ok I got a little window of time from work.
I will first post the report, then once you guys tell me how to up the pics. I will up it. I sorted out already.
It was cool. The facade set is where the red carpet is at.
The red carpet is only for the celebs. they had a crane camera ste up, suppsely filming the new commercial for the movie here.
Sad part it was raining the whole week here. But actually stopped for the exact time when the stars arrived. And once they got in, it start raining again.
The Yoyogi stadium is huge. They have major concerts here. I have been here a few time. Very rare it is used for a Premiere. Most premieres are held in Roppongi Hills, where is like Arc Light in the states.
Loads of people, 20,000. Is like a mob at WWE event. People rushing to their seats. Luckily I had a assigned VIP seat number. The normal premiere winners, from postcard drawing, sits in the 2 floor of the stadium in the very back. The second lucky ones, sits in the floor standing area, in front of the stage. The VIP and Celebs sits in between on the normal staidum seats, which has the best view.
I rushed in. The temp theater system, is set up like a concert stage. Lights and speakers and all. Problem is that, the stadium is soooo big, even the biggest screen, only looks so small.
The first run the Red Carpet video LIVE on the screen, to watch the stars getting in. People going crazy for Ford, and even more Lucas. Japanese people worship him here. I met him, one time at the King Kong Premiere.
I love him, but he is an ass. I dont blame him. I mean, i ask for a signature, he just wont get it to me, until I bugged him, because I had to go home, then he sign it. Man! I paid so much money to your Indy and Star Wars. You can get a 1 second signature. Anyways, he actually gave signatures out during the red carpet. Coolest thing, they have a famous High school Orchestra playing the Raiders March LIVE.
There was alot of Japanses celebs and singers and artist. Like atleast 5 of then, sitting right next to me. Made me feel uncomfortable watching the movie. Because they are you know! Artists! I try to keep my cool, because it is a VIP seat, I dont want to like burst into a stalker fan or something.
And the show starts.
First the host comes out and opens the show. Like welcome, blah blah.
Then, the theater starts to give out this low bass sound. The the lights dim.
The lighting becomes Indy style, in yellow orange-ish colors.
The host ask, the whole audience to yeah out INDY!!! INDY!!!
then the place goes dark. Like waterworld stunt show. Indy (stunt man) appears on the top of the stadium (cool, but I could tell it is a Asian Indy, but hey, we are in Japan) he SWINGS down thru the whole stadium above the guests. From the back to the front of the stage.
He drops down, and lands in a black box (obviously here is the switch) and seconds later, a Caucasian Indy is BACK!! He runs thru the temple theme stage, which is giving off smoke and stuff. There is classic werid jungle creature sounds everywhere. And the William Score is played with huge blast of sound. The level here is on par with the show in Disney Orlando. (i do show designs for job, I can really tell alot of money was spent)
Indy then, runs around looking for something. Then he see a small altar.
He then, pulls out a Crystal Skull (my mistake previously, it is regular Crystal Skull, and not the Alien one) and place it on the altar. Then, strobe starts to shoot out and lazer beams (like in a concert) shoots out everywhere, with music for the end of Raiders playing. Smoke starts to come out. Then
on the other side of the screen, a huge explosion. Then the ruin walls opens,
with smoke and lights behind. WALKS OUT, Harrision FORD...and the rest of Indy team.
WOWWWWWWWWW What a opener! People scream crazy!
Then, it is on to normal interview. And Frank Marshall spoke first. He was like oh my god, this is not a movie, but a rock concert. (it is) And everyone agree with him. Just over whelmed by the whole thing. Karen Allen, for it was the first time ever in Japan. She just look so shocked and excited, like what is this?!? look on her face. Fans yelling Marion! Marion! the whole time.
Then, onto Kathleen Kennedy, who thanked everyone in attending.
Frank answered the question of, what is the hardest part of the WHOLE movie for him. He said, finding the hat maker after 19 years, because he couldnt find anyone that can make it. Then, Lucas went on. fans goes crazy. reports begged for Indy 5. Please make it, please make it. Lucas was like...ehhhh, I am tired, no ideas now. Maybe, I will think about it.
Then Ford, suddenly got on his knees, like in a marriage proposal to Lucas, PLEASE?!?! begging him for Indy 5. That was funny.
Then, Lucas answers another question, what is the coolest thing in Indy 4. He then say, Harrison Ford, only then, Ford, reach into his pocket and gave him 400 bucks, which Lucas took it and put it into his pocket.
Lucas then, say OK OK, Indy 5, will be Indiana Jones and the Lost old man's glasses. Making jokes and stuff, and then Fords starts to act like a old man, looking on the floor for his glasses. It was really funny, sad part. No Japanese person got the jokes. Because the translation came like after the whole thing.
Ford then, thanks the audiences and apologize for Spielberg not showing up because he has to attend his daugthers graduation.
And then that was it. The movie starts.
Big applause at the Lucasfilm logo and Paramount Logo. big laughs at all the funny points. Especially on the father and son stuff. Japanese ate that up. Because the subtitle were sucky done. The jokes between Indy and Marion didnt translate well. No One got the joke.
Alot of ooohs ahhhs at the bugs and especially the snkae gag. They love it!
They even loved the tarzan!!!! Japanese taste, different yo!
Alot of gasp at the ARK cameo, alot of whispers during the Connery photo cameo.
They ate the gag with the hat ending with Shia. and love it.
HUGE cheers when the credits roll. It is a tradition for Japanese stay for the whole credits and cheer after the lights turns on.
But, I think the event ran a little over time and long. Everyone just rush out of the seats, why? TO THE BATHROOM..... I was holding it like crazy too.
It lasted from entrance to end of the movie, 4 plus hours sitting down.
Anyways, what a experience. I have never experience Indy Premiere in my life. I am sooooo happy I got attend this one. I will never forget. I hope I could have seen SS to be there. But, Frank Marshall? I love him too. Bad ass!!!!! A memory to treasure for life.
funny thing is I snapped away, I got warned like 5 times, telling me to put my camera away or I will get kicked out. Still I snapped away like crazy..
PS. I also wonder why they didnt do any events at DisneySea where the Crytal Skull ride is at. First, Tokyo Disney is not related to Disney. It is run by OLC, who rents Disney License and pay royalties. So, there is no directe relation where Disney or Paramount can be in control, lets say, shut down that part of the park just for a premiere. OLC dont get any Merit for that. Would have been cool with Disney and Lucasfilm. But, I guess it just didnt work out. So too bad. Would have been cool.
pics sooonnnnnn
