The glitter has settled after songwriter Taylor’s Swift’s epic 149 date North American leg of The Era’s Tour ended. In trying to get tickets, fans crashed Ticketmaster, spent astronomical amounts, and traveled to new cities to catch a glimpse of Swift performing the best of her catalog. Luckily, those left out of the stadium still had a chance to join in on the experience in film. Nothing is a substitute for seeing Swift in person, however, the accessibility of the film and the group experience makes Taylor Swift: The Era’s Tour a must-see.
The Era’s Tour was inaccessible for most people, with the average cost estimated between $1,300 and $1,500. This includes costumes, overnight lodging, travel, food, merch, and of course, the tickets themselves. Conversely, average adult film ticket prices are set at $19.89, a nod to the recently re-released “1989 Taylors Version,” and students/seniors prices are $13.13, featuring Taylor’s lucky number 13. Fans could also purchase Eras tour buckets, cups, and posters across all AMC theaters. Ticket prices were set higher than the average price of a movie ticket, but this did not discourage fans from going. In fact, it was quite the opposite, and the affordability of this film makes the Eras tour something everyone can experience.
While the movie cost may seem pricey, it’s still a great way to see the show with a similar atmosphere and at a way cheaper cost than going to the tour itself. This not only gave people a chance to relive the magic at a cheaper price, but also gave the opportunity to those who could not afford to go to the concert itself or were simply not given the chance.
While those who attended the tour got to be there in person, most were watching it from afar. Many were not given the opportunity to really get to see Taylor that close or even at all, but this film gives the chance to see a different perspective of Swift’s music and her voice. The cinematography was nothing short of amazing, the cameras providing an up close view of the unseen smaller details in the performance. For example, only a passing bird could have gotten the full effect of the snake meandering through the crowd at the beginning of the reputation era.
Movie-going fans filled the atmosphere by singing along, dancing in the rows, trading friendship bracelets, and screaming with glee, making this unlike any movie theater experience. I have never seen a theater so full of joy in my life. This is definitely not the movie for you if you are expecting a typical quiet theater. I loved the energy that the fans brought. This movie is not just a good film because of the quality, but because of the spirit that was brought by the fans.
CHS Senior Maddy Coombs said, “My favorite era was reputation because of how loud the stadium was and Folklore because all my favorite songs are on that album.”
CHS Freshman Sophie Haque, gushed over the films experience, explaining that. “Singing ‘champagne problems’ was the best part. The movie gives you a front row personal view, it’s WAY better than watching blurry YouTube videos.” Swift encouraged fans to treat the film as a concert itself.
In addition to being a phenomenal production and experience, broke new ground and set records in the genre of concert films.
Normally, producers will sell film rights to a Hollywood studio so that the movie gets promoted. Studios take around 60% of the revenue from a movie’s opening weekend, however Swift made a smart business move and cut out the studios completely. With a veritable army of Swifties following her every move, Swift doesn’t need the help with promotion and wouldn’t be hurt financially by paying for the filming. This entire deal proves what a good businesswoman Swift is, as propelled her to billionaire status.
Swift decided to make a deal with AMC theaters directly, with 57% profits going to the artist and 43% going to AMC theaters. Taylor Swift’s influence and impact is shattering records. The Eras Tour Movie is not just impressive for “concert movie records” but movie records in general. From being well received by both critics and audiences to the atmosphere that the fans have created,The Eras Tour movie cements Taylor Swift as a cultural icon of this day and age.
Unsurprisingly, Taylor Swift: The Era’s Tour is shattering records at the box offices, with a rare 99% rating by Rotten Tomatoes. Swift wanted to share this amazing tour with everyone who didn’t get to go or with those who wanted to relive the magic. Taylor Swift: The Era’s Tour made between $95 and $97 million dollars on its opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada, globally raking in 130 million, topping Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never” tour of $77 million for the biggest domestic concert film debut.
People still have the opportunity to see the film in theaters. For thirteen weeks only everyone has this chance. Taylor Swift’s: The Eras Tour leaves theaters on January 12th 2024. I definitely recommend putting on your best outfit, stringing some friendship bracelets, and taking your best friends to go enjoy this unforgettable theater experience.
Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Review” represent the views, opinions, and recommendations of the author, not the 2023-2024 Periscope staff, CHS/CASD administration, or the CHS student body.
