The Dragon Isles & What Lies Imprisoned Beneath It - Dragonflight Cinematic Analysis

[@moonchild4648]

Alextraza: It's the age of mortals now, you are the new guardians of this world. * demon invasion * * Azeroth gets stabbed * * there's a whole in the sky * Alextraza: You f***ed up, it's the age of dragons again.

[@MrTmac9k]

Yeah, our contract has been voided for non-performance. And I really can't complain, because we've royally hosed things up beyond all recognition.

[@mattsamoto4451]

That is 100% what happend. LOL

[@XavionofThera]

Good. I'm sick of the weird "mortals are the best thing in the universe" hyper-humanism thing. It's gross.

[@zacherynixon6009]

Without this analysis, I never would have seen the dragon silhouettes leaving in the opening scene. Completely missed that even with watching it dozens of times.

[@DragonSouled79]

Same.

[@nacidocoqui]

Right?! Went back and watched it and blew my mind a little to see they were there the whole time!

[@Lupinemancer87]

I thought they were obvious, so I'm amazed some people actually missed that.

[@balrogz5093]

and the nifty glowy colored clouds...

[@Karltonx]

maybe it was because i was already looking for dragons but i noticed it straight away -,-

[@tweekt1293]

You are a master of cinematic breakdowns. You catch subtle details that make the cinematic that much better. Thank you for doing these.

[@isiseungella4688]

Same here: thank you very much, teaching me even more about how to breakdown cinematics. Much appreciated. And yes, I love it and it does feel like a return to the old WoW, Vanilla but in a much more modern way. I do look forward to the changes and improvements, the lessons learned and the love for WoW renewed. Haters will be haters... but there is a lot to still love in present day WoW even if it needs some Love and some work. Ty to all those developing the awesome game we will be playing.

[@NiloAzzurro]

Indeed... He is a great storyteller and the best analyzer out there...

[@fredy2041]

No, he is not, Bellular explained very diferent things

[@easygrin1127]

Its refreshing to hear some one actually genuinely excited about loving WOW instead of shitting on it.

[@OfficialZalzar]

27:31 That "TONY!"-scream together with the music is just incredible and brings me to happy tears each time I hear it! The sense of joy and wonder overwhelm me!

[@Sorrowdusk]

his name is "Stonebro". Even has another name like Zappyboi (Zekhan) did, no one will call him Koranos.

[@PrimetimeD]

Big same :)

[@CallieCEntertainment]

Every WoW cinematic does me in. Terran Gregory is a cinematic genius. He trained his team well. Everyone can hate the game, it could be the worst expac ever, (than even WoD) and the cinematics will bring joy to my heart, a tear to my eye, and a sense of right to the world.

[@Michaela7071]

I also just happy cried watching that part and talis reaction to it, it truly is an emotional cinematic and reminds me of my emotional reaction to parts of how to train your dragon, great deep dive I love these videos tali and evi are so awesome funny and cute

[@andrewgiglio]

"Five keys to open our way. Five torches to light our path." I know some (most?) are sick of the old Ilgy whispers but the 5 flights returning and coinciding with the lighting of the path feels significant.

[@kirksaintpatrick3921]

Yeah man! Your comment should have way more upvotes! I think you’re totally right actually. Somehow in all my pondering on those notes why did I not think of the 5 Dragonflights! I wonder if all this lava is related…

[@Ryan-sn3uo]

Thought the five keys clue was already used for the Jailer opening the way to Zereth Mortis.

[@dan23wiz]

@@Ryan-sn3uo 5 Keys yes, it opened our way to Zereth Mortis but What the mighty @Taliesin & Evitel missed to point is the following: "Hidden from daylight, a sleeping flame rests atop the sixth tree." The Tyrhold beacon, a sleeping flame, hidden from daylight atop the 6th cosmic force - Life/ Dream/ Elune. The Emerald Gems on the titan architecture, on the titan keepers and also on Dragon's seat of Power. This was a specific design by the developers showed in the deep dive. The Emerald Life - Ysera was called the Pet of Elune and Draconic is one of the languages used by the Oracle in Zereth Mortis. And as @Andrew Giglio pointed out, the following whisper was said in Legion and the players were confirmed to be the Torches that will light the way was confirmed in Battle for Azeroth. "Five keys to open our way. Five torches to light our path" "Hear me, God of the Deep! I have brought you the Opener... the Bringer of Truths... the Torch That Lights the Way!" In Shadowlands, we opened the Keys to Zereth Mortis which was all about Life in the afterlives. "Five lanterns now darkened. The flames they seek will light the Masters' way." Now, the above whisper has come to pass partially and once we help the Dragons to retain their lost power, the power that they seek will open the way. We are basically returning to unexplored parts of Uldaman, which is where we found the Curse of Flesh, the Discs of Norgannon. Last but not least, Nozdormu falling to corruption of Old Gods is yet to happen. To think that we defeated N'zoth and is the only outcome of Ny'alotha raid is to ignore all the lessons he was trying to teach us.

[@andrewgiglio]

@@Ryan-sn3uo That may be I was going more for the torches and path lighting which seems to fit this return of the dragons.

