Hollywood Laserium Review
A Laser Light Show to Pink Floyd, Other Music

Mick Fleetwood and Marla Maples at the Laserium premier event.

After more than half a dozen years, Hollywood has seen the light.

Rather, people in Hollywood can now see the light, or lights, as laser light shows to rock music have returned to Los Angeles.

Let there be (laser) light: The popular show is back in L.A.

For 29 years, people were captivated as Pink Floyd and other legendary rock music was played on the ceiling of the Griffith Park Observatory. They went with their families, on dates and with friends. For locals, it was as much a part of living in Los Angeles as going to the beach.

But when the Observatory closed for renovations back in 2002, the lights went out.

The Laserium brings the popular Griffith Park show to Hollywood.

Now, however, the lasers are shining again.This time, it's in a new location, the Vine Theater at historic Hollywood and Vine. In many ways, it's a far better location, for it can now be labeled as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to duck inside for 45 minutes between checking out stars' names on the Walk of Fame. Or going to the theater or nightclubs.

Even the lobby is cool at the Hollywood Laserium.

The laser lights shine inside to rock music like Pink Floyd & The Beatles.

Lasers flash all over the walls and ceiling at the Hollywood Laserium.

The show itself is more dynamic than its predecessor.

Lasers flash from screens at the front, on the walls and ceiling. Many times, all are happening simultaneously maximizing the senses of sight and sound. At times, the lasers seem to be coming right at the audience causing the temptation to sit up straigh At other times, it's enjoyable to lean back and take in the show on the ceiling. The chairs don't roll back like they did at the Observatory, but it's hardly a neck-crimping move to see the ceiling show.

Of course,there's the legendary music on which the Laserium was founded and thrives. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon comes to life – light life – as the lasers reflect the full energy of the dynamic album. The same holds true for Led Zeppelin and the Beatles.

And there's more in store for the future, as organizers are going to be adding theme nights (salsa, boogie nights), even live shows. Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, a Laserium spokesperson and fan of the original show at Griffith Park, is putting together new special music of his own, as well.

The new show is even more dynamic than the original.

The crowd is encouraged to chap and cheer; the loudest ovations inspire the technicians to adjust the show accordingly. People can also opt for the combo "Light Dancer Experience" for an extra $6 – it's $12 for the standard show – which enables them to use their body movements to alter the music and lights from under a laser halo.

The so-called Cyber Theater features 15 shows per week Wednesdays thru Sundays.

So the Laserium is back. It's Hollywood, after all, and the show must go on in this town.

Laserium Fast Facts

• Location: Vine Theater,
6321 Hollywood Blvd.
• Open Wednesdays-Sundays
• Beatles shows: Wednesday and Friday, 7:15 p.m.
• Pink Floyd shows: Thursday 7:15 p.m., Saturday, 11 p.m.
• Led Zeppelin: Sunday, 12:15 a.m.
• There are additional times for combo shows
• Tickets: $12 ($10 children under 12), $18 (combo package), $21 (Theme nights such as salsa and boogie nights, coming in the fall), $28 (special attractions such as Billboard charted or Grammy nominated artists), $29 and up ("star" performances)
• Half-price tickets available with dinner at Fleming's restaurants
• Special discounts for approved charities. E-mail: info@laserium.com
• Website: Laserium.com