Directed by noted actor-producer-director Robert Townsend (“Hollywood Shuffle”), the documentary, which originally screened at Sundance in 2009 in the Premiere section, features interviews with prominent scholars, politicians, cultural critics, and a host of notable comics, including Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Steve Harvey, and Katt Williams.

“Why We Laugh” tracks the evolution of black comedy from the character of Stepin Fetchit and minstrels in blackface to the politically tinged humor of Dick Gregory, and from the television success of Good Times and The Jeffersons to the big-screen accomplishments of stars such as Eddie Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg. The film also turns a perceptive eye on the controversial career decision of Dave Chappelle and the implications of corporate efforts to capitalize on the massive success of Russell Simmons’s Def Comedy Jam and Spike Lee’s The Original Kings of Comedy.

“'Why We Laugh' is a major historical contribution to American culture,” said Codeblack executive vice-president Quincy Newell. “This film is a tribute to the way one courageous person with a microphone can change history.”

 

Newell produced the documentary which he co-wrote with John Long. The film is based on the book “Black Comedians on Black Comedy: How African-Americans Taught Us to Laugh,” by Darryl J. Littleton. Codeblack’s Clanagan, Richard Foos, and Littleton. Codeblack’s Clanagan, Richard Foos, and Littleton are executive producers on the project.

Director Townsend has been at the forefront of black cinema for 30 years and received a Career Achievement Award from the American Black Film Festival in 2002.

Codeblack Entertainment produces the All Star Comedy Jam franchise. The DVD of “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam – Live from South Beach” became available on DVD February 2, 2010, and a third installment of the franchise with host and Academy Award-winner Mo’Nique was recently filmed at the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas.

        

Richmond, VA, March 17, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Visit the website to hear the latest spoken word MP3 "Black" by author Tia Stewart at www.TiaStewart.com

December Book of the Month
Colors of a Man, Tribute to African-American Men
by Poet and Novelist, Tia Stewart.

The poem "Noir Black" is from the poetry book Colors of a Man, Tribute to African-Amercan Men by Tia Stewart.

ISBN-13: 978-1432738181

"Noir Black" is about a man and a woman whom seem to communicate in two different languages and who must deal with everyday struggles while seeking to maintain a healthy loving relationship.

We often put on a mask and pretend that everything is okay. African-American men must be "men of steel" and super heroes like Superman to deal with all the responsibilities of multi-generational families.

African-American women often portray a stern exterior and only show the fragilities of their human heart with their beloved and betrothed.

Noir Black
Tread softly on my heart.
Don’t be mislead by my armor of steel.
I am daughter, mother, and sister.

It is a façade that I keep up to survive.
She whispered.

Death comes to those who appear too soft.
Death of the young eager heart.
Death of the young mother who hopes.
Death for the dreams for her young.
Death of the child-like admiration that her heart holds for him.

Tread softly on my heart.
The armor protects the heart, the mind and the man.
The heart that protects the offspring.
I am son, father, and brother
He whispered.
The armor that protects the child of the offspring.
The multigenerational mind that protects and shelters.
He comes for the weak.

Tread softly on my heart,
They said in unison.
Two minds mold into one heart.
Strong and malleable.
Not timid but Herculean.
Formidable, as steel.
Man of steel.
Tread softly on my heart.
Tread lightly in the paths of those that
Came before you.

Tread a path of your own.
Tread softly on this heart.
I am your reflection.

Drop by the website at www.TiaStewart.com and get your copy today.
Available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles (http://www.BN.com.)

        

Animal Planet and Mike Tyson Prepare to Knock Out the Competition

- Heavyweight Hopeful Entertainment Network Partners with Boxing Champ to Explore His Love of Pigeons and the Insider World of Pigeon Racing -

NEW YORK, March 15/PRNewswire/ -- Building on the success of the network's re brand and content transformation, Animal Planet has announced a new show with Mike Tyson, currently known as TAKING ON TYSON, where the former heavyweight champion of the world will take audiences inside the intensely competitive and bizarrely fascinating world of pigeon racing.  Slated to film this spring in New York City and debut in early 2011, the show will give audiences an insider's look at pigeon rearing and racing, a sport that is far from the mainstream. The novice pigeon racer Tyson goes toe-to-toe against several individuals in hopes of being crowned a champ all over again.  Tyson has a deep passion for the birds and raised pigeons all his life.  In fact his first-ever fight as a child was in defense of his birds.  But this show will follow his first foray into racing them competitively. So for the first time in years, Tyson enters a sport as an underdog.