[@jeremystewart4949]

Ok. So I'm getting some ulduar videos here. Isn't there a old God named the dreamer Yogg saron I think.

[@OmegaSoypreme]

Got some big MoP cinematic vibes from this one with a big focus on unknown characters, and some amazing shots of the landscape. And at the end with some glorious optimistic music I'm filled with a sense of adventure and new beginnings. It's wonderful.

[@lishuss]

That is what I thought too. I hope it follows the setup for mop, where a good bit was just about exploring this new place. Like we should have also had in bc. I want just an adventure, let the war come later in the xpac

[@TheScarecrow78]

The way Blizz got me to care so deeply about the safety of Stone Bro in just a couple minutes shows how good they are at these cinematics.

[@kirksaintpatrick3921]

But also makes you wonder what the fuck happened with Zovaal. They are so clearly capable! WHAT HAPPENED?!

[@isiseungella4688]

@@kirksaintpatrick3921 Draenor has so much going for it and then it flopped. The same for SL, only worse, circumstances came from pandemic to dispirited staff and more. The Jailer needed a lot "more' and there simply was not enough lore, inspiration, time to develop all the quests and expansion needed. That's what happens when you are on a fix timer and things just do not work out! I hope we return to 'ready when it is ready' however dangerous it is for loss of subscriptions.

[@schippes24]

@@kirksaintpatrick3921 it's quite simple. the cinematics arent made by blizz themselves :)

[@kirksaintpatrick3921]

@@schippes24 source? That would shock me. Terran Gregory makes these; he’s the lead of the Cinematic teams. There’s several videos of him telling us about how the art team chose to do things in the Jania Warbringer cinematic

[@rafalpawlowicz3213]

I feel like its also worth mentioning how the cinematic is a complete opposite of the cata with Deathwing, whereas his flight signalled destruction, Alexstraszas brings life. If you watch them they mirror each other but with completely opposite message. While she brings water around that sprouts grass and flowers, Deathwing uses it to flood areas and destroy the dam. They also end on a similar pose, but her singals hope to the islands while Deathwing brought destruction to Stormwind.

[@osheroth]

Also Alex placing Stony at the end all gentle like "here u go bud :)", while Deathwing's landing was all like "FUCK THIS CITY IN PARTICULAR"

[@bonefetcherbrimley7740]

@@ancedrius4646 I dunno, I liked Cata. ESPECIALLY VASHJ'IR.

[@osheroth]

@@ancedrius4646 Legion was amazing wym

[@girplejuice]

Wow, i had no idea! Thanks for pointing this out

[@sprksmr7208]

@@ancedrius4646 easy there bud, Cata is my favorite.

[@nudush]

Please NEVER stop doing these Cinematic Analysis, i love them!

[@dreadpiratedan]

i love the fact that we're headed to the dragon isles as part of an explorer's league/reliquary expedition, instead of militarily to put down an enemy force. i can't wait to see what sort of league and reliquary themed gear there is - i'm personally hoping for armour sets that evoke the explorer's league recruit a friend transmog set, that really make us look like travelling adventurers with backpacks and coils of rope and canteens and what not. hopefully, the news about adding white and grey quality gear to transmog options so we can look more like "simpler, humbler civilian attire-types" is a hint that they're also going to be adding more of the Lost Isle style low-fantasy gear to the game, for more grounded, low-fantasy outfits across the board

[@ImaplanetJupiteeeerr]

Yes low fantasy gear would be absolutely incredible. ❤️

[@chaoticwonder3278]

I wonder if we'll see the return of archaeology, perhaps that will be a way to get some unique gear/xmogs. Dragon archaeology?

[@ImaplanetJupiteeeerr]

@@chaoticwonder3278 Ian said in Hazel nuttys interview that archeology is not being worked on atm, sadly.

[@edelleaa]

i think explorer themed gear or a whole set sounds way too optimistic... but id love to be proven wrong! id love to have more of that kind of items in general not tied to shop sets and stuff like that and i'm always jealous when i see someone with the recruit a friend set haha i hope we get more of that type of items with 3d details, books, potions on the belt, small pouches, backpacks etc.

[@chrisondrovic3106]

I guarantee the combined knowledge of the Explorer's League and the Reliquary are going to unearth some Old God stuff that will bring in the military might.

[@johntye5433]

The cinematic team always knocks it out of the park, and I love all of them, but whatever person or group animated the watcher should take a bow. So good with the subtle but clear emotions, I'm in awe of what they accomplished. I do believe this is the most hopeful cinematic I've seen, I'll take that as hope for a revitalized and forward looking WoW in general.

[@Errorikttv]

I enjoy the "woah, something cool happened. lets go see!" feeling to this trailer. Most of the other trailers are "oh no big bad danger! what are we going to do?", not that it's an unwelcome quality.

[@kexys]

Doesn't matter how many times I watch it, your reaction to Tony when he falls and what happens after is guaranteed to bring a tear to my eyes. Such an emotional part of the cinematic that I haven't experienced in ANY of the previous ones.

[@Sisren86]

The only rival to Stoney Tony's expression and emotion in this cinematic is the shot of pure, tear-inducing awe, bordering on pain, on Anduin's face as he calls on the Light in the BfA cinematic. That shot of Anduin expresses everything I imagine one would feel upon setting eyes on their god/deity of choice.

