Re:Only a small part looked simulated (Score 1)

The NBC commentator specifically said, as the footage was being shown, that the event's producers were using a cinematic interlude to convey the concept of the fireworks. The actual footprint firewoks WERE going off at the same time, and in much the same way... tourists and people in Beijing saw the footprint fireworks fired above sky. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbZrI8onelg but there was simply no way to be sure they could show it well on TV - since it was impossible to predict the weather or other cirumstances, or for the sake of helicopter pilot's safety. So, they showed a CGI illustration for the people watching TV. They weren't hiding anything, they came right out and SAID what they were doing.