"Transformers" ride to hit Singapore 2011
Posted: 21 October 2008 1200 hrs

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SINGAPORE: There will be more than meets the eye when “Transformers”, which is being developed into a theme park ride, debuts at Universal Studios Singapore in 2011.

The theme-park attraction, developed in a partnership between Universal Parks and Resorts, Hasbro and DreamWorks Pictures, will be based on the blockbuster "Transformers".

The ride, similar to the hit movie, shows humans caught in a war between the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons.

Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said, “Transformers will be a jewel in our collection of world-class rides based on great movies.”

“Transformers” will fuse 3D-HD media, mega special effects and robotics with a ride system that will “transform perceptions of theme park experiences”. The mega-attraction debuts first at Universal Studios Singapore at the Resorts World at Sentosa, then at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World at Sentosa, said, “It is great that Asia will be the launch pad for the first Transformers attraction. Transformers was introduced to the United States in 1983 but traces its roots to Asia. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron are familiar names to Asian audiences, who grew up with the robot toys and love the movie. When Transformers opens in Universal Studios Singapore in 2011, it will be the first of its kind in the world. We may see a surge of Transformers mania.”

The Steven Spielberg-helmed “Transformers” starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox grossed US$706.5 million worldwide, and the second instalment “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” is scheduled to be released by Paramount Pictures in America in June 2009.

Universal Studios Singapore is set to house 24 rides, 18 of which are original ideas or specifically designed for the theme park.

- CNA/sl