Féérie (France) Fireworks Review

Féérie from France had already taken part in the competition 5 years ago, and are well renowned for
having presented the french citizens with a display on the Eiffel Tower on New Years Eve in 2000.

After a few rides on the tallest ride in the park, there was 2 minutes to spare to find a good spot in the front of the display where we would be able to see the lower effects. Sadly, no room was given to my friend and I, therefore, we decided to move out the park, due to the large groups of people still flooding in. The display was already starting and we were only about halfway towards the exit of the park, where we kept figuring out where a decent spot to get some footage to share with others. Finally 15 minutes later, halfway through the display, we found a spot near the bridge where the echo's were very resounding and the large shells gave a big thump effect to all the individuals near us. The display lacked some new effects, and a lot of the shells used were quite repetitive, this includes the salute terminated stars that were used for almost 5 minutes with many photoflash shells. The finale itself had quite an impact for a French firm, and had a good amount of intensity that built and built with many shells and ended of with a barrage of titanium salute terminated serpents. An enjoyable display indeed but did not have enough impact to beat the Canadian display, and might not be a contender for the Jupiter, nonetheless, I agree this display was a well presented display with somewhat good selections of music. The largest calibre of shells used in the display were 8 inches in diameter (40 shells of that calibre were used), when some people thought they were 10 inch shells. It was quite disappointing to not see 12 inch shells to add much more of a wider effect upon the display below.

The video & photo's below were taken with a my cell phone, due to the fact that the quality was much better than the quality on my camcorder. View the montage here.

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Sirius Pyrotechnics (Canada) Fireworks Review

My apologies to those who visited my blog to read more about the previous reviews of the displays that happened over the few weeks, I was unable to attend those events. Nonetheless, my review for Canada's display is here below. Enjoy!

The debut of Sirius Pyrotechnics, lead by Patrick Brault (a former veteran of the La Ronde fireworks set up crew) and his co-designer Luis, was to kick off on a hot and humid 30C night in Montreal. This was surely a well anticipated display to begin with. Unfortunately I did not have my camera to capture such amazing footage, it would have been something worth sharing.

The display began very well in synchronization and had great pace with red strobes well aligned in front of the large gathering of crowds. There was a much spread out display compared to the other various displays I have noticed in the past. Shells and candles traveled long distances away from the ramps and adjacent to the crowd. The transitions were well done and lots of interesting colours flourished everyones eyes including myself. There was extensive use of all ramps and great effects and product were what gave the crowd tremendous amounts of applause from almost all points of the display.

Half way through the display, the pacing was still great and had great timing with the rhythm of the music. Fans of candles gave great ooo's and ah's from the crowd as well as the mixture of candles. Some small flaws of product were noticed near the one shots and candles including premature fires and a couple pieces that did not fire. Large quantities of shells filled the sky at crescendos and kept a very good balance below on the effects. The display packed superb variations of product that included girandolas (flying saucers), strobes, and screeching mines as well as tour billions with reports which I believe must have been from Soldi (could be wrong however). Some shells seemed to have large punch in them, after reading Paul's interview, those 10 inch shells had the power of 12 inch shells at multiple moments. The smaller shells as well, including salutes seemed to have lots of power and gave significant thumps to my chest. Though this could be only me having the thought, after it being a display I have viewed from the park since almost eight or nine years.

The ending had superb flows to it. The second to last song was Linkin Park's Waiting For The End gave the crowd and myself the impression that the faux finale WAS the finale with a very rapid succession of shells filling the sky in colour and dozens of mines and candles below and ending off with a large barrage of titanium salutes below. As everyone started cheering very loudly and some people rose, Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars started to play as everyone gathered attentiveness and sat back down. I had wondered when Linkin Park's song commenced, that it was still another 5 minutes till the show was supposed to end and surprisingly, they managed to fit in the last song in under 3 minutes. At the chorus, gold shells began to fill the sky and mines of gold built in. More into the final minute and at the final chorus, the pace began to increase and increase until everyone was roaring and cheering. I began to stomp my feet and withstood the incredible force of hundreds of shells of all sizes filling the sky in more gold with powerful one shots in front. Following this, barrages of thunder mine candles (definitely from Panzera) began to take place with higher increase in shells filling the sky, and finally tremendous volleys of gold shells of high caliber, medium caliber, mines and salutes ripped the sky and my ears apart with the most immense force I have ever withstood from few dozen yet fearce nautical salutes above the ramp 3, on the water. This ended with me cheering to all my capabilities, temporary hearing impairment and the crowd around me experienced the same. A wonderful finale!

Gathering up all the sights I saw earlier, this display truly made a landmark in what I call a display! I was truly impressed especially with it being the first appearance for the company. In my personal thought, it might have knocked Royale's display and Fireworks Spectacular's display. The finale had great pacing, and the quantity doubled and tripled to all capabilities. The ground salutes above the water really made the finale tremendously noisy and made me WOW for such a long period of time. I could be wrong to others, but I believe this will be a tough one to beat and definitely has a chance of taking a Jupiter. Patrick really made the display something extraordinary and vibrant. The entire synchronization was terrific with the mixture of popular music that made it pleasant for many young adults who grew up listening to Linkin Park, M83, Jonsi and Snow Patrol in their infance. If I gave the display a rating myself, I'd throw a 9/10 for a well gathered show. Let's see what Greece and the other upcoming participants are preparing to gather to win a Jupiter. 

Pyromight's 4th Anniversary

Today is the 4th year I have been making videos on YouTube and I am entirely greatful to each individual who has visited either my YouTube channel or my blog. Thank you all so much for the support. It feels just like yesterday I posted my first video online for the world to see. Forty-eight months later, I have almost 400,000 global views and reached almost 500 subscribers. I wish everyone a great year and stay tuned during the spring and summer for posts and updates on both my blog and YouTube channel. Thank you all once again! This project wouldn't have been possible without any of you.

Sincerely,
Pyromight

Zambelli Internationale Fireworks Review

On July 20th 2011, Dr. George Zambelli Jr., Patrick Brault & Kelly Guille put up their months of hard work of display designing in the Montreal sky. This display was expected to be a very large expecting display, with the high extensive use of the larger caliber ramps (varying from 8-12 inch shells).

For afficianados of technical information, the show will be fired using 98 32-cue FireOne firing modules and, being a mainly shell-based show, will feature the largest selection of large shells used in this years competition. Manufacturers include Vulcan, Sunny, PyroEast, Dancing, Lidu and Orillia from China; Pyrofastasia, Zaragonzana and Vincente Caballer from Spain; Grupo Luso from Portugal as well as Zambelli, GPS and Dakota from the United States and finally Matsuna from Japan. With over 152 large caliber shells, it's sure to be an exciting show with some special effects such as "ghost shells".
cited from Montreal-Fireworks.com

What caught my eye, along with the many others surrounding the display, was that most of the segments of this display were mainly composed of repetitive use of medium and high caliber shells. The smaller effects were used frequently, but Zambelli, being a fireworks distributor and doing mostly aerial fireworks displays and not always low ground effects, did not use enough. The theme "The Wizard Of Oz" and the selection of music was quite original. Songs sung by Judy Garland and certain themed soundtracks from the original 1939 motion picture gave it a very nice atmosphere between many different colors and shapes of shells (seeing as how, yellow cubed shaped shells signified the Yellow Brick Road, also the use of sprial shells to signify the brainless scarecrow, hear shaped shells to signify the heartless tin man and kaleidoscope shells to signify the Wizard Of Oz. The use of large shells put me in complete awe due to concerns of what they must have prepared for a finale. Throughout the display, many uses of barrages of titanium salutes were used which got major approval from the roaring crowds.

The finale, was, let's say, typical (as was the display). It wasn't really the large signature Zambelli finale I recall seeing before. Zambelli has outdone certain displays. Rigatta Thunder, Thunder Over Louisville, even the 4th of July displays that certain employees of the Zambelli company had bigger finales than this. This ending was quite dissapointing. That said, I do give credit to the team for their second return to the competition (their last entry being in 1985). It wasn't the best finale of the competition this year (I still think Italy destroyed almost every finale attempt in this years competition), and I'm sure they could have prepared with something more significant. It was the actual first display I saw this year (besides watching the previous displays online). With all due respect for Zambelli and it's very hard working team, this display wasn't the best, and unfortunately doesn't stand a chance in the top 3 of my vote.

Happy Holidays!

Hey guys!

I haven't been making videos for quite some time. I really want to wish everyone a happy holiday! I'll have videos up soon. I'm just trying to get used to my new laptop. Happy New Year!

Titanium Salutes

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

The fearsome noisy shells that are often seen in most fireworks display finales, is set off in my backyard. Below are the photos, and the video of the distant shot and ground zero shot.

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

All photos taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Brezac Suprises Montreal

Last night, Brezac Artifices, the same fireworks firm that fired fireworks on New Years in 2000 on the Eifel Tower. They manage to surpise alot of us. Angled shells took flight above the bridge beside the display and on the other side, above the Goliath (which used to be the tallest and fastest coaster in Canada). This display was probably the best display in use of their angles for a display. They're choice of music was very unique, and the amount of product was incredible. More information along with pictures and videos will be featured later on during the day.

