-(I've spent the past week obsessively reading The Dresden Files and that night was no exception), but what I did watch was really very lovely, although the fact that my brother called me over at only the best parts may have helped.

But I think they'd been watching Doctor Who when they designed those headdresses that the women with the name-signs for each country were wearing. They looked rather like some of the Big Stupid Collars the High Council of Gallifrey wears.

-Aila

It was lovely. Although the error with the rings was a bit awkward (I've heard there are T-shirts)
I really like how they incorporated the history of Russia. And the performance was beautiful, though not quite on Beijing's level. I think my favorite moment was the video with the Russian alphabet.
And I loved the music that played in the background when each country was introduced. I think it was a remix of classical music by Russian composers.

My personal favorite opening ceremony was the 2012 Summer Olympics.
What did you think of the outfits for each country.
The USA's were adorable and slightly dorky. They were adorkable.

...But it's hard to imagine that it contained a better moment than when dozens of Russian policemen took the stage to sing Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" on worldwide television. I have absolutely no idea what led the Russian Olympic planning committee to whatever deranged but ultimately genius decisions were responsible for that moment, but they were all worth it.