"Tyson's passion for his pigeons takes my breath away," marvels Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media.  "For years, he has been inspired by these birds that he feels have the 'biggest heart' in the animal kingdom.  TAKING ON TYSON peels back new layers of the remarkable persona and deep humanity of Mike Tyson while also showing us a whole world we never knew existed right on the rooftops of New York City."

"I'm honored to be a part of this monumental show on Animal Planet," said Tyson. "I feel a great pride acting as an official representative for all the pigeon fancier's out there.  I want people to see why we love these birds.  It feels good returning to the rooftops of the city where it all started for me -- New York."

To rear, train and race pigeons -- or "homers" -- requires dedication,discipline, patience and tenderness. For many pigeon racers, these avian athletes are the kings of the bird world. Their intelligence, spirit, titanic bonds of loyalty and astounding homing ability sets them apart from other birds. Pigeon fliers treat the birds like fine thoroughbred horses to dominate the racetrack.  Such a feat could not be accomplished alone, especially for a rookie like Tyson, but he has a colorful team of pigeon experts by his side, including his trainer Vinnie Torre, caretakers the Roman Brothers and promoter/manager Mario Costa, each providing deep insights into the rich and colorful sport of pigeon racing.  With the gritty and scenic backdrop of New York City rooftops, TAKING ON TYSON takes flight with its view of weekly pigeon auctions and dynamic competitions.

TAKING ON TYSON was created and produced by Touch Productions in association with Tyrannic Productions for Animal Planet.  Malcolm Brinkworth is the executive producer for Touch Productions, Mike Tyson is the executive producer with Tyrannic Productions, and Jason Carey is the executive producer for Animal Planet. Charlie Foley is vice president of development for Animal Planet.  

Animal Planet Media (APM), a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications, is the world's only entertainment brand that immerses viewers in the full range of life in the animal kingdom with rich, deep content via multiple platforms and offers animal lovers and pet owners access to a centralized online, television and mobile community for immersive, engaging, high-quality entertainment, information and enrichment.  APM consists of the Animal Planet television network,available in more than 95 million homes in the US; online assets www.animalplanet.com,the ultimate online destination for all things animal; the 24/7broadband channel, Animal Planet Beyond; Petfinder.com, the #1 pet-related Web property globally that facilitates pet adoption; and other media platforms including a robust Video-on-Demand (VOD) service;mobile content; and merchandising extensions.

Animal Planet

        

Fashion and Music Collide for the Network Premiere of BET's Annual Fashion Special RIP THE RUNWAY on Monday, March 15 at 10:00 P.M.*

NEW YORK, March 9 RIP THE RUNWAY makes its flashy return with a new group of designers showcasing their latest collections along with the hottest names in music.  Exemplifying that music and fashion go hand in hand, RIP THE RUNWAY features eclectic performances by GRAMMY® Award winning artist Ludacris, sultry rap queen Trina, Hip-Hop princess Nicki Minaj, UK singing sensation Estelle, Bad Boy artist Janelle Monae, "All the Way Turnt Up" rapper, Roscoe Dash featuring multi-platinum artist Soulja Boy, and Grand Hustle artists, B.o.B.  Hosted by Pooch Hall and Nicki Minaj, RIP THE RUNWAY premieres Monday, March 15 at 10:00 P.M.* /PRNewswire/ -- This year

RIP THE RUNWAY has something to suit everyone, from those on a recessionista budget, to 'sexy' plus-size, athletic and swimwear - it's THE fashion hour on television not to be missed.  This year the shoe game mania takes center stage along with Dwight EubanksAtlanta' who makes a special appearance and gives one lucky New Yorker a make-over that takes them from the subway to the runway. of 'The Real Housewives of

RIP THE RUNWAY epitomizes "Music Moving Fashion Forward" by pairing the hottest music with the newest trends in fashion on one runway.  This year's top fashion designers: Tracy Reese, Tennille White, KEVA by Keva J Swimwear, Gavin Douglass, and Protege will give viewers a taste at spring 2010 must have looks while tantalizing their senses with captivating music and sexy models.

RIP THE RUNWAY was first established five years ago, and provides viewers with the latest trends in fashion, accessories and shoes.  Since its launch in 2005, the show has been a success and has developed an ever growing following and fan base.  For more information on BET'S RIP THE RUNWAY and to see exclusive photo and video packages like, "The Many Faces of "  our hosts Pooch Hall and Nicki Minaj and Road to Runway 2 (a look at a models journey from audition to the show) visit www.bet.com/riptherunway now and be sure to visit the site immediately after the show for additional interviews with the hosts; fun facts about the models of the show; an exclusive look at style with True Style! with Misa Hylton; and every look of the show posted online.  Log on now and be sure to come back after the show!

*All times ET/PT

BET Networks

        

Mo'Nique Returns to the Set of Her Late Night Talk Show Following Her Historic Oscar Victory

NEW YORK, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- And the Academy Award goes to…BET's queen of late night, Mo'Nique! Still savoring her historic Oscar victory during the 82nd Academy Awards, Mo'Nique returns to the set of her late night talk show to tape her first original episode after Sunday night's exciting win. Sitting on the couch will be critically acclaimed Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Tony Award winner and NAACP Image Award-nominated actress Anika Noni Rose (Disney's The Princess and the Frog) and Academy Award winners Three 6 Mafia (Hustle & Flow). This very special episode will air on Thursday, March 11 at 11:00 p.m.* on BET.

BET Networks' # 1 late night show, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW keeps the late night party going. From A-list celebrity guests to sizzling performances by the hottest musical artists in the game, Mo'Nique delivers viewers a fun-filled hour of entertainment.

For more information about THE MO'NIQUE SHOW, please visit www.bet.com.

*All times ET/PT.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. ( VIA, VIA., is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

BET Networks

        

The inspirational stage play When The Lights Go Out will be available March 23 on DVD!




When The Lights Go Out: The play boasts an all star cast including R&B sensation Lloyd, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Clifton Powell and Alvin Moore!

There is no bond stronger than the bond of family, but when betrayal and heartbreak strike, those ties are severely tested! When The Lights Go Out tells the story of a family who has lost its way…maybe forever. Only through the power of love, faith and forgiveness can they rediscover what’s truly important and let the light back in! With the talents of Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Steve Harvey Show), Keith Robinson (Dreamgirls), Clifton Powell (Ray) and R&B sensation Lloyd, When The Lights Go Out shines with warmth, humor and song.

        

OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK Acquires Academy Award(R)-Nominated Box Office Hit PRECIOUS from Lionsgate

Film Has Grossed More Than $45 Million At North American Box Office and Earned Six Academy Award® Nominations, Including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress And Best Director

LOS ANGELES, March 1/PRNewswire/ -- OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK has acquired television rights to the critically acclaimed, box office hit PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE from Lionsgate ( LGF). OWN Chief Executive Officer Christina Norman and Lionsgate Television President of Programming & Production Kevin Beggs made the announcement today. OWN has licensed the first broadcast window behind pay television beginning Summer 2012.

PRECIOUS has garnered more than $45 million at the North American box office, expanded to more than 650 theatres nationwide, and earned six Academy Award® nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress (newcomer Gabourey Sidibe), Best Supporting Actress (Mo'Nique), Best Director (Lee Daniels), Best Adapted Screenplay (Geoffrey Fletcher) and Best Editing (Joe Klotz).  

The film has already won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award®for Best Supporting Actress (Mo'Nique) along with the Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award for the film  (Lee Daniels, Gary Magness and Sarah Siegel-Magness), a Directors Guild nomination for Lee Daniels as Best Director and a Writers Guild nomination for Geoffrey Fletcher(Best Adapted Screenplay).  Additionally, the film has been named to AFI's list of 10 best films of the year and dozens of year-end critics'10 Best lists.

Set in 1987, PRECIOUS is a dramatic, vividly realized story of a Harlem teenager who overcomes tremendous obstacles to discover her own worth,beauty and potential.  PRECIOUS is a Lee Daniels Entertainment/Smokewood Entertainment Group production presented by Lionsgate in association with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. The film is directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the book Push, a novel by Sapphire. The film stars Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introduces Gabourey Sidibe. PRECIOUS was produced by Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness. Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortes and Tom Heller are Executive Producers; Simone Sheffield serves as Co-Executive Producer; Mark G. Mathis is Co-Producer; and Andrew Sforzini and Asger Hussain serves as Associate Producers.

"PRECIOUS is the perfect film for OWN," said Norman.  "It's a powerful film of self-discovery and empowerment, and I know it will resonate deeply with our audience."

