The Jurassic World pre show experience at Universal Studios Hollywood is an exciting, immersive adventure that takes place before you enter the main Jurassic World ride. It helps set the tone and provides important backstory that enriches the overall experience.
What is the setting and story of the pre show?
The pre show is set at the Jurassic World amber mine, where we see scientists extracting dinosaur DNA from ancient mosquitos trapped in amber. You, as the audience, are about to embark on the “tour of the century” at Jurassic World. The pre show sets up the context and background for how dinosaurs were brought back to life using this extracted DNA.
In the story, Simon Masrani, the founder of Masrani Global Corporation which owns Jurassic World, appears via a video message. He talks about how amber mining allowed them to extract dinosaur DNA and clone real living dinosaurs. His scientists then recreated the genetic code for various species which were bred on Isla Nublar, the home of Jurassic World.
The message makes it clear that being able to see real dinosaurs is a momentous and special occasion. Masrani passionately talks about how he hopes this technology will help open people’s eyes to these extraordinary creatures from the past and restore our sense of wonder in the natural world.
Who are the main characters featured?
The main characters who appear in the pre show video message are:
- Simon Masrani – Founder of Masrani Global Corporation and the visionary behind Jurassic World. He is played by Irrfan Khan.
- Dr. Henry Wu – Lead geneticist responsible for creating the dinosaurs. He is played by B.D. Wong.
- Claire Dearing – Operations manager of Jurassic World. She is played by Bryce Dallas Howard.
- ACU Troopers – Asset Containment Unit soldiers who handle security.
We see short clips of Masrani, Dr. Wu and Claire in the video laying out the technology behind the dinosaurs and importance of safety precautions. The ACU troopers also appear in the temporary labs where DNA extraction is happening.
What happens in the pre show experience?
Here are the key things that happen in the Jurassic World pre show experience:
- Guests are led into a waiting room at the amber mine with mining paraphernalia around. Flashing danger signs create a sense of being somewhere off-limits.
- A video plays with Simon Masrani explaining how amber mining allowed them to find ancient mosquitos containing dinosaur DNA.
- Dr. Henry Wu appears discussing how they recreated dinosaur genomes using this DNA and bred them at Jurassic World.
- Claire Dearing highlights safety measures taken to ensure guest security around the dinosaurs.
- Footage shows scientists in a high-tech amber laboratory extracting DNA from fossils.
- ACU troopers are shown securing the lab facilities and monitoring operations.
- Masrani invites guests to embark on the tour of Jurassic World to see the dinosaurs up close.
- The video ends and doors open into the main Jurassic World ride queue area.
Throughout the experience, there are warning alarms, amber-colored lighting, and a sense of being immersed in a top-secret scientific facility. The pre show perfectly sets the scene for entering Jurassic World after witnessing how the dinosaurs were created.
How does the pre show enhance the overall Jurassic World ride experience?
The pre show enriches the overall Jurassic World ride experience in several key ways:
- Provides critical backstory – It gives context about where the dinosaurs came from and how they were brought back using amber-extracted DNA.
- Introduces main characters – Guests get to see Masrani, Wu, and Claire setting up the mythology of Jurassic World.
- Builds anticipation – By witnessing the dinosaurs’ creation, guests get excited to see them up close in the ride.
- Sets the mood – The high-tech labs and amber lighting create a sense of wonder and tension perfectly suited to Jurassic World.
- Justifies in-universe logic – Explaining the DNA process allows the dinosaur encounters to feel real rather than random.
- Establishes Jurassic World lore – Key details like amber mining and the genetics labs build out the Jurassic World backstory beyond just the movies.
Without the background and context provided in the pre show, the ride itself might feel disjointed. But the pre show expertly builds up excitement, knowledge, and immersion in the Jurassic World mythology.
What special effects and technical elements are used?
The Jurassic World pre show utilizes the following technical elements and special effects:
- 3D surround sound system – Immersive audio with dinosaur roars and ambient jungle noises heard from all directions.
- 4K ultra HD video – Sharp, crystal clear video footage for the Masrani message and lab scenes.
- Edit bay recreation – Life-size replica edit bay to make guests feel part of the video production process.
- Lights/alarms – Flashing warning lights and vibrating alarms tuned to key moments for extra suspense.
- Smoke/mist effects – Targeted smoke and mist effects simulate working labs and build atmospheric tension.
- Amber light scheme – Lighting tinted amber throughout to match the theme of amber-based mining.
- Mining props – Realistic faux props like helmets, picks, and carts make the environment believable.
Together these technical elements fully immerse guests in the amber mine environment both visually and audibly. It elevates a simple preshow video into a vivid, exciting in-universe experience.
How does it compare to other Universal Studios pre shows?
The Jurassic World pre show stands out from other Universal Studios preshows in the following ways:
Ride | Jurassic World Pre Show | Other Universal Preshows |
---|---|---|
Story Integration | Critical backstory deeply tied to ride | Less connection typically |
Characters | Major characters like Masrani appear | Usually generic characters |
Environment | Fully themed amber mine | Simple theater often |
Effects | Smoke, lights, mists immerse guests | Basic projections and sounds |
Very few other Universal rides have a preshow so tightly intertwined with the attraction storyline and effects. The Jurassic World preshow stands out for full environmental immersion and important narrative groundwork laid.
What is the best strategy for experiencing the pre show?
To get the most out of the Jurassic World pre show experience, the following strategies are recommended:
- Arrive early – Give yourself plenty of time so you do not feel rushed through the preshow process. Being relaxed will allow you to best enjoy the full experience.
- Stay for the full duration – Do not try to skip ahead or exit early. Absorbing the entire pre show presentation maximizes the build-up.
- Bring small children – The educational content and sense of wonder make this ideal for kids who love dinosaurs.
- Keep eyes and ears open – Look for small environmental details and listen closely to the immersive audio effects.
- Re-ride to catch things you missed – The pre-show offers lots of rich details worth seeing twice.
- Ask about behind-the-scenes facts – Team Members are often willing to provide intriguing facts about how effects were achieved.
By employing these tips, you can have the ideal preparatory experience before stepping into the larger world of Jurassic World and its grand dinosaurs.
Conclusion
The Jurassic World pre show experience is exemplary at blending education, story, characters, technical wizardry and environmental design to create the perfect lead-in to the ride itself. It provides critical narrative background unavailable elsewhere while priming guests emotionally and visually for the grand adventure ahead. For any diehard Jurassic World fan visiting Universal Studios, the pre show is a must-see first step into the park that started it all over sixty-five million years ago.