I’ve compiled an inventory of all the means to enjoy these films in a variety of formats. Enjoy!

An American Werewolf in London

Included with the following streaming services:
· Amazon Prime Instant Video

Rentals
· Stream via Amazon – $4.96

Digital Copies
· A deal with Amazon Instant Video prevents stand-alone digital copies to be sold at this time.

Physical Copies
· DVD via Amazon – $10.17
· Blu-Ray via Amazon – $13.48

The Purge

An editorial note: even though HHN’s house may draw upon a few moments from the original Purge release, I strongly recommend skipping the film. It’s painful. Instead, watch the far superior sequel. I’ve left options for both below in case you’re a completist.

Streaming Services
· The Purge is currently not available as part of any streaming service.

Rentals
· Stream via Google Play – $3.99
· Stream via Amazon – $3.99
· Stream via Vudu Movies – $3.99

Digital Copies
· High definition copy via Amazon for $12.99

Physical Copies
· DVD via Amazon – $9.49
· Blu-Ray via Amazon – $14.99

The Purge: Anarchy

Streaming Services

· The Purge: Anarchy is currently not available as part of any streaming service.

Rentals

· The Purge: Anarchy is not available for rentals, either.

Digital Copies

· High definition via Amazon for $12.99

Physical Copies

· DVD copy via Amazon – $12.96

· Blu-Ray copy via Amazon – $12.96

The Walking Dead Season 5

Streaming Services
· The first half of Season 5 is available on AMC’s episode archive (valid cable subscription required) until 9/27
· The second half of Season 5 is available on AMC’s episode archive (valid cable subscription required) until 10/12

Rentals
· The Walking Dead Season 5 cannot be rented currently.

Digital Copies
· Entire season available via Amazon Instant for $41.99
· Entire season available via iTunes for $42.99

Physical Copies
· Blu-Ray copy via Amazon – $29.99
· DVD copy via Amazon – $24.99

Insidious

Streaming Services
· Insidious is currently not available as part of any streaming service.

Rentals
· Stream via Google Play for $3.99
· Stream via Amazon for $3.99
· Stream via Vudu Movies for $3.99

Digital Copies
· High definition copy via Amazon for $12.99

Physical Copies
· Blu-Ray copy via Amazon – $6.96
· DVD copy via Amazon – $4.99

Insidious: Chapter 2

Streaming Services
· Netflix

Rentals
· Stream via Google Play – $3.99
· Stream via Amazon – $3.99
· Stream via Vudu Movies – $3.99

Digital Copies
· High definition via Amazon for $12.99

Physical Copies
· Blu-Ray copy via Amazon – $9.99
· DVD copy via Amazon – $8.64

Insidious: Chapter 3

The latest installment in the Insidious franchise will not be available digitally until September 22^nd. You can preorder a digital copy here.

The film won’t reach stores in physical form until October 2^nd. Amazon is also taking preorders on DVD and Blu-Ray copies, but you might want to wait until a price drop.

Freddy vs. Jason

An editorial note: I recently rewatched this film, and I’ll be blunt, it hasn’t held up well. Based on what has officially been released, HHN’s house won’t be a direct adaptation. I’ve listed means to view the film if you wish, but you might be better off watching the original Nightmare on Elm Street, listed below. I struggle to suggest a definitive Friday the 13^th film because there really isn’t one – the first one does not include Jason as the hockey mask wearing, machete-wielding maniac that will be featured in the house. That particular Jason does not appear until the third installment. Instead, I’ll recommend the 2009 underrated Friday the 13^th remake, a revised origin story for Mr. Voorhees.

Streaming Services
· Freddy vs. Jason is currently not available as part of any streaming service.

Rentals
· Stream via Google Play – $2.99
· Stream via Amazon – $2.99 – SD ONLY

Digital Copies
· Standard definition copy via Amazon – $9.99
· High definition copy via Vudu Movies – $13.99

Physical Copies
· Blu-Ray copy via Amazon – $9.69
· DVD copy via Amazon – $4.00

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Streaming Services
· A Nightmare on Elm Street is currently not available as part of any streaming service.