[@Nagasaki232]

One thing I noticed when Tony gets rescued, he's smiling too. Isn't this the first time we even see the watchers' mouthes move? Tony (and us) are so happy the dragons are back. He smile is as wide as ours in this moment.

[@trip9g]

I felt the same, Tali. Even the fact that Tony's awakening starts out with that superb cut and that jingle, in that very specific way and that the Dragon Isles are also shrouded in mist made me feel like the vibe of this expansion is definitely trying to be reassuring like "forget what happened in the last decade and just enjoy yourself" the fact that there's no battle or war going on and the implication that this is a soft reboot is more than great, because Mists had the same vibe and that expac had the best and most intriguing development of them all, all the way to the very end.

[@abydosianchulac2]

Two thoughts from this: ---The intermingling of the flights instead of their normally segregated nature gave me strong Dragonriders of Pern vibes, and I am ALL here for that. ---The care Alex. shows in putting Tony down is adorable. The way she focuses so hard on setting him down securely tickles me to no end.

[@rickh852]

Yep, reminded me of The Dragonriders of Pern also. : )

[@blinkferret]

Yes, this also brought up Dragonriders of Pern for me. And that is a VERY good thing! I also feel such a joyful trailer cinematic lays a good emotional groundwork for ramping up the threat level as we get into the expansion. We start out feeling stoked, we’re emotionally invested (in Tony Stonebro), and that allows for a greater emotional willingness to go along with/become invested in events and threats as they come up throughout the expansion. You need the highs to make the lows matter. And yes, I love how she set Tony down, too. Dragon!Mum all the way.

[@theasinclaire52]

Dragonriders, Yes! Also I loved Menolly.

[@winklethrall2636]

I joined a guild called Dragonflight years ago just because the GM was a Dragonriders of Pern fan whose toon was named Moreta. Not sure that any other guildies even knew the guild name's origin. Also chucked in Shadowlands at Oribos portals that took me through the "in between".

[@randomnobody660]

She did leave him on a tower with no visible way to get down thou. Tony was struggling to climb to the beacon that runs straight up and has frequent hand/footholds. How's the poor lad to get down from that overhang?

[@pedrohln]

Curious stuff I just realized after watching you say about dragonblight music theme twisted. The difference between dragonblight/flight are the letters B and F. In music the B note are more frequent in ominous/dark themes whereas F are present more in hopeful/heavenly theme songs.

[@MeTakingAStand]

Musically, this is definitely a spooky coincidence, but one of the coolest observations I think I've ever seen. Nicely done

[@phoenixascending6501]

The WOW musicians are absolute geniuses. That is very interesting.

[@nickfarace9339]

I really like how that moment that everything lights up and gains color and life, is almost a symbol of us leaving the depressing expansions like Legion, BFA, and especially Shadowlands. Moving into a time of fun and adventure, and not the world ending around us and needing to save it from the start of every new expansion.

[@lonelystarslibrary9326]

Exactly what I thought!

[@jambarine]

Something about the score that plays when Alexstrasza swoops in makes me extremely emotional with a general feeling on euphoria. I’m hoping this expansion can deliver something amazing.

[@derekh8742]

I might be looking into this too much, but the 3 shots of the destoryed titan watchers always through back this line to me. See no Evil Speak no Evil hear no Evil. Foreshadowing?

[@UmbraLyrel]

Damn, you're right!!!

[@scottsiray7069]

Damn dude, that's clever!

[@chrisgeis9812]

Now hear I expected this channel’s first post announcement video to be completely about how Tali’s wish to be a Tuskaar is that much closer to reality

[@isiseungella4688]

LOL I had the same reaction: Tuskaars are back, Taliesin will be happy. We can't play them... not YET. Personally I wouldn't but I welcome the lore and quests around them.

[@ChaosWalker724]

Im sure others have noticed it, but during the scene where Stony Tony tries to light the beacon and it fails, he has a moment that to me looks exactly like Sylvanas in the BFA cinematic. The explosions rocking the frame, looking around him before looking down almost in pain. Then the determination, and he starts to climb the tower, where as Sylvanas jumped into enemy territory during the fight to bring hope back to her soldiers.

[@CarthusDojo]

Based on the story deep dive, the elemental energy is actually a positive thing and it’s return is why the isles are waking up again. This makes sense since Dragons are evolved elementals. As for the colors of the aspects in the sky, before the beacon is fully lit those are described as the beacon for the Dragons to return and that’s why they were at the isles so quickly. They got there between Tony turning on the beacon and him climbing it to fully activate it to allow them in. Great video!

[@AjaxTele]

This doesn’t make sense with the dragons being already near the isles literally 3 seconds after Tony is ejected. The elemental magic follows the dragonflights here, not the other way around!

[@corbingovers7559]

Watching this trailer, I was reminded of IMO one of the absolute best expansions in wow history, mists. I quit early in shadowlands (mostly due to having a toddler). But no other expansion has captured the pure joy of exploration and dungeon delving like mists did. Wow hitting those notes again makes me very excited.

