Don't get us wrong, we love the L.A. Philharmonic, we love Walt Disney Concert Hall … but those seats in the upper reaches … not so much. Which is why it's so great to be able not only to actually see the passionate, dynamic Gustavo Dudamel conduct but to do so from the comfy, cushy seats of a movie theater. So grab your popcorn and settle in for L.A. Phil Live: Dudamel Conducts Beethoven at movie theaters across the nation. It's a live broadcast, shot with multiple cameras and presented in thrilling 5.1 surround sound. The highlight is likely Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, but movie/concertgoers also will enjoy the Stravinsky-inspired Slonimsky's Earbox , written by acclaimed American composer John Adams (Nixon in China), and Leonard Bernstein's powerful Symphony No. 1, “Jeremiah,” a personal account of the Book of Lamentations. No binoculars necessary, as you'll view Dudamel and the Phil so up-close and personal, you can count their pores. The only downside? Someone might shush you as you crunch another kernel. AMC Century City 15, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd.; Sun., Jan. 9, 2 p.m.; $10.50; amctheatres.com/CenturyCity. –Karre Jacobs

Sun., Jan. 9, 2011

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.