E82 - Reloaded

Greetings Fellow Programs,

(Oh wait, this isn’t a TRON appreciation blog… or is it?)

I’m pleased to announce that most of my technical difficulties have been resolved, and I’m resuming my inconsistent yet mostly weekly posts. In a few days, the ramp-up to the Future World Soundtrack Series will begin. But before we begin, I’d like to share a very special new trailer to a very special film that has always been closely tied to the history of Epcot.
TRON, has always had I very close relationship to EPCOT. (1.) Released in July of 1982, the film ran with an EPCOT Center preview. The film’s poster contained the phrase: “The 21st Century begins October 1st 1982 at EPCOT Center in Florida” in the credits and TRON’s revolutionary Wormhole sequence began the finale to World of Motion until its closure in 1996. (2.) This footage was also used in the end scene for the short lived Journey into Your Imagination until its closure in 2003. (3.)
This is truly and exciting year for TRON and Epcot fans alike. Just recently, I discovered this modern re-imagining of TRON’s 1982 trailer. I thought this trailer and the events surrounding TRON Legacy perfectly encapsulates my vision and approach to the E82 Project.
E82 is about looking at the History, Music, and Design of EPCOT through fresh eyes by re-interpreting its original forward-thinking concepts with the technology and sophistication of today. Although I am just one man on this mission, it is my hope that my work will one day inspire Imagineers and Executives to look back to future for inspiration in creating Epcot’s new worlds of tomorrow.

Footnotes:
1. EPCOT Center was not the only Theme Park to have strong ties to a film. Before, During and After the Disney-MGM Studios opening it had three: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Dick Tracy(1990) and The Rocketeer (1991). These films were very much part the Eisner/Wells vision for “the Hollywood that never was and always will be.”
2. One should also note that many key scenes and art and from TRON were used as backgrounds on GM promotional items from 1982 until 1995.
3. 2003 also marks the release of TRON 2.0, the video game that brought TRON full circle: The Movie inspires the games, and the game (2.0) indirectly inspires the sequel, TRON Legacy.