The first of two Riviera implosions took place this morning as the Monaco Tower was taken down. A series of fireworks and live musical performances marked the occasion as onlookers flooded the sidewalks to see the tower fall.
Video: Jay Brannan.
Riviera's Monte Carlo Tower will be imploded later this summer. It was delayed after asbestos was discovered.
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Driving The Strip Video
The use of GoPro and other new HD cameras have given us some great footage of Las Vegas.
Today I came across this video from early 2015 giving us a glimpse of what it's like to drive up and down the Strip during the day:
Today I came across this video from early 2015 giving us a glimpse of what it's like to drive up and down the Strip during the day:
Sunday, December 06, 2015
Saturday, December 05, 2015
Mid 2000's Las Vegas Strip Video
I stumbled upon this somewhat old video of Las Vegas showing scenery from the Strip back when Planet Hollywood was still Aladdin and when Stardust and Westward Ho were still open.
I'm guessing the footage is from 2005 or earlier (Westward Ho closed late 2005). It's pretty impressive to have HD footage from back then, since HD was a relatively new concept at that time.
I'm guessing the footage is from 2005 or earlier (Westward Ho closed late 2005). It's pretty impressive to have HD footage from back then, since HD was a relatively new concept at that time.
Thursday, December 03, 2015
Stratosphere Take Vegas Back Campaign
The Stratosphere's Take Vegas Back ad campaign is almost a year old, but I haven't had a chance to blog about it.
The premise is that Las Vegas has become too expensive and the Stratosphere is the place to be if you want to get a good value, touting it as a resort for the every man.
With rising hotel rates and added resort fees, the campaign might be more relevant than ever.
I'm wondering if the advertisement might be slightly hypocritical though, since the Stratosphere itself has resort fees, along with not-so-great gaming odds (from what I've heard).
Hypocrisy aside it's nice to see a casino try something new to gain customers, and the message decrying high Vegas prices will certainly resonate with a lot of people.
The premise is that Las Vegas has become too expensive and the Stratosphere is the place to be if you want to get a good value, touting it as a resort for the every man.
With rising hotel rates and added resort fees, the campaign might be more relevant than ever.
I'm wondering if the advertisement might be slightly hypocritical though, since the Stratosphere itself has resort fees, along with not-so-great gaming odds (from what I've heard).
Hypocrisy aside it's nice to see a casino try something new to gain customers, and the message decrying high Vegas prices will certainly resonate with a lot of people.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Vegas Dad GoPro Video Probably Fake
A viral video is making the rounds of a dad in Las Vegas who "accidentally" filmed his entire vacation with a GoPro camera pointed in the wrong direction (back at himself).
As funny as this premise is (or isn't) - it's probably fake. Even if someone were dumb enough to point the camera in the wrong direction, why would they use a selfie stick while attempting to point the camera in a non-selfie direction?
Fake. So fake.
As funny as this premise is (or isn't) - it's probably fake. Even if someone were dumb enough to point the camera in the wrong direction, why would they use a selfie stick while attempting to point the camera in a non-selfie direction?
Fake. So fake.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Phil Ruffin on Ralston Live November 2015
One day after MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren was on Ralston Live, Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin made an appearance on the program.
Fighting back a cold, Ruffin talked about his failed attempt to purchase the Mirage for $1.3 billion, and his close relationship with Donald Trump.
I thought it was interesting there was no mention of Fontainebleau, which is currently for sale. I would have liked to hear if Ruffin is interested in buying the property, although by other comments in the interview I'm sure the answer would have been no.
Fighting back a cold, Ruffin talked about his failed attempt to purchase the Mirage for $1.3 billion, and his close relationship with Donald Trump.
I thought it was interesting there was no mention of Fontainebleau, which is currently for sale. I would have liked to hear if Ruffin is interested in buying the property, although by other comments in the interview I'm sure the answer would have been no.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Jim Murren on Ralston Live November 2015
MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren was on Ralston Live on Monday. He talked about the company's REIT conversion, how he had offers to sell the Mirage, Macau, and more.
