“Can you just give me one of your leftover sharks?”
It was early in Jay Stein’s tenacious pursuit to turn a throwaway business into a sweet spot for Universal Studios, then owned by Lew Wasserman’s powerhouse entertainment firm MCA.
In 1975, Steven Spielberg‘s “Jaws” was a cultural sensation and Stein wanted to capitalize on the movie’s success. He asked his colleagues in film production for props so his crews coudl re-create the fictional Amity Island coastline in the studio’s hilly back lot miles from downtown L.A.”He convinced them: ‘Can you just give me one of the leftover sharks and I’ll put it on the studio tour, and we’ll get some promotion out of that,’ ” author Sam gennawey told The Times, recalling Stein’s brilliance and his pioneering use of intellectual property.
For generations, the Universal Studios Tram Tour has been a quintessential Los Angeles experience, offering a glimpse behind the magic of movie-making and a thrilling ride through iconic sets. But the tour hasn’t remained static. It’s evolved alongside the film industry, reflecting changing technologies, blockbuster franchises, and even the realities of disaster – both simulated and real.
Originally launched in 1964, the tour began as a way to generate revenue from Universal’s vast backlot, a working studio space brimming with sets and props. Guests were transported on open-air trams, guided by knowledgeable studio employees who shared anecdotes about the films and television shows shot on location. Early highlights included visits to the “war of the Worlds” set and a drive through the quaint European streets built for films like “the Old Contry.”
Over the decades,the tour embraced increasingly aspiring special effects. the 1970s saw the introduction of the “Earthquake” and “Flash Flood” sequences, utilizing practical effects to immerse riders in simulated disaster scenarios. these attractions, while thrilling, were also groundbreaking in their realism, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in theme park entertainment.
The “Runaway Train” attraction,a staple for many years,exemplified this commitment to spectacle. Riders experienced a runaway locomotive careening out of control, narrowly avoiding collisions and dramatic derailments.
As Hollywood shifted, so did the tour. Sets representing contemporary blockbusters like “Jurassic Park,” “War of the Worlds” (remake), and “Fast & Furious” were incorporated, keeping the experience fresh and relevant. The tour also adapted to incorporate newer technologies, including 3D projections and interactive elements.
Today, the Universal Studios Tram Tour remains a beloved attraction, offering a unique blend of Hollywood history, thrilling entertainment, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of filmmaking. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the magic of the movies.
From silent Films to Thrilling Rides: A History of Universal Studios’ Studio Tour
For over a century, Universal Studios has been synonymous with Hollywood magic. But before the blockbuster films and adrenaline-pumping rides,there was a different kind of attraction: the studio tour. What began as a clever way to generate revenue during the silent film era has evolved into a beloved theme park staple,offering a unique glimpse behind the scenes of movie-making history.
In 1915, Universal City was founded on a sprawling 230-acre ranch in the San Fernando Valley. Early studio executives, facing financial difficulties, realized they had an asset in their working sets. For just 25 cents, visitors could watch silent films being made – a novel experience at the time. This initial tour wasn’t glamorous. Guests walked the backlot, observing the construction of sets and occasionally catching a glimpse of actors in costume.
as Hollywood transitioned to “talkies,” the tours adapted. By the 1930s, the tours became more formalized, utilizing open-air jitneys to transport guests around the lot.The focus shifted from simply watching films being made to showcasing the props, sets, and costumes from completed productions. This era saw the rise of iconic landmarks like the Bates Motel from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, which quickly became a popular photo possibility.
The tram tour, as we know it today, began to take shape in the 1960s. The introduction of narrated tours and special effects demonstrations elevated the experience. Instead of just seeing sets, guests were now immersed in them, with guides recreating scenes and adding thrilling elements like simulated earthquakes and floods.
Over the decades, the Studio tour has continued to innovate. From the Jaws encounter to the Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride, the tour consistently incorporates cutting-edge technology and popular franchises. It’s a living, breathing testament to Universal’s cinematic legacy, constantly evolving while remaining rooted in its history.
Today, the Universal Studios Studio Tour remains a must-do for movie buffs and theme park enthusiasts alike. it’s a journey through the past, present, and future of filmmaking – a reminder that the magic of Hollywood is not just on the screen, but also in the making of it all.
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Universal Studios Tram Tour Gets a Major Upgrade
Universal Studios Hollywood’s iconic Studio Tour is undergoing a significant transformation, adding new experiences and technological enhancements. The revamped tour, set to fully debut later this year, promises a more immersive and technologically advanced journey through the backlot.
The centerpiece of the upgrade is the introduction of new themed environments and special effects.Guests will now encounter a new “WaterWorld” show element, featuring enhanced pyrotechnics and stunts. A revamped “Fast & Furious – Supercharged” experience utilizes 3D projection mapping and practical effects to place riders directly into the high-octane world of the film franchise.
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