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118-592: The Studio Tour (also known as The Backlot Tour ) is a ride attraction at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in Universal City, California near Los Angeles . Studio Tour is the theme park's signature attraction. It travels through a working film studio , with various film sets on the Universal Studios Lot . Guests sit on multi-car trams for the duration of the ride and looking behind
236-421: A 200-foot-long spaceship that "swallowed" the passengers, opened June 9, 1979. This was the first themed attraction to feature Audio-Animatronics characters outside Disney Parks , and was the first dark ride to combine sophisticated animatronics and lasers with live actors. At a cost of $ 1 million, it was the most expensive special effects attraction ever built at the park at the time. It was replaced in 1992 by
354-539: A collection of shops, restaurants, an 18-screen Universal Cinema and a seven-story IMAX theater. In 2023, the park hosted 9.66 million guests, making it the 14th-most visited theme park in the world. In 1914, German American immigrant Carl Laemmle bought the Taylor Ranch in the San Fernando Valley and founded Universal City as a gigantic studio with a zoo, its own police and mayor and Native Americans living on
472-552: A first-round game of the 2009–10 season's " Jeopardy! Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational ". His earnings were donated to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . In January 2017, he began hosting the ABC game show Big Fan . In September 2022, Richter appeared on the series premiere of Celebrity Jeopardy! . He finished in second place, and won $ 30,000 for his charity The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. In April 2002, Richter appeared in
590-416: A fundraiser in 2016, he referenced abortion services provided in 1992 for Thyre when the couple had split and were each undergoing great personal difficulties. He stated that although they were very sad about the situation, they both knew it was the right decision for them. He also said that he is "eternally grateful" to the organization for allowing them to care for themselves and also for the ability to choose
708-452: A host of subsidiary labels. Estimates of the individual items lost range from 118,000 to 175,000 album and 45rpm single master tapes, gramophone master discs, lacquers and acetates, as well as all the documentation contained in the tape boxes. Many of the tapes destroyed contained unreleased recordings such as outtakes, alternate versions of released material, and instrumental 'submaster' multitracks created for subsequent dubbing and mixdown to
826-515: A hot set is a stage in which various props stay in use and cannot be moved. The attraction features a gimbal which allows it to shake the tram, a burning gasoline truck that collapses through the roof, crumbling ceiling and floor in Bay Area, and uitility pole electricity, fire, smoke, electricity, and spark effects, a derailing subway train, a flickering lights, and a flood of water. The attraction resets itself within just 15 seconds to prepare itself for
944-475: A murderer posing as Adrian Monk 's best friend in the episode " Mr Monk Makes a Friend ". Richter appears in the Fox series Arrested Development in the 2006 episode " S.O.B.s. " He plays every member of a fictional group of identical Richter quintuplets: Donnie, Chareth, Rocky, Emmett, and himself. He reprises the roles in several episodes of season 4 , which aired in 2013 on Netflix. From 2006 to 2008, Richter had
1062-472: A musical spectacular for the guests' enjoyment. The songs are remixes of songs from the movie. This is part of Universal's Grinchmas celebration. In 2017, with the addition of "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" projection mapping and fireworks show in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Whoville Comes To Life was closed to appease nearby neighbors who would frequently complain about noise caused by
1180-418: A neighborhood that is made to look like an old west town. This neighborhood has six streets, each with the essentials of a saloon and sheriff's station. Before the advent of sound , up to six westerns could be shot at once. The tour also winds through sound stages , and the tour guide explains what movies, television shows, music videos, commercials, and/or still camera photo shoots are currently shooting on
1298-616: A non-religious hooded brother, Brother Theodore in the episode " Silent Treatment ". In May 2021, Richter appeared on the Gus and Eddy Podcast hosted by comedy duo Gus Johnson and Eddy Burback. Richter was married to comedic actress and author Sarah Thyre from 1994 to 2019, and they have two children, a son born in 2000 and a daughter born in 2005. Thyre was a cast member on the comedy series Strangers with Candy , on which Richter made frequent cameo appearances . Richter and Thyre also appeared together playing Hansel and Gretel in an episode of
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#17328511022411416-467: A plumber who kept going into the building and saying, 'Can we put some pipes together?' and watching my wrenches gather dust." When Conan O'Brien returned to the air as host of Conan on TBS in 2010, Richter followed and resumed his roles as announcer, writer, general sidekick and participant in comedy sketches. Since June 2019, Richter has his own podcast on the Earwolf network. In 2010, Richter
1534-640: A recurring role as "Sad Dad" Stan in the TV show The New Adventures of Old Christine . He also provided the voice of Ben on the animated series The Mighty B! , played Simon Cristini on True Jackson, VP , and reprises the voice of Mort on The Penguins of Madagascar and All Hail King Julien . Richter voiced himself in an episode of the 2021 Netflix animated sitcom Chicago Party Aunt . In 2024, Richter competed in season twelve of The Masked Singer as "Dust Bunny" and had Dick Van Dyke (who competed as "Gnome" in season nine ) as his Mask Ambassador. He
1652-425: A series of dressing room walk-throughs, peeks at actual production, and later, staged events. This grew over the years into a full-blown theme park . The narrated tram tour (formerly "Glamor Trams" ) still runs through the studio's active backlot , but the staged events, stunt demonstrations and high-tech rides overshadow the motion-picture production that once lured fans to Universal Studios Hollywood. In 1965,