"OWN's licensing of PRECIOUS epitomizes our strategy of supplying quality content to cable networks hungry for fresh programming to build theirbrands and serve their target audiences," said Beggs.  "We are pleased to be in business with OWN, and we are very proud of PRECIOUS and confident that, as its commercial success and critical recognition continue to grow, it will become an icon of our culture."

The deal includes several films from Lionsgate's vast library of more than 12,000 motion picture and television titles.

About OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

A joint venture between Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications, OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut in January 2011in approximately 80 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also will include the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF)is the leading next generation studio with a strong and diversified presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment,video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel platform assets,including TV Guide Network in partnership with JP Morgan's One Equity Partners, the Epix multi platform channel with partners Viacom and MGM,the FEAR net branded horror channel with partners Comcast and Sony, and the KIX and Thrill branded action and horror channels in Asia.  Its feature film business has generated more than $400 million at the North American box office in the past year, including such recent hits as PRECIOUS, which has grossed more than $45 millionat the North American box office and earned six Academy Award nominations, DAYBREAKERS and BROTHERS.  The Company's home entertainment business has grown to more than 7% market share and is an industry leader in its box office-to-DVD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, and quality entertainment in markets around the world.  

OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

        

Filmmaker Wendell B. Harris, Jr. Celebrates Film Anniversary and Clinches iTunes Deal

Critically-acclaimed film Chameleon Street kicks off 2010 with digital distribution deal, commemorative soundtrack and a series of grassroots online engagement activities

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) -- Actor/Writer/Director Wendell B. Harris, Jr.continues efforts to keep his award-winning film, Chameleon Street,among the not-forgotten gems of cinematic history by kicking off 2010with a launch of his critically-acclaimed film among new releases on iTunes. Chameleon Street is debuting in the iTunes catalog and joins an elite group of films negotiated through aggregate firm TuneCore, as it celebrates twenty years since its’ winning entry at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival.

Chameleon Street is a psychological comedy that uses the real-life story of  Douglas Street, an infamous Michigan-born imposter, to explore the myth of the American Dream, the paradox of African-American male identity,and the movie medium’s uncanny ability to get under the skin of American Society. It is the     quintessential story of an innovative thinker using all the wrong modes to try and overcome all the odds.

The film is set for release on iTunes at the climax of the 26thSundance Film Festival, which honors excellence in independent film each year. In 1990, Chameleon Street was awarded the festival's most prestigious award, the Grand Jury Prize, and in 2009, Harris Jr. was honored to return to the festival for the film’s induction into its’ collection of favorite festival classics. 2010 spells progress as Harris and his team take to the internet to promote the digital release via aggressive grassroots marketing tactics.

Wendell B. Harris, Jr. and his team at Prismatic Images have meticulously prepared for the digital launch of the film and plan to engage film lovers on their favorite networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to get the word out. There is a commemorative music soundtrack that will be available as a free download and thank you for fans participating in the Chameleon Street experience. “The unique ways that people communicate and share in this new digital world remained top of mind while planning for the launch into the world of iTunes,” said Harris, Jr. “We've ventured onto social networking sites and discovered a world of fans of this film. We want to keep the conversation going.”

The soundtrack will be available for free on a Chameleon Street branded community site on the NING Network, and features music from emerging musicians discovered by Harris along the promotional route for the DVD release of the film in late 2007. “Many of the artists participating in the soundtrack were die hard fans of the film,” Harris Jr. reflected.“The energy and spirit heard in the work of cutting-edge musicians like Allegra Dolores, Marcus Davis, and a cache of others mirrors my own passions as both writer and filmmaker not to mention Doug Street's ill-driven passions as displayed in the film.” Through the inclusion of the soundtrack, and the NING site where members are encouraged to be“who they say they are”, Wendell B. Harris Jr. and his team hope to elevate the cult-status Chameleon Street has maintained over the years by hip hop lovers, for a whole new audience.

Largely ignored by Hollywood after the 1990 Sundance win, sampling of the film by hip hop artists, Mos Def and Talib Kweli for their 1999 debut album entitled, Black Star helped to keep underground "cred" for the film authentic. The transparent ties to the "golden era" hip hop community translates into new ground covered for the Chameleon Street brand and team behind it. Newer and established fans of Chameleon Street will be treated to an array of new experiences as the year rolls in. 2010 represents the 20th anniversary of Chameleon Street, and the beginning of a new era for Wendell B. Harris, Jr. with a long-awaited return to his passion for filmmaking.

