On June 21st , it’s time to look like a hood ornament all over again! Disney’s exclusive fan club, D23, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of THE ROCKETEER with an unprecedented reunion of the film’s notables, film screening and an exhibit to honor the movie, which sent audiences sky-high two decades ago. Exclusively for us, here is a look at the special limited edition poster that will be for sale at the one night only event at the El Capitan in Hollywood.
Twenty years ago (to the day), Hollywood’s landmark art deco El Capitan Theatre – restored to its original glamour – opened its gilded doors for THE ROCKETEER, transporting audiences to a golden age of style, glamour and (of course) sleek jet packs. Stunt pilot Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell) discovers a stolen rocket pack and sets off on a series of heroic (and sometimes hilarious) adventures that attract the attention of Howard Hughes (Terry O’Quinn), the FBI, gangsters, a band of Nazis and one aspiring actress, namely Cliff’s girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Connolly). The rest is now cinematic history.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of this Disney film favorite, Campbell will participate in a panel discussion hosted by cult-followed filmmaker – and self proclaimed Rocketeer fan – Kevin Smith. The panel discussion will take place right before the exclusive screening of the film. In addition to the rocket man himself, the panel will also feature the Academy Award®-winning makeup artist Rick Baker (ENCHANTED, CAPTAIN EO), the two screenwriters responsible for the acclaimed film, Danny Bilson (GOLDENEYE: ROGUE AGENT) and Paul De Meo (JAMES BOND 007: EVERYTHING OR NOTHING), and as a special treat, iconic renowned illustrator and close friend of Dave Stevens, the creator of The Rocketeer comics, William Stout (PAN’S LABYRINTH) will offer insight on transforming THE ROCKETEER from graphic novel to the big screen. (We must stipulate that talent is subject to availability.)
After the screening, guests are invited to tour the Hollywood Museum — located in the historic Max Factor building — and explore the museum’s four floors of exhibits as well as a special presentation of props and costumes from THE ROCKETEER, curated exclusively for this night only by the Walt Disney Archives. Sounds pretty fantastic, right?!
D23 Members have already been snapping up their tickets for the event. But don’t worry. You don’t need to be a member to join in on the fun. Seating is now open to the general public to purchase their tickets. Tickets for the event are $50 and can only be purchased by phoning the El Capitan box office (#818-845-3110). The purchase price also includes a special commemorative ROCKETEER gift pack. All guests are invited to attend the special exhibit following the film, where there will also be exclusive, limited-edition ROCKETEER collectibles (such as this poster, a special commemorative tee shirt, pin set, etc.) available for purchase from D23 and Creature Features.
It’s time to suit up and take to the skies once more. This celebration is guaranteed to blow fans of the film (and comic) away! For more information, please check out D23’s website here. We hope to see you there!
THE ROCKETEER (c) Disney, Rocketeer artwork (c) The Rocketeer Trust
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