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Japan’s Laguna Gamagori Resort and Anime Naruto Share 10th Anniversary Celebrations
Aichi, Japan (February 6, 2012) /BUSINESS WIRE/ — Gamagori Marine Development Co., Ltd., operator of the marine resort complex Laguna Gamagori – a marine resort complex where guests can enjoy the beauty of the sea – has announced specially planned events for Laguna Gamagori’s 10th year anniversary.
The premier feature is a special event for ‘Naruto’, which celebrates its 10th year anniversary as a television anime this year. This special event is scheduled to run for approximately one year commencing from March 17th, 2012. This joint venture with ‘Naruto’ is based on concepts of ‘love’, ‘growth’, and ‘compassion.’
The event title is: “NARUTO – Memories of Chakra in Lagunasia”, slated to run from Saturday, March 17th 2012 to Sunday, September 2nd, 2012.
Comprised of a renewed and upgraded version of a ‘Naruto’ event run in 2007, the ‘Naruto’ world for this event provides a sense of being immersed in the ‘Naruto’ world. The main attraction is “Memories of Chakra.” It recreates numerous famous scenes covering time periods from the outset of Team Seven’s journey, up to the start of the Shinobi World War.
There are also 9 enchanting areas to enjoy in Lagunasia – like the powerful “Hokage Monument” and “Konohagakure Village Ninjutsu Dojo” where guests can experience the Ninjutsu of ‘Naruto’ and his friends.
Moreover, the whole of the Lagunasia has been adorned in a ‘Naruto’ motif, allowing guests to feel the sensation of being in the ‘Naruto’ world from the moment they enter. When going around to the points of interest, guests can enjoy the many additions never available before. For instance, the ‘Sharingan Stamp Rally’, in which they can receive luxury prizes (fee applies) , or the ‘Hokage Palace’, where the great endeavours of the successive Hokage can be learned (fee applies).
In addition, at the ‘Naruto’ shop – ‘Ninpoudo’, an exquisite ‘Naruto’ menu is available, with food such as ‘Ramen Ichiraku’, plus a plethora of other unique goods that cannot be found anywhere else. There will also be character shows.
ABOUT NARUTO
NARUTO began serialized publication in Weekly Shonen Jump (published by Shueisha) from issue No. 43 in 1999. Total circulation of the original comic was 120 million. (59 volumes published). TV-Tokyo launched the television anime broadcast in October of 2002, which continues presently with the new series “NARUTO – Shippuden”.
ABOUT LAGUNA GAMGORI
Located approximately 90 minutes from Chubu International Airport in Aichi Prefecture, “LAGUNA GAMAGORI” is a marine resort complex located in lush Mikawa bay. Featuring cuisine, shopping, entertainment, thalassotherapy, a spa, and a marina, here the allure of the sea can be experienced in a style that fits each guest.
Thousand Foot High Zip Line Planned for Colorado Park
Canyon City, CO, USA /PRWEB/ — Rocky Mountain high brings on new meaning for Colorado, Spring 2012, as the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Canon City, home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, and hosting over 25 million visitors since 1929, installs its newest thrill seeker attraction, the Soaring Eagle Zip Line racing 1,400 feet over granite walls a thousand feet high.
The Soaring Eagle is under construction now according to Mike Bandera, Vice-President and General Manager, and will be ready for the public as early as the end of April 2012. “We can hardly wait,” said Bandera. “We found the perfect thrill ride that enhances the great experiences of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, and it’s family-friendly.”
Sitting on the North side of the Royal Gorge Bridge, The Soaring Eagle Zip Line will be perched on a 1,000 foot granite wall. Two zip lines carrying two riders each zip 700 feet over canyon walls from 1,000 to 800 feet above the Arkansas River, and then zip back at approximately 35 miles per hour. Unlike a typical canopy type zip line tour, riders are secured into a “chair” that gives guests freedom of movement for the arms and legs.
“It’s sister attraction, the Royal Rush Skycoaster, has had tremendous success at the park and has not only been a good business decision, but an extremely popular venue with our guests, and the Soaring Eagle will be just a thrilling and popular,” said Bandera. On The Royal Rush, guests swing out from a 100 foot tower, and over the Royal Gorge, about 1,200 feet below. The Royal Rush and The Soaring Eagle are both extra pay features in the park.
