2015 U.S. Nationals Gala

Really? I loved the IceNetwork commentary. It was so much better than the NBC stuff. Michael Buckley is hilarious, none of it was snarky or pointed, and even when they discussed things like how much more relaxed/fun Max and Gracie seemed with their respective exs instead of their programs they did it in a respectful and sensible way. The background information they gave was interesting - the Novice pair, I think, actually live in different states! - and they talked about technical things like why spotlights can throw off a jump. SO much better than NBC, I can't even - and there were FOUR of them!

On that note - Max, dear, Black Betty's had a good run. I think it's time to retire that ex...

I also at the opening number and you can see the men's medallists going "er, uh, what are the steps?" Adam's just like "whee, making up my own thing!" and Josh is staring intensely at other skaters trying to figure out what he's supposed to be doing. And Jason was still wearing his Tristan pants and had obviously just grabbed his hair back into a ponytail and ran - it was everywhere!

I haven't brought myself to watch Jeremy's yet. I'll probably cry.

karne said:

I also at the opening number and you can see the men's medallists going "er, uh, what are the steps?" Adam's just like "whee, making up my own thing!" and Josh is staring intensely at other skaters trying to figure out what he's supposed to be doing. And Jason was still wearing his Tristan pants and had obviously just grabbed his hair back into a ponytail and ran - it was everywhere!

I haven't brought myself to watch Jeremy's yet. I'll probably cry.

Click to expand...

One reason Jason probably looked rushed was because he ignored the call for all skaters to leave the ice after the warm up just prior to the event. He stayed on the ice along with his folding chair and continued to practice for at least another five minutes after being asked to leave the ice. Adam also ignored the call to leave the ice. The zamboni drivers looked shocked and had work around the two of them. Jason didn't leave the ice until they were nearly done resurfacing and just after that the opening number began.

sabinfire said:

Went back and re-edited this video to make it 60FPS. What do you think? Can you see any difference from the original?

2015 U.S. Nationals - Shibutani's Gala HD (make sure to enable the 1080p60 option for optimal quality)

Click to expand...

Lovely! And yes, someething like that would be great for an FD

We haven't played back the gala yet (just got home on Tuesday evening after doing some sightseeing in NC & VA), but I am very dismayed to learn that Max's program wasn't shown. He was hot! I was hoping we would get to see Max introduce his sister Maddie & her other Max for their exhibition. Also extremely bummed out that Polina's charming "16 Going on 17" program wasn't shown. I liked that exhibition program more than her competitive free skate program (although I will disagree with Johnny Weir here - I don't think the Peter Pan music is "atrocious"). Jeremy's performance was stunning, and brought me (and a whole lot of others) to tears. Jason's Cotton Eyed Joe is a treasure!

If you have IceNetwork, iluvtodd, the whole Gala is up (and yes I have indulged). Max was indeed very hot if looking a little tired, little wonder since it was so close to the LP and he was sick. He was particularly cute introducing Maddie/Max. And I loved Polina's Sixteen Going On Seventeen program too, it was fantastic and so clever!

We do have IceNetwork, so once we have a chance, we'll have to watch the whole gala. Thanks a bunch, karne!