Global Disney Pinvestigation: Pinvestigation: Captain EO

Captain Eo was presented in every one of the Disney Resorts around the world, except Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. It showed throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Originally debuting in Epcot’s Magic Eye Theater on September 12, 1986, then just days later debuted in Disneyland on September 18, 1986. Less than a year later, the attraction opened in Tokyo Disneyland on March 20, 1987. Its last location was in Disneyland Paris, opening with the park on April 12, 1992.

The film's executive producer was George Lucas, who came up with the name Captain EO (Greek for “dawn”). The film was choreographed by Jeffrey Hornaday and Michael Jackson, photographed by Peter Anderson, produced by Rusty Lemorande, and written by Lemorande, Lucas and Coppola, from a story idea by the artists of Walt Disney Imagineering. Lemorande also initially designed and created two of the creatures, and was an uncredited editor of the film. The score was written by James Horner, and featured two songs: "We Are Here to Change the World" and "Another Part of Me", both performed by Michael Jackson. The Witch Queen was played by Angelica Huston. Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro acted as visual consultant but was, in fact, the actual director of photography. Union requirements prevented him from receiving that credit. Captain EO is regarded as the first '4-D' film. This innovation was suggested by producer-writer Lemorande who is, therefore, sometimes referred to as "The Father of 4-D".

The movie tells the story of Captain EO and the ragtag crew of his spaceship on a mission to deliver a gift to a wicked alien leader, the Witch Queen, on her home world of rotting, twisted metal and steaming vents. Captain EO's alien crew consists of his small flying sidekick Fuzzball, the double-headed navigator and pilot Idey and Ody, robotic security officer Major Domo, a small robot Minor Domo (who fits like a module into Major Domo), and the clumsy elephant-like shipmate Hooter who always manages to upset the crew's missions. Dick Shawn plays Captain EO's boss.

Upon arriving on the planet, the crew is captured and sentenced to torture. Before being sent away, EO tells the Witch Queen that he sees the beauty hidden within her, and that he brings her the key to unlock it: his song, "We Are Here To Change The World".

The two robot members of the crew transform into music instruments and the crew members begin to play the various instruments. As Hooter runs toward his instrument, he trips over EO's cape and breaks his instrument, stopping the music. The spell broken, the Witch Queen orders her guards to capture Captain EO and his crew.

Hooter manages to repair his instrument and sends out a blast of music, providing EO with the power to throw off the guards. He uses his power to transform the dark hulking guards into agile dancers who fall into step behind him for a dance number. As EO presses forward toward the Supreme Leader she unleashes her Whip Warriors, two cybernetic defenders each with a whip and shield that can deflect EO's power.

The others all run away leaving Captain EO to fight the Whip Warriors alone. EO is trapped by a closing gate and is preparing for a last stand as both the whip warriors draw their whips back for a final blow. Fuzzball drops his instrument and speedily flies over to tie the two whips together, causing the Whip Warriors to be thrown off balance giving EO an opportunity to transform them as well. With no further obstacles, EO uses his power to transform the Witch Queen into a beautiful woman, her lair into a peaceful Greek temple and the planet into a verdant paradise.

A celebration breaks out to "Another Part of Me", as EO and his crew triumphantly exit and fly off into space.

The attraction ran through the late 1980s, and mid 1990s. Closing first in Epcot, on July 6, 1994, to be replaced by Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Then closing in Tokyo on September 1, 1996, replaced by MicroAdventure (version of Honey, I Shrunk the Audience). In 1997, the attraction closed in Disneyland, and then finally, Disneyland Paris’ attraction was closed in August 1998, both Disneyland’s and Disneyland Paris’ were also replaced with Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

With the death of Michael Jackson in June 2009, many Disney fans automatically questioned if Disney would bring back the beloved attraction. After Disney denied numerous times, the attraction was finally confirmed to come in early January 2010, and planned to arrive in Disneyland in February 2010 replacing Honey, I Shrunk the Audience for a limited engagement. Officially announced to open this Tuesday, on February 23, 2010. Many are asking, “What is considered a limited engagement?”, I guess its up to Disney to see if this is profitable or not.