Nightfire

Shot at the 1990 Pyrotechnics Guild International annual convention in Auburn, NY, Nightfire, which offers the promise of an exciting documentary on fireworks, is rather disappointing overall. The first half of the film looks at the history of fireworks and preparations at the convention for the big "pyrotechnics concert" that is shown during the second half. A classical music soundtrack runs throughout as two narrators offer tidbits from the pyrotechnical historical literature. To say that the prose selections are turgid is a bit of an understatement. To hear the ingredients for making gunpowder repeated not once, but twice, is a major yawn. The second half is at least more colorful, with the spectacular array of fireworks that light up the night sky. But even this thunderous outpouring of creatively arranged colored light is muted by the bland classical synthesizer soundtrack. We never hear the snap, crackle, and pop of fireworks which are intrinsic to their power. The video quality is fair, but doesn't hold a candle to the beautifully filmed fireworks that viewers have seen elsewhere in motion pictures. Diehard enthusiasts will probably find something to appreciate in this strangely disembodied paean to fireworks, but general patrons will likely be confused by the technical talk, and bored by the explosion-less fireworks display. Not a necessary purchase. (Available from: Logos Pictures, 322 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.)