Standing ovations for Captain E.O.

On Tuesday, February 23, fans lined up at Disneyland to watch the fictional 3D film "Captain E.O." that had been away from the big screens for 13 years. The film was made in 1986, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas, with a budget of $30 million, and remained one of Disneyland’s main attractions until 1997. After Michael’s death last June, demand for bringing the film back to Disneyland surged again. In this film, "Captain E.O."—played by the King of Pop—leads his spaceship and crew to save the world from a wicked alien. The first screening started at 10 a.m., and more than 500 people came to fill a hall that had no room for a pin to drop. This screening received standing ovations from the audience. Outside the screening hall, T-shirts related to the film were being sold. But according to the writer of the reputable Times magazine, this return is a confusing challenge for Disney, because how can this artistic relic—featuring a controversial character—be brought back on screen without being seen as an exploitation of his death.

Michael Jackson’s rapidly expanding legacy and fame took another giant step forward on February 23. Since the death of this super star, his name has gained so much credibility and honor that even his most ardent fans have been surprised by an overwhelming sense of joy. Michael Jackson is now recognized both for his valuable achievements and services in the music and entertainment industry, and for his humanitarian efforts to spread love and peace across the world. In the past, when accusations were raised against Michael, his personal and professional life was harmed among casual fans and ordinary people, though it had no effect on his real fans. But after his death, the number of people who became his fans grew quickly, and many awards recognizing his music and humanity have been directed toward him. His Thriller video was registered as the first music clip in the National Film Registry of the United States. The song Earth Song was released in a 3D version at the Grammys and was considered one of the standout events of the Grammys. Also, his children received an award honoring a lifetime of their father’s work and achievements. At the same time, one of the most prominent signs of Michael Jackson’s forward-moving and lasting legacy was the remake of his famous song, "We Are The World," to help Haiti. While such support for Michael is expected among fans and other artists, the fact that a huge global company like Disney—so strict and diligent about protecting its name and reputation—welcomes his return to the city of Disney by showing a film of Michael Jackson like this is evidence of the claim that admiration and praise for Michael Jackson has risen to a level that stands alongside his peak years. Source: eMJey / LA Times / Disney / associatedcontent.com