Team Göteborgs Fyrverkeri Fabrik Display Photos

This is a photo montage of team Göteborgs display taken last night.

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Göteborgs Fyrverkeri Fabrik (Sweden) Fireworks Review

Hey guys,

Team Göteborgs Fyverkeri Fabrik's display at La Ronde manage to pull off a display that no one has thought of in this years competition. "Memoirs Of A DJ" was the theme of this display, and according to Martin Hilderberg, he used to be a DJ back in the 80's and wanted to bring back the classic 80's disco music back into their featured display at La Ronde.

This display had all the pieces. 8" break shells with titanium salute inserts, dim lighted roman candles, comets, fans, cakes, 12" shells, everything. This certainly will put them in the rankings for winning a Jupiter award. I'm actually suprised that after watching my first display of a Swedish film, they know how to throw a display in order. The main standard that stuck out of this display, was that the synchronization and the choice of music was really well done.

The songs used in the display are here.

Starting off with Dancing Queen, it really brought people's enjoyment to a high level. Because no one expected to hear classic 70's and 80's disco & pop music. Some segments did feature 90's techno and the final song, an '08 track by french singer Kate Ryan titled Elle La Elle L'a. What this french song seemed to have was a very short duration for the finale. The finale did carry alot of product. But after watching most displays, it was one of the weakest finales. Italy's finale, was filled from top to bottom in product, with 10" shells above, break shells under, red, white and green shells with salute inserts below and dozens of mines of the colors of Italy's flag. United-States had a medium sized finale, considering it was made up of several barrages and lasted under fourty seconds, which isn't going to give them good votes. Canada seemed to have the second most largest finale this year (under Italy). They packed numerous volleys of shells with flights of larger shells above. Comparing Sweden's finale to another finale, it was similar to Canada's besides the fact that there were no breaks between the barrages, the barrages continued. But Sweden's finale had a duration of thirty seconds, where as Canada has around two minutes which was well done. Nonetheless, this was a truly exquisit display, and might get them 2nd or 3rd place.

My rankings so far:
1. Canada
2. Sweden
3. Italy

Watch the display below:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Finale

France's Brezac Artifices is next Saturday. More info can be found here.

Photos will be posted in another post.

Sweden Presents "Memoirs Of A DJ"

Tonight, Team Goteborgs Fyrverkeri Fabrik is presenting at La Ronde "Memoirs Of A DJ". I managed to get there a little early this afternoon and get a few snapshots of the setup of the display they are putting on. The display will be uploaded on my YouTube channel. Enjoy.

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Ramp 1

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Ramp 4

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Ramp 3

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Ramp 2

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

All photos were taken with a Canon Powershot SD630 camera

Göteborgs Fyrverkeri Fabrik (Sweden) Fireworks Setup

I spent this afternoon on the Jacques Cartier Bridge, a bridge close to the fireworks ramps in downtown Montreal. The setup is quite small, due to the fact that from Mylene Slavas' information, the shipping container with all of Götebords Fyverkeri Fabrik's shells and effects just arrived this morning. None the less, mortars have been put to the side to be surrounded with sand in the coming two days. More photos will be posted in the future hopefully showing more pieces setup for the coming display this Saturday.

Ramp 4

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Ramp 3

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Ramp 2

Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

Ramp 1
Photo taken by Pyromight @ pyromight.blogspot.com

All pictures in this post were taken with a Cannon PowerShot SD630

What Does A 10" Shell Look Like?

Photo taken by Simon Turcotte-Langevin @ logiquefloue.ca (used under permission)

Thanks to the permission of Simon Turcotte-Langevin. I was allowed to share photos with you. Above is a photo of a 10 inch shell. The shell is a Sfera Di Matteo - salice bianco which translates to White Weeping Willow. By looking at the man in charge of the Ramps at La Ronde (where the largest fireworks competition takes place at) Paul Csukasy, you can see how large and heavy a 10 inch shell would seem to be (the average 10 inch shell weighs more than 30 lbs).

Please visit Simon Turcotte-Langevin's website here.

Canada Has #1 On My List!

Coming back from watching Fireworks Spectaculars Canada representing, of course, Canada. What a display. All I kept saying was WOW! Certainly, this should have them win a Jupiter (award), maybe gold, silver or bronze, depending if Sweden or France could do better. Hopefully Canada will take gold for a second year in a row. This is the second display after U.S.A. to use 12" shells. I took 4 parts of the display. Watch them on my YouTube channel.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Finale

Photos of the display and setup can be viewed here and are taken by Simon Turcotte-Langevin @ logiquefloue.ca

Heavy Weather Kicking In Before Fireworks Spectaculars' Display

Taking a look at the weather over my backyard, seems there might be a chance of thunderstorms this evening before Fireworks Spectaculars represents Canada at L'International Des Feux Loto-Quebec.

