Canadian Editorial on Current State of Epcot's O Canada! and its Forthcoming Update

[Figment!]

That '80s Show Embarrasses Canadians
Disney's Epcot to update 1982 film

TONY ATHERTON
CanWest News Service
7/24/07

The year was 1982. Pierre Trudeau was prime minister, the Jays played at Exhibition Stadium, Vancouver's False Creek was an industrial wasteland and a film called O Canada! was the star attraction of the Canada Pavilion at the brand-new Epcot Centre at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

A quarter of a century later, the 18-minute, 360-degree film is still packing 'em in at Epcot, but its dated and often hokey portrayal of the country has become a painful embarrassment for Canadian tourism officials and for many of the tens of thousands of Canadians who visit the theme park each year.

Ancient footage of the RCMP Musical Ride, flannel-wearing fishermen, fleeting and outdated aerial shots of Canadian cities and voice-overs by actors affecting bad Newfoundland and Quebec accents are all cited in the steady stream of complaints about the film fielded each year by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Soon, however, Canadian visitors to Epcot may no longer be blushing as bright at Mickey Mouse's red lederhosen. Seven years after former Canadian Tourism Commission president Jim Watson launched a campaign to have the Disney-made film updated, it seems a new version of O Canada! will debut Aug. 25 - with help from some high-profile Canadians: Gatineau's Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila and, Disney buffs say, comedian Martin Short.

The folks at Disney won't confirm or deny rumours the film is being relaunched next month. Walt Disney Canada spokeswoman Angela Saclamacis will only say "we are expecting some good things over at Epcot ... but we're not prepared to announce anything officially at this time."

However, an official Disney website notes the O Canada! film exhibit at the Canada Pavilion, a circular room with nine large screens surrounding an audience pit, will be shut down from Aug. 20-24 for "refurbishment."

[tomorrowschild]

Speaking as a Canadian I am very happy to hear about the new film. I have been going to Disney World since I was 5 (that was in 1987), and the film looks more dated every year. I showed my husband (who is taking his first Disney vacation in 2008) the attraction UTube and he couldn't believe how "80's" the film was. I am a bit upset that they are changing the song (if that rumour turns out to be true), I thought that an update- maybe with Celine Dion singing, or Brian Adams would be a nice addition, but Eva Avialia has a nice voice. Anyway as a Canadian I am happy to hear that this long over due change may be happening.

[gauvin4]

Thanks for the news. I can't wait to check it out when I go down in December.

[Flower]

As a Canadian, I too am glad to hear that the film is FINALLY being updated.

I have to say that I have mixed feelings that they are rumoured to have Eva Avila singing. I think going with a more famous/known Canadian singer would have probably been more fitting: Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Barenaked Ladies, even Anne Murray and the list could go on. I think it is great that a possible up and comer is getting the exposure and I hope that she continues to have a future, only time will tell.

[glenpreece]

I too am glad to hear about this change and I agree that they should have picked a more more known singer.

[disneynorth]

I have mixed feelings about the change..... I love the old movie and the old song. Yes, I agree it is outdated. But it still show how beautiful our country is.

If the rumours are true about Martin Short, I kinda hope they use him as a narrator only. It might be kinda corny to have him on the screen. Don't get me wrong, I do like the guy, but he may be too much for the film.

As far as the song goes, I have never really enjoyed updated music at Disney. I have always loved the old stuff (especially the Sherman brothers music). I also agree that the choice of singer might be bad. Everyone else has listed some good, well know, Canadian singers, but there are others out there that are better: Sarah McLaughlin, Chantel Kreviazuk, Matt Dusk, etc.

[lindique]

I have been curious about the song in the current movie for quite some time now. Does anyone know if the female singer in the duet has an authentic French-Canadian accent?

[Horizon93]

Looking forward to seeing the new film.

[Crow]

Looking forward to seeing the new film.

ditto ill see in Sept

[pdrlkr]

Thanks for the update Jason!

[Polynesian Dweller]

Another Canadian putting their two cents in here. A new film is long overdue but so too is a rethinking of the 'costumes' for the Canadian CMs. We are not a country of flannel wearing lumberjacks, period! That's an embarrasing stereotype and should be gone.

[Flower]

Another Canadian putting their two cents in here. A new film is long overdue but so too is a rethinking of the 'costumes' for the Canadian CMs. We are not a country of flannel wearing lumberjacks, period! That's an embarrasing stereotype and should be gone.

TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!!

How about a /replica of the RCMP uniform? Obviously they cannot personate an officer, but they could still portray it.

[psychotekkie]

Another Canadian putting their two cents in here. A new film is long overdue but so too is a rethinking of the 'costumes' for the Canadian CMs. We are not a country of flannel wearing lumberjacks, period! That's an embarrasing stereotype and should be gone.

lol, I must agree on that. Truth be told, we dress pretty much the same as everyone else in the world. I know they are trying to portray traditional costume as opposed to current fashion. But even traditionally... lumberjacks were only one profession. And mounties don't all look like that other stereotype either. Nor do all fishermen wear a duck yellow dorey cap. But I guess they are doing their best to distinguish us from the rest of the world.

[Patricia]

I'm looking forward to seeing the new film.

We had a chuckle when we saw that film the first time 14 years ago. Having lived in both Canada and the US it would be difficult to distinguish one from the other. But that said, I've seen some awful stereotypes on both sides of the border. I think the old film (and CM costumes) used some history to capture a Canadian "feeling". The other Pavilions use historical costumes as well. Here in Canada we know the musical ride is strictly ceremonial and we are not all lumberjacks.

I may have misread, but I thought the two stars were going to be present at the opening.. not necessarily in the film. If the movie's singer is indeed Eva Avialia they may be trying to stay ahead of the trends. Although, I can't see going wrong with Barenaked Ladies who have a wider audience appeal.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I am glad to see the new film coming.
2) My old corporate HQ used to be in Canada.
3) I find the current movie a poor representation of Canada.
4) It will be nice to have a better show.

NOTE: For the longest time, I thought the Canadian alphabet consisted of 27 letters. A-eh-B-C-D-etc.

[Polynesian Dweller]

1)

NOTE: For the longest time, I thought the Canadian alphabet consisted of 27 letters. A-eh-B-C-D-etc.

Oh, and Zed not Zee.

Now I have to go and get my new flannel shirt on and sharpen the axe.

I'm a lumberjack and I'm Ok.....

[2Epcot]

I'm glad the pavillion is getting a new film, but I will miss the old music. The film gives me a lot of memories of my first visits to Epcot.

[KevGuy]

They should make Lecellier bigger so I can get a ressie there lmao!!!

[tomorrowschild]

Ditto about the costumes. I always feel that those Canadian CMs look very warm.

[DisneyDudet]

I have mixed feelings about the change..... I love the old movie and the old song. Yes, I agree it is outdated. But it still show how beautiful our country is.

If the rumours are true about Martin Short, I kinda hope they use him as a narrator only. It might be kinda corny to have him on the screen. Don't get me wrong, I do like the guy, but he may be too much for the film.

As far as the song goes, I have never really enjoyed updated music at Disney. I have always loved the old stuff (especially the Sherman brothers music). I also agree that the choice of singer might be bad. Everyone else has listed some good, well know, Canadian singers, but there are others out there that are better: Sarah McLaughlin, Chantel Kreviazuk, Matt Dusk, etc.

Ah... Matt Dusk! I live in Texas and love him!

I can't wait to see the new film. I want to go to Canada one day.

And as far as stereotyping, all the countries wear a stereotypical costume. I doubt those from Germany really dress that way when they're home...