Profile: Joe Schott
The COO of Disneyland Paris talks about
the park's new immersive Ratatouille
dark ride, which is slated to open in 2014,
and how the park has evolved from an
American theme park to a European one
Triotech’s interactive dark ride design explores underwater world Triotech is designing and manufacturing an interactive dark ride for Wondermountain’s Dragon at Canada’s Wonderland. Featuring 200m (656ft) of interactive wall, the project will combine a rollercoaster with an interactive dark ride and will begin outside the park’s iconic mountain, then travel under the mountain. Effects will include wind, light, movement and real-time interactivity.
Triotech has also scripted, developed and produced 3D movie Mystery Shipwreck for its interactive cinema. Visitors go back in time and navigate a 19th century vessel that sinks in a storm. Forwarding to present day, visitors explore the shipwreck and expose ancient artefacts with laser pointers. Using a remotely operated vehicle, they also experience marine life as the submarine navigates toward the sunken vessel.
For institutions with an educational mission, the five interactive chapters each have an informative element and a fun dimension, with individual scoring.
Visitors go back in time and then fast forward to the future and use lasers to find artefacts
Electrosonic helps cultural centre make digital switchover The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Laie, Hawaii, celebrated its 50th anniversary with an upgrade of its theatre, which now features AV support from Electrosonic. A new digital 4D theatre replaces the centre’s aging film-based Imax theatre, which was more than 20 years old, and offers an enhanced guest experience both inside and out.
Electrosonic installed a new digital AV system, including a Christie 4K projector, 7thSense 4K media server and Strong/MDI 40x74ft (12x23m) projection screen. “Converting to digital 4K projection offers numerous advantages over the former Imax 15/70 film system,” says Electrosonic project manager Guy Fronte. “The cost of maintaining the film-based system – the price of lamps for the 15,000-watt projector, the maintenance agreement and fees for shipping and replacing films – was significant. The Christie digital system is economical and efficient. It has no significant operational costs other than lamp replacement and doesn’t require a projectionist.”
Electrosonic also provided a new 7.1 surround sound system (five screen speakers, two theatrical subwoofers and 11 surround speakers) featuring JBL Cinema Series speakers and QSC amplifiers. An assistive-listening headset system allows simultaneous playback of the signature film’s narration in eight languages.
The centre’s new easy-to-operate digital screen replaces a 20-year-old IMAX screen
Red Star brings dinosaurs back to life in 3D and 4D The Lost World is Red Star’s latest 3D/4D production and is distributed exclusively by nWave Pictures Distribution.
In the film, stressed businessman Bob heads to a remote island to get away from it all. Little does he know, the island isn’t quite as deserted as he thought and crazy adventurer Professor Lizzie is the least of his worries – the island is populated by prehistoric dinosaurs.
During the 11-minute film, audiences feel velociraptors rush past their feet, a T-Rex’s powerful breath as it roars in their face and the earth shake under a braciosaurus’ colossal feet and feel. The 3D element creates the illusion that the dinosaurs are coming out of the screen while 4D effects include water splashes, vibration, wind blasts, seat drop, lighting, leg tickle and 5D motion cues.
The film is for theme parks, museums and science centres. Red Star’s creative director Ben Smith says: “The main challenge was depicting the dinosaurs realistically. Although this is an animated film, we knew that institutional venues would want a film that shows dinosaurs in a scientifically accurate light. We’ve based their appearance and behaviour on what’s considered scientifically correct.”
The animation aims to reflect accepted scientific data on dinosaur behaviour
Holovis creates fully immersive dome at India’s first theme park Holovis worked with Adlabs Imagica, India’s first theme park, to create a transformative sensory experience for the cinematic show Prince of the Dark Waters. This is an animated love story designed by 3D animation and visual effects specialist Prana Studios, set in a hemispheric dome that fully immerses the audience in the 360° projection and surround audio and brings the characters to life through compelling story telling.
Holovis designed and installed a turn-key dome solution for the experience – the country’s first full dome system with a 24m (79ft) fully hemispheric structure.
Before entering the dome solution, visitors watch a pre-show animation displayed on a projection screen that features comic-book style animation to draw the audience into the storyline before they engage with the visual spectacular that waits inside.
Once inside, the audience is immersed in the story which takes them on a virtual dive into the ocean. Mermaids and undersea creatures surround them from all sides on the 3,100sq ft (288sq m) screen.
