Greetings, pyrofreaks!
Well, I'm sad to say that this is my final report for the season.
But, I'll try to make it interesting in some aspects.
To start off, we'll be experiencing a pleasant evening with the weather. A comfortable high of 24 with an evening temperature of 21 with a few weak convectional clouds should be alright for all of us. Also, I hope we won't have a smoke problem like last year. We should have light winds coming from the NE, but only at 5 km/h. But they can be breezy at times by the water and there's no humidity, so that might help, I hope. Other than that, another perfect year where no displays suffered from rain during a display! That makes 2 years in a row!
In this review, I will sort of disect each of my subsequent reviews from each show and point the important aspects of each show. I'll also adjust my rankings for each show. Just to point out, there were at least 6 displays that deserve a prize, but only hlf of that number can win, unfortunately.
It would have been nice if that "Special Jupiter" was still enforced, as Enkil and I were discussing last night.
Anyways, I'll analyse each country in their respective order as in the schedule. Also, keep in mind that what I write here are my own personal interpretations on what I felt and saw from each display. As Paul always says, many people are affected by many variables that thus gives way to various opinions. Fireworks and music also excites people in different ways and therefore can heavily influence predictions and opinionson how THEY see a particular show.
Keep in mind that I used this legend in my reviews:
1=Synchronization
2=Color
3=Creativity/Originality/Concept
4=Choice of music
5=Finale/Overall Appreciation
Australia
A decent effort from this team, but compared to the rest of the competitors, this was rather weak in some aspects of the show. Synchronization was pretty much good for the most part, but there were too many incidents where it was noticeably slack. The narration was also too long for my tastes, as well. As a result, the beginning was anti-climactic. Also, there was too much repetition with some effects, particularly with the kamuros. The colors were pretty much well used but some others would have been ideal, especially for their theme "Fusion of colors". Also, there were moments where not much was happening. The overall theme, however, was nicely demonstrated and was nicely interacted with the selected music. Finally, the finale was rather short and repetitive with those weeping willows of gold glitters. Sorry if I was over critical on this show since I had a tough night that time. Also, my expectations were rather high, especially after waiting so long. Plus the weather was cold. In any case, at least this show had some spunk in it, but I do not think that it will make it. It was slack in many areas.
Overall: 7.5./10
France
An excellent effort, probably near perfect, show. This was one of the most exciting displays this year with moments ranging from very quiet to sudden chaos! The weather also felt like one of the hottest days on record, not to mention a big crowd. The show was very well done. Synchronization was flawless and made the some of the fireworks work well, especially the way the red flares and lower effects at the bottom were dancing. Very nice tempo. The selcted soundtrack was excellent for this type of show, but I felt that some of the songs didn't exactly fulfill the overall meaning of the main theme, but that didn't really bother many of us that night! Colors were apparent with a huge range. My only criticisms were the fact that there was some slight redundancy with some effects and the link between the theme "Passion" and some of the music was not as evident. I'm sure the acrobats that were at La Ronde in this show was well done and nicely integrated! The finale was the best this year and made us feel good. The faux finales also gave a nice impression.
Overall: 8.8/10
Argentina
The weather was a lot cooler for this display, but comfortable. This show, despite what many of us, including myself, thought, it was one of the best shows there is this year, too! There was a huge variety of products and some traditional colors used. The theme "Tango" was highly connected to the music, especially my type of fast paced soundtrack! Once again, it felt like the fireworks were in Tango! This display was both creative and traditional in the way they demostrated their culture, and was quite loud at times! From beginning to end, there was non-stop action. I'm also guessing that the dancers also fitted well. Synchronization was excellent, though I felt that it was a bit slack in some spots. But then again, like I said then, this could have been because I was at a greater distance away from the radios out there.
I have no doubt that it was perfect. The finale was intense, but repetitive and barely any color. The display, in general was well executed, especially the way it was attempted to their own culture. This could be a serious advantage.
Overall: 9.2/10
Sweden
Well, this was an almost practically perfect show, no doubt. The weather was threatening but at least it was comfortable. There was so much creativity and originality that was apparent that it ranged from extensive use of effects and superb color! The overall design also gave way to many authentic things we barely see! Of all displays, this one had the greatest variety of effects and there was never a time of a feeling of repetitiveness. The towers were also nicely used and I suspect that this will give them another advange. Also, the way it was used was excellent, especially in relation to the music. Another display that danced! The choice of music was probably the most enjoyable this year, especially from ABBA. So, this always makes you go more into the show. The other soundtracks also went well with the theme with taking us in their hometown. The only criticism that I can think of was that the use of the towers could have been used a tad bit more, but it was used extensively, nonetheless! The finale was the second best this year. A truly incredible display that is definitely a contender for 1st.
