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Sunday, 7 November, 2010 6:29 PM
'King Kong
360 3-D' to open as new attraction on Universal Studios Hollywood
Studio Tour
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
King Kong attraction is currently under construction on the Universal
Studio Tour in Hollywood, Calif.
HOLLYWOOD,
Calif. -- The
world-famous studio tour is one of the best things to do at Universal
Studios Hollywood. This summer, it is getting revamped with the
addition of the new King King 360 3-D attraction. Guests will be
given special 3-D glasses and will be transported into a tangled
jungle.
They
will survive a close encounter with a swarm of hungry raptors, 35'
tall dinosaur behemoths and much more. Then, a new 25' tall King
Kong appears to scare visitors on the studio tour. This will be
the first theme park attraction that is directed by Oscar-winning
filmmaker Peter Jackson.
The studio
tour is a tram ride with a live tour guide and Whoopi Goldberg narrating
certain parts of the it. During our tour, crews were filming Desperate
Housewives (ABC), Parenthood (NBC) and Ghost Whisperer
(CBS). There were quiet zones during our tour to preserve the silence
while shooting of those shows.
We passed by production
bungalows that houses writer, directors and producers. They used
to be dressing rooms for such stars like Lucille Ball and Doris
Day.
A fire devastated part
of the Universal Studios back lot on June 1, 2008 and crews are
just about done re-building it. King Kong was burnt down, but it
will be returning on July 1, 1010 in 3-D.
We saw some picture cars,
which are cars that just sit there and do not run, but are used
in movies.
There was a Mexican flood
scene, which was used in Big Fat Liar in 2002. The Six Points
Texas set can be used to shoot six Western films at a time. It is
not used much now since not too many westerns are being made today.
We also passed the set
of Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, there were police
officers (dressed as extras) riding on bikes to the scene for the
show. Action!!
The tram ride lasts about
45 minutes. As you exit, you will enter the theme park.
New items added to
the NBC Universal Experience
Many new artifacts have
been added to this museum on the lower lot of Universal Studios.
Pieces from Jay Leno's Tonight Show set and one of Leno's
suits that he actually wore on the late-night talk show are now
on display. Johnny
Carson's infamous rubber chicken and other artifacts from his 30-year
career as host of the Tonight Show are also being shown.
In addition, visitors
will notice stop-motion figures and set pieces from the film Coraline,
make up appliances, creature effects and wardrobe from The Wolfman
and much more. Visitors will also see Meryl Streep's wardrobe from
the recent film It's Complicated. For classic movie lovers,
there are many artifacts from the original Alfred Hitchcock film
Psycho.
Don't forget about The
Simpsons Ride, which opened at the theme park on May 19, 2008. It
is a simulator ride based on the popular animated television series.
The Simpsons Ride lasts six minutes long and is sure to put a smile
on your face, young or old. It is not a roller coaster -- rather
it is a ride that is a contained within a room. However, there is
a roller coaster part in the simulation.
Look for a new Transformers
ride to open on the lower lot of the Universal Studios Hollywood
in 2011.
The cost of admission
is $69 for general admission or $59 for children under 48 inches
tall. A front of line pass is available for $104. A VIP experience
pass is available for $239.
Click
here for more information on Universal Studios Hollywood.
Related
Story: New
Simpsons Ride offers fun for all at Universal Studios Hollywood
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
tour has always been at the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood.
From 1915 when visitors sat on bleachers for 25 cents, to the
1964 introduction of pink and white GlamorTrams, to the current
technological sophistication, the behind-the-scenes view of a
working movie studio has been a key attraction.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
world-famous Studio Tour, which lasts about 45 minutes, is led by
a tour guide (seen throughout the tram on a video screen) and travels
through the Front Lot, Backlot and various attractions. Along the
way are sets and props from many famous movies.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
Simpsons Ride opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 19, 2008.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
Jay
Leno's Tonight Show desk was recently added to the NBC Universal
Experience on the lower lot of the theme park.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
entrance to the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.
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