Olympic Opening Ceremonies 2012: Highlights of Most Exciting Moments

The 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony certainly didn't disappoint. Check here for highlights of the most memorable moments from Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle's masterpiece.

Boyle, director of the hit film Slumdog Millionaire, had an enormous task before him. That's because Britain is one of the most history rich countries in the world.

From a re-creation of the industrial revolution to a chilling Paul McCartney performance of "Hey Jude," Boyle displayed what it means to be British for the entire world to see.

Red Arrow Fighter Jets Kick Things off

UK Royal Air Force Red Arrow planes kicked off the ceremony by flying across the London landscape and over the top of the stadium. They left behind a trail of blue, white and red in their wake.

The site of the colors and jets soaring by was truly spectacular and a perfect way to kick-off the British celebration that was to come.

The Red Arrows fly-by treated spectators walking to the stadium as it occurred just before the start of the ceremony.

Industrial Age

One of the most visually impressive and moving moments was the shift from a rural, less-modern England to that of a industrial powerhouse. The grassy re-creation of England slowly gave way to the beat of a drum and workers creating a scene of industrial progress.

Commentators remarked that actual sulfur smells were pumped into the crowd in order to create authenticity to the scene.

I couldn't smell it watching from home, but that just goes to show the lengths to which director Danny Boyle was willing to go in order to make this night special.

The Lighting of the Rings

From the industrial revolution came the suggestion that the Olympic rings were forged as a result of it. In a majestic display, the rings were raised, still glimmering, to the center stage.

James Bond Escorts Queen Elizabeth II to Ceremony

James Bond (Daniel Craig) escorted Queen Elizabeth II to the opening ceremony via helicopter. In a short film directed by Danny Boyle, Craig and the Queen appeared to get into a helicopter and parachute into Olympic Park.

The Queen's cooperation and willingness to allow Boyle an unprecedented level of access to her estate made this happen.

Mr. Bean and "Chariots of Fire"

Mr. Bean is pure gold. His inclusion into the symphony was a perfect choice to liven and crack-up the audience.

After getting bored playing the single note he was responsible for, Bean took out his iPhone and began to take pictures and squirm around awkwardly.

Then, he daydreamed himself in the Chariots of Fire race. After struggling, Bean got into an old-style vehicle equipped with a driver to take him to the head of the pack and ultimately win the race.

David Beckham Drives in the Torch

David Beckham, England's most famous athlete, didn't exactly carry the Olympic Torch into Olympic Park.

He did, however, provide transportation in the form of a sleek speedboat that carried it and a torchbearer up the Thames River and up to the stadium.

Torch Lighting by Young Athletes

Seven young and promising British athletes were handpicked by British Olympic greats to carry the torch on its final leg.

The seven youngsters individually lit seven petals which begun a chain reaction that ended up engulfing over 200 more. A majestic cauldron of fire was formed from the reaction.

Lord Voldemort vs. Mary Poppins('s)

About 30 Mary Poppins looking actors participated in an epic duel with Britain's most recognizable villain: Lord Voldemort.

The Poppins' fittingly flew in to the stadium via umbrella to combat the terrifying 40-foot inflatable Voldemort.

This took place during Danny Boyle's children's literature segment entitled "Second to the right, and straight on till morning."