Be sure to check out the news area for an amazing new announcement that we have the exclusive on! Did you guys want to plan a get together around the opening once the date gets more set?
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Roller Coaster: Knight Rider: The Ride
Amusement Park: Universal Studios: Japan (Nomed, Japan)
Title: Universal Studios: Japan to Add Exciting New Coaster
Subtitle: KNIGHT RIDER: THE RIDE to Debut in 2011
Date: 4/1.10
Press Release: Universal Foreign Entertainment announced today the addition in 2011 of a tubular steel coaster to enter the roller coaster era at its international theme park located in Japan. Developed by the same team that produced the new X2 experience, KNIGHT RIDER: THE RIDE will combine innovative thrill ride technology with the signature thrill of the Knight Rider brand. The debut is scheduled to coincide with the release of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA next year, and will introduce fans to the exciting universe inspired by the television series’ innovative concepts featuring the Knight 2000, a nearly invulnerable Pontiac Trans Am with a technically advanced propulsion and navigation system.
"Our mission at Universal Studios: Japan is to provide entertainment that appeals to a wide range of tastes and this specially designed tubular coaster will be a proven winner among guests of all ages," said Janis Gilmer, Universal Foreign Entertainment President. "Designed around the theme of the original Knight Rider television brand, this ride will draw thrill seekers from around the world. Japanese customers have long since been fascinated with the world of “The Knight Rider” and we are honored to add this thrilling new attraction to our list of attractions."
John Martinez and Jackson Chase, co-CEO's of Universal Foreign Entertainment, credit Universal Studios: Japan with taking the ride to the next level in adventure. "The combination of the impressive special effects of the nostalgic television series and the innovative design of the track will provide fans the ability to “turbo boost” to thrilling new heights of adventure while avoiding the dangers of the ride’s unique concept," said Martinez and Chase jointly.
The $15 million coaster was engineered exclusively for Universal Japan theme park by We Build Coasters International Inc. (WBCII), KNIGHT RIDER: THE RIDE will feature a themed loading station "briefing" with series star David Hasselhoff who reprises his role as Michael Knight. KNIGHT RIDER: THE RIDE also features a state-of-the-art sight and sound package, and unique queue line and on-board entertainment elements derived from the design of the original props and sets. One of these elements will be the voice of K.I.T.T. which will interact with riders working for F.L.A.G. (The Foundation for Law and Government) as they pursue Garthe Knight and the menacing Goliath with evading unexpected surprises.
The GCII-designed “K.I.T.T. Coaster 2000” trains which feature an illuminated osculating scanner light like the television car, will zip through five belly-flopping hills and six high speed banked turns, and several exciting corkscrews in over 2,850 feet of track to create a ride that delivers the acrobatic thrills expected of modern coasters which will climax with a 100 foot ascending 80 degree lift which will give riders the experience of “turbo boost” while evading rocket fire from the evil Goliath. State of the art pyrotechnics and a full scale model of Goliath from the television series has been specially built to preserve the authenticity of the series and deliver thrills found no where else in the world. A mock up of the evil prototype “K.A.R.R.” will also be on display as part of the ride’s unique “Knight Archives Warehouse” theming.
The Knight Rider franchise is a highly-successful series of family entertainment centered around a man who does not exist and his technically advanced car. Since the debut of the pilot in 1982, starring David Hasselhoff and written by series creator Glen A. Larson, the various Knight Rider properties including the recent NBCU venture KNIGHT RIDER: THE SERIES have grossed over one billion dollars worldwide.
With established success in the USA, Universal Foreign Entertainment recently decided to bring the popularity of the brand to Japan with the resurgence of Knight Rider merchandise released and licensed by Aoshima Inc.
KNIGHT RIDER: THE RIDE will be located in the northwest corner of the park, next to Waterworld and is slated for a spring 2011 opening. With the addition of KNIGHT RIDER: THE RIDE, Universal Studios: Japan will be home to its first thrilling roller coaster joining the likes of Universal Studios: Hollywood and Universal Studios: Orlando which both feature their own brand of coaster thrills.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS: JAPAN
Universal Studios: Japan. is one of Universal’s three known theme parks across the world. Universal Studios: Japan has provided world class entertainment for millions of families with cutting-edge, record-shattering roller coasters and appointment programming and special events such as the weekly Summer Concert Series, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. Universal Studios: Japan is fast becoming recognized as the preeminent thrill innovator while reaching to all demographics — families, teens, tweens and thrill seekers alike — with themed attractions based on the Universal properties, it features thrills found no where else such as SPACE FANTASY: THE RIDE, HOLLYWOOD DREAM: THE RIDE, and MAGICAL STARLIGHT PARADE.