1770-595: A stage show touring the United States and Canada over the spring of 2010. Richter served in his usual role as announcer and sidekick. Due to performing with O'Brien, Richter was forced to drop out of the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational , in which he was a semifinalist. Isaac Mizrahi replaced Richter in the tournament. Richter also made an appearance on the Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life on Deck as
1888-403: A train suddenly rushes from the tracks and stops just in time before colliding with the tram. The guide leads the tram away from the tracks to safety. The train is now a stationary train in the backlot. Battle of Galactica (1979–1992) This high-technology attraction featuring animatronics and live actors in a spectacular laser battle based on the television series Battlestar Galactica with
2006-416: A witch or a wizard. Two live shows, Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally, are featured on the outdoor stage. In addition to attractions, the themed area features multiple shops, a Hogwarts Express train picture spot, The Three Broomsticks restaurant, and a variety of outdoor vending carts selling food and drink. Souvenirs and food based on the books and films are sold in the area too. The Lower Lot
2124-561: A year. Richter branched out working with "The Comedy Underground" and the Annoyance Theatre . Richter wrote for the short-lived Jonathan Brandmeier television show. In the early 1990s, the Annoyance Theatre hit gold when producer Joey Soloway staged The Real Live Brady Bunch with live, word-for-word performances of the '70s sitcom. The show was so popular that it attracted national attention and moved to New York City . Richter
2242-618: Is an American actor, comedian, writer, and talk show announcer. He is best known as the sidekick for Conan O'Brien on each of O'Brien's talk shows: Late Night and The Tonight Show on NBC and Conan on TBS . He was also star of the Fox television series Andy Richter Controls the Universe . He voiced Mort in the Madagascar film franchise and Ben Higgenbottom in the animated television series The Mighty B! on Nickelodeon . Richter,
2360-614: Is blocked by a crushed tram, used as set dressing for the new attraction. Later, the bridge entrance is blocked by a stationary train from the Runaway Train event. Parting of the Red Sea (1973–2016) The guide leads the tram to a body of water. Suddenly, the waves part, and the tram travels between them. Prior to addition of miniature models of Skull Island and the S.S. Venture boat from the King Kong remake in 2006, guides informed guests that
2478-450: Is good enough for me," you should try and push it. You should see how much you can stretch your good fortune. And I was curious." Richter left his post at Late Night in 2000 to pursue a career acting in films and television. His first major venture, Fox 's Andy Richter Controls the Universe , was canceled after two mid-season runs. His next Fox sitcom, Quintuplets , lasted one season. His 2007 television series, Andy Barker P.I. ,
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#17328511022412596-617: Is of Swedish and German descent. In the late 1980s, Richter attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and Columbia College Chicago as a film major. While at Columbia, he learned the basics of comedic acting and writing by starring in numerous student films and videos. After leaving Columbia in 1988, Richter worked as a production assistant on commercial shoots in Chicago . In 1989, he began taking classes at Chicago's Improv Olympic . He went from student to "House Performer" within
2714-399: Is on top of the last tram car attempts to eat the guests from the tram by biting down multiple times as the tram swings between it and some Arachno-Claws. Kong jumps into the pit where he faces the V. Rex. Kong defeats the V. rex by slamming it into a rock wall multiple times, killing it in the process; then Kong rescues the last tram car, allowing the passengers to survive the fall. The rest of
2832-440: Is shadowed by a black submarine tower breaking over the water's surface. As the tram makes a bend, the submarine fires a "torpedo" at the tram, causing an explosion (actually a pressurized water burst) at the shore's edge. Avalanche Tunnel (1974–2001) The tour guide leads the tram into a revolving tunnel, simulating an avalanche, including fake snow spinning around the tram, and damaged signs, along with special sound effects. It
2950-567: Is the largest themed area in the Upper Lot, featuring the animatronic and screen-based thrill ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey , which is housed in a replica Hogwarts castle, featuring actual props from the films in the queue. In addition, this area includes the family-friendly roller coaster Flight of the Hippogriff , and the interactive Ollivander's Wand Show where a wand picks
3068-496: Is the smaller of the two lots. There are five rides at this section of the park that each have height restrictions. It features Jurassic World: The Ride , Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride , Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Transformers: The Ride – 3D . Jurassic World: The Ride , is a water adventure ride that takes visitors through the events of the film Jurassic World , ending with an 84-foot (25.6-meter) drop. Outside
3186-723: The Mario Kart franchise, which is located inside of Super Nintendo World . Transformers: The Ride – 3D uses high tech technology to simulate a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons with 4K-3D screens and flight simulator ride vehicles. The Lower Lot also features several gift shops and quick service restaurants. It is Universal's Halloween-themed annual event that lasts for a month and half at both Hollywood and Orlando parks. In 2023, Universal Studio Hollywood featured eight scary haunted houses including: The Last of Us , Stranger Things , and The Exorcist: Believer . It also included
3304-538: The Upright Citizens Brigade sketch comedy series on Comedy Central in 1998. On April 13, 2019, Richter announced on his Twitter account that he and Thyre had separated and had begun divorce proceedings. In November 2022 he announced his engagement to Jennifer Herrera. They got married on June 10, 2023, in West Hollywood, with Conan O'Brien officiating. Richter is a supporter of Planned Parenthood . At
3422-631: The Courthouse Square set famously seen in the Back to the Future trilogy . However, these sets were constructed mainly of wood and therefore were highly flammable and burned to the ground in an early morning fire . All the sets have been rebuilt and a new attraction at the Studio features King Kong: 360 3-D , which opened July 1, 2010. Before returning to the tour's boarding area, the tram passes by an overlook of
