Kayla Denke | Staff Writer
American songwriter and singer Taylor Swift shocked the world in November of 2022 when she announced her 10-act, 44 song tour: The Eras Tour.
Each era represents a different album from her musical career, which began in 2004.
From her 2006 self-titled debut album to her most recently released “Midnights” (2022), Swift has made a show that spans more than three hours, enchanting her fans and taking over pop culture.
Due to limited space and soaring ticket prices, only a fraction of her loyal “Swifties” were able to attend in cities nearby.
On Oct. 13, about two months after the U.S. leg of the tour ended, Swift released a cinematic rendition of her live performance.
Fans from across the world who have watched the tour from a glitchy livestream all summer long finally got their chance to see the concert.
While the film experience still pales in comparison to many fans who are still riding the FOMO of not getting to see Swift live, others were ecstatic to experience the high-definition visuals and sound.
“The film surpassed my expectations, it was so fun and immersive; I think the cinematography was done really well which made it feel like you were actually watching the concert,” said Duquesne sophomore Heleyna Pentuk.
Despite some songs being excluded from the original set list, moviegoers were eager to engage with the film.
Many have taken to social media to share the phenomenal behavior of Swifties in the theater, dancing, singing and chanting along as if they were in Acrisure Stadium.
Among the songs left behind, Pentuk was most disappointed that “The Archer” was cut.
Attending AMC Theaters, Pentuk participated in bracelets trading and many viewers were dressed up in elaborate outfits, as if they were attending the show in person.
Some theaters boasted photo booths, and theaters everywhere sold theater-exclusive merchandise decorated with the eras, including souvenir cups, popcorn buckets and posters.
Although the movie has only been in theaters for 13 days. Swift has already broken box-office records, making $95 million in the United States and Canada alone and out-performing any other film made by a musical artist.
Dr. Sarah DeIuliis, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies at Duquesne University, has not seen the film but expresses routine interest in the marketing of Swift’s “The Eras Tour” product.
One thing that stood out to her was how Swift decided to put this film in theaters as opposed to her other films that are located on Netflix (“Miss Americana” and “Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour”) and Disney+ (“Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions”).
She mentioned the marketing for this film is different than often seen: it showcases the power of music and emotional resonance.
Swift is also known for dropping numerous “Easter eggs,” or clues toward her next big project or release.
Whether it is in a music video, special semantics in an Instagram caption or even an outfit for an award show, Swifties are tuned and quick to analyze everything that the pop queen produces.
Pentuk has seen the concert in person and in theaters.
“As I was watching the movie, it was almost like I was seeing it for the first time again because of all the details I missed [at the concert],” she said.