The “King of Pop” is brought back to life at Disneyland Parks’ Tommorowland Theater in the return of the Captain EO show.
After a 13-year hiatus, Disneyland has revived the 17-minute interactive space opera directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The stunning effects, coordinated by executive producer George Lucas, are brought back to life with new and improved sound and picture. The audience gets to enjoy the original production as a whole new experience.
In 1986 Michael Jackson made his debut as Captain EO at Disneyland. Entertaining us with intricate dance techniques and his gift of lyrical storytelling, Jackson portrays Captain EO as a true hero, who has come to change the world. Sadly, the show was dropped in 1997 and replaced by “Honey I Blew Up The Audience.”
Hundreds of fans gathered at the front gates of Disneyland on Feb. 23 (some as early as 6 a.m.) waiting in anticipation to once again be able to enjoy the newly renamed “The Captain EO Tribute.”
In the story, EO and his crew of aliens are sent on a mission to deliver a gift to the “Supreme Leader” in the humid, rotting metal world, where he is captured and sentenced to 100 years of torture by the wicked leader.
Captain EO and his crew then break out in an entertaining performance that sends out an important message. He’s come to change the world and make it a better, more beautiful place. With his power of elaborate choreography and captivating voice, Captain EO transforms the unappealing henchmen into stunning performers who dance along with him. The wicked witch gets a taste of the Captain’s gift as well, but we don’t want to give too much away.
Although they chose to eliminate the use of the laser side effects, they did manage to sneak in a new feature. They decided to keep the hydraulic effects that were used on the previous show. This, in effect, makes the film 4-D now, by combining 3-D and physical effects that are synchronized with the film.
While Captain EO sings “We Are Here To Change The World,” the ground below the audience begins to move up and down to the beat of the music. The audience has no choice but to move along with the rhythmic beat of the song.
“We don’t know how long it will be showing,” said Disney crew member Adriana Acosta, 20. “It’s all in the hands of the fans.”
There’s no telling when Disneyland will pull the plug on the Captain EO Tribute again. So for those Michael Jackson fans that have not yet experienced this blend of music and images, it’s a perfect time to go catch it. Captain EO will take a new generation of fans on a journey to the stars.
For more information on the Captain EO Tribute show call Disneyland Park at (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneylandpark.com.