3540-586: The Fox series Malcolm in the Middle . In "Clip Show", he played a psychiatrist giving therapy to Malcolm, Reese, and Dewey. In October 2005, Richter appeared in the NBC sitcom Will & Grace . In " The Old Man and the Sea ", he played an annoying blind date that was teased and misled by Grace Adler , who only dated him to prove she was not a snob. Richter appeared in Monk as
3658-519: The Impulse Records , John Coltrane , Muddy Waters , Ahmad Jamal , Nashboro Records , and Chess Records masters survived the fire and were still in Universal's archive. Shortly after Music Corporation of America (MCA) took over Universal Pictures in 1962, accountants suggested a new tour in the studio commissary would increase profits. On July 15, 1964, the modern tour was established to include
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3776-474: The New York Times story, Questlove of The Roots confirmed that the master tapes for two of the band's albums, including unused material and multi-track recordings, were lost in the fire. Similarly, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic said he believed the masters for the band's 1991 album Nevermind were "gone forever" as a result of the fire. Representatives for R.E.M. announced they would investigate
3894-636: The Paramount / DreamWorks film War of the Worlds are visited in the tour. Walt Disney Studios has also used the backlot for movies such as the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, 101 Dalmatians , 102 Dalmatians , and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement , specifically for town scenes. There are also 'general purpose' sets visited, such as the neighborhood Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives , and
4012-648: The San Fernando Valley , which includes views of neighboring Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank . The Studio Tour includes some special demonstrations, as well as some small segments. For example, an encounter with King Kong ( King Kong: 360 3-D ), a simulated flash flood , an 8.3 earthquake, a short encounter with Jaws, and a high-speed car chase featuring the cast from the Fast & Furious movie franchise ( Fast & Furious: Supercharged ). King Kong: 360 3-D (2010) As
4130-430: The garage , where, using a Pepper's ghost illusion, a party is interrupted by Agent Novak, who escorts the partygoers out of the room. Agent Novak wants to stop Roman, but Dominic Toretto and Letty appear, followed by Hobbs, who has a bigger gun and takes Novak away. Screeching cars in the background alert the team that trouble is ahead. The riders put on their 3D glasses. The team makes way for their vehicles and begins
4248-450: The "Real Live Brady Bunch" stage show) were hired as cast members on Saturday Night Live . With friends on SNL , Richter attended after-show parties, where he met SNL writer Robert Smigel . Two years later, Smigel hired Richter as a writer for a new show he was producing, Late Night with Conan O'Brien . Smigel sent Richter to join Conan O'Brien on stage during a practice run-through when
4366-504: The "mother costume" and wielding a rubber knife, Carrey emerged from behind the Psycho house and jumped on the tram, scaring the passengers, including the guides. The tour guides and tram operators reported the incident to the film crew, who revealed the identity of the Norman Bates attacker. Carrey wanted to repeat the stunt one year later while filming How The Grinch Stole Christmas , which
4484-599: The 2009 Webby Award category Comedy: Individual Short or Episode, and won a GLAAD media award. In July 2009, Richter played for the American League as a first baseman in the 2009 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game . Representing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim , Richter hit a home run in the game. After the end of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien , Richter joined O'Brien on his Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour ,
4602-459: The 60th anniversary of the Studio Tour. Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California . About 70% of the studio lies within the unincorporated county island known as Universal City while the rest lies within the city limits of Los Angeles , California . It is one of
4720-456: The Chess, Coltrane and Impulse Records recordings were later confirmed to have survived. In a statement issued on June 11, 2019, UMG disputed The New York Times article saying it contained "numerous inaccuracies", as well as "fundamental misunderstandings of the scope of the incident and affected assets," but was unable to publicly disclose details due to "constraints". Following the publication of
4838-520: The Children Gone" (Season 3). Psycho : Bates Mansion (1998) The Psycho House was one of the big draws of the Universal Tram Tour, back in 1964, and has continued to be instantly recognizable in recent years. When trams approach the house, Norman Bates stands at the porch or exits the main door of the house and takes notice of the tram, wherein he brandishes a knife and attempts to attack
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4956-566: The Conan Writers Live comedy special for TBS at the Just for Laughs festival in Chicago. He hosted in place of O'Brien, who was prohibited from hosting any television program until fall 2010. In July 2013, Richter signed up to host a game show called Step Up , which was ordered by Fox. Richter holds the record for all-time highest one-day score on Celebrity Jeopardy! , winning $ 68,000 during
5074-843: The Future: The Ride and Lucy: A Tribute were closed, being replaced in 2008 by The Simpsons Ride and the Universal Story Museum respectively. Also in 2008, the Nickelodeon Blast Zone was re-branded to the Adventures of Curious George. In 2009, Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical replaced Fear Factor Live in the Upper Lot. In 2010, the Special Effects Stages and Backdraft attractions were closed to make way for Transformers: The Ride – 3D , which
5192-468: The Future: The Ride replaced Battle of Galactica. In 1996, Jurassic Park: The Ride opened. In 1997, The Land Before Time show replaced Rocky and Bullwinkle Live only to be replaced with Coke Soak a year later, and Totally Nickelodeon replaced the Flintstones Show. In 1999, T2-3D: Battle Across Time and a Chicken Run Walkthrough opened on the Upper Lot, and Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue
