PW Sept 09 P26-27.qxd 8/26/09 1:41 pm Page 27
Attraction Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
Fortunately, money was found The new installation is in fact Liverpool’s first 4D theatre, so is it possible
for the new ferry terminal, where some visitors may think the “4” in the film’s title relates simply to The Beatles’
the Beatles Story forms part of a four band members?
“tourism triangle” comprising one “We’ve had some great reactions to the whole experience,” reveals press
attraction at each of three ferry officer Jamie Bowman, “but you know, no one’s ever asked what 4D means!”
terminals. Liverpool has never “We like to say that it’s 3D animation with special effects,” adds Goldman.
been shy when it comes to “We want people to be curious enough to go in, but not know really what to
exploiting The Beatles’ legacy, so expect inside, and I think we are achieving that. If we get enough people to
it seems only fitting that the Pier go in, I think word of mouth will spread like crazy.”
Head should host this latest Fab4D gives tourists to Liverpool another great reason to visit the Beatles
attraction. At Seacombe, guests Story, and so far the new outlet at the Pier Head is helping it stay ahead of last
can visit Spaceport, a hands-on year, when the cachet surrounding European Capital of Culture boosted
interactive journey through space attractions throughout the city. And you know that can’t be bad.
and time, while at Woodside
terminal in Birkenhead they can
enjoy the U-Boat Story, a fascinating exhibition featuring a German submarine
Apple amnesty?
dissected into four pieces. Due to rights issues, the music that accompanies Fab4D is
not performed by The Beatles. Instead it was recorded
Dock ‘n’ Roll specially for the attraction by local artist Karl Lornie. “We
Founded nearly 20 years ago at the Albert Dock, the Beatles Story currently
could have attempted to license the original recordings,”
attracts around 200,000 visitors a year, around 60% of whom come from
says Beatles Story managing director Jerry Goldman, “but it
overseas. The venue was acquired last year by Merseytravel, the public body
would have delayed us tremendously.”
that runs Mersey Ferries, and tripled in size with the addition of an interactive
Although they have tended to turn a blind eye to the attraction, Goldman
children’s discovery zone, new exhibition area and themed Starbucks. Visitors
adds that he does now have a dialogue with the group’s rights holder, Apple
can now enjoy both Beatles Story outlets for £12.25 ($20.20/Euro.18614.20).
Corps: “Originally there was never any relationship between us and Apple,
Currently there are no plans to offer a separate ticket for the Pier Head, or
but since their new management, we do talk. If we’re going to do something
indeed Fab4D.
we get in touch with them first and if they say they are not comfortable
The hardware that accompanies the film includes high definition 3D Christie
with it, we back away; and we totally respect their trademarks. However,
there is no official Beatles attraction anywhere in the world, and I’m not
projectors, a custom-sized screen and seating configuration, plus 5.1 surround
sure there ever will be.”
sound.
SEPTEMBER 2009
27
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