Rentals
· Stream via Amazon – $3.99
· Stream via Google Play – $3.99

Digital Copies
· High definition via Amazon for $12.99

Physical Copies
· Blu-Ray copy via Amazon – $7.99
· DVD copy via Amazon – $7.89

Friday the 13^th(2009)

Streaming Services
· Friday the 13^th is currently not available as part of any streaming service.

Rentals
· Stream via Amazon – $3.99
· Stream via Vudu Movies – $3.99

Digital Copies
· High definition copy via Amazon – $13.99
· High definition copy via Vudu Movies – $13.99
· High definition copy via iTunes – $14.99

Physical Copies
· Blu-Ray copy via Amazon – $8.96
· DVD copy via Amazon – $5.97

Which of these films are your favorite? Any you haven’t seen yet, but will before the event? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and happy viewing, Horror Nights fans!

Orlando Informer is proud to provide our fans with the world’s most popular unofficial guide to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event. Just like the entire OI Universal Center, our information is COMPREHENSIVE, OBSESSIVELY UPDATED & COMPLETELY FREE. We hope you will use all the wisdom we’ve gained over the years to make sure your family’s HHN trip is one night you will never want to forget!

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

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Image courtesy of Nintendo

Yoshi (Yoshi’s Island)
Like Donkey Kong, Yoshi and his ilk belong under the larger “umbrella” of the Mario Bros. universe. However, Nintendo also considers him a distinct franchise unto himself, evidenced by solo entries Yoshi’s Story, Yoshi’s Island, and the forthcoming Yoshi’s Wooly World. The games are bright, adorable, and brimming with charm – plus, who wouldn’t want to ride a Yoshi in some capacity?

A Yoshi attraction isn’t a sure thing as you might expect despite these qualities, though. Yoshi does move units, having sold approximately 20 million copies over the years, but he’s the #12 franchise in Nintendo’s lineup. (One should note that there are significantly fewer Yoshi-centric games to date compared to other major Nintendo stars.) That said, Yoshi is still a priority for Nintendo – his new game releases for the Wii U this fall, he’s a staple in Mario franchise titles, and has wide audience recognition.

We probably won’t get a full-on Yoshi’s Island mini area, but a water feature play area along the lines of Fievel’s Playland isn’t out of the question – or better yet, a Yoshi Fruit Stand. Even if Yoshi doesn’t get a dedicated presence of some sort, he’ll almost certainly appear in the inevitable Mario-based attraction.

Status: Likely

Image Courtesy of Nintendo

Metroid (Brinstar)
When the Nintendo partnership was first announced, many a video game fan salivated at the possibility of joining legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran on a deep space adventure. I hate to take the wind out of their sails, but the evidence suggests we won’t be taking on Space Pirates or Ridley any time soon.

Despite being a venerable Nintendo icon in the eyes of gamers, Metroid is actually of the company’s lower performing major franchises. Metroid comes in even below Yoshi, with approximately 17.44 million sales to date. Furthermore, Metroid hasn’t had a truly successful title since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, released way back in 2007. The series has seen only one entry since then, the much maligned and low-selling Metroid: Other M in 2010.

Aside from her token appearance in the Super Smash. Bros series, Samus has been largely dormant since then. The only Metroid game on the horizon is Metroid Prime: Federation Force, a low-budget 3DS title that wasn’t even originally a Metroid title – and won’t feature Samus at all. In fact, series fans have derided the game since its announcement, and there’s even a petition calling for its cancelation (yikes!)

There are certainly plenty of ways a Metroid attraction could work: one could envision a traditional motion simulator on Samus’s ship, or even a more advanced Spider-Man or Gringotts style adventure exploring one of the world’s many exotic planets. But the creatures there are almost all hostile and unpleasant, and Samus herself doesn’t have the wide appeal that kinder characters like Mario or even Link enjoy. Beyond a few action figures and adult-targeted plush, there aren’t many obvious merchandising opportunities. Ditto on any food and beverage choices.

The Metroid games are largely excellent, but it’s a cult series, at best, and Nintendo’s top brass seem entirely disinterested in the property for now.

Status: Unlikely

Image Courtesy of Nintendo

Star Fox (Lylatt System)
Another one of Nintendo’s sci-fi properties, Star Fox is probably most known for its infamous “do a barrel roll!” quip early on in the beloved Nintendo 64 iteration… and that’s a problem. Star Fox does manage to crack the Top 15 Nintendo franchises, but it’s a series largely ignored outside of the “core” gaming population. And even then, the most successful recent entry of Star Fox was a 3D repackaging of Star Fox 64.