5310-540: The Lower and Upper Lots over the years, but since Jurassic Park's opening both alighting and departing take place on the Upper Lot. As the movie studio has evolved, the tour has evolved with the incorporation of advanced technology and the replacement of the original trams in the early 80s. In late 1989, CD players replaced some of the speaking roles of live tour guides. In 1999, DVD players and LCD screens were introduced, allowing tour guides to show scenes from movies filmed at
5428-587: The Rockslide staged event was added to the Studio Tour. The following year, The Land of a Thousand Faces opened on the Upper Lot. In 1979, the Battle of Galactica replaced Rockslide as a staged event on the Studio Tour. In 1989's The Wizard , it was the site of the fictional Video Armageddon competition which gave way to the Nintendo World Championships held in 1990. The Flintstones Show opened, replacing
5546-557: The Star Trek Adventure. In 1991, E.T. Adventure opened as the park's first "dark ride," an industry term for an attraction that uses ride vehicles to take passengers through an indoor show building. Around the same time, sister park Universal Studios Florida opened, which had its own, similar E.T. attraction. The Florida version was more of a conventional theme park and paved the way for the Hollywood park's evolution. In 1993, Back to
5664-475: The Upper lot and Lower lot. As of 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood contains ten rides, seven shows, and two play areas. Each lot features a collection of rides, shows and attractions as well as food, beverage, and merchandise shops. The Upper Lot consists of a variety of family-based attractions. The theming of the Upper Lot includes a Mission Revival entrance pathway, known as Universal Boulevard , that features
5782-594: The War Lord Tower opened as one of the first attractions in the theme park. One of the early struggles for Universal was coming up with things for young children to do. The existing small Ma & Pa Kettle Petting Zoo was expanded into the Ark Park. This area encompassed the Mt. Ararat petting zoo with over 200 animals and birds representing 30 species and a Noah's Nursery and a Noah's Love Inn playhouse for children and animals. This
5900-632: The Whoville show and the extended Studio Tour hours. In 2020, during the COVID-19 closure of Universal Studios Hollywood, the Whoville Sets were demolished and replaced with picture cars seen in Universal films and in the theme park. Psycho : Bates Motel (2008–2024) As the tram passes the Bates Motel, the guests witness Norman Bates carrying a corpse to a car. After placing the body in the trunk, he notices
6018-560: The Wonder Dog , Dr. T & the Women and Cabin Boy . In 2008, Richter appeared in composer Marc Shaiman 's satirical mini-musical called "Prop 8 — The Musical". The three-minute video was distributed on the internet at FunnyOrDie.com . In addition to Richter, the cast includes Jack Black , John C. Reilly , Craig Robinson , and many other celebrities, directed by Adam Shankman . The video won
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#17328511022416136-587: The actual Film Vault; the Video Vault contains duplicates of Universal's film library). Aerial news footage captured the Courthouse building surviving fire for the third time in its history, with only the west side of it being slightly charred. Over 516 firefighters from various local fire departments, as well as two helicopters dropping water, had responded to the fire. Fourteen firefighters and three Los Angeles County sheriffs' deputies sustained minor injuries. The fire
6254-491: The area was called " Super Nintendo World ", and was confirmed that it would come to Universal Studios Japan in 2020 as well as Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood later on. On August 13, 2017, Shrek 4-D closed after 14 years to make way for the DreamWorks Theatre . In 2018, Jurassic Park: The Ride was closed and refurbished into Jurassic World: The Ride , which opened in 2019. On April 10, 2019,
6372-427: The attraction broke new ground and paved the way for today's themed attractions, including a Universal Studios Florida version . The Kong sequence was also featured in the film The Wizard starring Fred Savage and Indie singer Jenny Lewis . This attraction opened on June 14, 1986, and was completely destroyed by a fire in the early morning of June 1, 2008. As of June 3, 2008, Universal Studios officials stated that
6490-400: The blockbuster success of the sixth film . This frustration eventually led to the unplanned closure of Fast and Furious on the Studio Tour after producers from the film witnessed the attraction first-hand. The Collapsing Bridge (1974–2010) The tour guide tries to take the tram around a bridge rather than going over it, but suddenly the tram driver takes the tram towards the bridge. Just as
6608-402: The chase in a parking lot underground, where Owen Shaw appears to seek revenge on Dominic, leading a chase outside on the freeway. It is also the grand finale of the Studio Tour. Prop Plaza (1964–1980) This was a rest area on the lower level of the studio, near Park Lake. It originally featured a collection of oversized props from The Incredible Shrinking Woman, and visitors could disembark
6726-534: The coaster was revealed as Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift , with an expected opening in 2026. The International Broadcast Center (IBC) and main press center (MPC) will be located at Universal Studios Hollywood during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Universal Studios Hollywood is split into two areas on different levels, connected by a series of escalators called the Starway. These areas are known as
6844-589: The complete destruction of one building and damage to two others. In 1957, the New York street film studio set was destroyed by an arson fire, causing a half-million dollars in damage. Ten years later, in 1967, twice as much damage was done when the Little Europe area and part of Spartacus Square was destroyed. It also destroyed the European, Denver and Laramie street sets. In 1987, the remaining portion of Spartacus Square
6962-433: The effects the fire may have had on the band's archival materials, while Hole , Steely Dan , Rosanne Cash and Geoff Downes made statements on their possible losses from the fire. A representative for Eminem confirmed that the rapper's master recordings were digitized months before the fire, but did not confirm whether the physical master reels of his recordings were affected. UMG archivist Patrick Kraus assured that