Stan Checketts, Soaring Eagle attraction designer, Logan, Utah, has created many rides for the attractions industry safely thrilling over 1 billion patrons worldwide. He said, “the beauty of this ride is the fact that it’s a 1,000 feet up in the air, that in itself gives you a different perspective.” Checketts, creator of the Big Shot on top of the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas, said “it’s the same principle as that ride, it’s a great ride on the ground, but you put it a thousand feet in the air, and you’ve got a whole new dimension.”
“The beautiful thing about the Soaring Eagle is you can ride with your date, or your grandchild side by side,” he said. Checketts has installed several Soaring Eagles, and this will be the ninth in the world. “There is no doubt in my mind that this is the world’s highest Soaring Eagle!”
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a natural attraction known for it’s majestic Colorado scenery since 1929 when Canon City built the world’s highest suspension bridge. The attraction just an hour south of Colorado Springs is one of the premier attractions in Colorado according to attendance records and longevity. The park also houses one of the world’s steepest Incline Railways,and one of the world’s longest single-span Aerial Tram’s. The park adds a dozen more rides, shows, and attractions for the tourist season in this mountain setting which begins the last week in April. For more information visit http://www.royalgorgebridge.com.
Dynamic Earth Premieres at IMERSA in Denver
Denver, CO, USA (February 4, 2012) — Dynamic Earth is a new immersive digital dome (“fulldome”) show that explores the inner workings of Earth’s climate engine. Its world premiere today to the industry and the public at the Gates Planetarium in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) ties into the annual conference of IMERSA, a professional trade group dedicated to promoting the creative applications of the digital dome for education, entertainment, research and art.
Dynamic Earth follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape Earth’s climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Highlights include ultra-high-resolution visualizations of giant swirling eddies of the Gulf Stream, a re-creation of the anatomy of Hurricane Katrina, microscopic ocean creatures blown up to giant size, and the most detailed recreation of the surface and atmosphere of Venus ever produced.
Fulldome projection systems, which employ high-resolution digital cinema projection, are being widely adopted throughout the planetarium and science center community to replace older, optomechanical “starball” projectors and film-based systems. Systems range from a single fisheye unit to six or more edge-blended projectors. “It’s an underreported but very real cinema revolution,” commented Gates Planetarium director and Dynamic Earth executive producer Dan Neafus. “Some of the most sophisticated and stunning digital cinema experiences today can be found in your neighborhood planetarium.”
“The production community is still discovering the creative potential and versatility of fulldome,” added Dynamic Earth director Thomas Lucas. “In Dynamic Earth, thanks to intensive supercomputer-based modeling, the digital dome becomes a place to tell a story with intricate visuals and thrilling rides into real places that audiences have never visited.”
Dynamic Earth is the result of a two-year collaboration between Spitz Creative Media, the Advanced Visualization Lab at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (University of Illinois), NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio, and Thomas Lucas Productions, Inc., in association with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Dynamic Earth explores concepts and terms essential to understanding the climate and fills in major gaps in the public’s understanding of climate change. In doing so, it enables audiences to gain perspective on one of the most important issues of our time: the question of how to balance the energy and resource needs of our populations with the need to safeguard Earth’s great life support system, the global climate.
“Dynamic Earth melds together the educational, scientific, and entertainment values that are the hallmarks of the planetarium community,” said the show’s co-producer, Mike Bruno of Spitz, Inc. “It’s especially great when an effort like this produces a program that is as beautiful as it is educational. This show is action-packed as well as visually stunning. You’ll never look at Earth the same way again.”
Dynamic Earth follows on another successful fulldome program by the collaborating teams. Their previous production, Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity, also narrated by Liam Neeson, is recognized as a block-buster in the fulldome community, with distribution to nearly 200 theaters around the world. Dynamic Earth will be distributed worldwide by Spitz, Inc. and Evans & Sutherland.
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ABOUT SPITZ, INC.
Spitz is the world’s leading projection dome supplier, with more than 1,200 planetarium and dome theater installations since 1945. The company’s services include engineering, fabrication and installation of dome theaters, planetarium projection systems and components, as well as production and distribution of educational fulldome shows. Spitz’s base includes leading institutions and special venue operators around the world, including The Walt Disney Company, IMAX Corp and the Reuben H Fleet Science Center.
Spitz launched its proprietary digital planetarium SciDome in 2004 with close to 100 installations now operating around the world. The Spitz NanoSeam, introduced in 2006, provides a seamless dome projection surface for giant screen cinema and planetarium projection in numerous science institutions. Spitz Creative Media partnerships have produced or co-produced some of the most successful fulldome films in circulation, including Oasis in Space and The Zula Patrol (based on the award winning TV series, now running in 100+ theaters and in 16+ languages). The extensive Spitz fulldome content library also features such premium titles as Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity, seen by millions worldwide.
