.

Devoting my Sunday afternoon at the Theatre at Solaire to this experience, I hadn’t expected to be so enthralled simply by rewatching the film. It was a seamless blend of the typical movie-watching experience and the magic and beauty of a live orchestra. From the very beginning, with the Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation logos, every piece of music featured in the film was performed live.

As the opening sequence pulled me into the world of Berk and introduced Hiccup and the other main characters, I found myself fully seated, both literally and figuratively. I had expected just another rewatch of the film, unaware that this unusual pseudo-cinematic experience would feel entirely different.

Tender moments, like Hiccup meeting Toothless for the first time, were highlights. But most memorable was the scene where Hiccup and Toothless test out the latter’s new tail designed by Hiccup. The applause and cheers from the crowd — encouraged, by the way — made the moment even more exhilarating. Each scene was elevated by the magnificent score, now amplified to perfection.

Yet the biggest standouts were, of course, the action-packed moments anchored by Hiccup’s story and journey. The score pulled the audience into the film’s pivotal moments, such as Hiccup setting out to prove his own way of being a Viking and changing the village’s approach to interacting with dragons.

As expected, the most enthusiastic cheers came during the film’s final act, where Hiccup and his friends ride with the dragons to take on the giant Red Death. The sequence felt majestic, heightened by the live musical experience. As the film reached its conclusion, now bookended by Hiccup narrating and introducing the village of Berk and its lifestyle from the opening sequence, it all came full circle. With Berk now living alongside dragons, the story reached a satisfying crescendo, beautifully tying together every element of the experience.

Leaving the theater satisfied and full of inspiration and hope, I’d say that experiencing this one-of-a-kind cinematic event every once in a while adds something truly special.

Listen to the film’s score below: