The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Encyclopedia
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a theme park ride located in Islands of Adventure
, in Orlando, Florida
and Universal Studios Japan
. Built for Islands of Adventure's opening in 1999, the attraction is a hybrid ride combining special roving motion vehicles with 3-D
projection, elaborate physical sets, and both practical and tactile effects. This system was later utilized for a haunted house ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg called The Curse of DarKastle
, and is expected to be used on the Transformers
ride currently under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood
and Universal Studios Singapore
.
The ride takes park guests-turned-last-minute-reporters into the world of Marvel Comics
' Spider-Man
, and after boarding a Daily Bugle
vehicle known as the "Scoop", the rider learns that the evil Sinister Syndicate
has captured the Statue of Liberty
with an anti-gravity
gun. This evil group is made up of many famous Spider-Man villains, including Doctor Octopus
, Scream
, Electro, Hydro-Man
, and the Green Goblin
.
On May 19, 2011, Universal announced a major refurbishment of the attraction, with plans to re-master the entire ride-film in High-definition
as well as to update the ride's mechanics and to replace the film projectors with Infitec
digital projectors. The refurbished version of the attraction is planned to debut in 2012.
, guests are shown a video in which the company's good reputation is touted and a new newsgathering vehicle, the Scoop, is introduced. After walking though the empty office, guests are shown a "live" video feed of news coverage. Five supervillains led by Doctor Octopus
have lain siege to the city by stealing an experimental anti-gravity cannon made by Stark Industries
. The syndicate steals the Statue of Liberty
and threatens to destroy it if the city does not surrender to them.
As guests walk through the empty offices of the Bugle, it becomes apparent that all the reporters have fled, leaving The Bugle's Editor-in-Chief J. Jonah Jameson
with no choice but to send the tourists to cover the story using the Bugle's new Scoop vehicle.
. He warns that he is in for the most dangerous night of his life and for the guests to be careful. You can also see an Iron Man billboard in this scene (when Spider-Man jumps on a car). Nearly missing a trash truck, the guests enter a warehouse where the Sinister Syndicate are holding the Statue of Liberty hostage. Once spotted, Electro, Scream
, and Doctor Octopus
attack and hurl the Scoop into the sewer, where Spider-Man is waiting. After he fends off Hydro-Man
there, the guests escape narrowly to the river where Green Goblin
attacks with exploding pumpkins and sends guests into the streets. Doctor Octopus lifts the Scoop using an anti-gravity cannon. Spider-Man attempts to pull it down, but is attacked by all the supervillains. Spidey thwarts them, but not before Doctor Octopus disengages the anti-gravity device, sending the Scoop on a 400 feet (121.9 m) free-fall until it is rescued by Spider-Man's webbing, where it stops over a sewer that says "Not an exit".
Then Spider-Man thanks the guests for their help and sends them back to the Daily Bugle
, where he has rigged the anti-gravity cannon to lift Jameson to the ceiling in his office.
The illusion of levitating the ride vehicle is achieved by a choreographed combination of several elements: the on-screen visuals with faux-projected windows to the left and right; a large, collapsible building facade; the vehicle's DOF (Degrees of Freedom) motors moving slowly and without stops; and overhead fans blowing air down onto the vehicle. Afterward, two IMAX
screens in the following scene allow for the feeling of being whipped high above the city during the final showdown.
Some effects that many people do not notice are the collapsing bridge overhead as Hobgoblin throws a pumpkin at the bridge support, and Jacob's Ladder, to the left of the scene where Electro shocks the Scoop.
Each vehicle is outfitted with a motor that controls the right side door. Attendants and technicians operate the door by the five- button console under the right-front headlight.
The ride track is constantly monitored by a control-booth operating attendant, who can report errors to the technical crew.
, celebrated the opening of its own version of the Spider-man attraction. Differences include:
Islands of Adventure
Universal's Islands of Adventure is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida. It opened May 28, 1999 as part of an expansion that, along with CityWalk Entertainment District, the Portofino Bay Hotel, and Hard Rock hotel, converted Universal Studios Florida into the Universal Orlando Resort...
, in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
and Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan
, located in Osaka, is one of four Universal Studios theme parks, owned and operated by USJ Co., Ltd. . The park is similar to Universal Orlando Resort, since it contains many of the same rides. Most visitors are Japanese tourists or tourists from other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong,...
. Built for Islands of Adventure's opening in 1999, the attraction is a hybrid ride combining special roving motion vehicles with 3-D
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
projection, elaborate physical sets, and both practical and tactile effects. This system was later utilized for a haunted house ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg called The Curse of DarKastle
The Curse of DarKastle
The Curse of DarKastle is a 21st century dark ride located at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is a hybrid ride, combining roving motion-simulating vehicles, 3D videos projected onto screens, physical sets, in-vehicle music and special effects , all perfectly synchronized...
, and is expected to be used on the Transformers
Transformers (ride)
Transformers: The Ride is a theme park ride currently under construction at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood. It will be based on the film franchise of the same name and will employ 3D high-definition video and audio-animatronics.-Announcements:In 2007, early planning and...
ride currently under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie studio and theme park in the unincorporated Universal City community of Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use...
and Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore. It was a key component of Genting's bid for the right to build Singapore's second integrated resort. On 8 December 2006, the Singapore government announced that the consortium had won the...
.
The ride takes park guests-turned-last-minute-reporters into the world of Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
' Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, and after boarding a Daily Bugle
Daily Bugle
The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
vehicle known as the "Scoop", the rider learns that the evil Sinister Syndicate
Sinister Syndicate
The Sinister Syndicate is a group of supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe, who serve as a collection of lesser-known Spider-Man's villains...
has captured the Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886...
with an anti-gravity
Anti-gravity
Anti-gravity is the idea of creating a place or object that is free from the force of gravity. It does not refer to the lack of weight under gravity experienced in free fall or orbit, or to balancing the force of gravity with some other force, such as electromagnetism or aerodynamic lift...
gun. This evil group is made up of many famous Spider-Man villains, including Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1963. A highly intelligent mad scientist, Doctor Octopus is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes...
, Scream
Scream (comics)
Scream is a fictional supervillainess from the Spider-Man comic book series. She is one of six symbiote spawns of Venom.-Fictional character biography:...
, Electro, Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man, also spelled Hydro Man , is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics...
, and the Green Goblin
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
.
On May 19, 2011, Universal announced a major refurbishment of the attraction, with plans to re-master the entire ride-film in High-definition
High-definition video
High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1,280×720 pixels or 1,920×1,080 pixels...
as well as to update the ride's mechanics and to replace the film projectors with Infitec
Infitec
Infitec GmbH is a German company that specializes in 3-dimensional technology. It owns a technique for channel separation in stereo projection based on interference filters...
digital projectors. The refurbished version of the attraction is planned to debut in 2012.
Queue
At the entrance to the Daily BugleDaily Bugle
The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
, guests are shown a video in which the company's good reputation is touted and a new newsgathering vehicle, the Scoop, is introduced. After walking though the empty office, guests are shown a "live" video feed of news coverage. Five supervillains led by Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1963. A highly intelligent mad scientist, Doctor Octopus is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes...
have lain siege to the city by stealing an experimental anti-gravity cannon made by Stark Industries
Stark Industries
In the fictional world of Iron Man, Stark Industries, later also known as Stark International, Stark Innovations, Stark/Fujikawa, Stark Enterprises and currently Stark Resilient, is a fictional multi-billion dollar corporation owned and run by businessman Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark, also known as...
. The syndicate steals the Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886...
and threatens to destroy it if the city does not surrender to them.
As guests walk through the empty offices of the Bugle, it becomes apparent that all the reporters have fled, leaving The Bugle's Editor-in-Chief J. Jonah Jameson
J. Jonah Jameson
John Jonah Jameson Junior is a supporting character of Spider-Man in the .Jameson is usually the publisher or editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, a fictional New York newspaper and now serves as the mayor of New York City...
with no choice but to send the tourists to cover the story using the Bugle's new Scoop vehicle.
Ride
After donning night vision goggles (3D glasses) the "cub reporters" get in the Scoops and leave the loading docks to a New York back alley where they encounter Spider-ManSpider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
. He warns that he is in for the most dangerous night of his life and for the guests to be careful. You can also see an Iron Man billboard in this scene (when Spider-Man jumps on a car). Nearly missing a trash truck, the guests enter a warehouse where the Sinister Syndicate are holding the Statue of Liberty hostage. Once spotted, Electro, Scream
Scream (comics)
Scream is a fictional supervillainess from the Spider-Man comic book series. She is one of six symbiote spawns of Venom.-Fictional character biography:...
, and Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1963. A highly intelligent mad scientist, Doctor Octopus is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes...
attack and hurl the Scoop into the sewer, where Spider-Man is waiting. After he fends off Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man, also spelled Hydro Man , is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics...
there, the guests escape narrowly to the river where Green Goblin
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
attacks with exploding pumpkins and sends guests into the streets. Doctor Octopus lifts the Scoop using an anti-gravity cannon. Spider-Man attempts to pull it down, but is attacked by all the supervillains. Spidey thwarts them, but not before Doctor Octopus disengages the anti-gravity device, sending the Scoop on a 400 feet (121.9 m) free-fall until it is rescued by Spider-Man's webbing, where it stops over a sewer that says "Not an exit".
Then Spider-Man thanks the guests for their help and sends them back to the Daily Bugle
Daily Bugle
The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
, where he has rigged the anti-gravity cannon to lift Jameson to the ceiling in his office.
Ride effects
There are 13 large screens in the attraction, 12 of which use 3D projection. The process utilizes two projectors that have polarizers to interact with each lens of the 3D glasses. By blocking light from one projector with each lens, the 3D effect is achieved.The illusion of levitating the ride vehicle is achieved by a choreographed combination of several elements: the on-screen visuals with faux-projected windows to the left and right; a large, collapsible building facade; the vehicle's DOF (Degrees of Freedom) motors moving slowly and without stops; and overhead fans blowing air down onto the vehicle. Afterward, two IMAX
IMAX
IMAX is a motion picture film format and a set of proprietary cinema projection standards created by the Canadian company IMAX Corporation. IMAX has the capacity to record and display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film systems...
screens in the following scene allow for the feeling of being whipped high above the city during the final showdown.
Some effects that many people do not notice are the collapsing bridge overhead as Hobgoblin throws a pumpkin at the bridge support, and Jacob's Ladder, to the left of the scene where Electro shocks the Scoop.
Technology
The ride vehicles in the attraction cost several million dollars each. Each is mounted to a track-roaming platform that provides the forward motion to move the vehicle through each show scene. The cabin is capable of moving 360 degrees and different angles thanks to the yaw motor and the six DOF motors attaching it to the platform.Each vehicle is outfitted with a motor that controls the right side door. Attendants and technicians operate the door by the five- button console under the right-front headlight.
The ride track is constantly monitored by a control-booth operating attendant, who can report errors to the technical crew.
Universal Studios Japan Version
In 2004, Universal Studios JapanUniversal Studios Japan
, located in Osaka, is one of four Universal Studios theme parks, owned and operated by USJ Co., Ltd. . The park is similar to Universal Orlando Resort, since it contains many of the same rides. Most visitors are Japanese tourists or tourists from other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong,...
, celebrated the opening of its own version of the Spider-man attraction. Differences include:
- Dual Loading Platform
- New Printing Room in the Pre-show
- Blue Night vision Goggles (Orlando uses black)
Voice cast
English-speaking cast:- Chris EdgerlyChris EdgerlyChristopher "Chris" Edgerly is an American actor and voice actor.Edgerly was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, he moved to Savannah, Georgia at the age of two with his mother, and two brothers...