Murren wasn't asked about the controversial rumor that MGM Resorts will soon be charging for garage parking in Las Vegas.
Murren wasn't asked about the controversial rumor that MGM Resorts will soon be charging for garage parking in Las Vegas.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Final Presidential Debate in Las Vegas
The Democratic presidential debate is taking place at Wynn Las Vegas tonight.
Las Vegas will do it all over again a year from now though, as the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus will host the third and final general election debate on October 19, 2016.
You can bet that having the final presidential debate in Las Vegas will cause some traffic headaches for locals and tourists alike. On the bright side though we might get to see The Midnight Idol, Mr. Las Vegas himself Wayne Newton do more television appearances like this:
Las Vegas will do it all over again a year from now though, as the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus will host the third and final general election debate on October 19, 2016.
You can bet that having the final presidential debate in Las Vegas will cause some traffic headaches for locals and tourists alike. On the bright side though we might get to see The Midnight Idol, Mr. Las Vegas himself Wayne Newton do more television appearances like this:
Sunday, October 11, 2015
The Linq Parking Garage Flooding
It almost never rains in Las Vegas, and when it does flash flooding can occur. One place that is almost certain to have flooding during a storm is The Linq hotel parking garage. This spot has been prone to flooding for years, dating back to when it was the Imperial Palace.
I was watching the latest TheTrooper97 vlog video and he captured some of this flooding from last week at the 3:21 mark:
I also found another YouTube video from back in July that shows the overflow:
These videos make the Linq parking garage river look pretty dramatic, but I'm guessing this happens frequently enough that the staff knows how to re-direct traffic away from the rushing water.
I was watching the latest TheTrooper97 vlog video and he captured some of this flooding from last week at the 3:21 mark:
I also found another YouTube video from back in July that shows the overflow:
These videos make the Linq parking garage river look pretty dramatic, but I'm guessing this happens frequently enough that the staff knows how to re-direct traffic away from the rushing water.
Sunday, October 04, 2015
Cody Saintgnue 1OAK Mirage Incident
There was an interesting article in the Review Journal about an incident that took place involving actor Cody Saintgnue at 1OAK nightclub at The Mirage last June.
Saintgnue is an actor on the MTV series Teen Wolf and has also had parts on Southland, House, and Criminal Minds. In a recent lawsuit he claims that he was assaulted by 1OAK and Mirage security after a dispute about his bill.
Saintgnue was allegedly invited into a VIP area but only stayed there for a few minutes. After leaving that area the nightclub tried to charge him exorbitant fees for entering that area, which Saintgnue refused to pay.
That's when he was escorted out of the club and allegedly told never to return to any MGM Resorts International property. Some of the incident can be seen in the this video:
Saintgnue is an actor on the MTV series Teen Wolf and has also had parts on Southland, House, and Criminal Minds. In a recent lawsuit he claims that he was assaulted by 1OAK and Mirage security after a dispute about his bill.
Saintgnue was allegedly invited into a VIP area but only stayed there for a few minutes. After leaving that area the nightclub tried to charge him exorbitant fees for entering that area, which Saintgnue refused to pay.
That's when he was escorted out of the club and allegedly told never to return to any MGM Resorts International property. Some of the incident can be seen in the this video:
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Ellie Goulding - On My Mind - Music Video
Yesterday I wrote a blog post about the Sam Smith music video for the song "Money On My Mind" which was set in Las Vegas.
Now we have another Las Vegas music video, this time by Ellie Goulding and similarly titled "On My Mind."
The video features Ellie in various stages of undress highlighted by her riding a horse right into a downtown Las Vegas casino. Fremont Street and El Cortez are featured heavily.
Now we have another Las Vegas music video, this time by Ellie Goulding and similarly titled "On My Mind."