About Wendell Harris:

Wendell B. Harris, Jr. is an American filmmaker who was trained in drama at the prestigious Interlochen and Juilliard schools. He is the writer, director and lead actor of Chameleon Street, a Gethsemane 84,Inc. / Prismatic Images, Inc. production, and has produced the radio series Black Biography, which showcased Black icons from the spheres of art, history and politics. He has appeared as an actor in the films Out of Sight and Road Trip. Wendell Harris is currently in post-production for the forthcoming docu-series, ARBITER ROSWELL. This scathing,imaginative, impeccably researched, and often hilarious master-work explores the inner connectivity of both our media and the military-industrial complex --- two entities which Harris believes wield an inordinate amount of power in shaping our culture and our minds. According to Harris, ARBITER ROSWELL contains an amazing acting performance by Steven Soderbergh, portraying Theodor W. Adorno as well as startling death-bed revelations from legendary Army counter-intelligence agent Frank J. Kaufmann who actually coordinated the Roswell incident in 1947. He is currently shopping several film treatments from the comedy genre including Negropolis which is being co-produced by Alde Lewis, Jr. and Richard Kiley, Jr. Wendell is also collaborating with the writer-producer Mike Barker (American Dad) on two feature film projects while exploring the possibility of producing the feature film version of Bill Wiese's controversial and compelling narrative, 23 Minutes in Hell. He also manages to tour as a guest speaker at college and university campuses nationwide. For more information visit www.wendellharrisjr.com

To interact with Chameleon Street visit:
www.twitter.com/chameleonstreet
www.myspace.com/chameleonstreet
www.chameleonstreet.ning.com

        

Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., Former Pastor of Barack Obama, Pens Fascinating History of the Church that Birthed the First Black President

There are many people who know and love Jeremiah Wright. And due to the last presidential race, there are some people who don't like Jeremiah Wright. Whatever one may think of him, he has to be given some credit because he is the first Black pastor of a historically Black church who has produced a president of the United States. He also kindly warned America that "Barack Obama is a politician," and that he "ain't Jesus".

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) February 25, 2010 -- Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., pastor emeritus of the historic Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, releases his new book on February 25, 2010, titled, "A Sankofa Moment: The History of Trinity United Church of Christ." "A Sankofa Moment" gives the 48-year history of the Trinity United Church of Christ with a major emphasis on the building of the largest United Church of Christ congregation within the denomination that developed several ministries and several entities under the pastorate of Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.

"A Sankofa Moment" refers to the following:

The Akan people of Africa have an important symbol known as Sankofa. It is expressed in the Asante Adinkra symbols as a bird whose body is heading in one direction, but whose head is turned in the opposite direction. What the symbol is teaching is that we cannot go forward without first going back to our past to understand how it is we got to where we are (Introduction, pg. 17).

This fascinating read will be released on February 25, 2010 by St. Paul Press. Be sure to get a copy and be sure to tell family and friends.

    Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. is a man of faith, a homiletic genius, a theological scholar and a pastor's pastor. He is a family man who enjoys spending quality time with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Dr. Wright is Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, the "Dean of Black Preaching", had this to say as the Center for African American Theological Studies inaugurated its Annual Lecture in honor of Dr. Wright:

"People who love the Lord and who embrace the noblest concepts of our democracy will enthusiastically applaud the establishment of the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Lectureship. The Lectureship appropriately salutes the Pastor and mentor who prepared President Barack Obama for the role of President of the United States.

"Mr. Obama had hardly any grasp of the meaning of being a Black person in the United States. By example and exhortation, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., cured that deficiency, sending to Washington a President qualified to give America a chance to actually become a democracy!"

For more information about "A Sankofa Moment," visit Dr. Jeremiah Wright online at: www.JeremiahWright.com.

To book Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., for speaking engagements or book signings, please contact Jeri Wright at The Grace of God, NFP at info@jeremiahwright.com or at 312-607-3848.

"A Sankofa Moment" is available wherever fine books are sold, including: www.Amazon.com, www.BlackCBC.com,www.StPaulChristianBookstore.com, and www.GospelLightBookstore.com.

        

'Captain EO' Returns to Disneyland Park

Classic Attraction Featuring Michael Jackson Now Open

ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- "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.

www.disneylandnews.com

www.disneyparks.com/blog

Disneyland