Park News
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Despicable Me Universal Orlando plans new 3D experiences
Orland Resort, together with a high definition upgrade of Islands of Adventure’s renowned The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man dark ride. Despicable Me is set to replace Universal Studios’ Jimmy Neutron Nicktoon Blast, a simulator-based attraction. Both it and Spider-Man will utilise Infitec 3D projection systems designed to make the experience sharper, clearer and more “real” than ever before. With a worldwide gross of more than $540 million
A scene from the Despicable Me ride
A 3D experience based around the animated film Despicable Me will open in 2012 at Universal
TiLE returns to Italy
Following a record turnout for the sixth TiLEzone conference in London back in March, organiser Andrich International is planning a two-day TiLEforum conference this October in Florence. The event will be the first extended TiLE event
since TiLEforum at Lake Como in summer 2007, which was attended by a diverse range of professionals from the leisure, attractions and museums industries. Networking is always a strong part of the proceedings, as it should be again this October when TiLE returns to Italy.
Speaking of the recent London event, Andrich International managing director Richard Curtis comments, “Our attendance was at full capacity and the audience learnt about the very latest technology for operators such as flexible screens, advances in mobile communications, gesture based multi-touch exhibits and powerful 3D and 4D presentations to impact and deepen and broaden the appeal of museums, visitor attractions and other leisure-based facilities.” TiLEforum 2011 takes place in Florence on October 26 and 27. A seventh TiLEzone is planned for London on March 7, 2012. Venue, speaker and exhibitor enquiries are being taken for both events.
www.tileweb.org
Cheryl Cole (ex-X Factor)
(€375m), Despicable Me from directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin is the 10th-biggest animated film in US history. The Universal Creative team is working closely with producer Chris Meledandri to create all- new animation for the theme park experience. Guests will enjoy a humorous adventure with Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes. “This is a perfect fit for Universal Orlando, and we can’t wait to bring this one-of-a-kind experience
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
The first Madame Tussauds attraction in the UK outside London opened on April 21 in Blackpool, as the first part of Merlin Entertainments’
expanded operations in the resort. Replacing the much derided Louis Tussauds Waxworks, the new attraction is the 12th
Madame Tussauds worldwide and the second to open in Europe in recent weeks, joining a new outlet at the Prater amusement park in Vienna (see page 9).
Spread across 12 themed areas – including sets dedicated to Blackpool’s piers and the TV soap opera
Coronation Street – are authentic-looking replicas of celebrities including Lady Gaga, Cheryl Cole, Helen Mirren, David Jason, Ken Dodd, Susan Boyle, Ant and Dec, Jonathan Ross, David Beckham, Gok Wan, Bruce Forsyth and The Two Ronnies.
to life,” says Universal Creative president Mark Woodbury.
Already one of the most praised and innovative theme park attractions ever created, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man combines advanced motion-based ride vehicles, 3D digital film and live special effects to create an breathtaking ride experience.
High definition CGI animation, combined with improved picture quality set enhancements, will transform what is already one of the most technologically advanced attractions ever created into what will feel like a brand new experience. The new digital animation will be done in 4K high definition – the highest HD resolution available – as audiences witness details they’ve never been able to before, from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the stitching on Spider- Man’s gloves!
NZ 4D
New Zealand’s first ever 4D theatre attraction has opened at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch courtesy of the UK suppler Simworx.
Named 4D Extreme, the theatre currently
operates with two films. In the daytime, visitors can enjoy a custom-produced feature called Ice Voyage, the first 3D film to be shot in Antarctica, featuring high definition footage by award- winning cinematographer Mike Single. 4D effects include wind, snow, water spray, low smoke and aroma, along with special effects lighting and 3 DOF (degrees of freedom) motion action seats. In the evening a separate film is available for group bookings in the form of Curse of Skull Rock by Red Star 3D. “We wanted to make a film unique to us,” says Antarctic Centre director Richard Benton, discussing Ice Voyage. “Most of the other 3D/4D films I’ve seen have been animated but this is real life so features an Antarctic escapade which guests can truly relate to. The whole attraction has been received very well by our visitors who are thrilled by it.”
Susan Boyle
Admission starts at £14.40 ($23.70/€16.50) for adults, and Merlin is also offering a combination ticket including admission to its Sea Life aquarium and Blackpool Tower Circus.
www.madametussauds.com/blackpool 12
“I had seen 4D theatres at attractions around the world and they had been slow to arrive in New Zealand,” continues Benton, “indeed ours is still the first in the country. I saw it was part of the latest technology and wanted to be part of that. Simworx are highly regarded and installed everything on time and were very professional.” To demonstrate its technology, Simworx took the team from the International Antarctic Centre to see two of its 4D theatres in the UK, but used a local engineering company in Christchurch to help with the installation so the client has local, on-site support when necessary. The project is also the first theatre installed by Simworx that is designed to be earthquake proof!
www.simworx.co.uk JUNE 2011
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