No it wasn't colorful at the show at all either. I went with it because I saw a pic of what its supposed to look like and I basically got it free with the others I bought.
IMO I think its just a lack of nutrients that makes them (acros in general) lose color. Or more specifically, a blend of lack of nutrients along with too high lighting. The more light your offering the more nutrients you need to keep the colors. This is just my opinion and observation in my own tank, I really don't know anything just like the majority of us.