Universal makes the greatest rides in the world but can't make a night time show

[nile455]

This past Sunday night I saw the thoroughly disappointing Cinematic Spectacular. Just another unimaginative "highlight reel" of short clips that Universal seems to think makes for a great attraction, this time projected onto water and accompanied by about a dozen extremely weak fountains that barely seemed linked to the show. What I found strange is that the fountain machine on the barge did a series of "warm-ups" before the show started producing some really neat patterns of waterfalls. But once the show started, I saw nothing like that. It was mostly just one constant "canvas" of water with movie clips projected onto it ala Fantasmic. But unlike Fantasmic, there were no live actors, no stunts, and very, very few fireworks.

I find it amazing that Universal can create jaw dropping spectacle rides like Spiderman, Forbidden Journey, and now the incredible Transformers ride, but yet can't produce a simple lagoon show worth anything. I thought this latest effort would be an improvement on the previous "360" show, but it really wasn't. Why is it so hard for Universal to create something like a Fantasmic or a World of Color? Something imaginative? Something that wows you? Certainly they have the technology, and the people right?

 

[Badge]

Years ago when I first visited Universal (or at least, the first time I really remember) they had a GREAT nighttime show. I have no idea what it was called, but I remember lots of fire and fireworks. None of this "video" stuff.

Universal 360 was a major disappointment. I know Universal is close to peoples homes so fireworks have to be limited, but I was hoping for a great show. All we got was a 20 minute long highlight reel of Universal movies.

Know I have not seen the new show in person but I have watched it on Youtube. Like you said, the water fountain things are pointless. They do not seem to be add anything to the show. The reason fountains worked for World of Color is because of the sheer number of fountains. A few fountains in a line makes it look like they ran out of money and just settled with one line instead of a lagoon full of them.

Basically all the new show is, is Universal 360 but instead of projecting a highlight reel on a globe, it is now one water! Same amount (maybe a few more than 360) of fireworks are used.

When Universal first announced the show, I was really, really excited! World of Color at Dinseyland is by far the best nighttime show I have ever seen and it uses NO FIREWORKS at all. This concept seemed ideal for Universal and it seemed like they were finally going to create a show that could run year round with little to no cost. I really wanted to see a World of Color "clone" that was set to Universal movies. Instead we got Universal 360 on water screens with a pointless line of fountains.

Hopefully this is just the first step into creating a bigger show. Maybe at the end of the summer they will drain the lake and fill it full of fountains that do more than just sway back and forth (not even too the music).

 

[damo]

Thanks for the review. There seem to be a lot of people who think the show is great, so I'm very curious to see what the general consensus will be once they get it all fine tuned.

 

[Rip]

One thing I remember reading is that because of their location within Orlando city limits, there are more restrictions on what they can do with respect to fireworks, noise, etc.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

I saw this on You Tube and was disapointed aswell. All it is is Universal's take on the movie montage (from TGMR) with fireworks. Really? I also assume the parade will be another Countdown to Fun.

 

[Metro West]

I'll reserve judgement until I've seen both the parade and show...after they open of course. Everything you've seen so far is a rehearsal...not the full show.

 

[ayoung526]

Anyone know the time of the show? I saw that it opens May 8 and I will be there that day. Just curious about the show and the parade times. Thanks.

I'll be there with nearly 100 9th graders. Look out!

 

[CentralFloridian99]

I'll reserve judgement until I've seen both the parade and show...after they open of course. Everything you've seen so far is a rehearsal...not the full show.

REALLY? I don't think it will be that big, but a little more of the montage would be nice.

 

[GeorgiaPeach74]

The new show is actually supposed to start on May 8th and they are doing some sneak previews. They are still tweaking and working on the show.

 

[DOOM1001]

The new show is actually supposed to start on May 8th and they are doing some sneak previews. They are still tweaking and working on the show.

