The real fireworks are incredible. But the virtual version is also not so bad.
The Space Needle and Seattle Center did not host their traditional face-to-face New Year celebration this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, like many groups this year, they have spun. Terry Morgan, CEO and owner of Modern Enterprises, based in Seattle, helped set up a special video production that replaced fireworks with graphics.
It uses digital mapping technology with a peculiarity, since layers of images are placed over the actual video of the Needle, filmed in advance from various camera angles.
The reaction was mixed after the program aired on TV and broadcast online. Some YouTube users have left comments like “mind-boggling” and “this is awesome!” Others in Twitter said “it just didn’t have the same effect” and “lame”.
I just have a lot of questions pic.twitter.com/f2cRpt0Kae
– Lindsey Wasson (@lindseywasson) January 1, 2021
I want what this guy was having. # space needle pic.twitter.com/kJDfuFvtRj
– Jess Zimbabwe (@jzimbabwe) January 1, 2021
Regardless, it is definitely impressive creative work and offers a reasonable alternative to the “real thing”. Watching the virtual show from the comfort of your home is not a bad option.
Morgan partnered with Maxin10sity from Budapest, Hungary, with whom he worked on another exclusive art and light show in Seattle in 2018, called “Borealis”.
Needle has added some technology beacon in addition to just fireworks in recent years. In 2018, a choreographed light show was added to fire powerful beams of light into the night sky.
Check out the 2021 show above and read more about the production here.