02.03.2004
"Borg Invasion 4D": A Breakthrough in Entertainment
Las Vegas, Nev. (February 2, 2004) — When Paramount Parks opens its latest attraction "Borg Invasion 4D" on March 18, 2004, guests will be amazed by the multiple state-of-the-art technologies and special effects that immerse visitors into the power of Star Trek, a worldwide phenomenon that has spanned nearly four decades.
"Borg Invasion 4D" is one of the most advanced entertainment attractions in the world and boasts a long list of "firsts":
The first Star Trek production that has ever been shot digitally
The first all-digital motion picture to incorporate live action and animation within a 3D cinema environment
The first multiple-angle 3D cinema production with 3D effects from the front, overhead and both right and left sides of the participant
The first time a Steadicam has ever been used in a 3D production, allowing the director to achieve shots from the "point of view” of the guest, placing the viewer in a "you are there" environment.
The first world-wide attraction to use the 2K digital cinema projection, which produces a clearer resolution than any other digital projection system in the world.
In addition to its innovative digital technologies, "Borg Invasion 4D" will incorporate revolutionary live special effects to enhance the overall guest experience.
"Our technology partners have helped produce one of the most exciting and innovative attractions in the world that uses physical effects to fully immerse the guest in the entertainment experience," says Alexander Weber, Jr., CEO of Paramount Parks. "'Borg Invasion 4D' participants will experience an unprecedented marriage of technology and entertainment as the Borg attempt to assimilate each guest using sight, sound and touch."
A First In Digital Cinema
Threshold Digital Research Labs produced the 3D digital motion picture for "Borg Invasion 4D." "Borg Invasion 4D" is the first all-digital production that incorporates live action and animation, as well as the first multiple-angle immersive 3D attraction ever. Multiple-angle means there will be 3D effects from the front, overhead and both right and left sides of the participant; creating a darker and edgier environment. The film is digital from inception to release.
The live action material needed to produce the film was acquired digitally on five sets and three large blue screens on two stages. The largest of the sets was the biggest Borg set ever built at over 15,000 square feet. The 3D motion picture featured in "Borg Invasion 4D" stars Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Alice Krige (Borg Queen) and Kate Mulgrew (Admiral Janeway). Additionally, a live-action Steadicam stereo shot with real-time 3D onscreen playback was used for the first time in a 3D production. A Steadicam is a specific camera rig that allows the director to achieve Point of View perspectives not possible with other rigs, placing the viewer in a "you are there" environment.
A First In Digital Projection
Christie Digital System, Inc. provided two, matched Christie CP2000 high performance digital cinema projection systems, the first time 2K-resolution DLP Cinema™ technology has been used in an attraction. The system used for "BI4D" produces a clearer resolution than any other digital projection system in the world.
Designed for cinematic quality, large screen exhibition, the Christie CP2000 is Christie's latest digital cinema projection solution. It features LampLOC™ for automatic lamp alignment and LiteLOC both of which ensure constant image brightness and 2048x1080p HD resolution. Christie's proprietary high efficiency optics (Illumination Optics System) has a contrast ratio of greater than 1700:1 (full field), and a 15-bit per RGB color processing for 15 trillion colors displayed. The Christie CP2000 digital cinema projectors are ideal for large screen presentations because they visually "transport" visitors with authentically created vivid illusions. The projectors use Texas Instruments' 2K-resolution DLP Cinema™ chip.
All-Immersive Tactile Experience
Technifex, Inc. designed and produced the digitally controlled 4D sensory seats, motion platform and other sensory special effects, which create the fourth dimension and amplifies the guests' senses of sound and touch in addition to what they are seeing on screen. Through the use of various technologies and techniques, participants will be able to experience the feeling of being "assimilated" into the Borg Collective. In addition to 23,000 watts of 12 channel sound, each state-of-the-art theater seat has 10 effect features all choreographed with the 3D film with probes that poke the guest's backs as the action peaks in coordination with timed air blasts, surround sound audio rumbles, and a motion platform floor, creating the fourth dimension and amplifying what the guests are seeing on screen.
"Borg Invasion 4D"
Set to open March 18, 2004, "Borg Invasion 4D" will combine live actors and phenomenal special effects to create an excitingly realistic Star Trek experience. As visitors tour a futuristic research facility, the terrifying drones of the Borg Collective attempt to capture and assimilate guests using 24th century cybernetic technology. 3D and 4D will merge in a chilling realization of state-of-the-art technology to provide an all-immersive tactile experience for visitors to the attraction.
"Borg Invasion 4D" is the multi-million dollar addition to Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton.
The ones who made it all happen:
Star Trek: The Experience
Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton is a $70 million, 65,000-square foot attraction featuring several different components. The original attraction is a 22-minute entertainment experience complete with live interaction and a motion base simulator ride. The History of the Future Museum highlights the Star Trek television series and films and includes actual props, weaponry, spacecraft and various award-winning masks and costumes used in filming. Deep Space Nine is a promenade featuring Quark's Bar & Restaurant and the Promenade shops (housing the world's largest collection of Star Trek memorabilia and collectibles).
STAR TREK: The Experience is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Paramount Parks
Paramount Parks is a leading developer and operator of world-class theme parks and location-based attractions, entertaining more than 13 million guests annually. The company currently owns and operates five of the most popular theme parks in North America including: Paramount Canada's Wonderland (Toronto, Ontario, Canada); Paramount's Carowinds (Charlotte, N.C.); Paramount's Great America (Santa Clara, Calif.); Paramount's Kings Dominion (Richmond, Va.); and Paramount's Kings Island (Cincinnati, Ohio). The company also developed and manages the award-winning STAR TREK: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nev.) and manages Bonfante Gardens horticultural theme park (Gilroy, Calif.); CBS Television City at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.); and Terra Mitica theme park (Benidorm, Valencia, Spain). More information about Paramount Parks is available at
www.paramountparks.com.
Threshold Digital Research Labs (Threshold)
Threshold produces original full-length digitally animated feature films, TV shows and theme park attractions — and is the only digital studio in the world that produces all three. The company creates and produces digital visual effects for movies, television, web sites, games, IMAX movies, theme parks and location based entertainment for major studios, networks and advertisers. Threshold has created and produced digital animation and visual effects for major motion pictures and television shows and has produced one-third of all film-based theme park attractions in the last 24 months.
Technifex, Inc.
Technifex is a design and production company that specializes in creating one-of-a-kind audience experiences incorporating special effects, show action systems, 4D sensory theaters and other high-tech entertainment technologies. Technifex's client list includes theme parks, museums, world exhibitions, retail establishments, casinos and corporate displays worldwide. Technifex is a privately held company with headquarters in Valencia, California. To learn more about Technifex, visit
www.technifex.com.
Christie Digital Systems, Inc.
Christie is a global leader in visual solutions for business, entertainment and media used by world-class organizations for diverse applications. Christie is the world's single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies including 35mm film projectors, digital cinema projectors, DLP and LCD projectors, rear screen projection modules and cubes, wall display controllers, networking solutions and cutting-edge technologies such as immersive 3D, virtual reality simulation. With expertise in professional projection systems since 1979, and film projection dating back to 1929, Christie has over 50,000 projectors installed in more than 50 countries around the world. For more information, visit
www.christiedigital.com.
www.startrek.com