This effect is created using six precision placed Christie DS+10k projectors using the Holovis Optirig projector alignment systems. A specialist camera-based auto-alignment and dome calibration technology is permanently installed into the dome theatre to generate the required geometric distortion, blending and colour matching, all applied in real-time from the playback server cluster for a seamless 360° image.
The experience uses a specially designed Holovis 5.1 dome and surround audio solution with special acoustic treatment applied to the dome’s cylindrical wall to ensure immersive surround sound.
The dome is a 24m, fully hemispheric structure, delivering an all-round sensory experience
Vuitnow app transforms visitor experience with layered effects Using a 3D tool called Vuitnow, Wagstaffs Design has developed experiential apps which have the potential to transform the visitor experience.
The company can create a realistic environment of any building or site, within which it can overlay historical information, voiceovers and layers of data, such as existing site versus how it would have looked in any given period.
This technology can be used to support the on-site visitor experience, whether scanning a piece of furniture to offer further information about a specific piece, or a virtual tour of a entire attraction, surpassing the traditional audio tour with something befitting this digital age.
GPS technology is embedded in the app, so at any point visitors can ask “Where am I?” and plan a route around the exhibition and find the nearest café or facilities. Wagstaffs has started building apps to support heritage sites, the first being for Lake Innes in New South Wales on behalf of the Australian Government.
GPS technology is embedded in the app so visitors can pinpoint where they are
GPS technology is embedded in the app so visitors can pinpoint where they are
Trans-force’s aqua ride takes visitors on a glass-bottomed journey Using professional aircraft and helicopter simulator technology, Trans-force’s Aquarius takes visitors on a wrap-around visual experience in a Glass Bottom Ship. Similar to a transparent cockpit, the 16-seat vessel uses images projected onto a 210° spherical screen to show what’s happening in front and below.
As well as a 3D stereo visualisation and a vibration system beneath the seats, Aquarius is equipped with joysticks for visitors to control the craft and its weapons with, take photos and answer quiz questions. Trans-Force also offers a full library of educational programmes.
Trans-force’s aqua ride takes visitors on a glass-bottomed journey
COMPANY PROFILES
Taylor Made Designs
Founded in 1993, Taylor Made
Designs supply corporate clothing
and brand-enhancing merchandise
to [more...]
Sally Corporation
Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
Profile: Joe Schott
The COO of Disneyland Paris talks about
the park's new immersive Ratatouille
dark ride, which is slated to open in 2014,
and how the park has evolved from an
American theme park to a European one
Triotech’s interactive dark ride design explores underwater world Triotech is designing and manufacturing an interactive dark ride for Wondermountain’s Dragon at Canada’s Wonderland. Featuring 200m (656ft) of interactive wall, the project will combine a rollercoaster with an interactive dark ride and will begin outside the park’s iconic mountain, then travel under the mountain. Effects will include wind, light, movement and real-time interactivity.
Triotech has also scripted, developed and produced 3D movie Mystery Shipwreck for its interactive cinema. Visitors go back in time and navigate a 19th century vessel that sinks in a storm. Forwarding to present day, visitors explore the shipwreck and expose ancient artefacts with laser pointers. Using a remotely operated vehicle, they also experience marine life as the submarine navigates toward the sunken vessel.
For institutions with an educational mission, the five interactive chapters each have an informative element and a fun dimension, with individual scoring.
Visitors go back in time and then fast forward to the future and use lasers to find artefacts
Electrosonic helps cultural centre make digital switchover The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Laie, Hawaii, celebrated its 50th anniversary with an upgrade of its theatre, which now features AV support from Electrosonic. A new digital 4D theatre replaces the centre’s aging film-based Imax theatre, which was more than 20 years old, and offers an enhanced guest experience both inside and out.
Electrosonic installed a new digital AV system, including a Christie 4K projector, 7thSense 4K media server and Strong/MDI 40x74ft (12x23m) projection screen. “Converting to digital 4K projection offers numerous advantages over the former Imax 15/70 film system,” says Electrosonic project manager Guy Fronte. “The cost of maintaining the film-based system – the price of lamps for the 15,000-watt projector, the maintenance agreement and fees for shipping and replacing films – was significant. The Christie digital system is economical and efficient. It has no significant operational costs other than lamp replacement and doesn’t require a projectionist.”
Electrosonic also provided a new 7.1 surround sound system (five screen speakers, two theatrical subwoofers and 11 surround speakers) featuring JBL Cinema Series speakers and QSC amplifiers. An assistive-listening headset system allows simultaneous playback of the signature film’s narration in eight languages.