[@abelpf]

It's funny you say that, because I remember people used to say MoP wasn't a good expansion. As for me, I really loved the old/ancient asian setting and music. Dragonflight's cinematic kind of reminded me of MoP too

[@corbingovers7559]

@@abelpf at the time there was a lot of Kung fu panda Herr derr trollishness. Also it was the first expansion really catered to LFR. But from just a raw fantasy "exploring a new land and discovering its problems" pov, it was the best one IMO. EVERY zone was something wholly new not tied to anything else. Also there was loads of breathing room, you helped people who had small problems then slowly ramped up. Not always all hope is lost without you!

[@pinion666]

MoP got better with the QQ addon.

[@Kalibby22]

The moment she grabs him, I gasped and burst out in happy tears. I love this game. I can't wait to dig back into Dragon shenanigans. Some of my favorites in game

[@atibamaule]

It's so good Taliesin has a background in theater. Most of that stuff would go over our heads.

[@Bleuchz]

It is so stupid how good the Tony getting saved moment was. Like of course that's how it was going to play out but they just nailed it.

[@Boon_TV]

I love how Tony is putting the top of the tower back together, opening the sky over this vibrant environment, and how that contrasts with the beginning of Shadowlands

[@Fenrir2012]

Nothing I like more on a Friday than coming home with food from my favorite local restaurant, packing up, and having a 30+ minute T&E cinematic analysis. I missed the dragon silhouettes and I've seen this at least 12+ times. Bring on the hopium!

[@Luc.Hewett]

Im supprised that ive not heared anyone talk about how Tony putting the beacon back together looked like Sylvanas ripping apart the help in the Shadowlands cinematic

[@ddenozor]

22:45 Important lesson for titans: Never again comission goblin engineers to build your machinery.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

Gazlowe: WHAT!? hey, first of all it didnt explode, secondly malfunctions are bound to happen after 10,000 years! sheesh!

[@Ghastly1]

Blatant Gnomish propaganda

[@joshualogan84]

Happy. WoW has habituatlly broken my hearth with the dragons and to see a return (yes, I'm aware it was leaked) to see this cinematic made me really happy. Stoney Tony was the perfect protagonist and Alexstrasza plucking him from the air hit all my heart strings. Loved your break down and seeing your live reaction here, I'm still on the fence on whether I'll ever return but I am happy for all those who continue to play and for those that are going to return, this expansion (and I really really hope it is) could be the love letter to the fans we need after Bfa and Shadowlands.

[@Cuthaleon91]

I was so confused the first part of the trailer, I almost thought we got a light vs void expac. I also cheered at alextraxza showing up and sighed with relief at the fact that we get a more cheerful and chill expansion

[@ultravioletcatastrophe]

well the cheerfulness and chillness will probably last for 10.0 and then there's going to be some Old God / Galakrond / Murozond shit to deal with. Like with MoP

[@adamhaughton561]

As soon as it said 10,000 years ago I knew it was war of the ancients. Which meant the sundering. Which meant Dragons.

[@meganthrash7823]

Am i the only one who speculates that given that the explosion is so far away & it seemingly hasn't affected the Dragon Isles at all, that we're finally about to be exploring continents far beyond Eastern Kingdoms & Kalimdor. There surely must be more continents unexplored further around the back of the globe.

[@TheSilverwing999]

I think they explained one time that what we see of the planet on a map is only half of the whole planet?

[@vukkulvar9769]

The green vortex thing of the Legion would rather place the dragon isles near the maelstrom.

[@FREEkdaman]

@@vukkulvar9769 No, that vortex was where the Well of Eternity was, so this is off the main map of the old Pangea style Azoroth map as the Well turned into the Maelstrom.

[@webausay]

@@FREEkdaman thats fairly obvious. But the fact that the well ls close enough that you can see the fel storm around it would suggest that the dragon isles aren't that far off from what we've already explored.

[@FREEkdaman]

@@webausay that green vortex is covering the whole of old Azoroth though, and than everything got pushed away from the Wells explosion

[@Eridian757]

I smiled and cursed so much when Alrextrasa saved him. That was such a cool cinematic and I’m so ready for Dragonflight .

[@Dunwicc]

Feels like I've been waiting for this video for like 10k years or sth, although it was just a few days

[@crankypants1366]

I know I'm not the only one that cries every time they watch this cinematic. It is PERFECT. It tells such a beautiful story in such a short amount of time.

[@cadencenavigator958]

The music team really killed it, it's just so good, and I adore the little like, jerky, stiff movements of the watchers in closeup and the slow deliberate motions from far away- it's really good at communicating a sense of weight, and Tony's face is so expertly animated that even when it's still you can tell what he's thinking- it's just such a fantastic cinematic, I'm so hyped for this expansion

[@Joulespersecond]

*watches trailer for Dragonflight* "Oh man, I can't wait for the T&E deep dive"

[@ImaplanetJupiteeeerr]

Awesome analysis Tali! The music when the dragons arrive is a fn banger, I love it so much, it brings tears of joy to my eyes. From the expansion I would still want timewalking raids to become available all of the time, with good loot. And making unrated pvp and epic battlegrounds give useful loot. :) That would be perfect. ❤️

[@Zetherior]

The constant battering of "what's under titan facilities again?" line made me laugh more and more every time

[@El_Sparky]

The minute Tali went “or what’s underneath” I said “fuuuuuuuck…” out loud in the middle of a store. Got the “ok… crazy…” look from everyone

[@courtneya9731]

To give a possible reference missed(or maybe just my weird brain making crazy connections) Tony ascending the stairs of Tyrhold felt reminiscent of Arthas’ ascension of Icecrown. The slow, deliberate steps up a spiraling staircase amidst an elemental extreme to get on with doing a Very Important Task at the top of a tower where a king of sorts lies dead(or undead) atop his throne… No? Just me? Okay

[@thomasm9384]

I thought Tony was Pebbles!