7080-671: The end of March, it was announced that the park would reopen to California residents on April 16, 2021. Universal also announced that The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! ride would be open to the public on that day, together with a new, fully articulated version of the Indominus Rex in Jurassic World: The Ride. On March 10, 2022, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that its version of Super Nintendo World would open in 2023. On December 14, 2022, Universal officially announced that
7198-418: The entrance of the theme park entrance by several Metro bus routes. Metro Local lines 150, 155, 224, and 240 stop at Lankershim Blvd & Universal Center Drive (front entrance). Metro Local line 165 and Metro Shuttle line 656 Owl stop farther away from the entrance, at Ventura and Lankershim Boulevards. At the front entrance (Universal Center Dr. & Lankershim Blvd), there is a free shuttle tram which takes
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#17328511022417316-405: The event, the tram also passes props and vehicles from the original Jurassic Park films. Flash Flood (1968) The downhill flood effect has appeared in many films, including Big Fat Liar and Fletch Lives . Earthquake (1989–2023 and 2024) The Earthquake event is an 8.3 earthquake inside a soundstage, designed to make it look like a San Francisco subway station. They have a hot set;
7434-469: The experience would not be rebuilt, and instead was replaced by the new King Kong: 360 3-D attraction, based on the 2005 film . Curse of the Mummy's Tomb (2001–2013) The tram guide tells guests that they are going to take a look at some props from the film The Mummy , but instead the tram is led into Imhotep's cursed tomb, where he sucks them into a powerful revolving sandstorm. The guide eventually leads
7552-464: The final master tape. Randy Aronson, who was manager of the vault at the time of the fire, estimates that as many as 500,000 individual song titles were lost. Among the losses were all of Decca 's masters from the 1930s to the 1950s and most of the original Chess masters which included artists such as Chuck Berry , Otis Redding , Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf , and most of the John Coltrane 's master tapes from his later career on Impulse Records;
7670-449: The fire had totally destroyed Building 6197, a warehouse adjoining the King Kong attraction, which housed a video vault and, significantly, a huge archive of analog audio master tapes belonging to Universal Pictures' former division the Universal Music Group (UMG). The collection included the master tape catalogues of various labels acquired by Universal over the years, including Chess, Decca, MCA, Geffen, Interscope, A&M, Impulse, and
7788-412: The first time that an attraction on the tour has opened day and date with a movie release. The set, which was disassembled during post-production and transported to, and reconstructed on site in, the park, with props and details from the film, was originally created by the film's production designer, Ruth DeJong. Fast & Furious: Supercharged (2015) As the tram makes its way past Wisteria Lane , to
7906-412: The foundations of Back to the Future: The Ride . King Kong Encounter (1986–2008) The tram enters 1976 New York City where King Kong is on the loose and grabs and shakes the tram, which eventually escapes his grasp and gets out of the city safely. The 7-ton, 30-foot-tall (9.1 m) Kong figure was the largest and most complex animatronic figure in existence for many years. The sophistication of
8024-409: The idea of creating exciting experiences for visitors in place of viewing actual production. Later that same year, the Flash Flood set was opened and this first special-effects attraction proved to be a hit. 20,000 gallons of water rushed 200 feet down a narrow Mexican village street, uprooting an old tree and threatening to engulf the tram. The Parting of the Red Sea attraction opened in 1973. In 1974,
8142-416: The land would open in Hollywood on February 17, 2023. The area soft-opened under technical rehearsals for reserved-guests on January 12, and officially opened as planned on February 17, about a month and a half before the release of Universal/ Illumination 's The Super Mario Bros. Movie . On July 12, 2023, it was announced that a Fast & Furious -themed roller coaster was being built. In May 2024,
8260-588: The large Universal Plaza that opened in 2013. There are not as many fully themed lands as there are small environments linked together with a common Art Deco theme that reflects the glamour of Old Hollywood. Universal Boulevard is home to WaterWorld , and the DreamWorks Theatre , the latter which currently serves as the main location for Kung Fu Panda Adventure , a slightly modified version of Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness from Motiongate Dubai . The Wizarding World of Harry Potter soft-opened February 12, 2016, and officially opened April 7, 2016, and
8378-449: The left is a black Dodge Charger next to a beige house. The tour guide, who is apologizing for the "unplanned" event, is interrupted by Luke Hobbs, telling guests that they will be sent to a safe location. This is because Owen Shaw and his gang are after a high-valued witness on the tram. The tram enters the garage and is given an introduction to Roman Pearce and Letty Ortiz, two of the franchise's characters. The tram drives further into
8496-445: The locations the trams pass, and in 2009, the screens were upgraded to high definition. In 2011, Jimmy Fallon joined the tour as a video host to supplement the live-action narration and perform an original song "Tram-Tastic" at the end of the tour. In 2022, electric trams began to be introduced into the fleet. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tram tour, the trams except the electric trams were redressed in pink and white to resemble
8614-628: The lot. Stage One, where The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien was filmed from June 2009 to January 2010, was added to the tour. O'Brien and announcer Andy Richter staged events outside the studio on occasion as part of The Tonight Show' s Tour-ific Tramtacular sketch. Until June 1, 2008, the tour also passed through a group of facades resembling city streets of New York (used in the filming of Bruce Almighty and some elements in Transformers ), Bring It On: In It to Win It , and New England, as well as
8732-458: The made-for-TV film The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island in 1981, the episode "Hooray for Hollywood" from Diff'rent Strokes in 1984, and the episode "Fright Knight" from Knight Rider in 1986. The Amity Harbor/Village area that is associated with the Jaws attraction (minus the moving shark) was the set used in two Airwolf episodes "The American Dream" (Season 2) and "Where Have All
