Nightwish: Showtime, Storytime

Nightwish: Showtime, Storytime is a compelling and enthralling concert film by the Finnish symphonic metal band, Nightwish. Released in 2013, this movie offers a unique insight into one of the band’s most significant concerts, demonstrating their prowess as well as their rich history within the symphonic metal genre. This film also marks the pinnacle of Nightwish's first tour, the 'Imaginaerum World Tour 2012-2013', with lead vocalist Floor Jansen.

The concert film is broken down into two DVDs. The first disc contains the mini-movie 'Showtime' that chronicles a live performance at the Wacken Open Air in August 2013. Known as the largest heavy metal festival in the world, the band performed in front of a massive crowd of 85,000. This performance garnered critical acclaim and fan praise, regarded as a pinnacle in the band's career.

'Showtime' features vibrant and energetic performances of some of the band's most popular and beloved songs. From the anthemic 'Ghost Love Score' to the emotional 'Turn Loose the Mermaids' and soaring 'I Want My Tears Back', the band's performance is set against the backdrop of a night sky illuminated with thousands of lights, creating an ethereal and powerful setting.

'Storytime,' on the other hand, focuses more on the band's history, internal dynamics, and the making of their album 'Imaginaerum.' This documentary-style presentation showcases the creative process, demonstrating the hard work, dedication, and passion that brought the album to life. It's an in-depth exploration of the band's musical journey, inspiration, challenges, and accomplishments.

Additionally, 'Storytime' provides a behind-the-scenes perspective of the band's tour, offering fans an exclusive look into their favorite band's lifestyle on the road. This includes candid moments of the band members, rehearsals, organization of concert venues, and even the struggles they faced amidst keeping the essence of their music alive. This journey is enriched by interviews with band members and close associates, imbuing a more intimate understanding and connection to Nightwish.

One of the important highlights of the movie is the introduction of Floor Jansen, Nightwish's newest addition at the time. Jansen had joined the band amidst their world tour and this film captures her early performances and her interaction with the band members adding yet another layer to the seemingly complex yet intriguing story of Nightwish.

Nightwish: Showtime, Storytime radiates with an authentic sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the band members. It's a testament to Nightwish's enduring appeal and the bond they share with their fans worldwide. The film stands out in its capacity to translate the electric atmosphere and the raw power of a live Nightwish show into the film.

Visually, the concert film is impressive. The cinematography excellently captures the grandeur and enormity of the Wacken Open Air. Close-up shots of the band members contribute to the overall intensity of the film, and sweeping crowd shots effortlessly depict the immense scale of the concert. The audio quality is remarkable, effectively reproducing the band's dynamic and weighty sound.

In conclusion, Nightwish: Showtime, Storytime is more than a concert film. It's an exploration of Nightwish's musical journey, marked by persistent evolution and resilience. With the band's stirring and thunderous live performances coupled with their reflective, intimate documentary, it provides viewers with a comprehensive canvas of everything that this Finnish Metaphoric band stands for.

Whether you're a die-hard Nightwish fan who's looking to relive the magic of their live shows, someone interested in the complexities of creating symphonic metal music, or simply a music lover keen on delving into a new genre, Nightwish: Showtime, Storytime is an exhilarating, rousing, and insightful watch.