Pleasant temperatures were present for the Spanish team, with late-evening temperatures of 23 C and moderate humidity. However, dominant wind speeds were often very slow, sometimes obscuring right-hand (Notre-Dame’s right) sections of the display. However, as Fred pointed out, it is fortunate that most effects did not produce additional amounts of smoke! In addition, moderate moisture present also prevented further smoke build-up.
This was a very enjoyable display presented by the Spanish team and was very much anticipated, given that Spain had not competed in four years. The team offered a good diversity of effects, especially considering that virtually all effects were manufactured by Zaragozana! Indeed, we were treated with a nice selection, including heart shells, “jelly-fish” shells, horsetails, photoflashes of red, and many sequences of large calibre shells! This had also been supported by some engaging low-level sequences, most notably those sequences of angled-gerbs and mine arrangements. The firing angles were interesting in that they served to fill up much of the site from left to right, and this pattern was also often maintained towards higher altitudes. The bright red flares during the opening were also memorable. Colors had also been highly vivid and rich, ultimately showing off the general quality of the products, particularly the mid- to high-level shells (good shell symmetry). The interplay of colors with associated effects was often very effective and sometimes included some traditional Spanish colors. To everyone’s delight, the show also frequently featured the energy and rapid firing patterns so common of a Spanish display, and this had been augmented by the general width and maintained symmetry that was characteristic of the show! In addition, the large nautical shells, especially during the finale, provided a nice dimension to the display! Finally, the display had a mostly strong conceptual design, including a very tight adherence to the theme, and coupled with a relevant musical selection.
There had also been a selected few segments that quickly caught my interest. In particular, during Abre la puerta, the mid-level photoflashes of red, combined with the gerbs and mine sequences at low-level, were very well coordinated, possibly making for the most technically enticing segment of the display. The red photoflashes were most memorable for me, as they were spot-on with the beat during the segment. Another personal favorite segment was “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, as it was very well represented through the pace and choice of effects for the track’s main elements. As a result, synchronization had been often employed in a noticeably creative and enjoyable manner and was shown throughout multiple segments.
While the display was largely exciting, I began to feel a sense of monotony just following the mid-point of the show, and, to some extent, early in it, too. As mentioned in my brief commentary above, this became particularly evident with the firing patterns exhibited by the mid- to high-level shells, as well as the relatively frequent segment conclusions of horsetails/falling leaf-shells. Also, some musical tracks perhaps would have benefited from some editing, as some appeared to be disproportionately enduring relative to others. The finale had the correct level of build-up and color diversity, but I personally found it to be too broken up to have a lasting impression. In addition, the degree of pace was mostly identical throughout. Still, it was a sufficient conclusion to an overall enjoyable display.
At this stage in the competition, the Spanish team is at the top of my personal rank listing, and I do, therefore, believe that the team is in contention for a Jupiter award this year.
Trav.
