Universal Studios Hollywood Releases The Making Of "Transformers: The Ride - 3D"

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., May 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Studios Hollywood(SM) debuts The Making Of "Transformers™: The Ride—3D," a 30-minute must-watch television special with spotlights, vignettes and never-before-seen commentary from the masterminds of Michael Bay, award-winning filmmaker and Creative Consultant on the "Transformers: The Ride—3D" attraction; Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Oscar®-Award winning visionary special effects luminaries; and the inspired theme park ride technology experts at Universal Creative.

Based on the electrifying TRANSFORMERS blockbuster movie franchise and celebrated for its multi-generational appeal, inventive storyline, spectacular action sequences and ingenious special effects, "Transformers: The Ride—3D" will break new ground in the world of theme park attractions, stretching the medium's potential as a powerfully engaging 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 morph into a variety of common objects, from cars, trucks and planes, to weapons and other technological machinery.

As "Transformers: The Ride—3D" is designed to completely immerse guests in the 3D-HD action-packed world of TRANSFORMERS, The Making Of "Transformers: The Ride—3D" television special will reveal the back story that propelled director Michael Bay, ILM, Hasbro Inc. and Universal Creative to push their synergistic talents above-and-beyond to ultimately deliver Universal Studios Hollywood's new technologically advanced motion-based, flight simulator thrill ride.  The half-hour "Making Of" special invites viewers into a start-to-finish insider's journey on the creative development of "Transformers: The Ride—3D."  Opening scenes cue viewers up for Bay's first appearance in the special, "I had a great experience helping to make this ride.  This movie is totally meant to be a ride experience."

Succeeding episodes in the made-for-television program follow with one-on-one interview spotlights with leading creative visionaries at ILM and Universal Creative.  Dedicated fans of the global film franchise will be rewarded with split-screen visuals featuring the film's original voice talent including Peter Cullen as the voice of OPTIMUS PRIME, heroic leader of the AUTOBOTS; and Frank Welker as the voice of MEGATRON, leader of the menacing DECEPTICONS.  Cullen and Welker provide engaging commentary on their experiences in developing these iconic voiceover roles.

"It was essential for us to work with the authentic voice actors that created the TRANSFORMERS characters.  The fans will really appreciate that," said Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative.   

An added bonus to the "Making Of" invites viewers to witness the introduction and evolution of AUTOBOT EVAC, a one-time action figure and animated character never before included in the TRANSFORMERS film storyline.  Viewers will learn firsthand EVAC's role as the central AUTOBOT of the "Transformers: The Ride—3D" experience. 

Fans of the blockbuster TRANSFORMERS trilogy can tune-in to watch The Making Of "Transformers: The Ride—3D."  Program dates and times as follows:

• KNBC Los Angeles, Saturday, May 19, 7:00 – 7:30pm
• KNTV San Francisco, Saturday, May 19, 6:30 - 7:00pm
• KNSD San Diego, Sunday, May 27, 3:30 – 4:00pm

"Transformers: The Ride—3D" opens Friday, May 25, 2012, with early park entrance for Memorial Day Weekend beginning Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28.  Gates will open at 7:30am for early access to "Transformers: The Ride—3D" and the world-famous Studio Tour.  Visit Universal Studios Hollywood for additional information.

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio.  From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY.  Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.

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 venue, and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event arena.  World-class rides and attractions include the intense, award-winning ride, "King Kong 360 3-D" created by Peter Jackson 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," as well as the much-anticipated mega-attraction, "Transformers™:  The Ride—3D," opening May 25, 2012.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a unit of the Universal Parks & Resorts division of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks.  Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% interest.

SOURCE Universal Studios Hollywood