Enjoy the glitzy glamor of the film industry from yesterday to today at Universal Studios.

Compositions from favorite movies playing over loudspeakers set the mood and anticipation for a walk into film lore. This attraction, located in Universal City no more than 5 miles from the heart of Hollywood, has appeal for film and movie history buffs, fans who appreciate the use of special effects and there are several popular thrill rides.

The park is divided into the following:

1 - The ever popular tram ride

2 Thrill Rides based on Movies and Shows

3 - Live action shows

4 Exhibits: Back Draft and Television History

Tram Ride
The tram ride meanders through the back lots where you tour past the working sound stages and on to lots used in filming Back to the Future and Bruce Almighty. It offers an appreciation of how facades present an amazingly realistic view of life on camera.

Tourists get a chance to see a simulated earthquake in a San Francisco subway station, a close-up view of Jaws and they see the house used in Hitchcock's Psycho thriller. Riders have been greeted when they step on with a taped message from Ron Howard.

Thrill Rides
Movies like The Mummy, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future and others are themes used to dress up the amusement park rides. The rides aren't nearly as thrilling as a Six Flags experience or even Disneyland, but they offer memories of favorite movie scenes along with a few stomach-churning moments.

Live Action Shows
Stunt performers are vital to the production of films of all genres from old westerns to today's action thrillers. Corny, comedic western stunt shows along with well-choreographed performances based on movies like Waterworld provide a unique appreciation of the role stunt performers play.

Exhibits: Back Draft and History
Standing on the platform to see the live use of pyrotechnics for the movie Backdraft is a "not to be missed" attraction. Spectators move from one room to another to see flames leap on cue.

Outside the Backdraft exhibit is a trip back to the Golden Days of movies along with a memorable tribute to Lucille Ball and her family. Photos of the Grand Lady of Comedy and memorabilia give a personal glimpse into the life of a woman who became America's greatest comedienne.

Entering and exiting Universal Studios is done by walking through the main sidewalk of Universal Citywalk an avenue of shops, restaurants and nightspots.

A day spent at this attraction gives the visitor a full Hollywood experience.

Learn more about this author, Don Simkovich.
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