The video features Ellie in various stages of undress highlighted by her riding a horse right into a downtown Las Vegas casino. Fremont Street and El Cortez are featured heavily.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Sam Smith - Money On My Mind - Music Video
The music video for the Sam Smith song "Money On My Mind" takes place in Las Vegas.
Some landmarks I spotted in the video include:
Golden Gate
Paris
Cosmopolitan
Fremont Street
Stratosphere
Dino's Lounge
A Little White Wedding Chapel
Fun City Motel
Flamingo
Some landmarks I spotted in the video include:
Golden Gate
Paris
Cosmopolitan
Fremont Street
Stratosphere
Dino's Lounge
A Little White Wedding Chapel
Fun City Motel
Flamingo
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Riviera used for Fire and Police Training
The Riviera hotel closed on May 4th, and it will likely be imploded sometime in late 2015. The vacant building has found a new purpose though - as a training ground for the Clark County Fire Department, along with police and other agencies.
Having a vacant resort hotel like this gives the police and firefighters a unique opportunity to train on a real life building, something that is rarely done. This video from the LVCVA gives a glimpse inside the Riviera and the training that's going on.
Having a vacant resort hotel like this gives the police and firefighters a unique opportunity to train on a real life building, something that is rarely done. This video from the LVCVA gives a glimpse inside the Riviera and the training that's going on.
Friday, September 04, 2015
Diamond Ice at The Linq
This video caught my eye - the making of diamond ice at 3535 Cocktail Bar at The Linq.
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Manneken Pis LV at The D Las Vegas
Owner of The D and master marketer Derek Stevens is back at it again as The D has unveiled their newest attraction - a replica version of the famous Manneken Pis statue in Brussels, Belgium.
The media frenzy started as The D published this wacky video of Derek Stevens holding an "executive board meeting" announcing that The D has signed the longest entertainment contract in Las Vegas history:
The next day a press conference was held to unveil the new bronze statue.
Photo: Kara Rutkin Instagram.
Here's what Derek Stevens had to say about Manneken Pis LV:
"Alright well today, I want to thank everyone for coming here. Today is going to be a great, great day. September 1st, 2015 will certainly go down as a great day in Las Vegas history.
First I want to start with just a little bit of history here. Manneken Pis, and it is pronounced that way - Manneken Pis was placed in Brussels, Belgium in the year 1619 and today has upwards of 5000 visitors a day come and visit with him.
He's created over 100 sustainable small businesses in and around a three block area in downtown Brussels. Manneken Pis in Brussels symbolizes the spirit of Brussels - which is youthful enthusiasm, an entrepreneurial spirit, a hard working attitude, while being friendly and fun loving. All various traits that we embrace here at The D Las Vegas.
When I was a very, very little boy, and then as I grew up, just as a little boy, and as a teenager, and really up to just a few weeks ago I visited Manneken Pis in Brussels, and I've always been amazed at the crowd that he draws, and the smiles that he brings. I've wanted to bring a version of Manneken Pis to Las Vegas for a number of years.
The D Las Vegas has now given my brother and I the opportunity to respect our Belgian ancestry, and also really give a tip of the cap to my parents who are both 100% Belgian. My mother was on the Belgian council for over 20 years, and my dad grew up in Brussels. He acutally attended the Royal Athenian high school of Brussels which is only a half block away from the original Manneken Pis.
Now today we've said that we signed the longest entertainment contract in Las Vegas history. A hundred year contract with the new and younger version of Manneken Pis, and today we unveil Manneken Pis LV.
In agreeing to this hundred year contract it was important for us to Vegas-size it. A lot's changed in the last 396 years. First and foremost Manneken Pis LV is more than double the size of the original Manneken Pis. Our version is over 500 pounds made out of bronze.
And also adapting to the modern day times, yet showing his youthfulness and entrepreneurial enthusiasm and his hard working attitude, Manneken Pis LV has committed to re-tweet every picture taken with him when he's tagged in a photo. Similar to his father who has over 900 outfits, Manneken Pis LV will begin to develop a seasonal wardrobe - it's going to be lighthearted, fun loving and friendly.
