Here’s an original review of the Jacksons Victory Tour from July 22nd, 1984. It was their eighth concert on the tour. This stop was at the Gator Bowl Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The review was written by Kevin Bezner and published in the local Florida Times-Union newspaper:

One look around the stadium told the story.

The Jacksons were on the third song in their Motown medley – “I’ll Be There” – and the whole audience was swaying back and forth, many with their hands over their heads, in a demonstration of solidarity and love.

Jacksonville loved the Jacksons.

And it’s no wonder.

Superstar Michael Jackson and his four brothers began the summer with an intriguing pop show that was hyped by publicists into a realm where no one could possibly match the press.

But the Jacksons have worked out the kinks in the show – and they have surpassed the hype.

Last night in the Gator Bowl, they opened their three-night stand with a show that was far better than the Kansas City opener. It was crisper, tighter, honed to a fine edge.

The show has a simple story line, based on the tale of the sword in the stone. Huge creatures called Kreetons appear on the stage. They’re followed by several warriors who attempt to pull a sword from a stone. One warrior, Randy Jackson, does just that. He slays a Kreeton and thereby paves the way for the kingdom of the Jacksons.

Moments later, Randy, Michael, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine appear majestically on stage, pump the entrance for all its worth, and delight the fans. Fantasyland? You bet.

The Jacksons’ show, written and designed by Michael, is part Walt Disney World and part Music Television.

It’s an escapist pop show for those in love with fantasy; entertainment for those who hanker for movies like “Star Wars”, “E.T.” and “Peter Pan”; a musical for those who enjoy exquisite dancing and singing.

Surely the Jacksons have realized that a larget percentage of their fans are of the MTV generation, roughly ages 10 to 30. Such audiences understand video-styled theatrics in live shows, and crave the heightened pleasure that stems from sensastional effects created with lasers, lights, and booming sound. This is the same age group that made “Star Wars” such a hit.

And the Jacksons play to this audience. Even so, the Jacksons have made an unprecedented move with their stage production, and this isn’t lost on the fans.

As Michael Jackson was instrumental in moving the rock video into new territory with “Thriller,” “Beat It” and “Billie Jean,” the Jacksons have now become one of the first groups to successfully transform a concert into a video show.

Others have brought videos to stage. Pre-MTV Kiss was purely theatrical. Garish makeup and bizarre stunts such as spitting fire and blood made the band into a strange caricature of comic-book superheroes.

Last year, the rock band Styx presented concerts that interspersed music with a story about an aging rock star named Kilroy who confronts a fanatical religious leader who has banned rock ‘n’ roll.

Performances by Kiss and Styx were spectacles, but they were nothing compared to what the Jacksons have done.

To start with, the Jacksons’ show is larger. At its heart are sever computers for the lights, lasers and sound. Another dozen computers are used for tour logistics and management.

In addition, the Jacksons are the first group to use robotics in a musical stage performance. The crowd loves the robotics, although the drama cuts into the music just as the Jacksons have begun to roll.

Two spiderlike creatures attempt to gobble up Michael. Michael writhes on the stage like a snake in the heat of battle before he is saved by magic and levitated out of danger.

He reappears moments later on an elevated spot on stage wearing the red jacket he wore in the “Beat It” video and launches into that song.

High-tech stage antics are one thing, but Michael Jackson is another. He outdazzles the electronics.

The Jacksons have somehow struck the perfect balance between theatrics and musicality. Everyone has come to see Michael Jackson dance and sing, while his brothers harmonize and chip in some auxillary dance steps. That’s what the audience gets and you couldn’t ask for better.

Their Motown medley – “I Want You Back,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There” – is a showstopper and rightfully so. Those oldies remind us of the Jacksons’ roots and underscore how far they have come. Most of the seats in the Gator Bowl give a splendid view of the stage. And those who were smart enough to take the festival seats were close enough to get the full force of the theatrics, the brilliance of the dancing and singing.

And it is a brilliant show – you can’t beat it.