Whatever your perspective on the modern Olympics (and your feelings about host China) it is hard to deny the brilliance of today’s opening ceremonies.

Director Zhang Yimou created a stunning visual experience on a massive scale, with incredible attention to detail, using the latest in audiovisual technology while depending on precise choreography by human performers (more than 15,000).

These photos are from my two favorite sequences:

Take a look at this Boston Globe photo gallery for more: www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/08/2008_olympics_opening_ceremony.html

You might be able to find video of the Opening Ceremonies at the official NBC Olympics web site: www.nbcolympics.com/video (also a chance to see Microsoft’s Silverlight player in action)