Nowadays, many critics feel that most megabudget films seem designed as a potential theme-park ride first and an actual motion-picture second; Captain Eo, however, was designed as a Disney theme-park attraction from the very beginning. Directed by
Francis Ford Coppola and starring
Michael Jackson, the 17-minute short ran for over 10 years in Disneyland's Magic Eye Theatre, finally closing in April of 1997. (It has also appeared at Disneyworld and other Disney theme parks). The plot follows a motley crew of space travelers -- led by Jackson as Captain Eo -- who are captured by the oppressive leaders of a remote planet and sentenced to a century of torture. Captain Eo responds with a demonstration of the power of rock music, staging an impromptu concert that revitalizes the barren planet and transforms the evil aliens into beautiful, peace-loving humanoids. The simplistic plot, designed for an audience made up primarily of children, is purposefully secondary to Jackson's musical performances and the visual effects, which are presented in 70 millimeter 3-D. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide