Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Shang-Chi Opening Night at the El Capitan Theater!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings had a fan event at the El Capitan Theater that was perfect for fans!  It debuted in theaters on September 3rd and the opening night was on September 2nd.  The El Capitan showcases Disney films especially the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies!  The Black Panther (2018) opening had an extensive costume and props collection, guests like Ludwig Goranssen and Winston Duke, plus a massive panther head on stage in what looks like a wood carving.  The theatre also had concession offerings; a giant Black Panther head as a popcorn bucket, a large metal tin also for popcorn, a large plastic drink with movie artwork, and finally a special poster of the movie for the theatre.  Tron Legacy (2010) had a light show with Daft Punk music on stage. This is the article for the live action Aladdin: http://geektruth.blogspot.com/2019/05/aladdin-at-el-capitan-theatre.html.      

                                                                    Xialing, Wenwu, and Li-Fala Chen’s costumes from Shang-Chi, photo by the author. 


The theatre itself is historic, opening in 1926, it turned into a movie theatre in 1941.  Citizen Kane premiered there.  The architecture was renovated in the “art moderne” style.  This alone is worth the price of admission, old time Hollywood, stylish that makes me think everyone should dress up when going to the cinema.  Disney restored the theatre and held the premiere of The Rocketeer in 1991.  Before the show, a Wurlizter organ rises from the stage floor, this is enjoyable music for all of the audience.  The ticket to the fan event includes your seat, a 64 oz. popcorn tub, no design on it besides the El Capitan logo and also a 20 oz. bottle drink, less of a selection than what they had before.  The Shang-Chi swag was a reusable bag, an Opening Night Fan Event Souvenir Credential with Lanyard and one Brick Breakers Collectible Toy (not a special edition, just one you can find in a toy section). No posters this time and also no special popcorn bucket or cup.  Shang-Chi had a photo op, a stand with Wenwu facing Shang-Chi, and some costume displays.  Usually they are at the gallery in the basement.  


                                                                        Director Destin Daniel Cretton on the El Capitan stage, photo by the author. 


The glass displays were against the wall across from the seating entrances somewhat difficult to take pics with the glare.  There usually is three or four displays and the wall to the left once you enter, had some props.  This was replaced by the security scanners.  The costumes, all screen used I think, started with Death Dealer, then Shang-Chi red, dragon scale armor, and then Katy’s red outfit.  There is a display with a box carring the Ten Rings.  On the other side was Xialing’s white and black costume, Wenwu’s blue armor, and Li-Fala Chen’s light green dress, mask, and Asian conical hat.  Inside there are costumes of warriors in the balconies.  The guest was director, Destin Daniel Cretton, he pulled out tickets to award prizes found on numbers on the souvenir credential.  Cretton took a picture with the audience behind him.  There is almost always guests or a show on stage.  So if there are any MCU fans interested, then El Capitan Theatre is the place to be.  The displays are still at the theatre for Shang-Chi's release.  Note that the exit leads into the Ghiradelli Soda Fontain & Chocolate Shop next door with some merch.  


#ShangChi, #ElCapitanTheatre, #DestinDanielCretton, #Ghiradelli.

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