King Kong: 360 3-D

King Kong: 360 3-D

Promotional Poster
Universal Studios Hollywood
AreaUpper Lot, Studio Tour
Opening dateJuly 1, 2010
ReplacedKing Kong Encounter
General statistics
Attraction type 3-D Simulation
Manufacturer Dynamic Structures
Designer Universal Creative
Theme King Kong
Vehicle type Studio Tour Tram
Duration 2:30
Website King Kong 360 3-D
Other names - The New King Kong Encounter
- King Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World

King Kong: 360 3-D is an attraction which is included in the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.[1] The attraction takes guests to a recreated version of Skull Island from Peter Jackson's 2005 award-winning blockbuster remake King Kong. It employs 3-D HD imagery on two 200-foot (61 m) wide screens, tram motion, wind, water, and scent resulting in an immersive two and a half minute film.[2] The attraction replaced King Kong Encounter which burned down in 2008.[3] King Kong: 360 3-D made its debut on the Studio Tour on July 1, 2010.[2][4]

Summary

After a video introduction by Peter Jackson, Studio Tour guests wear 3-D glasses as the tram enters a sound stage dressed as a re-creation of Skull Island. The sound stage is located in front of the Collapsing Bridge on the Studio Tour. Immediately upon entry the scent of a damp jungle is present. A pack of Venatosaurus see the tram and start to give chase. They scatter when a group of Vastatosaurus rex turn up, some of the pack gets eaten. After the attack by three Vastatosaurus Rex begin to chase the tram, only to disturb Kong, who begins to fight them. The fight continues from one side of the tram to the other, as air and water effects are blown onto guests to further the illusion. Near the end of the experience, a V-Rex gets a hold of what is supposed to be the last tram car and pulls it from the train, throwing it down a pit. Kong defeats the V-Rex and roars in triumph.

History

A three alarm fire broke out on the backlot of Universal Studios on June 1, 2008. The Los Angeles County Fire Department had reported that King Kong Encounter, among other things, had burned down.[5] In August 2008, Universal announced that instead of replacing the King Kong Encounter attraction with a new concept, as they had originally planned, it would instead be rebuilt as a new experience[6] titled King Kong: 360 3-D.[4] The ride scene was collaborated on by King Kong director Peter Jackson, as well as Weta Digital.[7] The system is an Immersive Transporter by Dynamic Structures.[8]

Special Effects

When the tram drives into the building of the 3-D attraction, it drives onto a motion based platform, which can make the tram tilt left and right, vibrate, and raise up and drop down. The theater is equipped with physical effects that enhance the experience such as wind, water, air blasts, the scent of King Kong's breath, and the motion.

References

  1. ↑ Universal Studios Hollywood. "Universal Studios Hollywood - Studio Tour". Universal Studios Hollywood. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 MacDonald, Brady (30 June 2010). "Review: King Kong 360 3-D attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood is riveting". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  3. ↑ MacDonald, Brady (2 June 2008). "Universal Studios Hollywood to replace ‘King Kong’ with new attraction". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Goldberg, Matt. "King Kong Returns to Universal Studios Hollywood for New 3D Ride Created by Peter Jackson". Collider. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  5. ↑ "Universal Studios blaze burns sets, video vault". CNN. June 1, 2008. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  6. ↑ Sciretta, Peter. "King Kong To Invade Hollywood Again". Article. Slash Film. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  7. ↑ Larsen, Peter (30 June 2010). "King Kong roars in 3-D at Universal Studios". The Orange County Register. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  8. ↑ "SFX Coaster". Park World Magazine: 18. July 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2014.

External links