“The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder.” G.K. Chesterton
I stayed up to watch this at 2am and, whilst there were elements I liked, it falls short of where it ought to be.
As has been said plenty times by now, there is a lack of cohesion to it, and there's definitely sections that are lacking in pyro or even lasers to fill the sky - think the slow wave effect from RoE.
I was trying to be objective and, I get what they are going for, but the whole time I just think this doesn't belong in the park. It feels like plenty effort went in to the technical side of the show, but the stitching of the songs was rushed. There's an element of 'och that'll do'.
It is visually quite impressive, especially on the video posted by Steve, as the Parks Blog one, like usual, tried to show everything and ended up missing everything at the same time. I dare say when there in person it will be better than watching on a screen.
Ultimately though, to reference the quote above, there's nothing there you haven't seen before. No real wow moments. With the effects and score of RoE one was left with a sense of wonder. There isn't with this show.
There is, however, that sense when you see Points of Light on Spaceship Earth.The reactions to that both in the streamed videos, posts and tweets tell you that. There isn't even that much, just sequenced LEDs and music, but it wows people as they see Spaceship Earth in a way they haven't before. It's different to projection mapping on the Castle and the like.
I remember Martin saying here years ago about IllumiNations: Sky Dance when it was on the cards, "it would make Reflections of Earth look like the Electrical Water Pageant".
Whether the RoE replacement show was what we got, a IP full Harmonious, or if it was a largely IP lacking tour of cultures from around World Showcase RoE 2.0, that's what we were wanting, something we hadn't seen before, something that would blow us away, something that would give us a real sense of wonder.
