Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano

Elton John brings us his Million Dollar Piano concert live from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in this once-in-a-lifetime show. 

At the centrepiece of the performance is Elton’s specially commissioned million-dollar piano, by Yamaha, featuring more than 68 LED video screens that project images complementary to the stunning staging. Nevertheless, even this technological marvel cannot steal the limelight from the main event – Elton himself, who proves he is every bit the musical legend we know him as and so much more.  He divulges a wonderful sense of humour throughout the show, flying off-the-cuff quips to the audience;  which is warming to learn that, despite his enormous success, Elton does not take himself very seriously at all. And it is this laissez-faire approach, coupled with his brilliant showmanship that makes this show so special and magnetic. With every song, Elton injects a little bit more of himself. The emotion he portrays in Your Song and Blue Eyes is heartfelt and stirring, the energy in I’m Still Standing, electrifying and Crocodile Rock will see you spontaneously toe-tapping along with every beat, so much so that you will wish you were bopping with the audience.

It is a truly spectacular show, full of all the popular Elton classics and some lesser well-known pieces, including a two-man performance with premier percussionist, Ray Casper; and Indian Summer, evoking images of native America and its a cappella start showcasing Elton’s voice as simply having gotten better with age.

Despite this film being a recording of Elton’s live performance, the sound and visual arrangements transfer perfectly to the screen. The colours are iridescent and the sound crystal clear: you will hear every note and chord chimed as if you were there in person.  This film really is the next best thing to having seen Elton live in concert and is a must-see movie for every Elton fan or anyone who appreciates his music. The only drawback is, of course, that you will want to dance and, unless you don’t mind dancing in the Cinema aisle, you will just have to settle for quiet toe tapping.

Theodora Munroe

Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano is released in select cinemas on 22^nd March 2014.

Watch the trailer for Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano here: