Universal Studios Blog

Rumor: Universal, WB, and Tolkien Estate Planning Middle-earth Theme Park?

2013-01-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

According to an anonymous source, Universal and Warner Bros. have approached the Tolkien estate about the possibility of building a new attraction, and Universal has gotten as far as presenting its ideas to the Tolkiens.

This could make for exciting additions to the theme parks! I don't know how much more space there is on the "Hollywood" lot for something like this though. If this does come to fruition hopefully that can at least bring something out here.

Via slashfilm & behindthethrills

Universal Pictures debuts new logo to celebrate 100th Anniversary

2012-01-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

Universal Pictures will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year and to kick off celebrations they debuted a new logo today. I think it looks fantastic. Updated but still recognizable. In addition to the "100th Anniversary" text below the studio name the logo now has the badge that says "A Comcast Company" to reflect the recent corporate changes that have occurred.

The studio also announced that an extensive restorration process has begun to protect the legacy of some of their most classic films including All Quiet on the Western Front, Dracula, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Frankenstein, Jaws, Out of Africa, Schindler's List, The Sting, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Additionally studio president Ron Meyer promises parades in Universal's Orlando theme park, tours of the company's remarkable archives and promotions at major film festivals, maybe with talent in attendance.

Gibson Amphitheatre to be demolished to make way for Harry Potter

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Word on the street is that the Gibson Amphitheatre is slated to be demolished to make way for the West Coast Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I'm really looking forward to the new "Potter-land" but the Gibson will be missed. I've attended some very memorable events there over the years.

Transformers: The Ride 3D Official Teaser Trailer

2011-12-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

Universal Studios has posted an official teaser trailer for the upcoming Transformers: The Ride 3D. Looks pretty good if you ask me. Hopefully it'll be better than the last two films. You can find out more at the official site... (Click image below to go to website)

JAWS: The Final Voyage

2011-12-03T22:16:00.001-08:00

Looks like Universal Florida will be closing Jaws this January "in order to make room for an exciting new attraction." Wonder what this new attraction could be and if the Jaws attraction in Hollywood will soon meet the same fate?

Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Hollywood!!

2011-11-30T18:13:00.001-08:00

I wished for it back in April of last year and now it looks like it's coming true!!! According to the LA Times Universal is bringing their successful Harry Potter themed area to Hollywood! Details are still scarse, but for now the tentative opening date is 2015.

via.

Jimmy Fallon's "Tramtastic Day" from Universal Studios Hollywood

2011-06-03T12:10:00.001-07:00

Universal Orlando Resort Introduces Online Store!

2010-11-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

Great selection of merchandise!! Especially if you are a Harry Potter fan!

You can find the store online HERE.

Here are a few of my favorites:

E.T. Plush with Blue Sweatshirt

Viktor Krum Triwizard Jersey

Jurassic Park Logo Adult Ringer T-Shirt

Warner Bros. to buy and expand Leavesden Studios in the UK

2010-11-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

I am sharing this story here because of the inclusion of a Studio Tour! Sounds great and hopefully will be a nice little tour for UK locals and visitors.

The studio, owned by Time Warner Inc., is paying $161.4 million to acquire and expand the 170-acre Leavesden Studios northwest of London, where it shot its eight "Harry Potter" films.

The project will include two new soundstages, plus memorabilia and sets from the "Potter" films, and will offer behind-the-scenes tours. The makeover is expected to be complete in 2012.

via LA Times

Grinchmas 2010 Dates Announced

2010-11-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

The Press Release from USH:

Universal City, California – “Grinchmas” time is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. prepares for a lively holiday season with the Grinch, his faithful dog Max, tons of fresh snow and a “Whoville Whobilation” at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was filmed.

Nightly tree-lighting ceremonies, celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and encounters with a “Who’s Who” of Whoville characters will be part of the celebration, which expands this year to 18 days, beginning on December 11 and 12 and continuing daily from December 18 through January 2, 2011. “Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission. More information, including holiday promotional offers and information regarding celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will be available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: “’Grinchmas’ has become a true holiday tradition, an event where families can enjoy a slightly irreverent approach to the season while still being thoroughly immersed in holiday spirit. Because we expect very strong attendance during Christmas week, we’re adding five dates to this year’s ‘Grinchmas’ schedule in response to the event’s growing popularity.”

Guests will find an immersive holiday atmosphere. A whimsical, curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered “Grinchmas” winter wonderland and will be lit in a nightly ceremony that will feature a colorfully costumed “Whoville” choir caroling and spreading holiday cheer. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos. Families will also be able to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of snow and building their own snowmen.

“Grinchmas” will also provide fans of the blockbuster movie a close-up view of the original “Whoville” film sets, featured in the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful “Whoville” buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by “Whoville’s” residents re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film.

Guests who attend Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” celebration will be able to purchase the “Buy a Day, Get 2011 Free” annual pass, a tremendous value allowing them to visit Universal Studios Hollywood throughout the coming year.

Despicable Me's Minions at Universal Studios Hollywood!

2010-08-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Theatrical Poster for Despicable Me

Minion walk around characters from Universal Studios

I had the chance to see Despicable Me today with my daughter and we both loved it! Now it seems Universal can have some characters of it's own again to roam the park with. I'm completely ok with them licensing characters (DreamWorks & Simpsons) but as I said it is really nice to see them have some of their own again that families really enjoy! Hopefully the success of Despicable Me ($200+ Million and still counting!) will send a message to the Universal brass that people are interested in good quality family entertainment!

Construction Photos of the Transformers Ride at Universal Studios

2010-07-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

The attraction is expected to open in 2012 at Universal Studios Hollywood. It replaces Backdraft and the Special Effects Stages. The ride will employ 3-D HD footage and animatronics.

Photos via Inside Universal.

Los Angeles Dodgers to Celebrate King Kong Opening with Universal Studios "My Town" Night

2010-06-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

DODGERTOWN, UNIVERSAL

Monday, July 19
vs. San Francisco Giants

Tickets include:

Dodgertown, Universal t-shirt
All you can eat Dodger Dogs, nachos, popcorn and soft drinks.
Kids voucher for Universal Studios Hollywood

You can find out more info at the Official Dodgers Website.

King Kong Takes on Three Other 3D Universal Rides

2010-06-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

Via Popular Science:

Voracious raptors encircle your studio tram car. The carnivorous Vastatosaurus rex spots you as potential prey. Suddenly, a massive, 6000-pound gorilla enters the scene and you're in the middle of an all-out fight. Welcome to Universal Hollywood's King Kong 360 3D, an experience that, aided by the world's largest wraparound screen, will change the face of theme park attractions when it opens this July as part of the larger Studio Tour. King Kong 360 will replace the animatronic King Kong Encounter—destroyed by fire in 2008—with the help of director Peter Jackson and with 3D and technology that will more than double the digital resolution per second of a typical feature film and blast 108 decibels of surround sound.

But it's not just Kong who's taking theme parks by storm: rapid advancements in 3D technology are ushering in an entirely new era of ride realism. Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, slated to open this June, combines 3D visuals with robotic technology and live performance in its signature Forbidden Journey dark ride, and park reps are being so secretive, it may be impossible to tell where the tactile ends and the 3D begins. Here is a look at what makes four impressive 3D Universal rides tick.

Read the rest of the article HERE.

Press Release: Universal’s New Backlot Premieres

2010-05-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

On June 1, 2008, a three alarm fire broke out at Universal Studios Hollywood, destroying New York Street, the King Kong theme park attraction and a video vault. In response, the entertainment community rallied together and assembled a world-renowned creative team to rebuild what had been lost. Jim Watters, President & General Manager of NBC Universal Operations Group, and Dave Beanes, Senior Vice-President of NBC Universal Production Services were joined by esteemed film legend Steven Spielberg, production designers, and Rick Carter (Academy Award winner for Avatar) to be a part of the design process. The team quickly expanded to a list of twenty-five award-winning production designers and graphic artists that collaborated, designed and rebuilt the legendary Hollywood fixture.
The finished product, which will be completed on June 30 and includes a New York block with a glass and steel look, Paris Square, London Square and Central Park, will usher in a new era for the Universal Studio Hollywood Studio Tour. The upgraded Studio Tour has been upgraded with high-definition TV monitors in each tram car, new video content and high-grade digital audio systems and will provide guests with a more in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the film and television industry than ever before.
As for King Kong, the attraction was moved to expand the location and provide additional production parking. The new King Kong 360-3D attraction created by award-winning director Peter Jackson will open this summer and will be the world’s largest and most intense 3D interactive theme park experience!

ABC 7 Reports on the Re-Opening of the Burned Down Section the the Universal Backlot

2010-05-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

From KABC-TV LOS ANGELES, CA:

Nearly two years ago, a fire raced through the Universal Studios' backlot, destroying movie sets and some of Hollywood's most famous films. On Thursday, a celebration was held as part of the lot reopened.

The heads of Universal Studios, along with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, director Steven Spielberg and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, attended the ceremony.

"What you see around you is the result of a new New York, and not just New York, but London and anywhere else your imagination takes you, because the backlot can be anything an art department and a director and a writer put in our imagination," Spielberg said during the ceremony

King Kong Rampages Through Dodger Stadium

2010-05-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Universal staged an publicity stunt this morning at Dodger Stadium to promote the new King Kong attraction that opens in early July.

More info was provided by LA Land:

The giant ape footprints that begin near home plate and disappear behind center field are part of a series of attention-grabbing events to promote the idea that Kong escaped the fire that destroyed parts of the backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2008.

After stomping through various parts of the city in the next few weeks -- Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood Boulevard, for example -- the knuckle-dragging ape will, according to Universal Studios' publicity folks, settle into his new home at the theme park.

The ape will star in King Kong 360 3D, an attraction designed by director Peter Jackson. It is scheduled to open by the Fourth of July holiday.

Peter Jackson Discusses New King Kong 3D Attraction

2010-05-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

Via.

New International Café Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood

2010-05-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

According to the What's New section of the Official Universal Studios Hollywod website, there is a new place to eat at USH. Sounds like a rather healthy assortment of food options!

Visit the newly opened International Café, behind Mel's Drive In, offering fresh gourmet sandwiches, salads, sliced fruit, a wide selection of snacks, desserts, refreshing beverages and gourmet coffee drinks. It's unlike anything else in the park!

Special Effects Stage to get updated and relocated

2010-05-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

A rebooted version of the Special Effects Stage show reopening at Universal Studios Hollywood in June will pit classic movie-making techniques against cutting-edge digital technology, theme park officials said.

The 22-minute show will be co-hosted by a conservative, middle-aged tech guru and a fun-loving and quick-witted 20-something hipster who will demonstrate filmmaking special effects both old (rear-screen projection, forced perspective and matte imagery) and new (CGI, green screen, stop motion, motion capture and 3-D).

The television and movie theme park is moving the long-running special-effects show from a lower level sound stage (near the now-shuttered Backdraft attraction) to an upper-level theater to make room for the much-anticipated Transformers ride, scheduled to open in 2012.

Unlike the previous behind-the-scenes special-effects show, which shuttled audience members through three sets, the new show will take place in a single auditorium.

Via Universal Studios Hollywood - Official Facebook Page & LA Times

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter set to open in Flordia on June 18, 2010!

2010-04-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Universal has set an opening date of June 18, 2010 for Harry Potter themed the expansion to their Islands of Adventure park. I wish they could find a way to bring a Potter attraction to Hollywood!

King Kong 360 3D Teaser Trailer!

2010-04-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

From Universal: He's never been this real. The Eighth Wonder of the World rises from ashes to astound studio tour guests this summer as the KING KONG 360 3-D Attraction is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood this summer!

In the new attraction, guests will don special glasses as they enter a darkened soundstage aboard the Studio Tour trams and will be transported— via the magic of Surround Digital 3D projection —deep into the dark heart of the world of Skull Island. They'll survive a close encounter with a swarm of monstrous bats, only to be confronted by the terrifying presence of Kong himself. Suddenly, an enormous, ravenous 35' tall dinosaur will challenge Kong and guests will feel their trams jolt, roll and shudder as they find themselves caught in the middle of a ferocious showdown between the great ape and the giant lizard. The action will immerse guests in the battle between the two colossal predators!

LA Times provides more details about the upcoming King Kong tram attraction!

2010-01-27T00:11:00.000-08:00

From the LA Times:

After nearly 19 months away from the spotlight, a new King Kong -- more grizzled and, definitely, ferocious -- is preparing to return to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Since the old animatronic Kong was destroyed in a fire on the theme park's back lot, Hollywood's top visual effects wizards have been tinkering away in a giant hangar in Playa Vista to create a new, more realistic ape to terrify visitors who take the park's signature back lot studio tour.

Inside the humongous drab-green building, Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson has led a team of film and theme park ride experts in creating a 3-D version of the hairy ape to replace the Kong that died in the June 2008 fire.

The new Kong attraction, described by Universal Studios as the largest 3-D exhibit in the world, will debut this summer at the height of tourist season.

You can read the rest of the article HERE.

'Madagascar' rides to Universal Studios Singapore

2009-09-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

Universal Studios Singapore, which opens early next year, will be the home to the first theme park attraction based on DreamWorks Animation movie property "Madagascar."

The Southeast Asia park, located on the island of Sentosa as part of a $4.2 billion Resorts World property, also will boast a Far Far Away Castle, a landmark in DWA's "Shrek" pic series. The 130-foot-tall castle, where King Harold lives, will house attractions such as Shrek 4-D, Donkey Live and Magic Potion Spin, Universal Studios announced Wednesday.

Madagascar: A Crate Adventure will be an indoor boat ride featuring animated figures, digital projection, special effects and a bubbling volcanic cauldron.

"These iconic animated characters promise to be another crown jewel in our collection of world-class rides and shows based on blockbuster movies that are loved by the entire family," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts.

The two animated "Madagascar" films, featuring the voices of Ben Stiller and Chris Rock, have raked in more than $1.1 billion at the global boxoffice. A third film is planned for 2012, and the property has spread to TV and video games.

In addition to the Universal theme park, the 5 million square-foot Resorts World Singapore also will have a Marine Life Park, six hotels, shopping, an ESPA spa, conference and meeting facilities and an animatronic "Crane Dance" performance on the waterfront.

Via THR.

Creature from the Black Lagoon Musical Debuts

2009-07-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

I will refrain from making my own commentary here and leave you with the following images and video for you to make your own opinions with...

Via fear.net & chud