Despite the cheesy concept, though, the HDTV production of American Idol is a showcase for the technology. The graphics are spectacular; the set sparkles with vivid color; and the images are as crystal-clear as anything you'll see in high-def. Fox has definitely done itself proud. If you have a friend who's never seen HDTV, invite him or her over to catch AI in HD.
The opening credit graphics are especially eye-catching; they look like they were inspired by a LSD trip from the 1960s. Flashing lights and changing colors swirl from one side of the screen to the next as the credits roll by; in fact, speaking of rolling, I wouldn't be shocked if the graphics team was rolling something when they created this thing.
The set, where the performers sing -- or at least attempt to --, looks like a combination of a red light district and a video game; the images are an odd mixture of reds and metallic blue and silver. It's gaudy, but eye-popping..
But, of course, the real question is:
How do the stars of American Idol look in high-def?
Well, as we always do, here is the OnHD.TV list of who looks better and worse in HDTV:
Better
Simon Cowell
Nothing would please me more to say that this British brute looks awful in high-def, but he actually looks okay. In fact, he seems more personable and likeable in high-def, as if some of the rough edges are glossed over by the prettier pictures. In regular television, his acerbic personality seems darker and meaner. But in high-def, it feels more like the schtick that it is. One negative, though: Fox needs to lighten up on that white concealer under his eyes; it's supposed to reduce on-camera puffiness, but it sometimes makes Cowell look like a raccoon.
Ryan Seacrest
The show's waifish host has never met a trend he didn't like. From the stubble on his cheeks to the stylish mousse on his hair, Seacrest looks chic and marvelous in high-def. If only he could get a personality transplant.to go with that carefully orchestrated look.
Worse
Paula Abdul
The 1980s pop star was once a Los Angeles Laker cheerleader. But, now, I'm not sure that even Kobe Bryant would give her a second look. Ms. Abdul is aging fast, although it looks like a full season of Nip/Tuck took place in her cleavage; I think her bosom gets to the set five minutes before she does. One positive, though: Ms. Abdul still has a beautiful smile. In fact, her teeth are whiter than a National Hockey League team.
Randy Jackson
Jackson is American Idol's Zeppo Marx. When Abdul and Cowell dominate the show with their Lincoln-Douglas-like debates, Jackson fades in the background. He's the least noticeable Jackson since Tito. However, when seen, the judge on the left is not HDTV-friendly. In last Wednesday's episode, his face looked a very unhealthy purple; it appeared that the make-up team was trying to cover something up. In addition, Jackson has bad razor bumps all over his neck; you don't see them in regular TV.
The Contestants
Unlike Ms. Abdul and Mr. Seacrest, the talent hasn't had a chance to consult with image doctors; they've been too busy paying the rent and warbling in the shower. Although Fox's make-up team is working overtime to cover up the blemishes, some of the contestants look a little rough around the edges. In fact, some of the male singers look like the edge itself -- and I don't mean the lead guitarist in U2. Those Queer Eye guys could do a whole season on this crew.
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