Click here to download our new movie Smoke On! (Please be patient as the server could experience heavy loads at times). We would like to thank JaBoG32 for graciously hosting this download for us at the beginning. Go here to read their news about Smoke On!
Download mirror: http://www.gamerztheatre.com
Download mirror 2: www.patricksaviation.com
- Quality: WMV HD 720p
- Length: 50 minutes
- File size: 1.05GB
Please post your comments here after viewing. We look forward to reading your thoughts and two cents worth!
The premiere of Smoke On and Aviation Nation 2006
The Virtual Thunderbirds have marked the end of our 2006 season in memorable fashion with the premiere of our new movie, Smoke On at the big screens, made possibly by our partner and sponsor, Thrustmaster Guillemot Inc. This event also coincided with a visit by the entire team to their spiritual home, Nellis Air Force Base, the home of the USAF Thunderbirds.
The events of the week kicked off with Smoke On having its gala premiere at the Boulder Station movie complex (Regal Cinemas) in downtown Las Vegas. Smoke On is one of the most ambitious computer game or simulation movie projects ever attempted; produced in High Definition Video and surround sound, it captures the essence of the Virtual Thunderbird mission; emulating the skills of the USAF elite aerial demonstration squadron in a totally unique and accessible way. Smoke On is the culmination of months of work by the team throughout most of 2006 and in particular Kris Langdell who, after the flying was captured, dedicated enormous amounts of time to editing and a producing this masterpiece.
The Virtual Thunderbirds are sponsored by Thrustmaster who generously made the premiere at Boulder Station a reality. At first envisioned by Mike Jobe to premiere this feature on the big screens, we pursued that vision and as we've done many times before, hit the press to test button! The theatre featured 376 seats and was equipped with the latest sound system that brought out the true impact of Smoke On. We'd recommend anyone who watches this movie to take in all the sound effects! Apart from the team and their families, honored guests included Lt Col. Doug Larson, former Thunderbird No. 2 (Left Wing) and Jim Coomes, honorary Thunderbird, and also the man (together with artist Robert Belinski) behind the hand painted leather gloves the USAF Thunderbirds use during their show season.
Before the movie commenced, a simple ceremony took place to induct Steve Watts into the team as its newest member. Steve was presented with his Thunderbird number (currently No. 11) and formally welcomed into the team by all present. Then the lights went down and the audience were treated to a visually stunning epic on the big screen. Forty-five minutes later, Kris Langdell was receiving a standing ovation and all were looking forward to the internet release of Smoke On during Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23, 2006.
Friday was a special day for the team as they arrived at Nellis AFB for the practice day of the big end-of-year air show, Aviation Nation. First stop was the Thunderbird Hangar where the Virtual Thunderbirds were privileged to meet some of the current team including Maj. Ed “Pinto” Casey (No. 6), Maj. Scottie “Zen” Zamzow (No. 2) and Maj. Jeremy “Kid” Sloan (No. 7). Also present were some of the new pilots for next year’s demonstration team including Maj. Rob Skelton (No. 7), Maj. Scott "Kidd" Poteet (No. 4) and Capt. Samantha "Combo" Weeks (No. 6). The Virtual Thunderbirds were then given a guided tour of the hangar by Lt Col. Larson, the highlight of which being a question and answer session on the finer points of formation flying from the master himself.
In the afternoon the team had the high honor of viewing the practice Thunderbird demonstration from show center, where the commander of the USAF Warfare Center, Maj. Gen. Mike Worden generously gave of his time and expertise to give the team an insight into the demonstration we were witnessing. All of the team (but mostly our own No. 7, Marc Muhlestein) were given the unique opportunity to listen to the show comms through the actual comm cart at show center, a rare privilege and greatly appreciated! Watching the Thunderbird demonstration, from show center, in perfect weather and together as team was a true highlight of the weekend. Hard to believe when we had just showed Smoke On the previous night in a major movie cinema complex as well!
Friday night was capped off by a team dinner which included a ceremony to include all the wives and girlfriends of the Virtual Thunderbirds as honorary members. The rest of the weekend was dedicated to watching Aviation Nation and other team activities (see Go-Karting & more) plus the diversions that Las Vegas is renowned for. While some members headed off for some much needed shuteye, others went downtown into the early hours.
The Virtual Thunderbirds would like to thank Winn Keaten and Thrustmaster for their involvement in our team and in particular for allowing Smoke On to be premiered in such grand style. All the team are looking forward to the new year and once again raising the bar for ourselves as well as the simulation community!
Written by Cobra.
Premiere photos! (Additional photos from Aviation Nation will be posted in our image gallery soon).
Viva Las Vegas!
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Boulder Station Hotel & Casino. This is where Smoke On had its premiere!
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Chris Curtis showing us the "grandness" of the big screen!
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From left to right: Chris Curtis, Mike Jobe and Kris Langdell by the entrance to the theater.
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Artwork by Mike Perry displayed outside the entrance to the theater.
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Next stop Hollywood for this kid?
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Thrustmaster Cougar on display at center stage. As Virtual Thunderbirds, we perform with flightsticks identical to the real Thunderbirds' as found in their jets.
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From left to right: Kris Langdell, Chris Curtis, Mike Jobe and Ian Roberts prior to showtime!
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Measuring in at 40 by 70 feet, we're not kidding when we say this screen was BIG! Just imagine what the soundtrack sounded like...
Click here for a short video clip just prior to the actual premeire of Smoke On! Click here for another quick clip of the actual presentation of Smoke On as well.
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From left to right: Lt Col. Doug Larson, Jim Coomes, Reid Martin and Kris Langdell. In the presence of "royalty"! We're sure it's mutual...
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Speaking on behalf of the team, from left to right: Marc Muhlestein and Mike Jobe.
Click here to watch a short video clip of the introduction.
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Our proudest and newest member: Steve Watts was surprised by the team when he was presented his own number just moments before the show!
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From left to right: Steve Watts, Marc Muhlestein, Chris Curtis, Tab Harris, Mike Jobe, Ian Roberts, Reid Martin, Kris Langdell and Mike Glynn.
Not able to attend the premiere, but in spirit: Mike Perry. These are your 2006 Virtual Thunderbirds!
![Image](http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/2338/img6981resizelt1.jpg)
Top left to right: Chris Curtis, Ian Roberts, Mike Glynn and Tab Harris.
Bottom left to right: Kris Langdell, Mike Jobe, Steve Watts and Reid Martin. Not in picture, but very much part of the premiere: Marc Muhlestein.
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This marks the completion of the 2006 Virtual Thunderbird season. We're pleased to have been with you, to fly for you and show you the quality in action and pride in performance that are very much a part of today's United States Air Force. Your Virtual Thunderbirds are very much alike, a team of professionals that puts integrity first and achieve the same level of excellence you witnessed here today.
And now, for your continued support, the Virtual Thunderbirds salute you!