Michael Jackson on Disney's 'Captain EO' - it's 'about the way music can help change the world'

Michael Jackson's 'Captain EO' will return to Disneyland
Tuesday. (Photo: Disney).

Michael Jackson on Disney's 'Captain EO' - it's 'about the way music can help change the world' - Two of entertainer Michael Jackson's dreams are about to come true on Tuesday. First, he will be seen again starring in film, a career move he had hoped to cultivate after his This Is It concerts ended, and secondly, he will return to Disneyland, a theme park he frequented and enjoyed many times during his life, even if he had to go there in disguise.

Heather Rivera announced the Michael Jackson comeback on her Disney Parks Blog on Monday:

"On Tuesday, February 23, as a tribute to the magic, music and messages of “Captain EO,” the 3-D musical adventure is returning to the Tomorrowland theater in which it debuted. While it’s not possible to replicate some special effects elements from the original presentation, it will boast a new 70mm print of the film, and it will sound better than ever thanks to acoustic enhancements made to the theater since the film last played there in 1997."

Captain EO was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and executive produced by George Lucas. The project was written by Lucas, producer Rusty Lemorande, and Coppola developed from an idea presented to them by Disney Imagineers. In his autobiography, Moon Walk, Michael Jackson wrote that he and Mr. Lucas worked together at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch on the short film "that would incorporate every recent advance in 3-D technology."

The story, according to Mr. Jackson, "is about transformation and the way music can help change the world." Mr. Jackson, who starred in the title role, also indicates that Mr. Lucas came up with the title, "Eo is Greek for "dawn." He describes the plot this way:

"The story is about a young guy who goes on a mission to this miserable planet run by an evil queen [played by Angelica Huston]. He is entrusted with the responsibility of bringing the inhabitants light and beauty.  It's a great celebration of good and evil."

Michael Jackson wrote two songs for the movie. "Another Part of Me" was an early mix that was later recorded as part of his Bad album. The song was released as a single in 1988. "We Are Here to Change the World" did not come out on CD until Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection appeared in 2004.

The 17-minute film first became part of Disneyland's Tomorrowland in 1986 and ran until 1997. It took full advantage of the 3-D format to engage the audience, including use of lasers and smoke.  A TV documentary about the making of Captain EO was produced in 1986 and was narrated by Whoopi Goldberg.

Captain EO will replace the film currently running at the park, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

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