Author: WDWNT

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2010) – “Captain EO,” the classic musical spectacular that thrilled Disneyland park guests from 1986-1997, is now open at Disneyland. The attraction’s return to Tomorrowland provides new audiences the opportunity to experience the original 3D production for the very first time, as well as a nostalgic look back for longtime fans wanting to see “The King of Pop” in a rare performance created for the big-screen.

Twenty-three years ago, at the height of his phenomenal entertainment career, Michael Jackson joined forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute 3D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO performing two original songs, and featuring Academy Award®-winning actress Anjelica Huston, and a cast of merry, mythical space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson’s electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness.

The colorful Disney-created characters include: Hooter, the little green elephant-like creature who sneezes wild musical notes through his flute-like trunk; Fuzzball, the orange-haired space monkey with butterfly wings; the Geex, a golden-haired, two-faced personality with two left feet, one right foot and two shaggy heads named Idy and Ody; Major Domo, whose mirrored silver costume becomes a complete set of drums, and Minor Domo with his sparkling purple torso that turns into an electronic synthesizer played by Hooter.

For all its technology, “Captain EO” is first and foremost a musical spectacular and a thrilling space-fantasy adventure. The realism of the 3D process will once again make it seem that Jackson dances right out of the screen into the theater. While it’s not possible to replicate some of the special effects elements from the original presentation, it will boast a new 70mm print of the film and sound better than ever thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater since the film last played there. The total effect is one of motion, color and high energy filled with Jackson’s musical brilliance and various illusions to create an exciting and realistic journey in space for the audience.

During the journey, Captain EO and his merry crew discover a colorless planet where they are confronted by the Supreme Leader (Huston) and her forces of darkness. Using the power of music, dance and light to fill the planet and the theater with all the shades of the rainbow, the EO crew turns the black and white land into a magical world of color and happiness.

“Captain EO” makes use of more famous-name talents than any other film of its length ever produced. The production called on Hollywood’s finest choreographers, set designers, costume creators and special effects artists – all of them excited by the challenge of shooting this kind of imaginative film in three dimensions.

“Captain EO” is presented multiple times daily at Disneyland.

The return date for Captain EO attraction has been announced which will be on February 23rd .

D23 released a article with some details and a little history about the attraction.

It’s only 17 minutes long, but Captain EO is among the most celebrated, park-exclusive movie musicals of all time. On February 23 at Tomorrowland Theater, Disneyland guests will be able to relive this space-traveling 3D experience all over again… and, in the case of younger guests who missed out on the intergalactic phenomenon, discover 1980s kinetic dance moves for the first time!

This attraction from the past returns to the Tomorrowland 3D theater in which it debuted more than 23 years ago. This time, the sci-fi adventure boasts a new 70mm film print and thanks to the theater’s added state-of-the-art acoustical enhancements — since Captain EO last played in 1997 — guests can expect the film to sound better than ever.

“Guests have been very enthusiastically asking to see Captain EO again,” says Tony Baxter, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering, who helped oversee plans for the film’s return. “So we’re excited to bring back the magic, music and messages of this iconic attraction.”

While some elements of the original presentation aren’t possible to replicate, Tony adds, “We’ve been able to add some new surprises to the show.” A rare mix of colorful, imaginative filmmaking and legendary choreography rocketed Captain EO to become an instant hit upon its near-simultaneous debut at Disneyland Park and Epcot. The attraction first premiered at Epcot, with the Disneyland version opening six days later on September 18, 1986. On top of an all-star cast, the musical teamed executive producer George Lucas together with director Francis Ford Coppola. And this immersive, alien encounter was also a hit internationally, playing at Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris. The Southern California run lasted more than a decade and ended in April 1997, when it was replaced by Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

EO‘s story is simple: A ragtag group of friends is on a quest to deliver a gift to the Supreme Leader (Anjelica Huston). The alien comrades, along for the ride, include: Fuzzball, the two-headed Idee and Odee, robotic security guards Major and Minor Domo and a lovable, elephantine purple alien named Hooter. Before they reach the Supreme Leader, Captain EO and his crew are taken hostage. Only by delivering his miraculous gift of song to the evil Supreme Leader can they ultimately win her over, save themselves and quite literally, change the world.

Just as important as the action that unfolds onscreen are Captain EO‘s memorable songs. Despite its brevity, the film features two show-stopping numbers that were written expressly for the story and have since become classics: “We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me.” Captain EO will once again take a new generation of guests on a dazzling visual and musical journey to the stars. The moon-walking adventure starts in February, so don’t miss out!

It has been reported that a line will form outside the gates for the opening of EO so be ready for insane crowds and long lines.