Like Metroid, there are certainly cool ways to pull off a Star Fox ride, either via an indoor roller coaster or (sigh) another motion simulator. It certainly would be cool to “do a barrel roll” in the flesh. And Nintendo is prepping a new entry in the series on Wii U that might put Fox, Falco and Slippy Toad back on the general public’s radar. But as of now, the franchise lacks any real legs, and beyond that, not a lot of merchandising or food potential.

Status: Unlikely

Image Courtesy of Nintendo

Kirby (Dreamland)
It’s easy to underestimate Kirby in the Nintendo crowded field of characters: he’s “just another cute blob.” However, the Kirby franchise has moved an impressive 35.78 million units to date, good for Nintendo’s #7 franchise. Moreover, he has immense appeal overseas, specifically in the character’s native Japan. This is likely due to the combination of the character’s enduring adorability along with the series’ trademark over-the-top action.

Like Mario, Nintendo is confident enough in Kirby’s brand to use him to test drive games outside of his usual platforming genre: over the years, Kirby has headlined golf, pinball, racing, and baseball titles. Kirby also enjoys no shortage of new releases: in the past five years alone, we’ve seen Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Mass Attack, Return to Dreamland, Dream Collection, Triple Deluxe, and Rainbow Curse, in addition to numerous Virtual Console rereleases.

Universal’s recent announcement of Hello Kitty is also telling: the cartoon cat has a following in the United States, but the big sell is for international visitors attracted to the cute factor. Like Kirby, Hello Kitty is an even bigger draw in Japan and other territories: if it works for Kitty, why not Kirby?

Dreamland, in all its accessible cuteness, is an easy environment to adapt to a theme park, and between warp stars, legions of adorable plush, and sugary sweets galore, there’s no shortage of merchandising, food and beverage opportunities. Attraction-wise, it’s harder to envision something on a larger scale – a warp star race would be plausible if not for the likely inclusion of Mario Kart – but it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Kirby doesn’t have some sort of significant presence.

Status: Likely

Do you think my predictions are on the mark? What other Nintendo franchises do you think may have a shot? Let me know in the comments!

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post Nintendo & Nintendon’t: What will (and won’t) come to Nintendoland, part 2 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

6. Milhouse

Location: Springfield, on a bench attached to the Quik-E-Mart

Image courtesy of Simply Sinova

Springfield U.S.A. is a treasure trove of photo spots, some obvious, some less so. Everyone’s gotten their picture taken with Barney, Duff Man, and Police Chief Wiggum, but not many notice poor Milhouse Van Houten sitting outside the Kwik-E-Mart.

Milhouse is just as detailed as the other Springfield denizens (he’s even sipping a Buzz Cola), and an empty spot on his bench makes for a great photo op. Bart’s best friend is located next to the ringing phone outside the Kwik-E-Mart (pick that up for another easter egg).

5. Sting Alley

Location: New York, entrances next to the Film Vault store and across from the Arcade

Arguably as immersive as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Halloween Horror Nights veterans are quite familiar with this popular, claustrophobic scare zone spot, but daytime vacationers often miss it entirely. Sting Alley is a testament to the park’s origins as a working film studio, an immersive, film-ready set. Though filming in the park isn’t that common anymore, the area remains open to the wandering public.

Within Sting Alley you’ll find a slice of old New York isolated from the rest of the park. Advertisements for the Ringing Brothers’ Circus and a boxing match line the walls, and numerous catwalks and fire escapes flank the roofs. Pictures taken here might actually pass for authentic New York.

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, Sting Alley can be hard to spot. The path cuts through the facades that hold the Film Vault Store and the Ben & Jerry/Starbucks. On the lagoon side, you’ll find it easily if you move past the Film Vault store toward San Francisco and look for the opening on the left. If you’re on the Revenge of the Mummy side, move toward San Fran past the Blues Brothers stage and bear right.

4. Screen Used Velociraptor

Location: Hollywood, lobby of the Horror Makeup Show

Image courtesy of Hollywood Movie Costumes & Props

Over at Islands of Adventure, you can snap a posed picture with enormous T-Rex and Spinosaurus models. The Studios has its own photorealistic dinosaur in the form of a velociraptor lurking in the lobby of the Horror Makeup Show. Islands of Adventure now hosts the Raptor Encounter if you’re interested in seeing a “living, breathing” version of the creature, but this model was actually used for positional and close-ups in the original Jurassic Park film.

Bonus: The Horror Makeup Show lobby functions as a museum on horror classics and hosts plenty of other fun photo ops – visitors can pose with Chucky, a monster from John Carpenter’s The Thing, and Jack the Clown from Halloween Horror Nights, among other things. To experience the lobby with minimal crowds, visit just shortly after the scheduled start time of the Makeup Show – it should be nearly empty.

3. Love Tester

Location: Springfield, within Moe’s Tavern

Are you Cold Fish?

Any fan of The Simpsons will get their picture in front of Moe’s Tavern or with the beleaguered Barney inside, but many miss the unassuming “Love Tester” sitting in the bar’s corner. The machine, which identifies one’s rank on the “love scale,” first appeared in the classic episode “Flaming Moe’s,” with encore appearances in “Krusty Gets Kancelled” and “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase.”

The Love Tester works just as it does in the show, sans voice: one presses the button, and the machine will light up with your rank, leading to a potentially hilarious gag (depending on the selection and your sense of humor). For extra fun, take a picture with your significant other and see if the Tester approves.

The machine is located in the back corner of Moe’s, immediately to your right via the main entrance. With Barney close by, this corner can get crowded, so be patient in waiting your turn.

2. Up Close with the Animal Actors

Location: Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone, immediately following the Animal Actors performance

Trainers will usually bring several of the animals to the front of the stage, where the turf meets the pavement.

The Animal Actors show is a hugely underrated delight, playing host to a menagerie of screen-used animals: dogs, birds, monkeys, and even pigs! One is welcome to take pictures and videos throughout the performance, which can vary show-to-show depending on the mood and cooperativeness of the critters. But many don’t realize that if the animals are well-behaved, trainers will sometimes bring out several of the audience-friendly animals at the show’s conclusion. Exiting audience members will have a moment to pet the animals (usually dogs) and snap a quick picture.

Keep in mind the photo opportunity isn’t guaranteed – the comfort and safety of the animals comes first. In a performance earlier this year, several dogs were brought out for photo opportunities, including a dog from Marley & Me and a pug from Men in Black II. If you want to take a picture, have your camera ready and ask the trainer if it’s okay (they usually encourage it). Be gentle and kind to the animals, and enjoy your picture with a furry celebrity!

1. The Universal Classic Monsters Vignettes

Location: Production Central, within the Monsters Cafe

Image courtesy of MrFord4210 via YouTube

The Leaky Cauldron and Springfield’s Fast Food Boulevard have become the de facto counter service restaurants of choice at the Studios, and rightly so. The Monsters Cafe isn’t culinary nirvana – it has your usual assortment of chicken platters and hot dogs – but the interior hosts some spectacular tributes to the monsters that started it all.

Throughout the restaurant’s seating areas, you’ll find chilling, life-size vignettes of Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Wolfman, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, each in their respective environments. If you’re a Classic Monster fan, you won’t want to miss posing with these villains. Don’t worry – you can explore the restaurant without eating. If you look around, you’ll find some props and costume pieces from even more obscure creature features.

Bonus: Out front, you’ll find an additional macabre photo op: a faux electric chair!

These are just a few of the Studios’ many photogenic spots. What are some of your favorites? What else have you discovered throughout the backlot?

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

– Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
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The post Six Hidden Photo Opportunities at Universal Orlando appeared first on Orlando Informer.

6. Giant Plate of Burgers

Location: Toon Lagoon, in front of Wimpy’s Restaurant

Can I pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today?

If you aren’t familiar with the Popeye cartoon or comic strip, Wimpy is a bumbling, broke buffoon with an insatiable love of burgers but can never pay for them. It’s easy to pass by the oft-closed Wimpy’s burger stand on your way to the Bilge Rat Barges. However, hiding in plain sight amongst the standard tables and chairs is a humongous plate of oversized cheeseburgers. This fun sight gag makes for a great pic if you want to exaggerate your appetite.

