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.

Iconography

The Icons or logos of any product, establishment, or company are, in many ways, forever linked to the identity of that entity. There are two types of logos- the textual, and the symbolic. The textual is the most common. These are created purely from alphabetic linkages and/or configurations. Exxon is a prime example. It’s Double-linked “X s” are aesthetically pleasing but have no fundamental meaning. The symbolic logo is rarer and often is used to convey ideas, philosophies, or concepts for which the entity represents. Logos like the one used for United Nations perfectly illustrates its purpose- the countries of the world encircled by olive branches. The logo literally means: world peace!
Ever since the creation of Disneyland, proper logo creation has been extremely important to define the meaning of our parks. In Disneyland’s case, it means: a magic kingdom. In the case of Walt Disney World it’s meant to convey the vastness of the property with Mickey as its mascot and Disney in benevolent control. In the case of EPCOT Center, the logo not only represents the meaning of the park, but portrays the larger abstract concepts that are at the heart of the park’s message. In a short memo, Marty Skylar was asked to describe the meaning of this truly beautiful symbol…

"The EPCOT Center Logo is a graphic representation of the park’s philosophy. It symbolizes unity, fellowship and harmony around the world. The five outer rings form the shape of a flower – a celebration of life. The heart of the logo is Earth embraced by a star, symbolizing hope – the hope that with imagination, commitment, and dedication we can create a new tomorrow."

The E82 Icon and Insignia have been designed to reflect its purpose in much in the same way…

The E82 ICON
The E82 Icon exemplifies the philosophy of E82- the Celebration of Past Futures and the Legacy of Tomorrow. The original concept for Walt Disney’s Community of Tomorrow is represented by the radial spokes of the WEDway Peoplemover coming together to form the EPCOT Center Logo. Paying tribute to the Legacy of EPCOT Center’s original form, the Tri-prism Fountain serves as the centerpiece with the Legacy Sculptures on the sides- cradling majestic Spaceship Earth, they stand in tribute to the great big beautiful tomorrows ahead.
The E82 INSIGINA
The five ringed symbol of EPCOT Center surrounded by the radials the WEDway Peoplemover System from Walt Disney’s vision of EPCOT City studded with logos from the original 10 pavilions.

These two logos visually express my vision for this project. There are so many sites out there that all preach relatively that same idea: EPCOT Center is way better the Epcot has ever been. This opinion is so widespread it’s basically believed to be fact. I will not disagree, but I will offer that simply stating how good things were in “the good old days” is both irrelevant and ignorant.
I believe the time has come to embrace the full 44 year history of this remarkable endeavor. All of the many facets of Epcot’s evolution should be both celebrated and explored. It is my hope the unification of Epcot’s three eras will lead to greater understanding and influence changes in the park itself.