D&M Exclusive : Universal Orlando 4th Theme Park is Currently in Development With Code Name "Project 314"

I've got some great news for you to start the week, and to tell the truth, i had to wait until today April 2 to post it as i thought that if i had posted it yesterday April 1st  you would have thought that it was an April Fools, when it's not!

So, as you've read in the title it's all about Universal Studios Orlando 4th park - or 3rd theme park if you don't count the Volcano Bay water park - for which the code name so far is "Project 314". The infos below are coming from a faithful D&M reader who has a very reliable insider source and, as the infos that he sent to me previously were accurate, i believe that these new and major infos about Universal Orlando are right too.

So, he's been told by his insider source that, for sure, "the 4th Universal park in Orlando is in development and its code name is "Project 314". I have no clue what Project 314 is but that is currently taking place and they are recruiting a ton of creative people to get this park started..."

Of course, personally i have also no clue what "Project 314" means, but if any of you does, you're welcome to let us know. However, we know a bit more about what lands are apparently planned to be built in this 4th park and he's been told that, first, the Super Nintendo World is going to be there, which is so far no big surprise and even logical. Digging deeper into Nintendo land there should be a Zelda ride, a Mario kart ride, a Donkey Kong roller coaster, and play areas. Also the center point will be Peach castle so it should be a major major land if done right. And apparently Universal is trying to add Pokémon too, as he's been told that there is talks to try to get Pokémon involved in the Nintendo land: "Pokémon is the biggest missed opportunity and I know people are working hard to include that somewhere down the line. It’s a brilliant idea." We'll see if Universal succeed.



Two, he has also been told that a Lord of the Rings land is being highly considered for one of the lands of this 4th park. Remember that Universal was rumored to have bought the theme park rights for Lord of the Rings some years ago? Well, may be they've finally really got the rights.


Three, the “Ministry of Magic” - from Harry Potter prequels "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will also be one of the lands. We can assume that Ministry of Magic will be a major land, and what is great with Ministry of Magic is that they'll have a choice of great decors for that land. You can see one in the picture below.


There is more with, four, "a new Jurassic Park thrill ride.” I thought it was strange that they don't build it in Islands of Adventure where is the Jurassic Park land, except if they want to create a Jurassic WORLD in the new park, of course, but he's been told about this new ride that "it's being played with currently in reference the new Jurassic world movies. Also, guest research has been out asking guests what they expect from a Jurassic Park attraction and their feedback about the original ride. I agree that it wouldn’t make sense to have 2 lands with the same IP but I know the current ride will be getting upgrades at IOA."



And when can we expect this fourth Universal Orlando park, you ask? Apparently Universal is in "full speed ahead" mode on the project, with  managers being sent over to new positions to manage the project. It's always difficult to say a time frame, but he would expect it to be before 2023-2024. That’s a rough estimate as Universal always amaze us on how fast they can build... so, it could be sooner.  He was also told that it is why the hotel projects are so fast pace right now, so Universal Orlando will have enough hotels for the 4th park when it will open, because the hotels have to come first.

If this 4th Universal Orlando park is built, even with "only"these four lands, it will be a clap of thunder in Orlando, and Disney will need as usual to counter attack, meaning that in a few years we'll be back to the situation that existed when the Harry Potter lands were so successful that Disney had to come with an answer, which they did with the Avatar and Star Wars lands.

Talking about Harry Potter, don't go away as he also told me interesting infos about the new Harry Potter coaster coming at Islands of Adventure Wizarding World: “The new Harry Potter ride will be an indoor coaster and the rumor that it'll be located outside is not true as they can’t do it due to the weather and also because the indoor coaster will have projections and dark lighting for the forbidden forest, so that’s why it won’t work outside". Well, may be a part of it will be outdoor, we'll see...

Well, that's all for today about this mysterious "Project 314" for a 4th Universal Orlando park. Of course take all this with a pinch of salt and consider it as "rumor" until an official announcement, but it's some pretty cool news to start the week, isn't it?

Pictures: copyright Universal, Warner, Universal Studios Japan, Travel with Bender

"Walking" Full Size Audio-Animatronic Dinosaur Stun Guests of Melbourne Jurassic World : The Exhibition !

A Jurassic World exhibition started recently in Melbourne, Australia and, wow, the exhibit include among others two of the best Audio-Animatronic dinosaurs i've ever seen. And one of them is the "bad guy" from Jurassic World, the genetically created super dangerous dinosaur that id don't remember the name here. Definitely don't miss this sequence as not only its Audio-Animatronic is "WDI at its best" quality, but also because the AA is WALKING. That's right, they've found a way to have this giant beast walking on a few meters for a special scene with a truck. Extremely impressive AA and i wonder what the hell they're waiting for to include it in Jurassic Park at Universal Studios...




There is too another dinosaur which is not-to-be-missed, it seems to me to be a Therizinausaurus with huge claws - which by the way is a species which was include in the Dinosaur attraction project that Jeff Burke and I had designed in 2003 and that you can read HERE. The Audio-Animatronic of this dino is also very impressive as you'll see in the video. 