5. Discovery Center

Location: Jurassic Park, lagoon-side of Discovery Center

This rarely visited plaza offers excellent vantage points.

One of the park’s most iconic vistas is the initial, grand view of the Discovery Center across the water. Few realize you can actually stroll around directly in front of this building and get a much closer pic, a must if you’re a Jurassic Park fan.

There are two ways to get there: one is through the building itself. Pass Burger Digs and the Dinostore along the island’s main path, take the stairs down to the exhibit floor, and exit out the unassuming doors on the far side. The second route is to go around the building on the Lost Continent side. After taking the bridge near Sinbad, keep left, and you’ll find the plaza.

Bonus: This quiet plaza also offers superior, across-the-lagoon views of The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Sneetch Beach, and the rest of the Islands.

4. Aesop & Son

Location: Toon Lagoon, near the Dudley Do-Right lockers

Courtesy of meeko_ on Flickr

A small, interactive tribute dedicated to the Aesop & Son segment of Rocky & Bullwinkle sits tucked away just past the Ripsaw Falls lockers. These optional lockers, as well as a seating area, are located directly to the left of the attraction’s main entrance. Move past the tables and chairs to find the hard-to-spot tribute.

The titular characters’ sculpts anchor the area. You’ll find a large jackhammer (with working sound effects!) to pose with, as well as a bench sporting permanent bunny ears. The younger crowd might not understand the show it’s referencing, but hey, still nifty!

3. Amber Mine

Location: Jurassic Park, Camp Jurassic

Camp Jurassic contains many delightful secrets.

Adults might scoff at entering the Camp Jurassic play area, but trust me; it would be a disservice to ignore it. Though there are plenty of slides and water areas for the kids, the area is made up of stunning environments and wonderful tributes to the film series. One of the best areas to visit is the Amber Mine, where you can find the infamous mosquitos trapped and ready for extraction. Again, Jurassic Park fans should go wild.

Bonus: Wander into the extensive caverns to find a gorgeous series of bubbling geysers and eerily lit waterfalls. If you find your way to the upper floor of the caves, you’ll find a path leading back outside that offers excellent views (and photo vantage points) of the entire area.

2. Zax Bypass

Location: Seuss Landing, behind Green Eggs & Ham

If you can’t find this pair of critters, follow the tracks!

Seuss Landing frequently references some of the famed author’s most obscure works, like the Zax from Dr. Seuss on the Loose. Two Zax can be found in a bitter standoff at the “Zax Bypass,” located behind the Green Eggs & Ham restaurant and near Sneetch Beach. The vignette works best as a photo op when participants mimic the Zax’s stubbornness.

Bonus: The Zamp in the Lamp isn’t located far away and is also worth a look and a pic. Look closely at the curvy streetlights situated next to Moose Juice Goose Juice: one of them contains the elusive “Zamp!” (If you’re having trouble finding it, the offending streetlight has a small sign alerting you to its presence.)

1. Horton’s Egg

Location: Seuss Landing, next to Cats, Hats, and Things

Image courtesy of ClassyMommy.com

Despite being of the more popular Seussian characters, Horton the Elephant only enjoys three small shout-outs in all of Seuss Landing: the more obvious appearance is on top of the Caro-Seuss-El, where the mild-mannered elephant perches beside other rotating critters. Two of his similar-looking elephant brethren also flank the entrance to the Circus McGurkus restaurant.

Horton has a third literal easter “egg” adjacent to the Cats, Hats, and Things gift shop: the egg he agrees to sit on for the Amayzing Mayzie in Horton Hatches the Egg. Complete with a nest, branch and plaque, guests are free to take a seat for a hilarious photo op.

The nest is tucked into a small courtyard that can be hard to spot. There’s a side exit to the aforementioned gift shop that’ll lead you right to it. Alternatively, if you face the shop’s entrance, you’ll see a small curved arch on your right you can pass through.

Have you taken pictures at any of these locations? Share them with us in the comments! These hidden gems only scratch the surface of what Islands of Adventure has to offer. What other hidden photo spots do you like to visit?

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post Six hidden photo ops at Islands of Adventure appeared first on Orlando Informer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rKSPCYgMVU

The commercial hits all the right beats: “We have two theme parks, an entertainment complex, on-site hotels, and a water park. We’ve got your favorite characters and you can visit their worlds. We’ve got the coolest rides, anywhere.”

