A giant bear, a Daft Punk cover and other things you missed in the Opening Ceremony
On Russian TV, the big gaffe of the Sochi Games' opening ceremony was covered up. Footage of the glitch — now known as the Ring Fail — was doctored so viewers there didn't see the fifth ring not open.
In America, we didn't have any full-on TV cover-ups, but our TV viewers did miss a few things that weren't shown on NBC's primetime telecast. They range from a cool pre-ceremony performance, to an discrimination message from Olympics head honcho to the huuuuuuge bear you see above.
[ Watch: What to expect from the Sochi Games ]
Let us explain further:
1. The giant bear mascot
Maybe you've seen the bear mascot that's been hanging around the Sochi Games. Well, the Russians trotted out a big ol' Stay Puft Marshmallow Man version of him during the opening ceremonies. It was frightening. He's nightmare fuel, so it's probably for the best that he wasn't on American TV. Grandmas would have been clutching their pearls.
2. Part of the IOC president's speech
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach spoke on the TV broadcast, but NBC didn't air his entire speech. They nixed a part where he spoke out against discimination. Per Deadspin, this is what was cut:
Now you are living in an Olympic Region. I am sure you will enjoy the benefits for many, many years to come. Thousands of volunteers have welcomed us with the well-known warm Russian hospitality. Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers. Bolshoi spasiba, valantyoram! Thank you very much to everyone. Russia and the Russians have set the stage for you, the best winter athletes on our planet. From this moment on you are not only the best athletes, you are Olympic Athletes. You will inspire us with your outstanding sports performances. You have come here for sports. You have come here with your Olympic dream.
The International Olympic Committee wants your Olympic Dream to come true. This is why we are investing almost all of our revenues in the development of sports. The universal Olympic rules apply to each and every athlete — no matter where you come from or what your background is. You are living together in the Olympic Village. You will celebrate victory with dignity and accept defeat with dignity. You are bringing the Olympic Values to life. In this way, the Olympic Games, wherever they take place, set an example for a peaceful society. Olympic Sport unites people. This is the Olympic Message the athletes spread to the host country and to the whole world. Yes, it is possible to strive even for the greatest victory with respect for the dignity of your competitors. Yes, Yes, it is possible - even as competitors - to live together under one roof in harmony, with tolerance and without any form of discrimination for whatever reason. Yes, it is possible — even as competitors — to listen, to understand and to give an example for a peaceful society.
[ Photos: Parade of nations ]
3. The Russian police choir's rendition of 'Get Lucky'
Even in Sochi, you can't escape the Grammy-winning hit song from Daft Punk. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs did a fun rendition of the song before the games aired. You can watch the performance on nbcolympics.com. As if the young Olympians in Sochi needed another reminder about getting lucky.
4. The journey of the Olympic torch
As @bubbaprog notes, another of the cuts from the NBC telecast was a video of the Olympic torch's journey to Sochi, including its trip into outerspace. You can see part of that on the NBC Olympics site. Below is a newsy video of the torch in outer space published in November by the Wall Street Journal.
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