59 - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

90s Disney

AJ, Mike, and Chris travel back to 1994 when Professor Wayne Szalinski had to admit to his wife, "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!" Join us as we explore the birth of the Imagination Institute and Eric Idle's portrait of Dr. Nigel Channing. We explore insights into the complex effects of this 4D film from its director, Radal Kleiser, and describe how each of the ground breaking in-theater effects were achieved. So grab your safety googles, pick your feet up off the ground, and watch out for Gigabyte!

Early History
"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" released in 1989 to great success, followed by a moderately successful sequel, "Honey, I Blew Up the Kid" in 1992. "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure" opened in 1990 at the then new MGM Studios park. A new attraction themed around "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" was announced in November 1993, originally named "Honey, I Shrunk the Theater" and later changed to "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience." Kodak sponsored the attraction.

Production
The film was directed by Randal Kleiser, known for "Grease" and "Flight of the Navigator," and written by Bill Prady and Steve Spiegel. Cinematography was handled by Dean Cundey, with effects by Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company. The score was composed by Bruce Boughton. The set was designed by Les Dilley, and the cast included Rick Moranis, Marcia Strassman, Robert Oliveri, Eric Idle, and others.

Preshow
The preshow included a presentation by Kodak and a segment featuring Dr. Nigel Channing on WNN-TV. In 2003, the preshow was changed to include a short film replacing "True Colors" and altered dialogues.

Technical Details and Run of the Show
The film was presented as the stage of a live award show, with technical details ensuring the appearance of a live event. Ten significant 3D moments were incorporated into the show, each carefully choreographed to enhance audience immersion.

Other Parks Changes
The attraction underwent changes in various Disney parks, including Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.

Closure and Legacy
After Michael Jackson's death, there was a resurgence of interest in "Captain EO." As a result, "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" was temporarily closed in several parks for the "Captain EO Tribute" but never reopened. The attraction left a lasting legacy, with elements incorporated into other Disney experiences.

Our Memories
Personal reflections on the attraction.

Outro
Send questions and comments to [e-mail]

Links

• Allears.net - Extinct Epcot: The Big History of Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
• Disney Fandom - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
• Wikipedia - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!
• YouTube - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience Promo
• YouTube - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience Ride-Through
• YouTube - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience Full Show
• YouTube - True Colors Preshow
• Magic and Imagination Archive - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

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