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EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration

EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration (1982)

Danny Kaye tours EPCOT Center, singing its praises in Future World and the World Showcase. He meets celebrities and park characters like Dreamfinder and Figment, and speaks with some of the people responsible for creating the park.

Directed by Dwight Hemion

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Dwight Hemion
Writer
  • Buz Kohan
Producer
  • Ron Miziker

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Thematic Analysis

EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration represents a fascinating example of Family/Music/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Dwight Hemion brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 50 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 911 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1982, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Making of Me, which focuses more on action than character development, EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like A Day at EPCOT Center and Stolen Kingdom explore similar territory, EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 23, 1982
  • Runtime: 50m

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