Special Effects Show

Dates: 2016 – 2023

Re-launched in January 2016, this show was previously called ‘Special Effects Stage’. It was relaunched with more spectacular effects demonstrations and less comedy.

Special Effects Show logo (c) Universal Studios Hollywood 2016

From Universal Studios Hollywood website, February 2016

Get an exclusive behind-the scenes look into your favorite blockbuster movies in our new Special Effects Show as stunts, practical effects and cutting-edge technology come to life.

Join Hollywood’s best stunt performers in recreating the sounds, sights and illusions that fool the cameras to create unforgettable moments in your favorite films. Learn the secrets behind realistic physical combat sequences, horror scenes, zero-gravity space travel and even live animation! Through professional demonstrations and audience participation, movie-making magic becomes a truly unforgettable, surround-sound experience.

Just like the movies, anything is possible – only at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Special Effects Stage logo, 2010

Special Effects Stage
Dates: 2010 – 2015

The show closed temporarily on September 18th 2015 and reopened in January 2016 in a new guise as The Special Effects Show (see above).

Opened in the Castle Theatre on Saturday June 26th, 2010, following the closure of the previous Special Effects Stages attraction on the Lower Lot. This attraction was closed around March 2010 to allow the demolition of the stages to be replaced by the show building for Transformers: The Ride.

The new show combines the feel of the old show spread across three ‘stages’, into a single-stage event, with a larger capacity audience, and the more spectacular effects possible in a well-equipped theatrical venue.
The show was created by Thinkwell Group.

From official website, 2010:
This summer, don’t miss our all-new Special Effects Stage where you’ll learn the secrets behind the making of your favorite blockbuster movies. Become an expert in Hollywood movie making as you learn about CGI, stop motion, motion capture, and 3-D technology. At Universal Studios Hollywood, anything is possible.