Overall: 9.5/10
Spain
Another pretty hot day for this team! About 30C! This show was different and mostly lower leveled. A lot of nice colors used which made the show sort of traditional and typical in which they were used. One of the major aspects of this show was the wequencing of the bright mines and flares, not to mention candles! As a resullt, synchronization was excellent and worked out well, especially with the selected colors. This show was also very original since most display don't really take this type of approach. It also worked well with the theme. There was a lot of use of those screaming serpents and many go-getters! However, I have some criticisms about the this show that should be taken seriously. The fact that the show was original in the lower effects did make it feel like the show was lost in the sense of balance between the lower effect to the high level effects. It was more concentrated at the bottom. There was quite a bit of repetition, as well especially with the serpents and the same idea of mines and candles, though this show had one of the best sequencing attempts. Despite this, the show was fabulous and the wide range of colors really made it creative at the lower levels. The finale was intense the way I like it, but too short.
Overall: 8.6/10
Czech Republic
For this show, the weather was, once again, hot, though less humid. This was the only show that was manually fired. For one thing, this show was very exciting and had probably the biggest range of effects and some unique colors, since it's products were from a big selection manufactuers. This also helps when they were creative, too! Although, this show was fired differently, I thought it was well done. However, the biggest weakness was the music/fireworks connection. This was the poorest yet, but keep in mind that it was manually fired. However, this criteria didn't work out well. The show felt very awkward at times when synchro was off. The theme was somewhat apparent with some of the music being relevant, but not the best choice. The show was not as original as I had hoped, and the rainbow wasn't exactly to my expectations. The finale was also weak in terms of longevity. In all, however, this was an excellent attempt from this first-timer.
Overall: 7.7/10
Portugal
The weather was at 26C and another perfect day! This was a very different display, especially at a huge attempt at choreography. The most distinct attempt of this show was a shot at how music was created from the fireworks in a way of rhythm. This was most predomiant in that segment with the photoflashes and salutes, especially the way the salutes sounded at different levels at the bottom. It's like they all created a specific note. Very authentic, though I'm not sure if the judges actually understood the relevance or what was being attempted there and other noticeable segments. The ring was probably my second favorite part to that salute segment. The music also made it enjoyable, tough I wish there was some more Portuguese music. The colors were evident, but not such a huge variety. And I wouldn't call the ring totally original even if it did evolve. The same idea was there as in 2002, but at least it was used differently. The hemisphere to my far right was also brilliant and different, though! Finally, I felt that some products were too frequent, like the crossettes. The finale was very transitional and enjoyable, but too short.
Overall:9/10
Canada
A fair night with 23C with some threatening clouds left use with a great setting, since these clouds failed to produce anything. The show was excellent and probably the second loudest and also the one that went 5 minutes overtime. The overall theme was great but some songs weren't clear to me, especially for the end. The narration was probably the longest this year and did distract a lot. The colors were excellent and there was a huge variety, however, some of the effects and other fireworks did not connect exactly with music on a few occasions. The finale was sort of broken up, but a decent length, but not good enough in intensity. Finally, I felt that this disply was more traditional than original, but this show, like Spain, had some nice sequencing.
Overall: 8/10
U.S.A
Rather cool conditions, almost like Australia, at 18C was the picture, but we had a powerful performance! This show was simply incredible and the loudest by far. I haven't felt so deaf for so long.
A lot of salutes used in this show and a wide range of colors and effects. This show, like Canada, was pretty creative, but not as original, which was a downfall. However, everything else was followed. Some of the music was enjoyable, while others were just o, but it did work well with the show. A lot of patriotic colors in this show, too! But still, this show had many strong points and I feel that can kick in somehow. The finale was probably the 3rd best and very loud.
Overall: 9/10
In conclusion, this was a very tight year from the beginning and I feel that so many entrants deserve something. As for my personal predictions, this is what I think:
My jury final jury predictions:
1-Sweden
2-Argentina
3-U.S.A------->Portugal could also kick in.
My personal choice:
1-Sweden
2-U.S.A
3-France
Top 3 endings:
1-France
2-Sweden
3-U.S.A
^^^
This is the way I felt according to my tastes and what I look for.
In conclusion, though U.S.A wasn't as original, they still made up for some parts that Portugal didn't have. However, I suspect that Portugal could hit 3rd IF the judges actually understand the way the fireworks were used to sort of create music in several segments. Argentina was also a very complex show that really made us move through their culture. They also had some nice variations. Tango was very appropriate. The same deal could be said for Sweden, except this show had more creativity and had more of a "feel" to it. As a final note, I wouldn't be surprised if others like Spain or France come in 3rd either, as I still have some optimism for them, but Portugal had a strong attempt than they did with choreography, however, France or Spain could come in since they have an advantage that Portugal doesn't, but I'm more with France than Spain for obvious reasons. But my feelings are more with Portugal for third if U.S.A doesn't make it.
In any case, all will be revealed tonight. Also, keep in mind that we can also expect the unexpected as this has happened many times in the past!
Oh yes, don't forget to bring a radio!
Regards,
Trav.
