Sally’s new, action-packed interactive dark ride, Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D, was unveiled on September 22 at Warner Bros. Movie World, on Australia’s Gold Coast, bringing the world’s most famous super heroes to life…battling alongside park guests in an epic fight to defeat one of the most feared villains in the DC Universe.
A large crowd waited in line for the much-anticipated opening and excitedly participated in the epic battle. Adjectives such as “awesome,” “fantastic,” “incredible,” were soon flying, and some reviews are in: “The unbelievably real 3D effects and sound, wind and heat blasts, and falling walls, made for an extremely immersive experience,” writes Tanya Westthorp in the Gold Coast Bulletin. “Justice League adds a new dimension to Warner Bros. Movie World that has been sorely missing,” adds Parkz‘ Richard Wilson, who also commended the ride for its engaging theme and immersive storyline.
The Sally team worked closely with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, to create this dynamic adventure featuring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Supergirl in a fight to save Earth from destruction. They are aided by the amazing Cyborg who recruits guests for the volunteer force and demonstrates how to defeat the alien spores that are attacking citizens in cities throughout the world.
Almost two years in production, the ride features state-of-the-art animatronics and 3D video technology, together with numerous special effects. The five minute ride incorporates eight huge 3D screens, twenty custom vehicles equipped with special laser optical blasters, a dramatic custom musical score, numerous animatronic citizens whom riders must fight to save from the alien spores’ evil mind control, and culminates in a dramatic struggle between Superman and the evil villain, in which riders play a decisive role.
The exterior of the 2,000 square meter building is themed as the Hall of Justice. As they enter, visitors are immediately immersed in the story of the alien attack via a “live” newscast anchored by Vicki Vale, who urges viewers to take shelter at Justice League embassies worldwide, and to help defend Earth against the alien threat.
Passing through a high-tech scanning device into the pre-show area, guests discover the impressive animatronic Cyborg in his test lab, and Batman beaming in from the Justice League Watchtower Command Center, in orbit around the Earth. Once aboard their custom tactical assault vehicles, riders are teleported into the dark streets of Gotham City and join the Justice League in an epic battle. Scores are recorded on in-car consoles.
“Our goal was to create a ride based on the Justice League heroes that could be a fun and exciting experience not only for hardcore fans of the franchise, but also those not so familiar with the characters,” says Sally Corporation CEO John Wood. “There’s a lot of action and interaction throughout the ride, and you’re immersed in the experience. There are full-scale three-dimensional sets, scenery, animatronics and special effects throughout, and blended into the city streets and spaceship interiors are high-definition CGI animated sets and characters…allowing us to take the action to new heights.”
Tim Fisher, chief executive officer of Village Roadshow Theme Parks, owner of Warner Bros. Movie World, says, “Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D is the perfect fit for this park as it combines the hugely popular DC Entertainment Justice League franchise with a ride jam-packed with action and 3D thrills the whole family will love.”
To create this one-of-a-kind dark ride, Sally Corporation pulled together an experienced team including Threshold Animation Studios, Alterface, Techni-Lux, RealD, Bose, Bertazzon, Wyatt Design Group, and Sculpt Studios (Australia), among others.
Hats Off to Our SUPER HERO Installation Team!
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JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s12)
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) andMAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to un leash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time-Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes–a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes–to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.
Congratulations on the launch of this ride! Wish I could head over there and check it out. Any plans on opening one in the US?
Thanks Tommy! We would LOVE to have this ride close to home! Only time will tell if Justice League is picked up by a park here in the U.S…but it does seem like a prefect fit for some!
Might I suggest contacting the fine folks at Six Flags Great Adventure? I know a big open and deserted area in the park where this would be a perfect fit.
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