Customer Reviews
BE WARNED: where's the sound? 
2008-11-08
This DVD is a big, big, big disappointment.
The sound from the performers is almost inaudible; imagine watching STAR WARS in a theater, in low volume.
DO NOT BUY,
the best version is still waiting to be released.
Grand Opening Ceremony 
2008-11-04
Very good Opening Ceremony, and very collection for Olympics.
Our family spend night together to watch this DVD, everyone loves it.
disc 2 defective 2008-11-02
Disc 2 defective - there are 2 copies of the parade of the athletes and no main program.
Olympics Opening an Inspiration to Performers 2008-10-25
This film is truly an inspiration for those who strive for artistic creativity, coupled with discipline, focus, and strong teamwork.
could be much better 
2008-10-25
The Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies were fantastic, perhaps the most spectacular live event ever produced. However, if you have a HD TV and surround audio system, this DVD does not do justice to the show. The picture is muddy; noticeably worse than the HDTV over-the-air broadcast. The sound is flat (almost mono quality) and the Bob Costas voice over cannot be turned off. If you can, rent the DVD instead. You probably won't want to watch it again unless a Blu-Ray version is released.
NOT what it claims 2008-10-23
This 2-volume set is your opportunity to once again witness the most memorable Opening Ceremony in Olympic history...the complete 4-hour extravaganza from beginning to end. A special index allows you to easily navigate throughout the entire ceremony. Own the celebration that people will be talking about forever!
Not good 2008-10-09
In light of the event being probably the single most spectacular
Olympics ceremony one is ever likely to see in this lifetime this
production is tragically bad.
One would have thought they would have the consideration to top
the on air production by providing the extra footage you know they have.
They should have provided alternate sound tracks so we could not have to
suffer with the NBC blathering and annoying commentary.
I'm glad I viewed the original broadcast in Hi Def on my big screen and am extra glad I bothered to record the broadcast with my laptop/MM system.
The DVD presentation falls flat after seeing it in HiDef.
It is a damn pity NBC ruined this production.
Not impressed and you would be better off finding bootleg hi def copy of the original broadcast.
Stupid move nbc.
No medals for this one 2008-10-08
I was expecting a clean presentation- in other words- the pure artistic vision, as the producers of the ceremony intended the audience to experience- WITHOUT the chatty, constant commentary. Why do the commentators feel that they need to give their boring interpretation, over the music, over the spoken word? Utterly disappointing. Yak, yak, yak. And on top of that, NBC sticks their logo over the picture, which is itself a distraction. How is this different than a TIVO recording, with the commercials edited out? And it is incomplete, too. The whole thing reminds me of the chatterbox style of the original space launches, where the announcers talked over the astronaut communications. Just shut up and play the show!
Once-in-a-lifetime, thrilling event! 2008-09-30
This is a real treasure -- the once-in-a-lifetime Opening Ceremonies to watch and enjoy over and over again. Other reviewers have been picky about the commentary, etc., but don't let that deter you. This is an absolutely thrilling DVD. It was incredible to see the first time on television; it's just as exhilarating and amazing on DVD. Plus, now you can really take your time to study and re-study the unbelievable imagination, logistics, and expertise that put together this extravaganza. It's pretty safe to say that nothing like this will ever be seen again (what other country could come up with this budget, or these many people?). I found the technical quality of it great, just beautifully done. And it's nice to have easy access to each scene within it, so you can just hop through to see whichever part you want. I've already watched it twice in two days, and am continually amazed! I fully recommend this DVD, you'll be delighted to have it and treasure it for years.
Disappointment in NBC Opening Ceremony DVD 
2008-09-27
This DVD is exactly like NBC's US broadcast less commercials. With all those cameras you would think they could have included new footage and changed the perspectives. This is not the full 4-hour Opening Ceremony but portions of this magnificent program. Volume I is of the Opening and Volume II is of the athletes marching and Closing. I personally wanted more from Volume I and was disappointed and I think the at home viewer who wanted to see more than the TV broadcast will not be satisfied. It misses the full aura and the flow of this huge, stylized, one in a lifetime production. Must be nice to have the only licensed product.