And it’s got a stellar tagline, to boot: “Vacation Like You Mean It.”

This ad represents the epitome of the resort being at the top of its game. But what about the days before Transformers, Cabana Bay Beach Resort and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Let’s take a look back at six vintage Universal commercials and see how they’ve developed over the years.

6. “It’s the Greatest Hollywood Production Ever” (1989)

Before there was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or even Islands of Adventure, there was only Universal Studios Florida. Dreamt up as a competitor to neighboring Walt Disney World and as a natural expansion of the successful Studio Tour concept out west, the Florida park was to be more than just a working studio with trams: it was to have fleshed out, headliner attractions like KONGfrontation, Jaws, Earthquake, and the E.T. Adventure.

Expectations were high for the park, leading to bold advertisements like this one. This ad aired in 1989, a year before the park opened its doors. Watch carefully: you can spot Hollywood’s King Kong animatronic as well its infamous “Carrot Teeth” shark from their tram tour Jaws Encounter. The rest of the ad is filled with B-roll and clips from relevant films (E.T., Jaws, Hanna Barbara cartoons), meaning the Florida versions of the attractions weren’t quite ready for their close-up.

5. “No one makes-believe like we do!” (1991-2)

What a difference a few years make! This trailer is chock full of actual ride and show footage taken from the Universal Studios Florida park, including extensive moments from extinct favorites like KONGfrontation, the Ghostbusters Spooktacular, Earthquake, The FUNtastic World of Hanna-Barbara, Nickelodeon Studios, and Back to the Future. Also present is rare footage of an earlier version of The Horror Make-Up Show featuring the remake of The Fly. Doc Brown even gets name-dropped, since the time traveling simulator was, at this point, the park’s new star attraction!

While it’s difficult to put an exact date on this ad for the Studios, one can surmise it aired in 1991 at the earliest (the year Back to the Future opened) but before 1993. the lack of the Jaws ride – the attraction closed for a several year redesign following massive technical failures shortly after the park opened in 1990.

Also of note is the lack of the “Ride the Moves” tagline despite the emphasis on placing you “in” the movies. Instead, they use “No one makes-believe like we do!”

Not nearly as catchy.

4. “Ride the Movies!” (1993)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RnjCpzkiTY

There we go. This ad may mark the premiere of the beloved “Ride the Movies” tagline. This ad reuses much of the footage from the 1991-2 version, but includes a few new worthwhile moments: glimpses of the short-lived Rocky & Bullwinkle Show, the vintage Studios Gates, the original Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue, the Dynamite Stuntacular, and the Harry & The Hendersons walk-around character.

The emphasis is putting you in a cinematic experience, hence the long list of action verbs. Still no Jaws, which would debut later this year – but remember when Fievel from An American Tale and I Love Lucy were among the key selling points for the park?

3. “Universal Studios Escape” (1998)

Prior to “Universal Orlando Resort,” there was “Universal Studios Escape.” If that seems confusing, you’d be right – Universal’s initial resort branding was ambiguous and sounded more like an expansion to Universal Studios than a fully-fledged, two-theme park complex. Go back and watch again: notice how the narrator never explicitly mentions that Islands of Adventure is a separate theme park from the Studios, or that the resort now has two theme parks.

On the Studios end of things, you can begin to see the recycling of old footage, with two major additions: key moments from the still-new Terminator 2:3D (which debuted in 1996) as well as an extended clip from Twister, which was new that year.

There are a few gems hidden in the Islands of the Adventure half of the ad, as well. Notice the early Cat in the Hat CGI model that would eventually see usage in the “mirror” early in the ride. Marvel Super Hero Island has a different logo, referred to as “Marvel Universe.” And the Pharos Lighthouse has a slightly different design, with a continuous flame billowing out of its peak.

2. “Are You Ready?” (1999)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvr9NIAgOkE

It’s hard to imagine Islands of Adventure before Hogwarts dominated its skyline, but when the park first opened, it depended on three key franchises: Marvel, Jurassic Park, and Dr. Seuss. The three disparate properties were tied together with an ambiguous “Are You Ready?” theme, where the characters would begin to seep into the everyday world.

