Without a word of a doubt, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony was spectacular. It was full of color, artistic performances, outstanding technology and most of all, amazing organization of hundreds and hundreds of live performers.
[See photo coverage here]
It was seriously amazing how everyone performed in sync. However since we’re only human we’re bound to make mistakes. Here’s are 7 things gone wrong during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony.
#1 Movable-Type Print – Moment of Truth
You could have not imaging such an impressive performance to be executed by people. It was so synchronized you’d expect a machine was behind it. This amazing performance was also one of the funniest as you can see someone popped up before everyone else.
#2 The Girl On The Piano
What was wrong with this little girl? She was looking around, then staring straight for a long time, punching the piano keys and she didn’t know what she was doing! She was one of the biggest mistakes because she didn’t need to be there and her presence was annoying. Thankfully she didn’t interrupt the pianist. And she also picked her nose twice.
#3 I See Dead Pixels
One of the most impressive technology at the opening ceremony was the massive LED floor display. It was also very durable considering hundreds of people were actually walking around on it. Eventually some of the panels broke off and hence I saw dead pixels.
#4 Lighting of the Torch
Li Ning who won three gold medals, two silver and one bronze in gymnastics during the 1984 Olympics was the last torch bearer. Once lifted to the top of the dome, he started running in mid air and it looked great. A lot of practice to get his timing perfect as he actually looked like he was running on the wall. However he was going too fast and ended up in front of the scrolling screen.
#5 The Skewed Boat
Not the most interesting performances of the evening however still a pleasure watching it. The mistake was made at the end when creating the shape of the boat. Looks like the guy in the middle got the wrong position and skewed the entire side of the boat.
#6 The Light Runners
You might not have noticed but there were around 3 people who forgot to turn their lights on during the entire performance. It stood out like a rose among thrones.
#7 Flag Throwing
During the final moments of the Chinese National Anthem, the flag was raised. I thought it was funny how the flag was thrown into the face of a solider.
After 4 entertaining hours of watching, the conclusion I can make is that China’s got game. Well presented and well executed. By far the best opening ceremony I’ve seen 10 out 10!
You forgot the kid walking with Yao Ming, was waiving a Chinese flag was upside-down the whole time.