Transformers Attraction Coming 2011!

[ian36015]

Universal Studios has confirmed a rumor from IESB that Universal Parks & Resorts has paired up with Hasbro and DreamWorks Pictures to produce a "Transformers" attraction at its parks in Hollywood and Singapore set to open in early 2011.

"Transformers," the electrifying blockbuster celebrated for its multi-generational appeal, inventive storyline, spectacular action sequences and special effects, will now be developed as a new theme park mega-attraction in a partnership between Universal Parks & Resorts, Hasbro, Inc. and DreamWorks Pictures.

The attraction will fuse 3D-HD media, mega special effects and stunning robotics with a ride system that will transform perceptions of theme park experiences. The rides are scheduled to make their debuts in early 2011, first at Universal Studios Singapore and then at Universal Studios Hollywood. In "Transformers," Earth's humans are caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between the friendly Autobots and the evil Decepticons, which are able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes and other technological creations.

Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: "'Transformers' will be a jewel in our collection of world-class rides based on great movies. We're thrilled to be collaborating with Hasbro, DreamWorks, director Michael Bay and the film's executive producer, Steven Spielberg, who has been responsible for so many of our signature rides and attractions." Steven Spielberg serves as creative consultant to Universal Parks & Resorts and has worked closely with the company in the creation of some of the world's most innovative theme park attractions. Those attractions include Jurassic Park-the Ride, a featured attraction at UP&R parks in Orlando, Hollywood and Japan, the E.T. Adventure at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Japan, and the "War of the Worlds" sets at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Larry Kurzweil, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Hollywood, said "'Transformers' represents a perfect match for our theme park: an exhilarating blockbuster with a great story, clever humor, non-stop action and flawless special effects. It has all the elements necessary to become one of the world's most exciting theme park rides and a centerpiece attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A."

"We are thrilled to be working with Universal Parks & Resorts and DreamWorks to create this 'Transformers' attraction because we believe it will deliver an ultimate one of a kind immersive 'Transformers' experience for our fans around the world!" said Brian Goldner, President and CEO of Hasbro, Inc.

Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World at Sentosa, the mega resort that is home to Universal Studios Singapore, said: "It is great that Asia will be the launch pad for the first Transformers attraction. Transformers was introduced in the United States in 1983 but traces its roots to Asia. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron are familiar names to Asian audiences, who grew up with the robot toys and love the movie. When Transformers opens in Universal Studios Singapore in 2010, it will be the first of its kind in the world. We may see a surge of Transformers mania.

Director Michael Bay and Executive Producer Steve Spielberg presented "Transformers" in 2007. "Transformers" broke box office records on its way to gathering worldwide gross revenues of over $706 million -- the highest non-sequel gross of any movie in 2007 -- and three Academy Award nominations. The sequel, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," is scheduled to be released by Paramount Pictures in the U.S. on June 26, 2009.

"Transformers" is a Paramount release of a DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures presentation, in association with Hasbro, of a di Bonaventura Pictures production. Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Ian Bryce. Executive producers, Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner, Mark Vahradian. Co-producers, Allegra Clegg, Ken Bates. Directed by Michael Bay. Screenplay, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci. Story, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, John Rogers. Starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Dumael, Anthony Anderson, Megan Fox, Rachael Taylor, John Turturro and John Voight.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=49850

Pretty excited!

[hulkcoaster2]

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com...&Itemid=99

Very interesting news, and the concept art looks very cool. Backdraft needed to go, its very dated. But SES is one of the most unique things at USH, and its easily updated to stay current. If they could expand into the Universal Experience and Panda Express instead that would have been better.

Also, if the ride is like Spiderman than its very film heavy, and it seems like everything but JP and ROTM at USH is film based (besides the studio tour). But a new ride is always welcome. And they could add a SES type show where Coke Soak is now, in the most underutilized section of the park.

The logistics are also interesting, with both Backdraft and SES closing in Sept 09 for almost 2 years. Thats 2 years with just JP and ROTM open on the lower lot.

Also interesting they announced this before the replacement for Kong, which is supposed to open in 2010....

[Jon]

Definitely excited to hear we finally have an attraction that is unique to Universal Studios Hollywood, in the United States at least. Let's see how they use that space.

[Skillz5]

Wow, I just heard about this!

I have been a little slow on my Universal news lately.

This is great news, a favorite of mine!

I guess Speilberg wastes no time after returning to Universal. Great job!

[pwrof3]

At least there will be more reason to make that long escalator ride down the Starway :)

I agree witht he previous post about the Coke SOak zone. That whole area by Terminator is just so under-utilized! There is absolutley nothing there except a pub and Terminator. There is so much space for them to do something with.

[Jon]

While this is a step in the right direction, I really think they should add attractions instead of simply replacing them. Hire a third party to relook the current property, and how to use it more efficiently. Universal Vision is not the right answer.

Quote:I agree witht he previous post about the Coke SOak zone. That whole area by Terminator is just so under-utilized! There is absolutley nothing there except a pub and Terminator. There is so much space for them to do something with.

If they should add another attraction in that area, they really need to reinforce the parking structure below it.

Welcome to the forums, by the way.

[Skillz5]

I believe there will have to be a new building involved with this attraction. I have heard that it will be a Spiderman type ride. The entire Stuido Center needs a facelift. I feel they should remove the resturant across the street from Ben and Jerry's and create more walking space. Can you imagine the summer crowds in the Lower lot??? Ugh!

I agree they need to add attractions instead of replace, but it seems that Universal's budget for the past few years has been on a much lighter amount of attractions and shows. Wild west still sits empty and should be considered for a complete overhaul of the area.

We need a new USH! To start, they need to find areas where they can expand the street size! Lower lot and Upper lot.

[Skillz5]

Any more info on this? With Singapore announcing the ride for 2011, and no current construction taking place at USH, has the timetable been pushed back?