8850-466: The moving shark anamatronic from the film and other sets. The actual hero prop boat 'Orca' was placed in the lagoon as a center piece, but was removed between 1991 and 1992 and chopped up for timber ( Jaws director Steven Spielberg learned of the fate of the 'Orca', much to his anger, after noticing it gone while he was on the ride). The shark as seen in the attraction has had cameos in multiple television shows and films including The Nude Bomb in 1980,
8968-418: The next tram-load of guests. In 2024, Earthquake received a big refurbishment which redesigns the subway station from a 1989 subway station into a modern day subway station introducing new sound effects as part of the 50th anniversary. Jaws (1976) As the tram drives into the peaceful Amity seaside town, George, a police driver makes sure there are no problems. But a shark approaches George and kills him in
9086-467: The oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. Its official marketing headline is "The Entertainment Capital of LA". It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios sets and is the first of many full-fledged Universal Studios theme park resorts located across the world. Outside the theme park, a new, all-digital facility near the Universal Pictures backlot
9204-559: The original Glamor Trams. Portions of the original Glamor Trams now serve as the shuttle to the Universal City Metro station. Alongside its parent theme park, the Studio Tour shut down indefinitely in mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic , but then reopened in April 2021. Sets from the Universal movies Psycho , Back to the Future , The Sting , The Great Outdoors , and
9322-572: The park announced Springfield, a new dining complex to be built around the Simpsons Ride. The new eateries feature "signature eateries from Krusty Burger to Luigi's Pizza and Phineas Q. Butterfat's 5,600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor to iconic watering holes like Moe's Tavern and Duff's Brewery". It opened on March 28, 2015. On May 7, 2015, Universal Studios announced it formed a partnership with Nintendo to create attractions and merchandise based on Mario and other Nintendo characters. The following year,
9440-534: The park announced The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!, an attraction based on The Secret Life of Pets . The attraction was set to open on March 27, 2020, adjacent to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction. However, Universal announced a temporary closure starting on March 14, 2020 to combat the COVID-19 pandemic . On March 5, 2021, it was announced that Universal Studios Hollywood could reopen with reduced capacity beginning April 1, 2021. At
9558-621: The passengers directly towards the theme park entrance. In 2021, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood won the award for 'Outstanding Attraction' at the Themed Entertainment Association's (TEA) Thea Awards. In 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood's attraction Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge received the 'Best New Family Attraction' at the Golden Ticket Awards. Andy Richter Paul Andrew Richter (born October 28, 1966)
9676-668: The popular Terror Tram. In the Halloween Horror Nights on 2023 at Universal Studio Hollywood, two new live experiences were added, Blumhouse: Behind the Scenes and The Purge: Dangerous Waters . Universal Studios Hollywood can easily be accessed by public transportation at Universal City/Studio City . The Metro B line subway train runs between Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles , Westlake , Koreatown , East Hollywood , and Hollywood . Passengers can also arrive at
9794-400: The premises. On March 14, 1915, Laemmle opened Universal Studios in a two-day grand opening event with 10,000 attendees. He later invited the general public to see all the action for an admission fee of just five cents, which also included a boxed lunch with chicken. There was also a chance to buy fresh produce, since then-rural Universal City was still in part a working farm. This original tour
9912-449: The production staff was testing lighting angles and sound, and noticed the two had a strong rapport. He became O'Brien's sidekick just weeks before the show began airing in 1993. Richter departed from Late Night after the show on May 26, 2000. He later said of the decision, "After seven years of being on the show, I got itchy. I have a philosophy that if you enjoy good fortune, rather than sit there and say, "Oh, that's fine, this amount
10030-526: The ride stands the Raptor Encounter, a show that happens throughout the day, and the Dino Play jungle gym area for children too small to ride. Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride is a high speed indoor roller coaster transporting guests through moments reminiscent of the 1999 Mummy franchise. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is an interactive dark ride attraction featuring augmented reality technology based on
10148-488: The scenes of Universal Pictures . The tour lasts about 45–60 minutes and is led by an in-person "tram guide" (who sits in the first car of the tram, facing the guests), with the aid of pre-recorded videos of Jimmy Fallon . It travels through the Front Lot, Backlot, and various attractions, passing sets and properties from movies along the way. The tour inspired a smaller but similar version at Universal Studios Florida , which
10266-556: The second of four children, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan , to mother Glenda Swanson (née Palmer), a kitchen cabinet designer, and father Laurence R. Richter, who taught Russian at Indiana University for more than 32 years. Richter was raised in Yorkville, Illinois . He graduated from Yorkville High School in 1984, where he was elected Prom King . His parents divorced when he was 4 and his father later came out as bisexual. He
10384-547: The series goes on. The series aired on NBC, with all six episodes in the first season on NBC.com. The series was canceled after very poor ratings, despite being named by Entertainment Weekly as one of the Top Ten Shows of 2007. On February 24, 2009, it was announced that Richter would rejoin O'Brien as the announcer for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in Los Angeles . Richter frequently appeared in comedy sketches on
