Universal Studios Hollywood Debuts the All-New DreamWorks Theatre
With the Technologically-Advanced, Immersive Attraction
“Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” in Summer 2018
Universal City, CA, February 8, 2018 – On the heels of the recent acquisition of
DreamWorks Animation, Universal Studios
Hollywood<https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com> is setting the stage for the
Summer 2018 debut of the all-new DreamWorks Theatre presenting the premier
attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s
Quest<https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/kung-fu-panda-the-emperors-quest>.”
Inspired by the global blockbuster franchise, the attraction will take guests on a
thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art visual
effects for a highly engaging experience.
Created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative, “Kung Fu Panda:
The Emperor’s Quest” recounts a plot-filled story whereby on the morning of The
Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous
mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to the Palace,
while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure filled with raging
rapids, river pirates, awesome magic and Kung Fu.
With cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the multi-sensory attraction, “Kung
Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” will introduce the first-ever integration of interior
projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure.
Developed by the innovative team at Universal Creative, this never-before-adapted
technique will depict a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that
will transform within the interior space and enhance the story. With detailing that
is so precise, it will be near impossible to realize the projected imagery is a mere
illusion.
Coupled with seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound
audio, sweeping physical effects from water to wind will empower guests to feel more
like participants than spectators in the adrenaline-spiked adventure.
Featuring an original score by composer Germaine Franco, the storyline begins as
guests enter the pre-show area of the theatre where they meet an array of DreamWorks
characters who kick-off the attraction’s narrative. From there, guests will enter
the main theatre, complete with new ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that pivot
and swivel in tandem with the 180-degree action.
The newly constructed building that houses the DreamWorks Theatre is inspired by
Mission revival architecture and harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood’s Art
Deco period of the 1920s, including a box office ticket seller booth, reminiscent of
the time period and staffed by a three-dimensional Pinocchio character asleep on the
job.
As guests navigate past the ticket booth, through the flourishing outdoor garden and
into the theatre queue, they will encounter a series of 36 movie posters that pay
homage to DreamWorks Animation films. Within the lobby, a selection of over 20 award
statuettes will be on display, representing a sampling of the Golden Globe, Emmy,
People’s Choice, Critic’s Choice, National Board of Review and Annie awards
DreamWorks Animation has amassed from 2008 to 2015. A collection of original
sculpted maquettes of the “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” characters will also
be on display along with artifacts embodying magical powers that Po brought back
from the Spirit Realm.
