In 1991, the long-standing Special Effects demonstration was relaunched as a stand-alone attraction, based in Stages 30 and 32. Previously it was the first stop on the tram tour, allowing visitors to learn about special effects before hopping back on the tram to see the backlot.
When the Lower Lot ("Studio Center") was created, along with the construction of the Starway, visitors were able to spend some time in and around soundstages and move freely around (a part of) the same level as the movie stars and techicians.

The theming of the attraction was originally the Back to the Future Special Effects Stage, incorporating the Harry and the Hendersons Sound Effects Show and the Magic of Hitchcock. By 1999, the Nutty Professor had taken over the sound effects show (see panel on the right)

On July 26 2001 the Back to the Future Special Effects Stage closed to be replaced by today's Special Effects Stages.

See also:

• World of Cinemagic (1980-1991) (coming soon)
• Photo Gallery

(From Universal Studios Hollywood website, 1999)
"You will be the star of the show as our special-effects experts take you behind the scenes for a first-hand look at how movies are made.
This is where the impossible becomes possible and screen mysteries are unlocked. Take a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse and participate in the thrilling world of Hollywood motion picture technology.
The World of Cinemagic is actually three attractions in one:

• The Magic of Alfred Hitchcock
• Back to the Future Special Effects
• Nutty Professor Sound Effects Show

THE MAGIC OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK.
Staged in the same soundstage where the master filmmaker actually worked, "The Magic of Alfred Hitchcock" begins with an in-depth look at the most chilling movie moment of all - the infamous Psycho shower scene>
Then Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak take studio guests into the world of "Rear Window", "Rope" and "Vertigo" to show the audience how Hitchcock, the master storyteller, used the camera to create visual images of incredible power.
Finally, Universal Studios Hollywood guests recreate a milestone cinematic special effects - the climactic final scene in "Saboteur." Through the magic of a special "matte" process, the visiting actors take a heart-stopping fall from the torch of the Statue of Liberty to the ground hundreds of feet below.

BACK TO THE FUTURE SPECIAL EFFECTS
The technical virtuosity and wizardry featured in the blockbuster "Back to the Future" films, comes to life as we use members of the audience to help us recreate actual scenes from the hit movies.
We'll reveal the secrets of how such effects as the eye-baffling hoverboard scenes at Courthouse Square in "Back to the Future II" were filmed.
One lucky audience member will also get to play Doc Brown in a recreation of the famed Clock Tower scene. We should warn you before you volunteer that the scene calls for our zany hero to be struck by lightning. Rest assured, the effect will be electrifying.

NUTTY PROFESSOR SOUND EFFECTS SHOW
Featuring classic scenes from the blockbuster hit The Nutty Professor, the new Nutty Professor Sound Effects Show invites guests to recreate the film's most hysterical moments using Hollywoods coveted special effects secrets. Following the recreation, the audience views their "homemade" Hollywood production.