10502-732: The show and often commented and interacted with Conan during the opening monologue; he was also part of the show's writing staff. In mid-December 2009, Richter also began joining Conan on the couch during the celebrity interviews, much like he did in his former sidekick role on Late Night . Richter said he enjoyed having a steady paycheck again and not having to deal with production companies while developing television shows. Richter said, "Now I'm so happy to be back and making TV every night, not asking permission from somebody and waiting six months to get their sparklingly clear and cogent notes. And then wait another month for them to get back from Hawaii and say, 'Yes, now we can go make television.' I felt like
10620-544: The special effects used in The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift . The attraction started construction in March 2006 and opened on June 15, 2006. The area was formerly occupied by a model used in Dante's Peak. The section was closed in late July 2013. The studio had become increasingly frustrated with the portrayal of its Fast and Furious franchise at Universal Studios Hollywood after
10738-490: The spectators. The idea for having actors dressed as Norman Bates slowly approach the tram came from series of pranks that actor Jim Carrey would do when he was filming the 1999 Andy Kaufman biopic , Man on the Moon . During production in 1998 at an area near the house, Carrey, who portrayed Kaufman in the film, became bored during break hours and tried to channel Kaufman's creative energy by playing Norman Bates. Dressing up in
10856-472: The tram and walks towards it with a kitchen knife as the tram leaves just in time to escape. Bates is portrayed by an Anthony Perkins lookalike and on some occasions, a Vince Vaughn lookalike. If the actors are not available, a cardboard cutout of Anthony Perkins as Bates is used in the Cabin 1 window. This event now becomes a photo op area where an original Glamour tram has been restored and other various props for
10974-452: The tram as it speeds away from the raptors in an attempt to escape. The tram, however, ends up crashing, and wakes up a group of larger dinosaurs, Vastatosaurus rex, who eats a few of the pack, causing the rest of the pack to flee. After the attack, the V. Rexes begin to attack the tram; but before the V. Rexes can badly damage the tram, Kong who leaps from behind a temple, comes to the rescue and begins to fight them. The V. Rexes try to attack
11092-405: The tram enters a small set of Skull Island , it passes a crushed tram next to the former Collapsing Bridge on the Studio Tour. After a video introduction by Peter Jackson, Studio Tour guests wear 3-D glasses as the tram enters a sound stage dressed as a re-creation of Skull Island. Immediately upon entry the scent of a damp jungle is present. A pack of Venatosaurus see the tram and start to chase
11210-414: The tram from both sides, while Kong jumps to each side to defeat them, as air and water effects are blown onto guests to further the illusion. Near the end of the experience, the last V. Rex ends up pulling the last car (which is part of the filming segment) from the tram, and drags the tram down the cliff into a spider pit. However, the tram and the V. Rex end up falling into the spider pit. The V. Rex, who
11328-447: The tram out of the sandstorm, and Imhotep is defeated. The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb closed on September 3, 2013, and was later demolished in the same month. It was confirmed on April 8, 2014, that the site would become home to the new Fast and Furious attraction, replaced by Fast & Furious: Supercharged , which opened on June 25, 2015. The Fast & The Furious: Extreme Close-Up (2006–2013) Extreme Close-up demonstrates some of
11446-520: The tram plummets into the bottom of the pit but Kong rescues it as well. He roars in victory, and jumps away, ending the experience. This is the first event and segment that the Studio Tour enters. Jurassic Park (1996) When the tram passes through the Isla Nublar set, guests are sprayed by animatronic Dilophosaurus . It is very similar to the end of the Jurassic Park: The Ride . Prior to
11564-427: The tram reaches the midpoint of the bridge, it creaks and massive timbers fall away, causing the bridge to "drop" the tram a short distance. The tram drives on and guests can see the bridge rebuild itself for the next tram. The bridge was used less-frequently starting in 2005, and by March 2006 was no longer part of the regular tram tour due to mechanical problems. However, the bridge has since undergone renovations, and
11682-427: The trams to examine them or take photos. Other attractions included a bouncing stagecoach with a motorized backdrop, a concession stand, and a small souvenir shop. When The Six Million Dollar Man was popular, additional attractions included foam boulders and a van raised on two wheels to allow guests to photograph themselves performing "bionic" feats. Submarine Attack (1971–1990) As the tram passed by Park Lake, it
11800-405: The water. The tram then moves onto a dock where the dock has tilted, nearly plunging the tram guests into the water. The shark ruptures the gas line and the whole dock catches fire. The shark then approaches the tram and tries to attack it as the tram escapes the dock just in time. The Jaws event opened a year after the release of Steven Spielberg 's 1975 film . It is an attraction that features
11918-514: The waterfall effect was originally installed for the "parting of the Red Sea" scene from The Ten Commandments . The surrounding pond was also featured as part of the film set from Creature from the Black Lagoon . For many years a mock-up of The Creature stood in the pond. Whoville Comes To Life (2008–2016) During the holiday season, at the Whoville set all of the Whos, even Max the dog, perform
12036-504: Was added back to the tour schedules in August 2008. The Collapsing Bridge was repaired and returned as part of the Studio Tour in August 2008, after the June fire had closed much of the normal tram route. The Collapsing Bridge was replaced by King Kong: 360 3-D which is located in front of the bridge on July 1, 2010. The bridge itself is still there, but it's no longer operational. The current route
12154-460: Was announced in 2008; Special Effects Stages moved to the former Creature From The Black Lagoon building and removed the last "s" from its name. King Kong 360 3-D also opened. On May 24, 2012, Transformers: The Ride – 3D opened on the Lower Lot. On December 31, 2012, Universal Studios Hollywood closed T2-3D: Battle Across Time for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem , which opened in 2014. In April 2014,
