I think my reaction is a bit like Vijay's, Hunter.
I find the pallor of the part outside the highlights distracting, having a disturbingly "murky" effect. In the second, this is lessened but the oval vignette is too obvious, so my mind moves to something like Vijay's edit, but perhaps trying to retain some of the inner glow between the highlights. This would probably require local tonal adjustments.
I do like the colours as such, so I'd stick with colour rather than black & white, as this version is a bit lifeless to me by comparison.
Among given frames, BW
This could be the version prior to BW conversion. To me, Any form of highlights looks unfinished and draws my attention away from lights.
Very nice edit, Vijay! From a purely aesthetic perspective this is amazing. But it kinda goes contrary to the original message I wanted to express..
I think my reaction is a bit like Vijay's, Hunter.
I find the pallor of the part outside the highlights distracting, having a disturbingly "murky" effect. In the second, this is lessened but the oval vignette is too obvious, so my mind moves to something like Vijay's edit, but perhaps trying to retain some of the inner glow between the highlights. This would probably require local tonal adjustments.
I do like the colours as such, so I'd stick with colour rather than black & white, as this version is a bit lifeless to me by comparison.
For me this definitely needs to retain the color for that added dimension. The1st works best for me, I find the contrast nicely balanced.