[@TemronTM]

Man, this cinematic would be terrifying if seen from the perspective of one of the Isles' current inhabitants, like a centaur child.. "HELP, WE'RE BEING INVADED BY MONSTERS!!!!" Feels like the reverse of the Cataclysm cinematic :p

[@chaselevinson7950]

Yeah, I don't think the Dragon Isles were as lifeless as Taliesin painted them. The Centaurs alone have evolved over the millennia into an almost continent spanning, multi-tribal race.

[@sorarockss93]

@@chaselevinson7950 And we're all gonna bloody murder them. >:)

[@klockrenlol]

@@chaselevinson7950 I've been wondering about that, have they evolved in a constant darkened sky? Like is this the first time in 10 000 years they see the sun and blue sky?

[@thesamlamden9542]

"Pure" and "Euphoric" are the perfect words, it absolutely melted me and I and I am 1000% okay with that. Masterclass analysis as always dude.

[@RyanCoMoore]

I don't think there's anyone in the WoW community that gets me as hyped and joyful as y'all do Taliesin and Evitel. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us.

[@TheNekokuma]

I've had some speculation in my head as to what stories, they could tell in this expansion, and I latched on to "the world is healing but her fate is yet uncertain". I think it's plausible that the focus on the expansion could be on healing Azeroth, who still has a GIANT SWORD stuck in her! For that purpose, it might be handy to have the help of the aspects, but in particular the black and green aspects, except Deathwing and Ysera are both dead. We know Wrathion is going to play an important role in this expac, and the black dragonflight has a particularly strong connection to the earth and, by extension, Azeroth's world soul. The green dragonflight is ofc known for thair connection to the emerald dream, which could help heal the physical world, Azeroth's "body". So an expansion focused on helping and healing could be a way to go :) Just my musings though, thank you for doing these analysis, I always wait for them with excitement :D

[@rubenbylovandersen160]

As always, the expansion reveal trailer is awesome. I totally agree that this cinematic definitely channels a kind of pure joy in the last part... i mean... Dragons... just dragons... Dragons are always awesome...

[@jesserothhammer7378]

Evitel needs props for that intro. That's the best, funniest, and least burdensome advertisement ever.

[@owleyes8600]

My favorite detail is the tiny moment of grief when Tony see's his king is dead. He cared about these people, but right now he has to do his duty.

[@SnidgetAsphodel]

I dont understand people who disliked this cinematic. For me it was the most heartfelt one we've ever had, and promises the adventure we all want, and I love that.

[@Slippy82]

But it ment nothing. I felt very underwhelmed and just a bit meh.... I do like the fact we are back in Azeroth and back to the fantasy side of wow! All this robot crap really put me off SL. Looking forward to see how the new talent tree works and potential there. As for the dragon flying, just feels a bit gimmicky. Been let down too many times, they have a year to get this right and add too it. Let's hope they do considering what new games are coming out this year and next! They need to pull something special out the bag to keep players and bring in new ones.

[@lizzy901922]

Everytime I see Alex’s smile after she catches Tony…I start crying. I wish her sister and her mate were returning home with her. Anyone else or just me?

[@Ozraevun]

I love the tiny smile Tony gives us at the end when he sees the dragons return through the clouds when he's taken for his joyride with our Red Queen.

[@terbear5120]

Your reaction top Tony being saved was pure gold. The genuine reaction...joy...was awesome! It makes me smile every time I see you do it (and I re-watch your reaction video just for that moment).

[@jamesd.wheeler5664]

Opening scared the crap out of me, and then I scared the crap out of my cats by laughing my ass off. Well played, E.

[@CPwithJosh]

Tali!! Please do a 12 things you hate about oribos! its been awhile since we've had one.

[@gwenntastic7143]

There are some people saying that this trailer even gives them goosebumps anymore. Can relate at all, every time the dragons come home and rescure Tony, with that pure joy they spread, I start crying of happines. And also, Tonys expressions tho. SO deep.

[@latedala07]

Man, this cinematic live made me tear up when Alexstrasza saved Tony as the How To Train Your Dragon-esque music blasted triumphantly. Absolutely excellent cinematic, and excellent breakdown. So excited about the amount of unknowns for this next expansion!

[@milanrincel4301]

Great analysis as always! However, I feel that the point you're making about the magma and it's possible connections to the elements being unruly is shaky, especially when considering that Alexstraza says in the introduction "You will feel our return in the waking of the land.". This line makes it seem as if the land itself had gone dormant in the dragons' absence, therefore stopping tectonic/elemental activity, and the fact that magma is suddenly shown surging from the earth feels like the land literally waking up.