Full Length Display Videos

Full length videos of the fireworks displays will be uploaded to my Youtube Channel.

Fireworks Spectaculars Canada is representing Canada @ L'International Des Feux Loto-Quebec next weekend. Don't miss it!

Fireworks Setup @ La Ronde

Here is a sky view of 4 of the 5 ramps at La Ronde for the largest international fireworks competition in the world. Not only is it the largest competition, but also the largest firing ramps available in North America. All fireworks are electronically fired. In this photo, it shows each ramp in different colors. Ramp 3 is used for roman candles, mines, nautical effects, fountains and more. Ramp 4 is a structure housing with a huge module that allows for the display to be fired electronically. A cable is passed underwater across the lake and to the firing house, the roof can be used for several products like mines, gerbs, fountains and lances. Ramp 2 is for 3-4 inch shells of all sorts, it can also be used for roman candles, mines and cakes. Ramp 1 is where the large caliber shells are setup. Shells from 4 to 12 inches in size are put farthest away from the audience and closer to the river in where the shell will not harm anything when burning particles, ash or debris are falling. An estimated 300 tonnes of sand is used to bury the mortars in place. And over 600 feet of aluminium foil and plastic are used to cover the mortars.

Here's a closer shot of Ramp 4, you can easily notice that some fireworks are setup on the left of the photo.

Photo taken by Simon Turcotte-Langevin @ logiquefloue.ca (used under permission)

This is Ramp 3, a floating "bridge" used for fireworks. It is the closest ramp towards the audience besides Ramp 5 which is even closer and is on floating platoons.

Photo taken by Simon Turcotte-Langevin @ logiquefloue.ca (used under permission)

Ramp 2 has over 1,000 shells setup every display. The average quantity of fireworks fired in every display (including all ramps) is estimated at 4-6,000 shells.

Photo taken by Simon Turcotte-Langevin @ logiquefloue.ca (used under permission)

Here is a close shot of Ramp 1, there are five areas like this along Ramp 1. In the front of the 6 foot tall blast-shield, shells from 4-6 inches are setup. There is a smaller blast-shield between the setup, where 6 inch shells are setup. Behind the concrete blast-shield, shells of 8-12 inches are fired. 8 inches being closer to the blast shield and 12 inches being more outwards towards the river (in this picture, the 12" mortars are closer to the trees on the right and the 4-6" mortars are closer to the trees on the left).

Click here to watch behinds the scenes footage of shells being fired on Ramp 1.

Photo taken by Simon Turcotte-Langevin @ logiquefloue.ca (used under permission)

All these photos are made possible by Simon Turcotte-Langevin @ logiquefloue.ca. Used under permission.

Montreal Fireworks Forum

Hey guys, this is a quick post to let you know, there is a forum that I have been a part of for about three years, all discussion about fireworks that have been displayed over the years are discussed on there. I give the honors and thanks to Mr. Paul Mariott for having the time to make this blog and share it with Montrealers and many other pyrotechnic enthusiasts around the world. Visit the forum here.

Fireworks Display July 17th

Celebrating my mother's birthday, I decided to set off my fireworks on the seventeenth of July. On Canada Day, the rain was too fearceful to have some fireworks shot in the sky. So keeping them stored, I thought what better time than setting them off on my mother's birthday party. About 80 people are expected to attend this party, barbecue and live rock music played as well. This will be a very enthusiastic party. Last year, my display (costing over 500$) went off with a blast as more than 380 people, including hundreds more from around the display, gazed at the dozens of shells fired. This year, I plan to not do something to large, but to end the party with a bang. Hope you all stay tuned for the video which will be uploaded on my YouTube channel.

My Canada Day Fireworks Pieces

So this picture above is what I have prepared for Canada Day, a small basic display. Nothing too big, and nothing too small. Just big enough for a holiday. I didn't really feel like blowing $200 on a display. I have alot of things aside from the display to cover and with the economy, it's better to save money rather than spend it all. Watch what info I have on the fireworks here.

Vulcan Fireworks Right Choice Fireworks Assortment

Just came back from Giant Tiger, a small general store which can be found in many areas throughout Canada. What I decided to do is a small fireworks display for Canada Day. This fireworks assortment includes 16 fireworks pieces; Gold Glitter Comet, Gold Fish, Vulcan Air Bombs, Carmel Fountain to name a few. Vulcan Fireworks sell this kit from $20-30 depending on certain areas and districts. If you feel like checking out more products from Vulcan Fireworks, visit their website here.