The centre’s new easy-to-operate digital screen replaces a 20-year-old IMAX screen
Red Star brings dinosaurs back to life in 3D and 4D The Lost World is Red Star’s latest 3D/4D production and is distributed exclusively by nWave Pictures Distribution.
In the film, stressed businessman Bob heads to a remote island to get away from it all. Little does he know, the island isn’t quite as deserted as he thought and crazy adventurer Professor Lizzie is the least of his worries – the island is populated by prehistoric dinosaurs.
During the 11-minute film, audiences feel velociraptors rush past their feet, a T-Rex’s powerful breath as it roars in their face and the earth shake under a braciosaurus’ colossal feet and feel. The 3D element creates the illusion that the dinosaurs are coming out of the screen while 4D effects include water splashes, vibration, wind blasts, seat drop, lighting, leg tickle and 5D motion cues.
The film is for theme parks, museums and science centres. Red Star’s creative director Ben Smith says: “The main challenge was depicting the dinosaurs realistically. Although this is an animated film, we knew that institutional venues would want a film that shows dinosaurs in a scientifically accurate light. We’ve based their appearance and behaviour on what’s considered scientifically correct.”
The animation aims to reflect accepted scientific data on dinosaur behaviour
Holovis creates fully immersive dome at India’s first theme park Holovis worked with Adlabs Imagica, India’s first theme park, to create a transformative sensory experience for the cinematic show Prince of the Dark Waters. This is an animated love story designed by 3D animation and visual effects specialist Prana Studios, set in a hemispheric dome that fully immerses the audience in the 360° projection and surround audio and brings the characters to life through compelling story telling.
Holovis designed and installed a turn-key dome solution for the experience – the country’s first full dome system with a 24m (79ft) fully hemispheric structure.
Before entering the dome solution, visitors watch a pre-show animation displayed on a projection screen that features comic-book style animation to draw the audience into the storyline before they engage with the visual spectacular that waits inside.
Once inside, the audience is immersed in the story which takes them on a virtual dive into the ocean. Mermaids and undersea creatures surround them from all sides on the 3,100sq ft (288sq m) screen.
This effect is created using six precision placed Christie DS+10k projectors using the Holovis Optirig projector alignment systems. A specialist camera-based auto-alignment and dome calibration technology is permanently installed into the dome theatre to generate the required geometric distortion, blending and colour matching, all applied in real-time from the playback server cluster for a seamless 360° image.
The experience uses a specially designed Holovis 5.1 dome and surround audio solution with special acoustic treatment applied to the dome’s cylindrical wall to ensure immersive surround sound.
The dome is a 24m, fully hemispheric structure, delivering an all-round sensory experience
Vuitnow app transforms visitor experience with layered effects Using a 3D tool called Vuitnow, Wagstaffs Design has developed experiential apps which have the potential to transform the visitor experience.
The company can create a realistic environment of any building or site, within which it can overlay historical information, voiceovers and layers of data, such as existing site versus how it would have looked in any given period.
This technology can be used to support the on-site visitor experience, whether scanning a piece of furniture to offer further information about a specific piece, or a virtual tour of a entire attraction, surpassing the traditional audio tour with something befitting this digital age.
GPS technology is embedded in the app, so at any point visitors can ask “Where am I?” and plan a route around the exhibition and find the nearest café or facilities. Wagstaffs has started building apps to support heritage sites, the first being for Lake Innes in New South Wales on behalf of the Australian Government.
GPS technology is embedded in the app so visitors can pinpoint where they are
GPS technology is embedded in the app so visitors can pinpoint where they are
Trans-force’s aqua ride takes visitors on a glass-bottomed journey Using professional aircraft and helicopter simulator technology, Trans-force’s Aquarius takes visitors on a wrap-around visual experience in a Glass Bottom Ship. Similar to a transparent cockpit, the 16-seat vessel uses images projected onto a 210° spherical screen to show what’s happening in front and below.
As well as a 3D stereo visualisation and a vibration system beneath the seats, Aquarius is equipped with joysticks for visitors to control the craft and its weapons with, take photos and answer quiz questions. Trans-Force also offers a full library of educational programmes.
Trans-force’s aqua ride takes visitors on a glass-bottomed journey
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
Royal Caribbean has revealed its Hero of the Seas cruise ship, home to the most pools at sea
(nine), and a record-breaking 28 dining venues, as well as attractions including a waterpark
with two new family raft slides.
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