[@SpodsandRockers]

Somewhere, there is a blizzard dev cursing Tali for making an infinitely better name for a character than Koranos

[@samateus1987]

OH man, your jab about the jailer not having expression at ALL just had me hollering. Priceless.

[@lordsloth9337]

Okay... I just gotta say... When Taliesin came on from the side on the add with that big excited grin "AT LAST!", I absolutely lost it XD

[@cypherca5309]

Originally I thought the water changing color might have related to Azerite, like the Titan facility wouldn’t let the full wounds bleed through. It makes sense that it’s a response to the dragons though. And while Galakrond is likely, I’m placing my bets that we’ll finally see a certain aspect fall to his future self by the end of the expansion.

[@Juniper_Rose]

Real talk; I like that this cinematic isn't focusing on "ACTUALLY THE WORLD SUCKS AND YOU GOTTA SAVE IT". I know we'll get there, but it really feels like "Hey so who wants to see some cool shit?" For the first time...ever in WoW? We're not chasing a bad guy who plans on coming back to conquer, or ran from judgement. We're not chasing after a fugitive. We're going to explore the Dragon Isles because it's been unexplored for 10,000 years. We're going there to see what it's all about because it's *new*. For the first time since...god, basic World of Warcraft? We're *adventurers*. We're not Heroes or Champions or Maw-Walkers or whatever. We're *adventurers* going on a journey to *explore*.

[@Hi-fd4cw]

I mean, MoP was like that

[@abydosianchulac2]

Yeah, MoP had a similar vibe to its trailer; haven't felt things like this cinematic gave me since the mists parted over the Jade Forest. Then again, that image is always followed up in my mind by the vision of Garrosh striding towards the camera with the Sha energy he unleashed erupting around him, so there's always a risk to loving WoW's zones to much.

[@Juniper_Rose]

@@Hi-fd4cw Great as MoPs was, it still felt very much like we were headed there because the Horde and Alliance couldn't keep their war under control. This feels like sheer unadulterated "Hey, wouldn't this be neat?"

[@Hi-fd4cw]

@@Juniper_Rose In interviews it says there’s still horde and alliance that are chomping at the bit to fight each other though, so nothing’s changed. From Ion himself, he said that.

[@TecTitan]

This is the earlies to a T and E vid I've ever been in my whole life. Seriously always like your vids, and thanks to those who support you.

[@blazingmonolith4323]

Anyone else get a little teared up with Taliesins stream reaction to Tony being caught. I can't believe how much I love this franchise. You helped bring me back my friend, thank you.

[@DragonSouled79]

When I got to thinking about the dragons hiding their home from even themselves, I thought "Oh, that makes sense, because Deathwing." But then I remembered that Neltharion didn't become Deathwing until basically the very END of the War of the Ancients. So were they protecting this last bit of Azeroth from the Legion, assuming that if they can't find it, they can't burn it? Or did they have some inkling that something wasn't... quite right with ol' Nelthy? It's also interesting that there don't appear to be ANY black dragons returning to the isles, even though we know there are at least 2 who aren't total jerkwads. I have so many questions, and I hope they're all answered, because this expac has me seriously considering returning to WoW. I mean, sure, I'll have to suffer through the Shadowlands expac if I do, but... so be it.

[@TheSilverwing999]

You might not have to play shadowlands. They say that the new player experience will be going from bfa straight to dragonflight. So depending on your level you could skip it completely

[@Heidelmann]

Or if they give you a boost token again.

[@Duthjoods]

One Wowhead article mentioned that they basically want the same lvl system as it is of now, just 1-60 instead of 1-50. Meaning that after your first 10 lvls you choose via chromie time one xpac to lvl through, including Shadowlands. So you can lvl through Shadowlands or skip it all. If I understood that correctly. Edit: Article says: New players will do Exile’s Reach -> BFA -> Dragon Isles and veterans can choose the xpac they want to lvl in.

[@lucasmateus7804]

Stony Tony is gonna be really important in during the expansion i think, and i hope so, we need more of hin.

[@Mary667]

I loooooooooooved the cinematic and I am so excited for this expansion! The happiness you described having while watching the dragons come flying back just gave me goosebumps and I was screaming in my seat when I saw Alexstrasza swooping in to save Tony

[@droodthedude]

It's funny you say this Tali, I 100% always have the same reaction of seeing Alex returning home, saving our Stone Bro. A smile across my face, even tears of joy and happiness out of my eyes.(I know a bit cringe, but it just has something that triggers my emotional response so hard) . This is just such an amazing piece of art and fantastic story they're telling in these 5 minutes, I love it to bits.

[@gregackerson5957]

Question #4: Will there be a quest to find Stony Tony's staff?

[@Brooke-rw8rc]

It's resting against the main console. It would be a nice touch if it was still sitting there in-game. :)

[@shinydoubloon8237]

@@Brooke-rw8rc would be cool if we got it as a transmoggable weapon

[@xXKnowyouXx]

What if Wrathion is becoming an aspect in the prepatch for dragonflight, and that's why the dragonisles can finally be powered up again after 10.000 years, because for the first time after the sundering there are 5 aspects again... Although that would mean the green flight also has a new aspect... Or maybe we take ysera with us from the shadowlands :D

[@Eric95372]

I was about to look that up about green aspect.

