Disney’s fan club D23 invited TRON fans to dance until derezzed Friday night at the House of Blues in San Diego. To the best of our knowledge, no one was actually derezzed, but the event mixed Flynn’s Arcade with the Grid and gave Programs a place to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Disney’s groundbreaking film.
Electronic music DJ Jason Bentley drove the energy for two hours, mixing in music from both TRON films with samples and beats. As it happens, though now he works with artists like Dua Lipa, 12 years ago Bentley did work with Daft Punk on the TRON: Legacy soundtrack. At 9:30, he introduced a surprise guest, music producer/performer Qrion.
As far as we know, none of the cast attended, but it really was an event for those who just love these films. Even though it was ostensibly for the original, video screens showed clips from both films. On the main floor, a photo op from Legacy (with appropriate props) had a line-up of enthusiastic attendees. The next room, however, stayed original, as you entered into Flynn’s Arcade with several classic ’80s games. Of course, the original TRON game was there, but sadly, one of the controls stopped functioning early in the festivities. At least the lightcycle race worked.
It was a good reminder that Comic-Con isn’t just about the latest and greatest news — and sorry, there was no announcement of a third movie. This was all about fans and fun. Friends had bought tickets weeks in advance and coordinated outfits — the stipulation was not that you be an attendee of SDCC, but a member of D23 or the guest of one.
We all glowed with energy, in the form of a few buffet tables and a free drink. If you didn’t bring your own glow, everyone got a magnetic wristband that lit up and commemorated the night. Also, the more you watch those video clips and hear that pulse-pounding music, the more you remember that the original is insanely cool. (Keep an ear out as I guest on an upcoming Matinee Heroes to talk about the film.)
