Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) finally made its way to Disney+ with a bonus acoustic set not seen on the big screen.
I’m not an idiot–I know that I’m not going to change anyone’s mind here. Chances are likely that you already saw the film last fall. There’s a good chance that you watched it a few times. It would not surprise me if you’ve seen it a few times since the Disney+ launch on March 14. I’m a few months late to the party because there were no press screenings in October. Similarly, I could not justify paying $20 for a ticket where it would not be a proper theatrical experience. I was happy to see that it was finally coming to Disney+ and then I waited a few days longer to let the jetlag subside. As for the concert itself, I’m familiar with her discography through the release of 1989. Following the release, it has become harder to keep up with new albums–I own Folklore but 1989 is a g0-to.
Last year’s Taylor Swift announcement was a boon for theaters starving for content. It came at a time when they really needed new titles, let alone talent who could put butts in seats. Thanks to the SAG-AFTRA interim agreement, Swift could film her August 3-5, 2023 SoFi Stadium concerts and subsequently release a concert film. It’s a win for everyone, including people not lucky enough to purchase tickets at her concerts.
Because of the pandemic and Swift putting out new albums what feels like every few months or so, a new tour was bound to happen. Factor in new albums and previous hits and Swift puts on a show that spans her entire professional career. To say that it is an energetic spectacle is not an understatement. I’ve seen concert films–including Woodstock, Stop Making Sense, and several Paul McCartney tour films–and this is something of a different breed. If you’re not a Swift fan, chances are likely that you’re not watching the film and nothing that I write will change your mind. But if you’re a casual fan or even looking for something to watch, there’s a lot to choose from and this requires a time commitment. I watched in three separate sittings in under 24 hours!
Some of the shot selections could be better and this is where it becomes frustrating as a viewer. There are times where director Sam Wrench and the editors opt for wider shots featuring the video board and the full stage. It’s a challenge that comes with capturing a concert of this magnitude. Do you focus on the complete concert experience or do you focus on Swift as much as possible? This is not to take away from the overall experience because it’s otherwise very satisfactory. Of course, it could be much worse–at least we’re not watching the concert while sitting in the nosebleed section!
The perk that comes with subscribing to Disney+ is that Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) includes five additional songs. Swift’s acoustic set features previously unseen footage not in the theatrical or VOD release. While touring, the acoustic set features a pair of surprise guitar and piano songs. Because Swift changes up the songs on a daily basis, the concert includes multiple acoustic songs playing after the credits. Disney+ also includes the acoustic set as a bonus feature altogether. The acoustic set in the film draws from performances on both August 4-5. Additional songs not in the theatrical release but seen on Disney+ include “Cardigan,” “The Archer”, “Long Live”, and “Wildest Dreams.” All in all, it’s 210 minutes and should be enough to satisfy even the casual Taylor Swift fans.
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) could use some improvements in shot selections but it’s one of the best concert films to be released in years.
DIRECTOR: Sam Wrench
FEATURING: Taylor Swift
Disney+ launched Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) on March 14, 2024. Grade: 4/5
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