[@shinydoubloon8237]

ysera cannot leave ardenweald, she is stuck there forever. her daughter Merithra is the new green aspect

[@Likeableartist]

this cinematic gives me tears every time i watch it, It is everything I dreamed about when i first played wow, seeing dragons. I've always loved the dragons more in WoW than in any other property. And i see all the amazing things that the Devs have said that they will be going back to, it truly excites me. But it also Breaks my heart as well because I don't want to be Burned by blizzard/WoW again. everything lately has made me more likely to never resub and never play wow ever again. But i still love WoW, and i will wait for that one day, like Tony did, for Life to return to the World of warcraft.

[@Saimeren]

Stony Zeus used his right hand to turn the wheel in the beginning, but when he's in his chair crumbled apart he has his left hand showing. He clearly had two hands when he fell asleep.

[@TheCheezeybacon]

Been waiting for this one!

[@TheSilverwing999]

I bet that this whole expansion will lead into what the biggest threat of all mentioned by the jailer is. Maybe the last raid of the expansion will lead into it? They did say that we won't what the ultimate big baddie is from the beginning and that we will uncover it along the way like in mists? What i mean is that it won't be in this expansion, but that it will be mentioned towards the end. And we will need all the dragonflights to be united to fight it.

[@SupachargedGaming]

Nozdormu/Murozond and the infinite dragonflight.

[@SaarimaaSauli]

Imagine all this work to make the game better again... and then returning to the stuff everyone hated. Yeah, not gonna happen. It's gonne be same as WoD, they pretend it never happened. Last baddie will most likely be Murozond, but I'm kind of hoping it would be Galakrond.

[@TheSilverwing999]

@@SupachargedGaming I don't think that's the end "baddie". I think there is a bigger baddie to come. But yes murozond will likely be the big bad of this expansion specifically.

[@TheSilverwing999]

@@SaarimaaSauli What i am saying is that I don't think anything we see in this expansion (dragonflight) will be what the jailer was referring to at all. There is something else coming

[@dtulip1]

See this is why I watch Tali's deep dives...I had literally not seen the colours in the sky...thank you for that if nothing else (but I also loved you JOY in the live watch of this cinematic

[@913_Niyala]

The way you analyzed every bit of symbolism in this cinematic was truly beautiful, heck, even touching. :')

[@skinnahxx]

You've got me more excited about the expansion than Blizzard did....I feel like you could make a second channel covering movies and it succeeding.....seriously

[@vegokhana]

One thing I am wondering, and it's unrelated to this cinematic is,: What about Chromatus? Yes, Galakrond is definately a big bad lizard who basically was the first necromancer on Azeroth. But Chromatus, before the Dracthyr, was the original hybrid of the 5 dragonflights, at least as far as I know. I know that there were also chromatic dragons who were featured I think in Cataclysm, like a chromatic drake mount that we could get. One thing that I would like to know is if we may be getting this 6th "Dragonflight", this "abomination" of dragon nature, and with Chromatus being the leader of the Chromatic dragonflight?

[@MeTakingAStand]

I think the moment Alex grabs Tony & swoops & spins around so triumphantly is tied with the moment Saurfang reclaims the Horde from Sylvanas for most emotionally evocative moments in WoW cinematic history for me. I cannot explain WHY this cinematic works so perfectly for me--there is something primal within me that just wakes up every time I see & hear it. The music is PERFECTION, massive kudos to the arranger for that. I'm just excited for an expansion that returns to the roots of high fantasy with dragons at the forefront rather than spooky demon gods or death titans. There is something pure about that, and I have hope that we will get to go back to places we rarely do, like Northrend. There is tremendous potential in this expansion & I really want to want to play WoW again.

[@DasDevilSquid]

Tony's facial expressions are honestly some of the best non-vocal communication the game has had in a long time. Saurfang had some great moments as well, but the sheer determination and acceptance in Tony's face with just subtle and simple expressions really sold it for me. The dragons were cool too, i suppose.

[@MiaThorsteinsson]

Definitely a beautiful scenematic, and it made me root for the stone dude so much. Does it make me want to buy the expansion, and come back to play? Not really, no.. I'm fairly interested in the Drachtyr and Evoker class, but, not nearly enough to want to spend money on it. There's potential for good story telling, but they've had that for years, and have done very little with it, so, I'll be watching reviews and such, when the expansion launches, and see where it goes

[@vampocalpyse]

On a side note I was underwhelmed when I first saw the cinematic but with the play by play I can see it in a new light. Still don't know if I'll be preordering though still feeling a bit crispy after SL.

[@kirksaintpatrick3921]

Well, good news Fenrir: try the original high fantasy flavor instead of the extra crispy! ;)

[@JCdragon81]

I loved loved loved this cinematic. Was filled up hope and the unknown. I’m excited to explore this island and learn more about it. Your reaction to when Tony was saved was pure joy and mirrored my reaction.