Hopefully they add a lot of tweaks because what I saw on Youtube didn't overly impress me.I told myself to wait to see it in person as a video on Youtube wouldn't give the same effect as seeing it live,but I do hope there are some extras that haven't shown up yet.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I saw a sneak peek tonight and thought it was wonderful. I don't think the video on YouTube (at least, the Attractions Magazine one), does it any justice. It's something that needs to be seen in person. I haven't seen World of Color, but I'm personally glad it isn't a clone- people would just complain endlessly if it were the same thing. But there are a lot of fountains all throughout the lagoon, as well as three screens and 3 areas of mist between the screens created by the fountains that are used to project images. The fireworks surround the lagoon; a lot more fireworks than I was expecting, especially in the finale.

 

[EvoldicA]

DISCLAIMER: I haven't been to Universal in ages, and though I love Disney for the fireworks I'm impartial.

I was not even slightly drawn to the show after watching it on youtube I do like that Universal has all the crazy roller coasters and such but I see it more like Cedar Point, and less of a story.. complete package.

It seemed like more of an advertisement for Universal Movies then an attraction.. and I love fireworks and lighting technology.


My 2 cents.

~Bill

 

[JessicaR]

The new show is actually supposed to start on May 8th and they are doing some sneak previews. They are still tweaking and working on the show.

That's what I was thinking. I will see the show in August and form an opinion.

 

[DOOM1001]

DISCLAIMER: I haven't been to Universal in ages, and though I love Disney for the fireworks I'm impartial.

I was not even slightly drawn to the show after watching it on youtube I do like that Universal has all the crazy roller coasters and such but I see it more like Cedar Point, and less of a story.. complete package.

It seemed like more of an advertisement for Universal Movies then an attraction.. and I love fireworks and lighting technology.


My 2 cents.

~Bill

It might seem to you they're advertising Universal movies but it kinda has a lot to do with this being their 100th anniversary of making movies so they're obviously going to showcase them.I agree with you that nothing will ever compare to Disney's nighttime shows,I could watch Illuminations daily if I had to without ever getting tired of it,in fact I probably have seen it over 200 times so you get an idea I'm not kidding.Universal is located basically next door to actual neighborhoods so huge fireworks displays will never be a daily thing here,even this new show will only be seasonal.I saw it on Youtube as well and did not come out very impressed,I will however wait until I see it in person to make up my mind how good it is,I even hear since it hasn't even officially started there could be additions the online videos don't show.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

It seemed like more of an advertisement for Universal Movies then an attraction.. and I love fireworks and lighting technology.

But these movies are the reason we have Universal Studios. I don't see anything wrong with the park showcasing its own brand of films.

It would be like saying anything in Walt Disney World is just an advertisement for Disney movies

 

[wilma-bride]

Like others, I will wait to see the show in person before forming an opinion. I haven't watched it on Youtube, as I prefer not to 'spoil' the surprise.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

It would be like saying anything in Walt Disney World is just an advertisement for Disney movies

That's why we have Soundstage 4 at DHS (Narnia, Haunted Mansion).

 

[*LittleMermaid*]

DISCLAIMER: I haven't been to Universal in ages,

I was not even slightly drawn to the show after watching it on youtube I do like that Universal has all the crazy roller coasters and such but I see it more like Cedar Point, and less of a story.. complete package.


~Bill

It shows that you have not been to Universal in ages.. Have you even been to Islands of Adventure? Comparing a highly themed theme park to an amusement park is crazy!

 

[Brian Noble]

I don't think the video on YouTube (at least, the Attractions Magazine one), does it any justice.

And that's not surprising. Ever seen Illuminations on video? It just isn't even in the same league as seeing it in person.

 

[yaytezIOA]

In the words of show creator Mike Aiello "this show is a love letter to Universal movies, without the movies we wouldn't have a park."
It was an amazing show, and lots to see. Saw it for the first time last night. Brought tears to my eyes. It's a great show for everyone, but it's a lot better if you love movies. In my opinion, better than Illuminations. Then again, I don't really reflect on the earth much. And the videos do NO justice whatsoever. You must see it in person