Universal Pictures debuts new logo to celebrate 100th Anniversary

Universal Pictures will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year and to kick off celebrations they debuted a new logo today. I think it looks fantastic. Updated but still recognizable. In addition to the "100th Anniversary" text below the studio name the logo now has the badge that says "A Comcast Company" to reflect the recent corporate changes that have occurred.

The studio also announced that an extensive restorration process has begun to protect the legacy of some of their most classic films including All Quiet on the Western Front, Dracula, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Frankenstein, Jaws, Out of Africa, Schindler's List, The Sting, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Additionally studio president Ron Meyer promises parades in Universal's Orlando theme park, tours of the company's remarkable archives and promotions at major film festivals, maybe with talent in attendance.

Gibson Amphitheatre to be demolished to make way for Harry Potter

Word on the street is that the Gibson Amphitheatre is slated to be demolished to make way for the West Coast Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I'm really looking forward to the new "Potter-land" but the Gibson will be missed. I've attended some very memorable events there over the years. 

Transformers: The Ride 3D Official Teaser Trailer

Universal Studios has posted an official teaser trailer for the upcoming Transformers: The Ride 3D. Looks pretty good if you ask me. Hopefully it'll be better than the last two films. You can find out more at the official site... (Click image below to go to website)

Jimmy Fallon's "Tramtastic Day" from Universal Studios Hollywood

Grinchmas 2010 Dates Announced

The Press Release from USH:

Universal City, California – “Grinchmas” time is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. prepares for a lively holiday season with the Grinch, his faithful dog Max, tons of fresh snow and a “Whoville Whobilation” at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was filmed.

Nightly tree-lighting ceremonies, celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and encounters with a “Who’s Who” of Whoville characters will be part of the celebration, which expands this year to 18 days, beginning on December 11 and 12 and continuing daily from December 18 through January 2, 2011. “Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission. More information, including holiday promotional offers and information regarding celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will be available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: “’Grinchmas’ has become a true holiday tradition, an event where families can enjoy a slightly irreverent approach to the season while still being thoroughly immersed in holiday spirit. Because we expect very strong attendance during Christmas week, we’re adding five dates to this year’s ‘Grinchmas’ schedule in response to the event’s growing popularity.”

Guests will find an immersive holiday atmosphere. A whimsical, curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered “Grinchmas” winter wonderland and will be lit in a nightly ceremony that will feature a colorfully costumed “Whoville” choir caroling and spreading holiday cheer. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos. Families will also be able to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of snow and building their own snowmen.

“Grinchmas” will also provide fans of the blockbuster movie a close-up view of the original “Whoville” film sets, featured in the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful “Whoville” buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by “Whoville’s” residents re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film.

Guests who attend Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” celebration will be able to purchase the “Buy a Day, Get 2011 Free” annual pass, a tremendous value allowing them to visit Universal Studios Hollywood throughout the coming year.

Construction Photos of the Transformers Ride at Universal Studios

The attraction is expected to open in 2012 at Universal Studios Hollywood. It replaces Backdraft and the Special Effects Stages. The ride will employ 3-D HD footage and animatronics.

Photos via Inside Universal.

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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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!