[@Sta_cotto]

Couple ideas on the various topics: 1) What is buried beneath the isles? - Concept art is floating around of these primal elemental dragons, presumably the "aspects" of the element dragons (stone, storm, water and fire) 2) What has awakened the isles? - That glowing water on the coast reminded me of Azerite, ngl. Doesn't explain the 4-year in-universe time gap, but the zovaal fight did see interaction with Azeroth's soul again, just a theory. 3) The beacon - Seems to be less of a lock or seal on something and maybe just the keystone on a regulatory system for the island; seismic and climate stabilization, all that jazz

[@Baconflyer321]

Long live Stony Tony!

[@meganthrash7823]

Also, perhaps Alexstrasza means that Azeroth's soul is finally awakening fully? Which could be making the final Old God(s) panic, stirring the elements, trying to rebuild an army once again to fight again?? As a last attempt to kill her while she’s trying to heal. Knowing that the entire reason that the Old Gods got the treatment they got in the first place was in fact because of the baby world soul.

[@SoftSemtex]

i think tali nailed it, "you will feel our return in the wakening of the land" as in the land is awakening because we returning

[@meganthrash7823]

@@SoftSemtex i agree, Tali always does a fantastic job in all of his deep dives. I just find it so fun to speculate & try to make connections to even the craziest possibilities because, well, it’s just fun 🖤

[@SoftSemtex]

@@meganthrash7823 yeah, we're all here for the speculations :) and two things can be true at the same time, after all ;) what you said is probably the reason the aspects are coming home in the first place. i'm so giddy right now, i havent been this hype for an expansion since legion :p

[@meganthrash7823]

@@SoftSemtex dude same

[@monkeysk8er33]

I started to cry when I saw Tony fall. When Alex flies by to save him I shouted soooo loud in joy. I've never cared about a character so quickly in the history of storytelling. And that's proof Blizzard still knows what they're doing. I've told people for over a decade that Blizzard are writing geniuses, but everyone always complains...until they see videos like this and remember why they love Blizzard. My love for them never dies. I've loved every expansion. It's only gotten better. But I have a strong feeling this is going to be as great as Legion. Especially if this leads into a Void Lords expansion, and has Galakrond, Chromatus, Nefarian, Synestra, and Deathwing return, as well as the birth of Murozond.

[@Torrenaxe]

That comparison between Tony and me being an old WoW player really hit home. Very well done T&E. ❤

[@sheesh3214]

No player housing? See ya next xpac

[@menalgharbwalsharq648]

So I guess you will not need your gold for the next 3 years... Mind a small sharing ?

[@leequesada439]

Your reaction to the tony fall was identical to mine... well close, I shed a couple tears cause in his dramatic facial expression changes i became attached to him, saw him as my friend instantly. When he fell i freaked out, and when he was caught i was as exuberant as you. SO GLAD He lives.

[@CallieCEntertainment]

I saw Tony as giving up at that point, he did everything he was told, he's a stone guy, following the rules... But then, suddenly, something that's never happened before, an idea lights up his mind and inspiration strikes. The realization opening on his face is beautiful.

[@blazingmonolith4323]

I cannot be the only one calling the cinematic guy Stoney Tony pretty much for the rest of eternity, can I? I also very much appreciate Talis enthusiasm about this, you make me want to love warcraft again.

[@michaeltingen1076]

Always love your analyses. (Yes I had to google plural form of analysis.) Great and wonderful as ever! Managed to show me a couple of small details I had missed as well. So one thing I was surprised to not hear you mention was the feeling that Stony Tony being an underdog who had a solo mission to help save the islands. Such as a quest. Like in the olden WoW days where our character power wasn't destroying Gods and Titans alike, but a small quest, as a normal adventurer, just to light a beacon or such. Gave the feeling of "1 person can make a change" without it having to be some extremely World-Saving God-Killing Ass-Kicking feat Love to see it and much love from a fellow player.

[@eleriloki6275]

You ALWAYS do credit to WoW's cinematics. I always wait with baited breath to see what you have to say and what you've picked out that I didn't see. And you must be a music nerd because you always point to the themes that play in the background, especially when the harken back to a previous xpac. You have been instrumental in me understanding the lore of this game so many times. Thank you, thank you. And REALLY thank you for the reaction to the saving of Tony. That is priceless!

[@epic-o2215]

I already loved the cinematic for being so pure and hopeful. I didn't even think of it much as a story. Your analysis however just showed me that it is an even better story than many of the cinematics we have gotten before. It's so awesome! I thought it interesting as well that Azerite is gold/blue....and the beacon was gold and the water had that blue glow... I mean Alex is talking about Azeroth healing, and to heal her we collect and infuse her with more azerite....at a titan facility.

[@JBainbridge1027]

Thank you very much T&E there were several things that you brought up that frankly I just completely misssed. Also, I cannot lie, your reaction to Stony Tony being saved choked me up quite a bit. Though they were tears of joy. I have played this silly game we all love since beta, and this cinematic is the best thing I have seen since the original launch. For the first time in a very long long time, I am excited for a new WoW expansion. Thank you for doing what you do. It is greatly appreciated.

[@sarephina2629]

Ngl alexstrasza swooping down and saving Tony made my tear up lol. I think this is one of my most favorite expansion reveals!