If you were at the multiplex last weekend, you can’t help but have noticed the crowds in line to see the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film. Maybe your local radio station rolled out a hot pink carpet for the premiere. Maybe you heard a packed theater singing along to TSwift hits from the next auditorium over. Or maybe you were trampled by a herd of Swifties as you made your way to the concession stand.

Eras was an inescapable phenomenon. It became one of the highest-grossing concert films ever, opening with a weekend box office that was in the stratosphere. It opened on October 12th and has so far grossed over $123 million globally, with an expected take of over $145M in its limited run. That puts it ahead of previous concert film champs like Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never tour film, and even beats the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

But what was it like to be in the theater as a die-hard fan on opening weekend? Pop Culture Junkie Olivia Rodi, who saw the Eras tour live multiple times, tells us the five best things (and one bad thing) about the film.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Loved being able to see the intricacies of the set and the up-close visuals. I saw the film twice and noticed so many elements I missed seeing it live.

REPUTATION PREVIEW

The introduction to “Reputation” gave us a preview of the upcoming (November 13th) text of Taylor’s re-recorded version of her hit album.

CLOSE-UP ON THE HEARTTHROB!

All the close-ups of Taylor’s sensational back-up dancer Jan Ravnik did things to me – and the director knew just what he was doing with those shots. (All of the other dancers killed it too!)

PROPS TO DEBUT

I loved that Swift’s Debut finally got its recognition! “Our Song” was on the setlist as one of the show’s “secret songs.” 

SURROUND SOUND

Taylor had live mics in the stands so the crowd could be heard, which made watching the movie amid the theater’s surround sound speakers feel like we were right there at Sofi Stadium. It made singing along so much fun.

THE DOWN SIDE

The Eras Tour film’s run time was half an hour shorter than the concerts, leading to the omission of several songs. Which leads me to cry for JUSTICE FOR “THE ARCHER” AND “WILDEST DREAMS”! 

Just an FYI, I want all the secret songs from the tour in the Eras Tour sequel, Eras Tour 2.