Spitz works actively to grow and nurture the fulldome community and be responsive to its customer base and the changing market – whether hosting its Digital Institute educational seminars for SciDome clients, or partnering with the best people and companies in the industry to produce great content. The company has earned a reputation for innovation, technical expertise and unparalleled customer service. Spitz is headquartered in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania USA, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation. Visit www.spitzinc.com.
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Las Vegas Waterpark Opening Delayed Until 2013
Las Vegas, NV, USA (February 3, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Splash Canyon Waterpark officials announced today the $20 million family waterpark in southwest Las Vegas will open spring 2013. It was expected to open Memorial Day weekend.
Opening Splash Canyon next year was a collective decision by the investor group to ensure a full first-year season for passholders, maintain a standard of quality and add more amenities.
“Lasting quality and an exceptional guest experience for years to come is more important than going too fast,” said Roger Bulloch, SPB Partners managing partner, developer of Splash Canyon. Bulloch and several long-time Las Vegas investors have committed more than $10 million of equity and already have spent more than $2 million in development costs, fees, permits and manufacturing deposits.
“Response to Splash Canyon Waterpark has been tremendous, and nobody wants to open in May more than our own families,” Bulloch said. “Moving our opening date to 2013 wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right long-term one. Now we’ll be able to more fully enhance the guest experience, engage the community, and develop ideas, partnerships and sponsorships. We’ll also eliminate a compressed construction schedule and, most importantly, provide a complete season.”
The total development cost of the 25-acre site, including infrastructure and parking, will exceed $30 million. Waterpark staff will continue to sell partnerships, sponsorships, group events and season pass sales.
Splash Canyon is offering 2012 season passholders a full refund or half price – $49.50 per person – plus two day passes for 2013. They will receive an email with refund and conversion instructions. New 2013 season passes will go on sale in 30 to 60 days.
“Having developed more than 20 waterparks, we know there is much to do with infrastructure, planning and promotion of Splash Canyon,” said Steve Mayer, general manager of Splash Canyon and vice president of Harvest Family Entertainment, developer of the most U.S. waterparks. “Our team is eager to continue moving forward to open Splash Canyon next spring.”
Splash Canyon Waterpark was born of a public/private partnership and desire to create a place for family fun. When it opens in 2013, it will have 20 waterslides, wavepool, lazy river, mega water play structure, toddler pool, group picnic area, private cabanas, food outlets and many other amenities.
For information, visit www.splashlv.com.
Barco Laser Projector Astounds Film Pioneer Douglas Trumbull at Moody Gardens Event
Rancho Cordova, CA, USA — “The laser projection presented today by Barco is the best projection, truly the most stunning images, I’ve ever seen on-screen in my life,” said Douglas Trumbull, legendary film maker and visual effects pioneer. “This is where we need to go as an industry to save the movie industry from decline. If you want to get people into theaters, you have to do this. The level of brightness, color gamut and saturation that Barco’s laser projector delivers is paramount to achieving the ultimate production value.”
Barco demonstrated its 4K laser projection technology on a 70-foot screen, providing a glimpse of where cinema is heading as an industry. Exceeding 55,000 ANSI lumens, Barco’s laser projector prototype achieved even higher brightness levels than its Guinness world-record holding DP2K-32B digital cinema projector, the first time a laser projector has presented a 4K movie on a giant screen. Compared to traditional xenon lamp-based projectors, laser technology offers several advantages, including brighter images and a wider color gamut, longer lifespan (up to 10 times longer), and sustained brightness over the life of the laser light source.
Premiere Cinemas VP of Cinema Operations Joel Davis attended the laser projection demonstration, remarking, “The contrast ratio on the screen and full brightness are unbelievable.” Another exhibitor, Cinergy Cinemas CEO Jeff Benson, commented, “This was the brightest image I’ve ever seen on a screen that size – really impressive!”
David Keene, Executive Editor of NewBay Media’s Systems Group, commented, “The most dramatic demo at the Digital Cinema Symposium was Barco’s showing of a prototype laser projector. The audience saw a stunning display on a massive screen with a light output they have never seen anywhere: 600 watts of laser light into the 4K DLP (with a 1.38 inch chip), super high contrast, with amazingly uniform light output to the last inch of every corner of the screen. It’s impossible to describe the combined, synergistic effect of simultaneous very high light output, higher contrast, and 4K resolution.”
