Perhaps in haste to capitalize on Michael Jackson's demise, the return of the Captain didn't get quite the attention he deserved. Although the film is presented in roughly the same manner it was 23 years ago, it could have been much much better.
The theater's appearance was in great shape. It looks as if they spiffed it up a bit for the new run. A new bright ,shiny marquee and recent paint job had you feeling the return of the king was getting the royal treatment.
Impressive for its time, the film itself has not stood up as well. The effects are dated and the print quality reinforces the fact we are watching an old movie. When you go from watching AVATAR to Captain Eo you realize how much filmmaking has evolved.
The print suffered from a lack of contrast, somewhat muted colors as well as some very light print scratches and dust. The crosstalk between the left and right images from the dual 3D projectors was greater than it should have been. Focus was soft, giving us a less than razor sharp image that 70mm film can provide. All of these minor issues add up to a less than perfect visual experience.
One thing I remember about the show was how well the sound was recorded, mixed and reproduced. (Being a sound engineer in the movie business for years I'm rather keen on these things). In an age before widespread use of digital sound in theatres, this was one of the most impressive aspects of Captain Eo. Missing from the return was the kicking tight bass and overall balance. I had heard they were using an older print, but I was hoping the sound didn't suffer as well. Like the visual side, it could have been better. A careful calibration of the theater would probably fix that.
Some of the interactive effects are present, but not all. They have incorporated the moving theater effect from HONEY I SHRUNK THE AUDIENCE to the point of annoyance. Pointed use of the effect would have been really great. But it was overused, er, abused and only served to distract. Somebody from WDI call me! I would like to know what you were thinking and to discuss how to make it better.
Now I know everyone is operating within a budget, and bringing back the film was an uncertain proposition. So if cutting corners to bring back Captain Eo was necessary, so be it. But the Captain Eo tribute deserved just a little more attention to detail. A remastered, up to date presentation would have greater legs and a potentially longer run giving the film a timeless rather than outdated feel.
It was nice to see they had some t-shirts, sweatshirts, buttons and posters available to those who wanted to take home a souvenier.
:lol:
Turned out to be really cool and I can't wait to go back and see it again. Oh and the sign looks so nice up close.. very shiny!
