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

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

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

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

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

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King Kong Rampages Through Dodger Stadium

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

Via.

New International Café Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood

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!