“What our customers want now more than anything is brightness. That’s what improves the user experience right now in 3D,” said Todd Hoddick, VP Entertainment for Barco North America. “The key is to drive the combination of brightness and light levels up, while driving total cost of ownership down. Laser is going to help us make our customers more profitable and give them choices in content. Most importantly, it addresses the most important and frequent request we get, ‘Can you give us more light output?’ What we’ve proven today is a resounding ‘yes, we can.’”
Further demonstrating its technology leadership in immersive cinema, Barco also showcased DLP Cinema® Enhanced 4K projection, enhanced by high frame rate technology, and including Auro-3D, a multi-channel 3D audio system. “This solution delivers the most true-to-life movie presentation by producing smooth, crystal clear imagery coupled with ultra high-fidelity sound,” commented Andrew Gaweda, Senior Product Manager for Barco North America. “Elevating the movie-going experience to new levels for all types of theaters, Barco’s DP4K-32B is the ideal platform for large-screen cinema as well as traditional-sized auditoriums.”
ABOUT BARCO
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3,500 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 897 million euro in 2010. www.barco.com
Universal Studios Hollywood to Launch Marketing Campaign for Transformers 3D Ride Superbowl Sunday
Universal City, CA, USA (February 3, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Universal Studios Hollywood(SM) prepares for battle with the debut of a national 30-second commercial for its exciting, new motion-based thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” opening May 2012. The spot, which airs on February 5 during NBC’s Super Bowl Pre-Game coverage, will also introduce PrepareForBattle.com, an interactive website designed to engage fans with exclusive intel as the campaign’s momentum escalates.
The spot marks Universal Studios Hollywood’s inaugural consumer awareness effort for its marketing campaign launching “Transformers: The Ride-3D.” It will culminate with a call to action, challenging viewers to enlist at PrepareForBattle.com as N.E.S.T. volunteers within an elite AUTOBOT–human combat force.
The PrepareForBattle.com website includes an interactive, online game in which fans and theme park enthusiasts will compete to rise up the military ranks by successfully completing missions involving exclusive videos, downloads and trivia. Players achieving the highest accumulated point totals will win prizes including original TRANSFORMERS collectibles and a grand prize trip to experience “Transformers: The Ride–3D” at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood said, “We’re very excited to introduce our new breakthrough advertising campaign for ‘Transformers: The Ride-3D’ during the coveted Super Bowl and to be a part of the edge-of-your-seat suspense surrounding these spots for millions of viewers. In just thirty thrilling seconds, we’ll be able to capture how exhilarating this mega-attraction will be when it officially opens at Universal Studios Hollywood this May.”
“Transformers: The Ride–3D” is based on the iconic brand from Hasbro and the blockbuster film franchise, directed by Michael Bay. The most recent movie, TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon has become the fourth largest grossing movie of all time at the global box office.
The thrill ride will tell a new “TRANSFORMERS” story using original, photo-realistic 3D-HD media, sophisticated special effects masterminded by Industrial Light & Magic, and one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever created.
Fusing high-tech elements with an epic new “TRANSFORMERS” tale, “Transformers: The Ride–3D” will be Universal Studios Hollywood’s most ambitious ride ever created and will set a new standard in the world of theme park attractions, stretching the medium’s potential as an immersive and powerful storytelling vehicle.
In the “TRANSFORMERS” movies, Earth’s humans are caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between alien robots, the heroic AUTOBOTS and the evil DECEPTICONS, that physically convert from common mechanical devices, such as cars, trucks and planes to robotic warriors.
“Transformers: The Ride–3D” is being created under a license between Universal Parks & Resorts and Hasbro, Inc.
The ride’s pioneering photo realistic 3D media is being created by multiple Oscar® -winning Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a division of Lucasfilms, Ltd., the ground-breaking visionary special effects company behind such acclaimed films as “TRANSFORMERS,” “Avatar,” “Iron Man” and “Star Wars.”
ABOUT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
Universal Studios Hollywood , The Entertainment Capital of L.A.(SM), includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas, the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert arena, and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. World-class rides and attractions include the new blockbuster ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the famed behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “The Simpsons Ride™,” “Revenge of the Mummy(SM) — The Ride” indoor roller coaster and “Jurassic Park® — The Ride.” www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Discovery Place to host Democratic National Convention Party
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Discovery Place has been selected by the 46th Democratic National Convention’s Host Committee as one of 12 marquee hospitality event venues for state delegations from around the nation when the convention commences this fall. Chosen to represent the city’s diverse culture, arts, outdoor recreation and educational programming, the designated locations will serve as sites for concurrent delegate welcome parties on September 2.
