The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle Coming To Universal Studios Hollywood
When Universal Studios Hollywood held the grand opening of the west coast version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they did so with a spectacular show which used projection mapping to put elaborate animations on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At the time of the grand opening, I asked Universal staffers if they might expand the experience for park guests. Universal is situated close to residential neighborhoods, which prevent the park from holding fireworks shows every night like their competitor, Disneyland.
But a nighttime projection show on Hogwarts castle seems like a no-brainer. Today, Universal Studios Hollywood is officially announcing the new nighttime show, which is being called "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle."
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle is a new projection mapping show that will showcase the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, and will culminate with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky. This new summertime feature will happen multiple times a night, with live rehearsals for annual pass holders beginning in June in preparation for the June 23 grand opening.
Above, you can see a video from the grand opening. The new show will be different than the one presented at that event, but it gives you an idea of what to expect.
The full press release follows:
Universal Studios Hollywood Casts a Dazzling Spell on "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" with Its All-New Summertime Enhancement, "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle," Inviting Guests to Experience the Immersive Land in a Whole New Light, Beginning June 23
Universal City, CA, May 18, 2017 – Beginning June 23, guests are invited to see "The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM" in a whole new light when Universal Studios Hollywood introduces its all-new "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts TM Castle," featuring a dazzling light projection experience against the backdrop of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle" will shine brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin that culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky.
The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection, designed to dance across the stunning Hogwarts castle, will be accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that will emanate in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.
This new summertime feature will take place multiple times a night during its run. Live rehearsals with annual pass previews and very limited guest access will begin in June in preparation for the June 23 grand opening.
Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.
From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.
The architecturally stunning land also includes the incredibly captivating and highly acclaimed "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" thrill ride, now enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter's world, as well as "Flight of the Hippogriff™," Universal Studios Hollywood's first outdoor family coaster.
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™ and Hog's Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.
A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko's™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch's Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods.
More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.