Le Mondial SAQ 2001
Montréal International Fireworks Competition Report

Some excellent material, particularly the crackling comets and shells. Synchronization was good for a traditionally fired display, but not as tight as a computerized show. The theme was very traditional, and the lack of the use of the lake is a negative point. Enjoyable, but not a winning show.

The damp weather caused a lot of smoke accumulation which spoiled the show somewhat. I enjoyed the music and the 1,000 rockets used were fantastic, as was some of the other material, particularly the comets and blue star mines. Synchronization was rather slack in places unfortunately. Excellent finale, despite the smoke. The best of the traditionally fired shows, though I think the weather conditions will hamper their chances for a prize.

Brilliant product with multi pistil shells and fantastic crackling shells. Excellent synchronization, though there were periods of a rather repetitive nature in the middle of the display. Overall theme was well executed and a good variation in rhythm and pace, though a couple of sections did feel a little bit like product demonstrations. Apparent technical problems diminished the intensity of the finale, which then appeared to be smaller than the opening segment. Stands a good chance of a bronze Jupiter.

Fabulous. The Spanish masters know exactly how to excite the passions of the crowd. Beautiful product, fantastic 6" nautical shells, wonderful girandolas and generally good synchronization considering it was traditionally fired, though slack in some places. The faux finale caught many people off guard as there was a dramatic pause before the real finale started. Must be in the winning three.

The most complex display ever fired in the competition. Fabulous choreography, especially in the Lord of The Dance segment with 1011 cues in 45 seconds - absolutely without equal. Stunning synchronization in the 2001 Space Odyssey segment due to the use of MagicFire electronic time fuses. Interesting idea for a theme, but unfortunately I felt that the thread was lost somewhere around the middle of the display and thus it just didn't excite the passions one would have expected. Some great product but some of it used to excess, viz. the endless flights of girandolas during The Blue Danube, where blue was somewhat lacking. I think the scale of the project unfortunately means that a visit to the winner's podium won't be on the agenda this year.

A very artistic display and the most extensive use of the lake I've ever seen. Unfortunately, one came away with the feeling that this display was much lighter in product than any of the other displays and a late start always engenders a feeling of anti-climax unfortunately. A bit more product and a few more dramatic moments would have ensured a place on the winner's rostrum, unfortunately I think this display will have just been pipped to the post.

Well executed display with an interesting theme and some beautiful product. Some segments were perhaps a little bit repetitive but the finale to music from Riverdance was hypnotic and very much enjoyed by the audience. Nice variation in rhythm and pace but perhaps not quite enough peaks of excitement. It's a toss up between France and Taiwan for the Bronze Jupiter.

Well themed and artistically executed display. Some beautiful product including strobes in fantastic colours and amazing silver kamuro shells. Great use was made of the lake and of all three levels of the display. Almost flawless synchronization and the themed special effects really augmented the display and tied the theme together. Good choice of music with a variation of rhythm and pace and a good finale. Got to be a winner.