Anybody Watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony ?
The 2024 Paris Olympics are underway. The opening ceremonies ended about 20 minute ago, 10:30 pm Paris time.
NBC will replay most if not all of the pageantry this evening.
I had it on live, and although it was raining throughout and the disjointed nature of spreading the event across a 4 mile span of the Seine River slowed things to a crawl at times, I did think the spectacle picked up momentum after it got dark. There were impressive light displays, particularly what they did with the Eiffel Tower.
Another thought, ..... French entertainment sucks. Mimes, contortionists, boring songs. whatever.
And the torch lighting part of the ceremony was close to endless. From the time the torch entered the stadium until the cauldron was lit was in the neighborhood of 20 minutes. There is a reason for that but I wont spoil it for those who may watch the replay tonight.
I give the whole shebang *** out of ***** and that is only because of the lights after dark.
Visually entrancing at times, but as exciting as a shuffleboard match between 100 year olds.
On one of my TVs Xfinity highlights sporting events. I took what I thought would be a quick look and then I couldn't shut it off. Overall, they did a good job.
I liked the singing of the French National Anthem, although that was somewhat abbreviated. I didn't think I'd like the mix of old and new, but I did.
The speeches in French were way too long, imo. The boat parade was ok although after 5 minutes of it you feel like you've seen it all. In a stadium you have crowd reaction, which was completely missing from this. It was a four hour ceremony, and although I agree some of it was impressive, there were also a lot of slow spots imo.
I agree with all of that. I don't think I'd watch it again.
PS
A French Chef was arrested earlier in the week involving a plot to sabotage the games.
Did the chef have a cold dish with him? If so we have motive.
I hope the rogues are done with the ceremonial torchings.
Not sure if you meant the fiber optic train network or the games torch ceremony. Anyway, it made me think of the Seoul games opening ceremonies in 88. The released doves returned and flocked on top of the unlit cauldron. When the two athletes lit it, there were flame roasted doves. Think that was the last Olympics with a dove release.
I might watch the replayed, hopefully compressed version this evening.
NBC pissed me off with their coverage of the London Olympics, and the Rio Olympics weren't much better. Too many fluffy "atmosphere" pieces, not enough coverage of the actual competitions. They're going to have to do better if I'm going to consistently watch in future.
I really enjoyed it, but then I usually do. Getting to see it live was pretty satisfying. I loved having the parade on the river and all the very creative, very French performances in different places. If I have a gripe, it’s minor. The torch relay was a little long, but the payoff was cool.
I about to watch it, it’s spectacle that I usually enjoy. During the slow parts, I’ll engage with you good people here.
Morning...ah nope...time difference was the killer here...3.30am...pass..
They will replay it doubt I will watch it then... may watch some of the swimming to see how we fare against you mob..and that will be about it...🦘🦘🦘
Ok, I'm trying to watch the Olympics, and NBC is interviewing Ariana Grande. I couldn't care less about Ariana Grande.
She probably has an NBC show coming up.
She's starring in a film version of Wicked. They were promoting that. Even though it has nothing to do with the Olympics.
I tuned in for a couple of minutes here and there but overall it couldn't hold my interest
I watched most of it, and enjoyed most of it. The fashion stuff didn't hold my interest. The torch lighting was unique. The performance the The Marseillaise was excellent. And Celine Dion sounded great. They both made me wish I could understand French.
The boat parade was unique, but became tedious.
I enjoyed the audaciously different interpretation of an opening ceremony. Also my wife and I gave great memories of multiple visits to this beautiful city.