Last but not least, the expo of course have a merchandise shop and even the shop include an awesome T-Rex Audio-Animatronic, and that's probably a first! 



Below, the expo official presentation from the expo website HERE. 

 "Based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, the exhibition is inspired by scenes from the beloved film. Now the park that was only a promise comes to life… right before your eyes!
 
Travel to Isla Nublar as a VIP guest and explore Jurassic World. Come face-to-face with a Pachyrhinosaurus; visit The Hammond Creation Lab; stare in wonder at a towering Brachiosaurus; get a rare up-close look at the most vicious dinosaur of them all, Tyrannosaurus rex; and learn all about top-secret projects currently in development.


Created in close collaboration with renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, the Exhibition is infused with interactive educational elements—drawn from the real-world science of dinosaur DNA that allowed Jurassic World to come to life. Visitors of all ages can now learn all about these incredible prehistoric creatures.
 
Don’t miss the awe-inspiring journey into Jurassic World: The Exhibition. The world premiere event debuts in Melbourne on 19 March 2016, and the Exhibition runs for a limited time only. Book your tickets today, and remember, if something chases you…run!" Allright, i'm sure you're awaiting the video, so here it is!

Jurassic World : Building the Apatosaurus Audio-Animatronic

You, fans of Audio-Animatronics are gonna like this video showing the making of Jurassic World Apatosaurus Dinosaur! Legacy Effects is the company who did the "dying" Apatosaurus for Jurassic World production and they did this fantastic 7 min long video showing step by step how they rallied this fantastic Apatosaurus Audio-Animatronic. Don't miss it, and also check on the D&M Facebook page HERE for more awesomeness!




Video: copyright Legacy Effecst

Jurassic World Review - With No Spoilers

So, i’ve seen Jurassic World and here is what i think about it. But first, please note that the movie did worldwide in five days $500M! Yes: Five hundred million, and it already broke quite a lot of records as you’ll see on Box Office Mojo. Now, about the movie itself. To quote someone whom i don’t remember the name « when  the popcorn is better than the movie, you know you have a problem ». So, if you’re looking for a movie which looks like a ride and include amazing CGI dinosaurs then you’ll get it - and on this point Industrial Light and Magic wizards did a stunning job, really. The final scene - i don’t tell you what happen - is an absolute perfection in terms of CGI effects and the scene alone justify to watch the movie. Like almost all the dinos scenes, there is nothing bad to say about them. You’ll probably also like the « park » sequences as they give the feeling of what a real Jurassic Park could be, though i would have like more of these scenes. 

But the main problem is that Colin Trevorrow, the director, is not Steven Spielberg and even in the action scenes you realize what a God of action scenes Spielberg really is because, here, you’re not really terrified. « Something » which makes the genius of a director is missing. It’s perfectly storyboarded, for sure, but the acting is terrible, very very bad. One thing is sure, Colin Trevorrow is not gifted for directing actors. When the characters you feel the most sympathy for are the dinosaurs rather than the humans, you realize there is a real problem of characters development. The casting itself was not done properly. Actors play their role okay, but really just okay. Chris Pratt is probably the best because he has the most interesting role, the others characters are living in a corporate logic and there is nothing less interesting than corporate guys. Pratt plays his character with its « Indy » style but after seeing Jurassic World i’m not even sure anymore he would be the best choice to play Indiana Jones in the new Indy movies. I think he’s still too « fresh », humanly speaking. He's still miss something which comes from the inside, with age and life experience. 

And although there are some few "wow" moments, the film fails to give us a single awe-filled moment like we had in the original Jurassic Park. Here, awe has been replaced by gigantism and cruelty, or, as a critic put it in his Jurassic World review "If you enjoy a dinosaur making a meal out of men in 3D ad infinitum ad nauseam, be my guest". In two words, where Spielberg's original Jurassic Park had some meaning, Jurassic World is « empty » and it’s hard to don’t feel it. So, if you’re looking for a ride-popcorn-movie, Jurassic world should make it, but if you’re looking for a really good movie, you certainly won’t find it with Jurassic World.





And what's next after this Jurassic World movie ( see review below ) you may ask? Well, if you've watched the movie you know already that they've left an "open door" for a future sequel, and considering the huge hit that the movie is it's a no-brainer to understand that there will be a sequel. Two of the actors of Jurassic World - Chris Pratt and Ty Simpkings - the younger of the two boys - are already signed on for future films. But let's have a bit more infos with what they say on Wikipedia about future sequels:

"During early conversations on Jurassic World, Spielberg told Trevorrow that he was interested in having several more films made. In April 2014, Trevorrow announced that sequels had been discussed: "We wanted to create something that would be a little bit less arbitrary and episodic, and something that could potentially arc into a series that would feel like a complete story." Trevorrow hinted that Pratt and Sy could reprise their roles for the next film, and said he would direct the film if asked.

Trevorrow later told Spielberg that he would only focus on directing one film in the series. In May 2015, Trevorrow announced that he would not direct another film in the series: "I would be involved in some way, but not as director." Trevorrow felt that different directors could bring different qualities to future films.