- Peter Parker/Spider-ManSpider-ManSpider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, J. Jonah JamesonJ. Jonah JamesonJohn Jonah Jameson Junior is a supporting character of Spider-Man in the .Jameson is usually the publisher or editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, a fictional New York newspaper and now serves as the mayor of New York City... - Pat FraleyPat FraleyPatrick "Pat" Fraley is an American voice actor, who is best known as the voice of Krang, Casey Jones and numerous other characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...
- Intro voice for the Daily Bugle, Intro voice for the Scoop - Rob PaulsenRob PaulsenRobert Fredrick "Rob" Paulsen III , sometimes credited as Rob Paulson, is an American voice actor, best known as the voice behind Raphael from the 1987 cartoon of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yakko Warner and Dr...
- Hydro-ManHydro-ManHydro-Man, also spelled Hydro Man , is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics... - Neil RossNeil RossTheodoric Neilson "Neil" Ross is an English voice actor and announcer, born in London, England and now resident and working in Los Angeles, in the United States. He has provided voices for in many American cartoons, particularly those based on Hasbro products and Marvel Comics, and numerous...
- Green GoblinGreen GoblinThe Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 .... - Frank WelkerFrank WelkerFranklin Wendell "Frank" Welker is an American actor who specializes in voice acting and has contributed character voices and other vocal effects to American television and motion pictures.-Acting career:...
- ElectroElectro (comics)Electro is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a supervillain and an enemy of Spider-Man who gained the ability to control electricity after being struck by lightning while working on a power line. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he first... - Grey DeLisleGrey DeLisleGrey DeLisle is an American voice actress, singer-songwriter, and comedienne. To date, she has released four solo albums and has featured on the tribute album Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash and film soundtrack of Loggerheads...
- ScreamScream (comics)Scream is a fictional supervillainess from the Spider-Man comic book series. She is one of six symbiote spawns of Venom.-Fictional character biography:... - Efrem Zimbalist Jr. - Doctor OctopusDoctor OctopusDoctor Octopus is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1963. A highly intelligent mad scientist, Doctor Octopus is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes...
See also
- A ride using similar technology but with a German haunted castle themed named The Curse of DarKastleThe Curse of DarKastleThe Curse of DarKastle is a 21st century dark ride located at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is a hybrid ride, combining roving motion-simulating vehicles, 3D videos projected onto screens, physical sets, in-vehicle music and special effects , all perfectly synchronized...
can be found at Busch Gardens EuropeBusch Gardens EuropeBusch Gardens Williamsburg is a 383 acre theme park located in James City County, Virginia about 3 miles southeast of Williamsburg, originally developed by Anheuser-Busch and currently owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a division of The Blackstone Group...
in Williamsburg, VirginiaWilliamsburg, VirginiaWilliamsburg is an independent city located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, USA. As of the 2010 Census, the city had an estimated population of 14,068. It is bordered by James City County and York County, and is an independent city...
. - Another similar ride called TransformersTransformers (ride)Transformers: The Ride is a theme park ride currently under construction at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood. It will be based on the film franchise of the same name and will employ 3D high-definition video and audio-animatronics.-Announcements:In 2007, early planning and...
will be located at fellow Universal parks Universal Studios HollywoodUniversal Studios HollywoodUniversal Studios Hollywood is a movie studio and theme park in the unincorporated Universal City community of Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use...
and Universal Studios SingaporeUniversal Studios SingaporeUniversal Studios Singapore is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore. It was a key component of Genting's bid for the right to build Singapore's second integrated resort. On 8 December 2006, the Singapore government announced that the consortium had won the...
in 2011. - Islands of Adventure also has the ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyHarry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyHarry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is an attraction at the Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida, United States. It is the signature ride of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area of the theme park, and takes riders through scenes and environments in and around Hogwarts Castle...
. The ride uses a similar track system and technology, but with the use of a KUKAKUKAKUKA is a leading German producer of industrial robots for a variety of industries - from automotive and fabricated metals to food and plastics...
robotic arm vehicle, and it's not in 3D.