Fireworks! (Nova/WGBH)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C- Episode: B-
People love fireworks, but their history is richer, longer
and deeper than anyone but only the biggest fans know. That is why the Nova installment on
the history of Fireworks! is so good.
The nearly hour-long show cuts back and fourth between the modern
celebration of them and their actually amazing legacy.
We see how different mixes produce different colors, how
some of these are still secret and have been kept secret for centuries, how
they have been used as spectacularly for entertainment and peace as they have
been for war. The Chinese, English and
Italians had a particular hand in the cultivation of them. In modern times, particular attention is
paid to the Zambelli Family and their fireworks business, which is legendary.
The “first family of fireworks” is shown in rare form,
with all the family together and the factory still alive before it burned down,
as well as the last giant display as The Pittsburgh Pirates say a farewell to
Three Rivers Stadium in their last game played there before the stadium was
unnecessarily torn down before its time for two other stadiums paid with tax
payer dollars that never quite made sense unless you were a big money
beneficiary. Still, the display is
nothing short of stunning and one you will likely not see anywhere else,
distinguished by the expertise of The Zambelli Family. Be sure to catch this one.
The letterboxed 1.78 X 1 image is colorful and clear
enough, but should have been anamorphically enhanced. With that said, the colors of the fireworks hold well, but would
have been that much better otherwise.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has no surrounds, but are clean, clear and
when the explosions hit, just loud enough.
Again, there are no major extras, but you do get DVD-ROM printable
materials.
- Nicholas Sheffo