In June 2015, Trevorrow stated that Jurassic World left story possibilities open for the sequel's director that could potentially allow the film to take place in a different location, rather than on an island. Trevorrow hinted that the next film could involve dinosaurs being used by other companies for non-entertainment purposes, possibly in agriculture, medicine, and war: "I really like the idea that this group of geneticists aren't the only people who can make a dinosaur [...] when you think of the differences between Apple and PC – the minute something goes open-source, there are all kinds of entities and interests that may be able to utilise that technology."

Later that month, Trevorrow said the series is "not always gonna be about a Jurassic Park," saying he felt that future films could explore the idea of dinosaurs and humans co-existing together. That same month, Trevorrow also hinted that the next film may not involve the Jurassic World theme park. "

Picture and video: copyright Universal - Amblin

Jurassic World Full Trailer Released !

Two days earlier than what was scheduled the full first trailer of Jurassic World is online and it looks awesome! I remind you that action is supposed to happen 20 years after the first movie and a real Jurassic Park is now open on Isla Nublar! here is the trailer and more below with HD giant screen captures!

So, a "real" Jurassic Park is now open on Isla Nublar, and guests reach it by boat...

A monorail take the guests inside the park, through the gates of Jurassic World...

Here is our first view of inside Jurassic World...

...where guests can meet dinosaurs either by safari truck - a bit like the one at DAK Kilimandjaro Safaris... 

...or explore Isla Nublar rivers to encounter Apatosaurs and Stegosaurs...

...or board in a "Gyrosphere"...

...for a close encounter with giant Diplodocus.

The park also has a huge arena where guests can attend something similar to a Sea World show...

...except that here it's a huge shark which is scarified to be eaten by a giant marine dinosaur.

Of course, something will go terribly wrong when the new giant genetically created dinosaur will be unleashed...

And, yes, velociraptors are back and chasing Chris Pratt!

I remind you that the movie will be released iN 3D and for once, the 3D should be welcome! Jurassic World will be released in theaters next June!

Pictures and video: copyright Universal Pictures

Teaser Trailer For Jurassic World !

Universal Pictures released a short teaser for the full Jurassic World trailer coming on Thursday, November 27th. It's a short teaser but you'll see the very first footage from the awaited sequel to the Jurassic Park movies, in which will play Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins and of course plenty of dinosaurs.

"Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the long-awaited next installment of his groundbreaking Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World. Colin Trevorrow directs the epic action-adventure from a screenplay he wrote with Derek Connolly. Frank Marshall and Pat Crowley join the team as fellow producers. Jurassic World is set 22 years after the terrifying and tragic events of the original Jurassic Park. It will be released on June 12th, 2015."

Among the interesting shots from the teaser two showing the guests visiting what has became a true theme park.

And the introduction of two of the main actors: Chris Pratt ( Owen ) ...

and Bryce Dallas Howard ( Claire ) .

Here is the teaser!




Pictures and video: copyright Universal Pictures

Leaked Jurassic World Visitors Guide Prop !

In the next Jurassic Park movie "Jurassic World" - happening 20 or 30 years after the first one - it's a real Jurassic theme park which is supposed to now exist at Isla Nublar. And like all theme parks this one will have a visitors guide. They did a real/fake visitors guide for the shooting which was handed out to several extras on the set of the film... and it happened what had to happen: one of them decided to take pictures of it and uploaded the pics on the web! This guide provides lots of interesting new details about Jurassic World , including what kind of dinos we can expect to see in the movie, which means that some of them can be spoilers! So, read it at your own risk!

Among the fun infos revealed is that Jimmy Fallon, host of the Tonight Show, will have a cameo in the film. Visitors will be greeted with an instructional video hosted by the comedian when they go through the Gyrosphere, which is an on-site instructional video. You'll find also a few other details on the types of attractions that visitors will find at Jurassic World theme park - in the movie, not in real.
Last but not least, the visitors will have a "bracelet scanband" - a reminiscence of Disney's Magic Band idea?

 

 

 

Pictures: copyright Universal

Jurassic World Visitors Center Gorgeous Concept-Art Unveiled

Thanks to conceptual artist Nathan Schroeder - who has also worked on other films like Star Trek and The Avengers - we have the first official concept art for Jurassic World, the new Jurassic Park movie directed by Colin Trevorrow,  to be released in June 2015. 

These two gorgeous concept-arts reveal a futuristic new visitor center on the island of Isla Nublar. The story will take place 22 years after the events of the first Jurassic Park movie, and so far the cast includes Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins, Josh Brolin, Bryce Dallas Howard, BD Wong, and maybe Jason Schwartzman. 

Now, get a closer look to both of the artwork as you will see that the "visitor center" is not exactly the same on both. As you can see, in Jurassic World, things have changed since 20 years ago,  the visitors center has a more futuristic tone and we can see as well a fully functioning resort... meaning more food for the Dinosaurs once they will break free.

Pictures: copyright Nathan Schroeder