A press release quality "story" hardly qualifies as evidence of what we were given.
I was really going to let you have this last word even though it bugged me.
But since this thread seems to have a life, I'll engage a bit more.
NASA's comments within the text of what I sent were real evidence of how much effort went into this project in imagery, design and content.
Unfortunately, you have not seen this attraction and therefore cannot adequately editorialize it which explains why we keep arriving at this point.
I'm going to attempt to bridge this gap by having you read another article.
http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/mission_space_030804.html
Since it's a few months old, I won't bother posting the entire script but I will call your attention to certain key elements:
First, is the "ride mechanism" itself which you keep harping on as if it's some kind of cold, impersonal steel behemoth we are cattled into and spun around for a quick thrill. (not that I'd mind, of course)
"We've taken that centrifuge technology and modified it, if you will, for an entertainment attraction. We've added layers of audio, video, lighting and special effects to create sort of an immersive experience that helps support and tell our story," said Mike Lentz, the Disney Imagineer who served as executive director for Mission: SPACE
Immersive; story; special effects -
How is this not up to par with the philosophy?
"Our story takes place in the future, but not too far in the future. Because this is Epcot we want our story to be based in science fact, not science fiction," said Bob Zalk, senior show producer for Mission: SPACE.
Thank God somebody finally figured this one out!
Walking through the ISTC you will see a slowly turning, 35-foot-tall wheel that acts as a space simulation laboratory complete with offices, sleeping areas and exercise rooms. In fact, it is the actual studio prop used in the 2000 Touchstone Pictures movie "Mission to Mars." A model of the ship from that movie also hangs from the ceiling, as does an actual back-up Apollo Lunar Rover on loan from the National Air and Space Museum.
Funny how this hardly ever gets mentioned. It is fantastic to see.
It demonstrates a remarkable effort and real investment into this exhibit.
And finally.....................
NASA has cooperated with the development of Mission: SPACE at every step of the way. For example, solid hydrogen fuel, aerospike rocket engines and hypersleep all are technologies mentioned in Mission: SPACE, and all are being pursued in some way by the space agency, officials said.
"They've really done a very credible job at making this as strongly tied to reality as they can," said David Lavery, program executive for solar system exploration at NASA Headquarters. "These are all realistic concepts that we're pursuing in some of our advanced research and development efforts right now."
So when I hear the complaints about "other aspects of the show" having been compromised I get a bit agitated.
Remember this is Future World we're talking about and there are 6 other venues to utilize as a measuring stick which I must caution you very carefully on before delving into this discussion.