“It was our intentional choice to pick 12 venues to host more intimate events that will show off the best of the region and what is great about living in Charlotte,” said Dan Murrey, executive director of the Democratic National Convention. “Many DNC delegates have never been to our city, and our goal is for them to have the best comprehensive experience that they can during their time here.”
Organizers expect the convention, slated for September 3-6, 2012, to attract an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 delegates, important political leaders and media from across the world. While the Host Committee estimates more than a thousand parties and events will take place during the week’s festivities, the delegate welcome parties will mark some of the first official convention events and highlight the city’s unique appeal and most notable cultural attractions, destinations and amenities.
“Discovery Place is honored to have this chance to showcase science and technology as a growing and important part of Charlotte’s changing landscape,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc. “We consider it a privilege to help illustrate the story of Charlotte and convey the role we play in our energetic, and thriving city full of opportunity.”
ABOUT DISCOVERY PLACE
One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage the public in the active exploration of science and nature. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX® Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. In June 2010, the Museum completed an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation, resulting in a completely transformed and re-imagined experience with all-new interactive exhibits. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with operating support from the Arts & Science Council. www.discoveryplace.org
Busch Gardens Tampa Explores the Natural World in New Ice Show
Tampa, FL, USA (February 1, 2012) — For more than five decades, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has set the industry’s standard for delivering unforgettable entertainment experiences, with Broadway-style stage spectaculars like KaTonga: Musical Tales From the Jungle and innovative ice shows like World Rhythms on Ice. Iceploration builds on that tradition and introduces audiences to the next generation of ice shows.
Starting February 2, a cast of 20 brings to life an all-new adventure filled with world-class skaters, more than 75 original costumes, amazing aerial performances, master puppetry and live animal stars, with shows daily in the Moroccan Palace.
“The grand scale of this show sets a new standard of entertainment that further solidifies Busch Gardens as one of Florida’s premier theme parks,” said Busch Gardens Park President Jim Dean. “Iceploration reintroduces the ice show to our most loyal fans while bringing together the things Busch Gardens stage productions do best: world-class entertainment with top-notch skaters, amazing costumes, original music, larger-than-life puppets and even animal stars.”
Iceploration inspires audiences to “explore the world” on a 30-minute journey to the four corners of the earth. This multi-sensory story, told through theatrical skating and an all-new original score, is the collaboration of an award-winning creative team with Broadway credentials, including Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes (The Drowsy Chaperone, Best Costume Design Tony winner 2007; Legally Blonde the Musical, Best Costume Design Tony nominee 2007).
The 30-minute show opens with Austin, a digitally savvy preteen, who believes that technology has made his generation more connected to the world than ever before. But his grandfather – and old-world explorer – argues that the boy is more disconnected than he realizes, and takes him on an adventure around the globe. Through their travels they visit the African Serengeti, Great Barrier Reef, the Arctic and the Amazon rainforest.
The adventure unfolds as they arrive in the African Serengeti. Here, larger-than-life puppets and spectacular set design bring elephants and other awe-inspiring animals to life at a watering hole. Solo and chorus skating performances accompanied by acrobatics tell an anecdote of an agile cheetah stalking graceful gazelles and meerkats.
Austin and Grandpa then dive into the Great Barrier Reef to explore the harmony of life on the ocean floor. An amazing black light transition and never-before-seen helium-filled puppets immerse the audience in the wonders of the sea, filled with parrotfish and lionfish, sea urchins, turtles and a moray eel.
In the Arctic, majestic skaters become striking snow flurries as a winter storm threatens the travelers. Austin and Grandpa witness even more beauty as they encounter the Aurora Borealis phenomenon, represented with theatrical lighting and projections. Then, they share the stage with amazing live animal stars, including a Siberian lynx and a sled of Siberian huskies as they continue to traverse the tundra.
Austin and Grandpa wrap up their adventure around the globe immersed in the lush, tropical Amazon Rainforest. Squirrel monkeys, sun conures and colorful macaws fill the air as playful frogs and a graceful dragonfly skate into the grand finale: a new signature song called “Meet the World.”
Iceploration performances are included with any daily park admission or annual Pass. For more information, visit BuschGardens.com
