Flashback on the film-reel in the many screens in my town is “The Eras Tour Film” — a movie experience like no other.
The highly-anticipated, box office record-breaking movie, “The Eras Tour Film” has finally hit movie theaters across North America, giving Taylor Swift fans the opportunity to relive their concert experience once more — or for the first time —- in the comfort of movie theater recliners versus plastic stadium-seats.
Originally set to be in theaters on Friday, Oct. 13, due to unprecedented demand, the release date moved forward to Thursday, Oct. 12.
The concert documentary, directed by Sam Wrench, covered the cultural phenomenon of The Eras Tour. With this tour making leaps and bounds this summer, the film was both timely and relevant. The movie is based on shows in Sofi Stadium, from Swift’s six-night rally in Los Angeles this August.
The viewer experience of this film went well-beyond the screen.
From movie theaters offering Taylor Swift themed popcorn buckets, posters and cups, fans also took it upon themselves to show up in costumes, merchandise and take plenty of Instagram worthy pictures.
Another precious facet of this movie is that attendees made and traded friendship bracelets among each other, in honor of Swift’s song “You’re On Your Own Kid”, whose lyrics read “make the friendship bracelets / take the moment and taste it.”
Swifites took the moment and ran with it.
The atmosphere had moviegoers singing and dancing along with the movie. The film took viewers through an ultra-clear and up-close setting of the three-hour long setlist.
Swift encouraged this prior to the show date, as her trailer caption read “eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged.”
Fans delivered.
Beginning with the chilling, whimsical clock graphic, the film opened with intro music playing over dancers pacing the stage waiting to unveil Swift.
The movie offered a variety of different angles of the singer on stage — whether it was a close up of her playing her moss covered piano, or overhead wide stadium shots of her walking up the elevating stage during the Reputation set.
The film also transitioned to shots of fans, singing and enjoying the concert. These shots by Wrench were crucial, giving a personalized experience for the audience and a chance for fans to share the platform with the singer.
Across the world, attendees are physically out of their seats, dancing and singing along. Not only in Boise, Idaho — but across the world — theaters felt (and heard) the impact of this film.
As Wench and Swift journeyed through different eras and albums, album names were displayed across the big screen in their respective album fonts.
Leading up to the film, fans were curious which of Swift’s “surprise songs” from her acoustic set of the concert she would choose to implement for the movie.
After much anticipation, “Our Song” and “You’re On Your Own Kid” were the acoustic songs placed in the film.
It would be difficult for Swift to place her entire discography and setlist in the film. With the concert having an approximate 3 hour, 15 minute runtime — “The Eras Tour Film” is roughly 30 minutes shorter with several songs and outfit changes cut out.
Many fans, were wretched of the seven songs cut from the movie’s setlist:
“The Archer”
“‘Tis the Damn Season”
“No Body, No Crime”
“Long Live”
“Cardigan”
“Seven (Interlude)”
“Wildest Dreams”
With this film synonymous to her “Reputation Stadium Tour” movie, some attendees were hoping for more of a backstage, behind the scenes perspective.
Unsurprisingly, the movie ticket sales surpassed $100 million before its premier.
The premier took place in Los Angeles where Swift had her team handpick deserving fans across social media platforms to come out and watch the movie for the first time, with her, among other A-list celebrities. From Beyoncé to Flavor Flav, there are many that came to support Swift.
Swift walked along the red carpet in her stunning blue Oscar de la Renta dress and faux bob while she went one-by-one to take selfies and greet these fans — which not only promoted the movie but showed that Swift’s appreciation for her fans goes beyond her word.
From start to finish, the film was for the fans. Ending credits displayed across the screen in the format of friendship bracelets, reading “Thank you to the most generous, thoughtful, loving fans on the planet. This is all because of you and for you.”
The generosity and overall production stemming from Swift is what keeps her fans so loyal — this movie broke boundaries and is paving the way for future artists.
“The Eras Tour Film” is offered at many different outlets in the Treasure Valley. The Flicks, Regal Edwards, Village Cinema, Eagle Luxe and Majestic Cinemas are some of the nearby theaters to experience this phenomenon.