As a part of the long-term contract Manneken Pis LV is committed to bring in joy, a smile, a chuckle, and good fortune to all who visit. And lastly as part of our long term contract - in this day and age when TripAdvisor and Yelp are so important - Manneken Pis Las Vegas will always aim to please."
The media frenzy started as The D published this wacky video of Derek Stevens holding an "executive board meeting" announcing that The D has signed the longest entertainment contract in Las Vegas history:
The next day a press conference was held to unveil the new bronze statue.
Photo: Kara Rutkin Instagram.
Here's what Derek Stevens had to say about Manneken Pis LV:
"Alright well today, I want to thank everyone for coming here. Today is going to be a great, great day. September 1st, 2015 will certainly go down as a great day in Las Vegas history.
First I want to start with just a little bit of history here. Manneken Pis, and it is pronounced that way - Manneken Pis was placed in Brussels, Belgium in the year 1619 and today has upwards of 5000 visitors a day come and visit with him.
He's created over 100 sustainable small businesses in and around a three block area in downtown Brussels. Manneken Pis in Brussels symbolizes the spirit of Brussels - which is youthful enthusiasm, an entrepreneurial spirit, a hard working attitude, while being friendly and fun loving. All various traits that we embrace here at The D Las Vegas.
When I was a very, very little boy, and then as I grew up, just as a little boy, and as a teenager, and really up to just a few weeks ago I visited Manneken Pis in Brussels, and I've always been amazed at the crowd that he draws, and the smiles that he brings. I've wanted to bring a version of Manneken Pis to Las Vegas for a number of years.
The D Las Vegas has now given my brother and I the opportunity to respect our Belgian ancestry, and also really give a tip of the cap to my parents who are both 100% Belgian. My mother was on the Belgian council for over 20 years, and my dad grew up in Brussels. He acutally attended the Royal Athenian high school of Brussels which is only a half block away from the original Manneken Pis.
Now today we've said that we signed the longest entertainment contract in Las Vegas history. A hundred year contract with the new and younger version of Manneken Pis, and today we unveil Manneken Pis LV.
In agreeing to this hundred year contract it was important for us to Vegas-size it. A lot's changed in the last 396 years. First and foremost Manneken Pis LV is more than double the size of the original Manneken Pis. Our version is over 500 pounds made out of bronze.
And also adapting to the modern day times, yet showing his youthfulness and entrepreneurial enthusiasm and his hard working attitude, Manneken Pis LV has committed to re-tweet every picture taken with him when he's tagged in a photo. Similar to his father who has over 900 outfits, Manneken Pis LV will begin to develop a seasonal wardrobe - it's going to be lighthearted, fun loving and friendly.
As a part of the long-term contract Manneken Pis LV is committed to bring in joy, a smile, a chuckle, and good fortune to all who visit. And lastly as part of our long term contract - in this day and age when TripAdvisor and Yelp are so important - Manneken Pis Las Vegas will always aim to please."
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Lucky You - Las Vegas Movie Review
I had avoided the 2007 movie Lucky You (starring Drew Barrymore and Eric Bana) because I had the impression that it wasn't really about Las Vegas, but focused more on the love story between the main characters. I was wrong.
While the love story is prominent, the movie is heavily based on Las Vegas, poker and gambling. The dialog is really strange - it's like the writers had a poker glossary and tried to use each and every term before the end credits. Some of the most ridiculous "people don't talk like this" stuff I have ever seen in a movie.
Lucky You isn't good - but I strangely would encourage any Las Vegas or gambling fan to watch it just to see how bad it is. It falls into the "so bad it's good category" in my opinion. With so much gambling jargon being thrown around it's almost like watching a parody of a poker movie at times.
The cast isn't terrible with Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Shannon having supporting roles, which makes the insanity of the robotic dialog even more head scratching.
As far as Las Vegas scenery, they didn't do much in the way of creative hotel placement that you sometimes see in Vegas movies. Most of the poker action takes place at Bellagio and Binion's (or sets made to look like those places, although the film was shot on location in Las Vegas).