You can see the execution is mixed, at best. The Spider-Man ad is a fascinating pre-9/11 era oddity; never mind how Spidey and Doctor Octopus managed to get on the wing of that plane. Having the runaway triceratops be named “Cera,” after one of the in-park dinosaurs at the now-defunct Triceratops Encounter, is a nice touch. The Cat in the Hat puppet/costume is nothing short of terrifying; let’s be thankful they settled on a different “look” for the character for the actual park.

The biggest problem with these ads is they don’t really tell you what to expect within Islands of Adventure. Sure, Marvel heroes, Dr. Seuss characters and dinosaurs will be there, but what rides are there? How can I interact with these characters? The ads don’t really tell you. And there’s the pesky “Universal Studios Escape” again, failing to make the distinction between the original “Studios” park and the new “Islands of Adventure.”

1. “A Vacation from the Ordinary” (2003-4)

Yikes.

These plodding advertisements dissing on Disney more than actually selling the merits of the Universal parks dominated the mid 2000s, when the resort’s various apathetic owners didn’t really know what to do with the place.

Most of the commercial airs on awkward at best, creepy at worst, with long, drawn-out shots of people aping Universal characters. People spend more time eating in this commercial than actually having fun or showing off the park’s attractions. Universal was clearly trying to court a more adult audience, hence painful stingers like “Fairy tales and pixie dust not your thing?,” but the message seems confused at best. Who wants to be hit on by Frankenstein at a bar, anyway?

Revenge of the Mummy was the park’s newest headliner at the time, and the resort finally ditches the “Universal Studios Escape” name. The tagline, “A Vacation from the Ordinary,” is actually quite clever – it’s a shame the rest of the ad isn’t.

Universal Orlando’s advertising has certainly come a long way since 1989. Which ad campaign has been your favorite? What convinced you to first check out the resort? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post Six Vintage Universal Commercials You HAVE to See appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Let’s take a look at a few of Nintendo’s key franchises and guess which might make a good fit.

Image courtesy of Nintendo

Mario (The Mushroom Kingdom)
Show anyone a picture of the red and blue plumber on the street, and chances are they’ll know it’s Mario. In fact, in some parts of the world Mario is more recognizable than Mickey Mouse. Since his debut in 1981’s Donkey Kong, Mario has gone on to star in dozens of games which have sold more than 500 million copies as of this writing, making “Mario” branded games the top video game franchise of all time. It’s no surprise, then, that Mario and his friends have become the de facto ambassadors of the Nintendo company: and why not? The Mushroom Kingdom is bright, colorful, and accessible, everything Nintendo strives to be as the natural home of family gaming.

Theme park applications are practically endless. Obvious choices include rides culling from Mario Kart or Super Mario Galaxy, arguably the icon’s top franchise staples, but attractions pulling from some of his earlier hits, like Super Mario Sunshine or Mario Party, don’t seem out of the question.

Mario easily clears the merchandising hurdle, too. Imagine buying your own invincibility star, plush Luma, or Delfino Isle fruit smoothie. Nintendo already licenses some basic Mario merchandise in stores throughout the United States, but Universal has an opportunity not unlike Harry Potter to create some truly unique items that can only be found in their Mushroom Kingdom.

Status: Very Likely

Image courtesy of Nintendo

Legend of Zelda (Hyrule)
No other video game franchise can reliably make adult men cry. The legendary hero of time, “Link,” has headlined over a dozen installments, only one of which has sold less than a million copies. Indeed, Legend of Zelda is one of the company’s highest performing franchises, and has a lore and hugely dedicated fan base rivaling other top fantasy properties.

There are two main factors that make Legend of Zelda a sensible fit for Nintendoland: strong environments and merchandising potential. Gamers have explored many incarnations of Hyrule since its first appearance in 1987, and more than a few of its diverse landscapes would make for a great theme park setting. Castle Town (from Ocarina of Time) or Skyloft (from Skyward Sword) are two strong contenders, but Nintendo could surprise us and request the cartoony Wind Waker-styled environments of Dragon Roost or Windfall Islands. Regardless of art style, a Spider-Man/Transformers-type 3D attraction could easily encompass the chaotic action and adventure Zelda offers.

