Rio 2016 has released two video clips giving a new perspective on one of the most celebrated aspects of the Games: the unforgettable opening ceremony.

One short film shows the ceremony from the point of view of the performers. The other documents the reaction of fans to the show at the Olympic Boulevard live site in central Rio.

Scene-by-scene: understand the opening ceremony

Portraits of the Party, which can be seen below (in Portuguese with subtitles in English and Spanish), features performers from all ages and walks of life talking about their experiences as part of the cast.

Actor and performer Tetsuo highlights the universal themes at the heart of the show; praising the "message of tolerance amongst peoples." Systems analyst Olga says that although performing as a volunteer was tiring, "when someone looks into your eyes and says 'it was beautiful', that's priceless."

The second video, showing the Olympic Boulevard at Praça Mauá in downtown Rio on the day of the ceremony, features fans from Brazil and the world over enjoying the atmosphere at Rio's renovated port district.

Irishman Mark Coughlan praises the start of the Games, and the atmosphere in particular, saying: "It's electric; the people are welcoming, they're like the Cristo Redentor with open arms and we love it!"

'A moment of grace': artist reveals inspiration behind Rio 2016 cauldron art

Jorge Gomes, the 14-year-old who lit the Olympic cauldron in front of Candelária church following the flame's final journey from the Maracanã, revealed that his thoughts were with his family throughout the dramatic proceedings: "if I'm here today, it's thanks to them for helping me with everything."

Join in the excitement – tickets for Rio 2016 events can be bought here, and details of the Live Sites and Olympic Boulevards are here