12272-407: Was being filmed behind the house, but this time in full Grinch costume. However, the production kept his costume under wraps until the film's release. Jupiter's Claim (2022) A set themed to the western theme park of the same name from the 2022 film, Nope , which is located as the penultimate stop on the tour starting on July 22, 2022, the same day as the film's theatrical release, marking it as
12390-495: Was built in an effort to merge all of NBCUniversal 's West Coast operations into one area. As a result, the current home for KNBC , KVEA and NBC News with Noticias Telemundo Los Angeles Bureaus with new digital facility is on the Universal lot formerly occupied by Technicolor SA . Universal City includes hotels Universal Hilton & Towers, the Sheraton Universal Hotel, and Universal CityWalk , which offers
12508-568: Was closed. In 2000, the Rugrats Magic Adventure replaced Totally Nickelodeon. In 2001, the Nickelodeon Blast Zone opened, and Animal Planet Live replaced the Animal Actors' School Stage. In 2003, E.T. Adventure was closed to make way for Revenge of the Mummy , which opened in 2004. The following year, Fear Factor Live replaced Spider-Man Rocks. In 2007, Universal's House of Horrors replaced Van Helsing: Fortress Dracula. Both Back to
12626-435: Was co-written and executive produced by Conan O'Brien . In the series, Richter played an accountant who could not attract clients. After a woman comes to his office thinking he is the former tenant, a private investigator, she asks him to find her husband, who she thinks faked his death. Barker decides to pursue this job and becomes a private detective in earnest, and continues to do his accounting job, which seems to pick up as
12744-477: Was considered to be a potential host of the classic Pyramid game show that was being developed for CBS , but was ultimately not picked up by the network. Had the series been picked up, it would not have affected Richter's role on Conan . On May 18, 2011, TBS announced development of a possible new version of Pyramid , again to be hosted by Richter. In June 2010, Richter hosted the Team Coco Presents
12862-508: Was destroyed along with street sets and other buildings. As with the 1957 fire, this was suspected to be the result of an arsonist. Just three years later, another fire was deliberately started in the back lot. The New York Street set, the Ben Hur set and the majority of Courthouse Square were destroyed. In 1997, the seventh fire occurred at the back lot. A portion of Courthouse Square was again destroyed, though most survived. The most damage
12980-450: Was discontinued around 1930, due to the advent of sound films and the stages being not sufficiently soundproofed. Universal Studios Hollywood's backlot has been damaged by fire nine times throughout its history. The first was in 1932, when embers from a nearby brush fire were blown toward the back lot, causing four movie sets to be destroyed and resulting in over $ 100,000 damage. Seventeen years later, in 1949, another brush fire caused
13098-506: Was done on June 1, 2008 when a three alarm fire broke out on the back lot of Universal Studios. The fire started when a worker was using a blowtorch to warm asphalt shingles being applied to a facade. The Los Angeles County Fire Department had reported that Brownstone Street, New York Street, New England Street, the King Kong attraction, some structures that make up Courthouse Square, and the Video Vault had burned down (not to be confused with
13216-564: Was eliminated in the Group B premiere "Sports Night". In addition to his television work, Richter has appeared in motion pictures such as Aliens in the Attic , Big Trouble , Elf , Seeing Other People , New York Minute , Dr. Dolittle 2 , the Madagascar franchise, My Boss's Daughter , Scary Movie 2 , Frank McKlusky, C.I. , Pootie Tang , Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby , Blades of Glory , Semi-Pro , Lenny
13334-525: Was followed by the opening of the Animal Actors' School Stage in 1970. In 1968, the Screen Actors Guild enacted a rule prohibiting visitors from most soundstages. This new rule, coupled with more productions being shot on location, meant the backlot tram tour could not show visitors much in the way of real movie and television production. Jay Stein, President of the Recreation Division, championed
13452-542: Was lost. We have duplicates of everything that was lost." Several days after the fire, it was reported that the King Kong attraction would not be rebuilt and would eventually be replaced by a new attraction that had yet to be announced. In August 2008, Universal changed its position and announced plans to rebuild the King Kong attraction , basing the new attraction on the 2005 film adaptation . It emerged only in June 2019, in an article published by The New York Times that
13570-418: Was not an original member of the cast but the actor who played " Mike Brady " in the Chicago cast opted not to go to New York. Richter asked Soloway if he could play "Mike" in New York and, since Soloway had not cast a replacement, he agreed. At the same time The Real Live Brady Bunch was playing in New York, two fellow Annoyance members ( Beth Cahill and Melanie Hutsell , who played Marcia and Jan Brady in
13688-468: Was put out after twelve hours, during which time firefighters encountered low water pressure. Destroyed were 40,000 to 50,000 archived digital video and film copies chronicling Universal's movie and TV show history, dating back to the 1920s, including the films Knocked Up and Atonement , the NBC series Law & Order , The Office , and Miami Vice , and CBS 's I Love Lucy . Universal president Ron Meyer stated "Nothing irreplaceable
13806-488: Was removed in 1995. The Tour has long been the heart of the park from 1915 when guests would sit in bleachers for 25 cents to 1964, when pink and white Glamor Trams were introduced, and the tram tour was the main way of seeing all the attractions at Universal. The Front Lot Commissary was the original departure point for the tram. In 1965, the Upper Lot Studio Tour Center opened. The tram has departed from both
13924-401: Was replaced by Curse of the Mummy's Tomb. Rockslide (1974–1979) The tram stops inside a rock cliff which begins to collapse. The tram gets past the cliff safely, but not before having a collision with the rocks. The attraction was replaced by Battle of Galactica in 1979. Runaway Train (1974–1985) The tour guide leads the tram across a train track, thinking it is safe to cross. However,
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