The incredible sales of the Hyrule Historia, a hardcover concept art book, should silence anyone doubting the merchandising potency of Legend of Zelda: the book flew to the top of both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestseller lists. Similar to Mario, Nintendo does license some Zelda merchandise, but if the enthusiastic reception of the Historia is any indication, there’s massive untapped potential here. Opportunities could include mixing your own potions, enjoying a glass of Lon Lon Milk, or buying your very own Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker. Add in a faithful recreation of at least one Hyrule setting, and you’ll have built a mecca for Legend of Zelda fans.

Status: Very Likely

Image courtesy of Nintendo

Pokémon
The Pokémon franchise at first seems like a no brainer: it’s Nintendo’s #2 franchise (with over 270 million sales as of this writing), offers practically endless merchandising fodder, and comes with ready-made in-game stores and restaurants. However, there’s a massive caveat that makes Pokémon’s presence less of a sure thing: Nintendo doesn’t outright own Pikachu and his friends.

The relationship between Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, as well as developers Game Freak, Inc. and Creatures, Inc., can be… convoluted. Gaming website 1UP.com sat down for an interview with Hip Tanaka, the Creatures, Inc. president. When questioned about the ownership situation, he explained:

“So Game Freak and Creatures are the developers, and Nintendo is the publisher. The Pokémon Company is like the producer, they’re the agency of the franchise.”

Tanaka goes on to explain that The Pokémon Company largely handles the popular anime and film adaptations, Game Freak creates new Pokémon characters and develops the “core” games (like Pokémon Red and Blue), and Creatures develops supplementary games (such as the the Stadium spinoffs), the trading card game, and any 3D models of the characters. Nintendo is really just the publisher and financier, distributing the video games exclusively on its platforms.

Confusing, right? Now add Universal and a theme park to the mix. Because Nintendo doesn’t own Game Freak or Creatures (they’re both private Japanese-based companies), they can’t just build a Pokémon-themed attraction without their permission. In fact, Game Freak and Creatures would likely be entitled to a large percentage of the profits of any Pokémon installation. When Nintendo has other huge franchises to rely on, why bother sharing the wealth?

It certainly isn’t impossible for Pokémon to make its way to Universal Studios, though. The characters have appeared in Nintendo mash-ups before, most notably the Super Smash Bros. fighting franchise. And there are certainly plenty of attraction possibilities: perhaps a Pokémon safari or boat ride, or even better, an interactive Pokémon Snap adventure. Still, there may be too many financial and legal hurdles to convince Nintendo that they really need Pokémon for Nintendoland to be a success.

Status: Unlikely

Image courtesy of Nintendo

Donkey Kong (DK Jungle)
If you aren’t an avid gamer, you may be confused as to why Donkey Kong is listed as separate from Mario. While “DK” premiered alongside Mario in his aforementioned titular game in 1981 and has continued to appear in Mario spinoff titles (most prominently the Kart, Sports, and Party series), the ape has grown a lucrative franchise all his own: he’s Nintendo’s #5 player, behind only Mario, Zelda, Pokémon and the Wii Sports series.

Following his arcade hits, Donkey Kong became a staple in the Nintendo lineup with the Donkey Kong Country series that continues to this day, most recently with Tropical Freeze on the Wii U. Like Mario, Nintendo has shown a willingness to experiment with Donkey Kong, with spinoff titles like the musical bongo game Donkey Konga and land, air and sea racer Diddy Kong Racing. While this might seem irrelevant, it signals a strong confidence in using Donkey Kong’s brand to sell unconventional concepts.

Ride concepts for Donkey Kong are even easier to envision than Mario or Zelda: the games feature frequent “runaway mine cart” sequences that could make for a great family coaster (think Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in scale). If Universal was interested in adding a water ride to the Studios’ roster, a flume of some sort would also fit DK like a glove. Add in tropical jungle theming, banana-infused food and drinks, Donkey Kong ties and a plethora of monkey plush, and you’ve got a recipe for a killer theme park expansion.

Status: Likely

Do you think my evaluations are on the mark? Nintendo features over a dozen major franchises, and I only covered four of their top players here. What else would you like to see? What else do you think has a chance of inclusion?

Check out even more about Nintendo from the OI Blog Archive:

What to expect from Nintendo at Universal

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