I was expecting to see a standard run of the mill rom-com that I watched just because of Las Vegas, but what I got was a crazy movie that I honestly want to watch again to make fun of the dialog and improbable poker scenarios that play out.
While the love story is prominent, the movie is heavily based on Las Vegas, poker and gambling. The dialog is really strange - it's like the writers had a poker glossary and tried to use each and every term before the end credits. Some of the most ridiculous "people don't talk like this" stuff I have ever seen in a movie.
Lucky You isn't good - but I strangely would encourage any Las Vegas or gambling fan to watch it just to see how bad it is. It falls into the "so bad it's good category" in my opinion. With so much gambling jargon being thrown around it's almost like watching a parody of a poker movie at times.
The cast isn't terrible with Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Shannon having supporting roles, which makes the insanity of the robotic dialog even more head scratching.
As far as Las Vegas scenery, they didn't do much in the way of creative hotel placement that you sometimes see in Vegas movies. Most of the poker action takes place at Bellagio and Binion's (or sets made to look like those places, although the film was shot on location in Las Vegas).
I was expecting to see a standard run of the mill rom-com that I watched just because of Las Vegas, but what I got was a crazy movie that I honestly want to watch again to make fun of the dialog and improbable poker scenarios that play out.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
MGM-AEG Arena Video
I've posted a fair amount on this blog about the new MGM-AEG Arena including a post showing a few interior and exterior construction photos.
I somehow had never come across this video from AEG which shows many computer animation renderings of different aspects of the arena. Not surprisingly - it looks like this arena will have a more upscale feel than arenas in other cities that I've experienced.
I somehow had never come across this video from AEG which shows many computer animation renderings of different aspects of the arena. Not surprisingly - it looks like this arena will have a more upscale feel than arenas in other cities that I've experienced.
Las Vegas Arena from AEG Multimedia on Vimeo.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Bellagio Kabuki Spectacle Videos
The Bellagio fountains Kabuki performance I wrote about last month took place this past weekend. Kabuki star Ichikawa Somegoro performed a show called "Fight with a Carp" on a specially designed stage in front of the fountains.
The shows were very popular. A Japan Times article recapping the event estimated attendance of 10,000 per performance. That number seems a little high, but it looks like they did shut down the right lane of Las Vegas Boulevard to allow for more standing room.
The visual effects of the carp, both on the display in the center and projected on the fountains looked pretty cool. Other than that I'm not exactly sure what was going on. I can't decide if I would want to see something like this if it were a permanent show in Las Vegas. It probably wouldn't be super high on my list.
The first video from vegas.com gives a five minute summary of the performance:
The second video is a standard shot of the show from front and center by Shochiku, the company that was involved with the performance:
The third video is a bird's eye view by Shochiku:
The shows were very popular. A Japan Times article recapping the event estimated attendance of 10,000 per performance. That number seems a little high, but it looks like they did shut down the right lane of Las Vegas Boulevard to allow for more standing room.
The visual effects of the carp, both on the display in the center and projected on the fountains looked pretty cool. Other than that I'm not exactly sure what was going on. I can't decide if I would want to see something like this if it were a permanent show in Las Vegas. It probably wouldn't be super high on my list.
The first video from vegas.com gives a five minute summary of the performance:
The second video is a standard shot of the show from front and center by Shochiku, the company that was involved with the performance:
The third video is a bird's eye view by Shochiku:
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Alex and Mia Las Vegas Videos
Alex and Mia are YouTube vloggers who just a couple of days ago published a series of videos documenting a trip to Las Vegas. I was unfamiliar with Alex and Mia before stumbling upon these videos - but they have two hundred fifty thousand subscribers on YouTube so they're kind of a big deal - at least to a demographic ten to twenty years younger than the readers of this blog.
