A mild Snafusis: From Ride to Living Room

I was considering going to Disneyland this weekend. I really wanted to go, a friend was planning on the trip, it would have been a blast. But lack of funds, time, and other factors nixed the trip.

But it got me thinking. By raise of hands, who remembers the Captain EO 3-D movie they used to play, with Michael Jackson as the fastest dancin' space captain this side of the galaxy? I do. I remember how awesome it was. And they weren't slouchers, those guys. Fracis Ford Coppola directed it, George Lucas produced, Anjelica Houston as the Supreme Leader, and of course Michael Freakin' Jackson as the Captain himself. The short became influential on later science fiction, notably The Borg from Star Trek.

I say that like it's some epic. In all honestly, it was a short film done by Disney once years ago. But I loved it.

Anyway, I thought, "Why isn't this available on DVD? Sure, Michael Jackson is a freakshow, but come on, people still listen to Gary Glitter." So I emailed Disney.

Dear Disney,
I have fond memories of Disneyland as a child. One of my favorite attractions was the Captain EO film. I have become a great fan of popular cinema. I know there are many like myself who would love to see Captain EO released on DVD or HD disc. I would eagerly add it to my personal video library. Thank you for your consideration.
Austin Craig

This is the response I got:

Austin,
Thank you for your email regarding CAPTAIN EO. We value your interest in Walt Disney Home Entertainment. At this time, we do not have a DVD release date for CAPTAIN EO. We will forward your request for release to our Marketing Department for consideration.Please visit our website at http://www.disneydvd.com/ for a list of titles that are currently available and to check for new DVD announcements from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reply to this email. You may also contact us at 800 723-4763
(Canada: 888 877-2843), Monday 9:30-7:30 and Tuesday through Friday 9:30-6:30 CST.
Sincerely,
Walt Disney Studio Home Entertainment Consumer Relations

Well, that didn't get me much of anywhere, but it's better than nothing. So I did it again.

Okay, raise of hands again, who remembers Back to the Future: the Ride? Universal just got rid of that one just last year (except in Japan). Also a great ride, one of my fondest from the theme park. Here is what I told them.

Dear Universal,
I was saddened to hear about the close of the Back to the Future Ride at the United States Universal Studios theme park locations. I know there are many like myself who would like to see it released on DVD or HD disc. I'm sure many collectors would eagerly add it to their home video libraries. Thank you.
Austin Craig

This is what they said.

Dear Mr. Craig
Thank you for writing to express your concerns regarding the closing of Back to the Future the Ride(r). Universal Orlando(r) appreciates the enormous following of Back to the Future the Ride(r) fans, as well as the historical significance of this attraction, and we have not made the decision to close it lightly. We understand how much our guests will miss this attraction. We feel it is important to take a bold approach to providing our guests with the kind of state-of-the-art and innovative entertainment experience they expect from Universal Orlando. Sometimes, that approach means change. In the past, we have replaced The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera with Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast(tm); Kongfrontation with Revenge of the Mummy the RideSM; and the Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show with Fear Factor Live. In each case, a popular attraction gave way to a new and equally popular experience. While our newest attraction is still in development, we anticipate that it will quickly become a new guest favorite.
Once again, thank you for sharing your remarks with us. Your comments are important to the success of our resort. We hope you will visit soon, giving us the opportunity to provide the greatest entertainment experience.
Best regards,

Katie

Coordinator, Guest Services Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations(tm)Universal Orlando(r) Resort