Michael Jackson
Opens HIStory Comeback
Tour in Prague
06:31 Sep. 08, 1996PRAGUE - Pop star Michael Jackson launched his first concert tour in three years on September 8 th with a high-tech spectacle in Prague.
Many of the estimated 120,000 spectators on Prague's sprawling Letna Plain -- where Communist leaders once reviewed military parades -- stood awestruck as massive ``Jumbotron'' video screens dominated Jackson's virtual-reality show.
``It's more of a video game than a concert,'' said one Prague student as she stood in the crowd .
At the climax of the opening - a 3D virtual motion-ride through HIStory - Jackson exploded through the floor of his futuristic stage and emerged in gold-plated astronaut's armour to open the concert with one of his latest hits, "Scream".
The 4:15 animated ride, animated by See3 Inc. for Knotter/Palivoda Productions, was directed by Kenny Ortega (Dirty Dancing, 1996 Atlanta Olympic Opening/Closing Ceremonies) and art directed by Michael Cotten and was created in less than 6 weeks under the leadership of independent producer Glenn Abrams and a team of more than 11 animators working simultaneously from locations throughout the US.
The stage design was a blend of classical Greek temple and a space station. Jackson matched the high tech wizardry with his formidable dancing skills, singing many of the hits of his 20-year career.
The three-month ``HIStory World Tour'' will take hundreds of tons of equipment to stops in Europe, Africa, Asia, but with no dates scheduled for the Americas.