The first video (August 1, 2015) sets the stage. Alex and Mia (with another couple) travel from LA to Las Vegas for Mia's 21st birthday on Virgin America and check-in to a ridiculous suite at The Cosmopolitan before hitting the Bellagio buffet and doing some gambling at Harrah's. Everything is going well so far.
The next video (August 2, 2015) is where the trouble begins. It starts off with Alex showing off an amazing view of the south Strip and taking advantage of some lavender-peppermint shower gel before the group heads off to ride the High Roller. It looks like they were doing the open bar package and had a good bartender who poured them a shot when the wheel reached its highest point. Some nice Vegas footage here. They then headed to the new O'Sheas to play some beer pong. I haven't been in the new O'Sheas yet, but from the video it kind of reminded me of the old O'Sheas which is a very good sign.
At the 5:25 mark we learn The Cosmopolitan has failed Alex as he reveals he was (allegedly) robbed of a $100 casino chip by (allegedly) the Cosmo housekeeping staff. If that wasn't bad enough - at the 7:48 mark Alex tells us they also found bedbugs in their Cosmo suite. Here's a picture Mia posted on twitter of the bedbug:
After a long wait the group gets moved to another suite which is even better than the first. It must have been a wraparound as they had views of the south Strip along with a different view of the Bellagio fountains and the rest of center Strip.
The third video (August 3, 2015) opens with the view from yet another room as they were told the "eco test for bedbugs came back negative." Interesting. After a trip to Marquee Dayclub Alex and Mia head off to The Palms to dine at Alizé. I had actually never heard of this place that boasts "the most spectacular view in Las Vegas with French cuisine beyond imagination."
The final Las Vegas video (August 4, 2015) starts with Alex placing some insane sports-book wagers followed by the group heading down to Fremont Street.
So there you have it. I enjoyed the Vegas footage in these videos. It was definitely surprising to see the (alleged) theft and bedbug issues at a hotel as nice as The Cosmopolitan. I guess it's a reminder that unfortunate things can happen anywhere, even at the most expensive hotels.
The first video (August 1, 2015) sets the stage. Alex and Mia (with another couple) travel from LA to Las Vegas for Mia's 21st birthday on Virgin America and check-in to a ridiculous suite at The Cosmopolitan before hitting the Bellagio buffet and doing some gambling at Harrah's. Everything is going well so far.
The next video (August 2, 2015) is where the trouble begins. It starts off with Alex showing off an amazing view of the south Strip and taking advantage of some lavender-peppermint shower gel before the group heads off to ride the High Roller. It looks like they were doing the open bar package and had a good bartender who poured them a shot when the wheel reached its highest point. Some nice Vegas footage here. They then headed to the new O'Sheas to play some beer pong. I haven't been in the new O'Sheas yet, but from the video it kind of reminded me of the old O'Sheas which is a very good sign.
At the 5:25 mark we learn The Cosmopolitan has failed Alex as he reveals he was (allegedly) robbed of a $100 casino chip by (allegedly) the Cosmo housekeeping staff. If that wasn't bad enough - at the 7:48 mark Alex tells us they also found bedbugs in their Cosmo suite. Here's a picture Mia posted on twitter of the bedbug:
After a long wait the group gets moved to another suite which is even better than the first. It must have been a wraparound as they had views of the south Strip along with a different view of the Bellagio fountains and the rest of center Strip.
The third video (August 3, 2015) opens with the view from yet another room as they were told the "eco test for bedbugs came back negative." Interesting. After a trip to Marquee Dayclub Alex and Mia head off to The Palms to dine at Alizé. I had actually never heard of this place that boasts "the most spectacular view in Las Vegas with French cuisine beyond imagination."
The final Las Vegas video (August 4, 2015) starts with Alex placing some insane sports-book wagers followed by the group heading down to Fremont Street.
So there you have it. I enjoyed the Vegas footage in these videos. It was definitely surprising to see the (alleged) theft and bedbug issues at a hotel as nice as The Cosmopolitan. I guess it's a reminder that unfortunate things can happen anywhere, even at the most expensive hotels.
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