Pleasant weather conditions were present for the French display, with moderate humidity, late-evening temperatures at 25 C, and partly cloudy skies - conditions that were conducive to a relatively large audience! Some brief, light showers had made an appearance during the late-afternoon to early-evening period in association with an approaching cold front, but these pockets of precipitation had quickly subsided in time for the fireworks. The very light winds, however, were sometimes a problem, leading to occasional smoke build-up that had marred sections of the display.
This was a very enjoyable display by feerie of team France, whose theme proposed to take the audience on a pyrotechnical voyage that was centered on some of the popular works and journeys of French author, Jules Verne. For this thematic approach, I thought that the French did a wonderful job in showing off the transitions from segment to segment while amplifying the overall atmosphere by using some emotionally-driven soundtrack, such as Requiem for a Dream, Paradise, the Pirates of the Carribean theme song, etc. Many of the effects used were also implemented accordingly to demonstrate various important sections of the music selections, and the pyrotechnics were commonly executed in an interplay that augmented the overall feeling of these songs, most notably in relation to the combination of low to mid-level photoflashes near mid-way into the show. I did not enjoy all of the songs, but most of them worked well in tandem with the fireworks, the theme, and the fluidity of the show. The often artistic nature of the display was also a welcomed addition to exemplify the thematic premise, and I found that the nautics towards the end of the display further supported the theme. As a result, the conceptual design of the show was very well devised and organized, and portrayal was adequately brought forward by the choice of music and effects, as well as the good synchronization.
The negative attributes of this display, for myself, are mostly related to limited color variety and product diversity. Although the color choices (often in a patriotic combination) usually reflected the rhythm and feel of many of the soundtracks, it sometimes led to the feeling that a few segments appeared somewhat similar with respect to representation, much like what had been seen in Switzerland's show, except without the excessive use of shells for many segments. Again, the musical selections were relevant, but there were some points where the fireworks were not always doing them justice, perhaps partially attributed to the limited color scheme. For example, although I thought that the Requiem for a Dream piece was well demonstrated, as compared to Greece's attempt, I had thought that a more varied color choice would have been appropriate, especially towards the climax. At other times times, perhaps due to smoke build-up, lighter colors emerging from the mid to high-level shells tended to drown quickly, particularly the blues.
Other than limited colors, although the product diversity was good, it was not quite to the same extent as what had been shown by previous competitors. In this respect, I was hoping to see a few more nautical effects in between the show, and I would have appreciated the integration of a few large caliber shells (though it was previously disclosed that no 10 or 12" shells would be used for the display in its entirety) to make an appearance for the conclusion of a few soundtracks (including, again, Requiem for a Dream). Music choices were numerous and had been arranged for some particularly effective transitional points, but there were a few points where the musical connection to the theme was not too clear, and, at times, the transitions were a little abrupt. That said, the subtle variations in rhythm and pace helped to convey the theme better in places where the soundtrack connection itself was vague. The brief bits of narration, though sometimes a little disruptive, did not destroy the fluidity of the show. Lastly, I found the show to be original, although we have seen previous displays employ a "voyage" approach (such as Spain 2009). Still, the concept was very unique in the manner that it had been implemented, particularly in terms of structure/organization.
As for the finale, its progression was very good. However, the activity following what appeared to be the conclusion led to the feeling of an anti-climax, as the level of intensity was much, much less relative to the energy and tempo that had preceded it. Still, a wonderful conclusion to a fabulously crafted performance (transitions, choreography, and structural design) and was more than enough for me to say to myself, "Happy birthday, Trav!"
It's difficult to say how this display will be ranked, but I personally feel that France does have a chance to pick up a Jupiter this year for the reasons specified previously.
Here is some footage that I'd like to share from the French display (taken from Notre-Dame/de Lorimier):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVeKCTZeV28
Trav.
