January 18, 2015 – First on Inside Universal – The current roster of Blues Brothers performers will end their contracts with Universal Studios Hollywood on February 16, Inside Universal has learned. A fixture of the park for over twenty years, the Blues Brothers have performed in various locations at Universal throughout their long tenure – most notably settling down in front of Victoria Station on a permanent stage in the 1990s. While the show has undergone a slight shift in 1998 to coincide with the release of Blues Brothers 2000, the Blues Brothers R&B Revue has remained mostly intact throughout…
Author: Jon Fu
January 12, 2015 – Given the rapid pace of construction within the park, we’d thought we’d take a Hollywood Minute to give you a quick update on some of Universal’s largest ongoing projects. Let’s get started! 1 » Lankershim Pedestrian Bridge As 2016 draws near, construction crews have begun making visible progress on the new Lankershim pedestrian bridge that will connect guests directly to the Universal City Metro station across the street. 2 » Wizarding World West With construction for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ticking along, Universal has painted the adjacent Shrek 4D show building to match Hogsmeade’s…
January 7, 2015 – It’s the New Year with new things to look forward to and a whole new photo update to let you know what’s new inside Universal Studios Hollywood.
January 7, 2015 – In this episode, Jonathan Green, Christopher Lord, Christopher Tillman and Kaley Cyrino wrap up year with an overview of some of Universal Studios Hollywood’s biggest moments of 2014. Audio Direct download: January 4, 201 PodcastiTunes link: (022) January 4, 2015 PodcastOpening track: Fireworks by Nicholas Hooper Jonathan Green Jonathan Green is a contributing editor for Inside Universal. Jonathan has been going to Universal for over 25 years, developing a deep passion for the theme park and its historic films. His real passion involves Universal Studios Hollywood’s storied past and how it eventually transformed from a movie…
December 21, 2014 – Shrek 4D has reopened following a brief refurbishment with a modified entrance, preshow and queue. While still in an unfinished state, Shrek 4D’s newly modified queue has replaced the temporary barricades and entrance in front of the theater in favor of a walled pathway leading to the original preshow entrance towards the back of the show building. The hallway towards the back of the theater remains, though its access is now closed from the public. The attraction’s temporary tent entrance has also been replaced with safety disclaimers and a faux-digital display board affixed to show’s nearby…
Terry Winnick, former Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood, passed away last month on November 25. He was 66. A Universal legend, pioneer, innovator and tour guide, Terry Winnick oversaw the crucial design, development and rise of Universal Studios Hollywood during its formative years. Winnick would later oversee the development and design of Universal Studios Florida, with particular focus on Universal’s opening attractions, including Back to the Future: The Ride, Kongfrontation, Earthquake and Jaws. In his later years, Winnick would later serve as the President of International Resort and Leisure Operations, an architectural firm based on…
December 7, 2014 – In this episode, Christopher Tillman, Kaley Cyrino and Jon Fu discuss this year’s opening Grinchmas ceremony, the demolition of Victoria Station, Shrek 4D’s refurbishment, CityWalk’s New Year’s Even plans and more! Audio Direct download: December 7, 2014 PodcastiTunes link: (020) December 7, 2014 PodcastOpening track: Minions Mambo by Pharrell Williams Jon Fu Jon Fu is the editor-in-chief of Inside Universal. Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood.” Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and…
November 25, 2014 – Universal in the process of demolishing the venue that once encompassed Universal’s House of Horrors, Hollywood Photoland and the Blues Brothers stage, Inside Universal has learned. As Inside Universal originally reported in late October/early November, the demolition of the Blues Brothers stage and Hollywood Photoland (alongside the surprising development that Victoria Station will also be demolished) is a concentrated effort by Universal to bring more cohesion to the entrance of the park. While Universal has confirmed that the new venue will house retail, entertainment and dining options, speculation had namely centered upon the extent to which…
November 24, 2014 – In this episode, Chris Glass and Jon Fu discuss Chris’ recent trip to Universal Studios Japan. Audio Direct download: November 22, 2014 PodcastiTunes link: (019) November 22, 2014 Podcast Jon Fu Jon Fu is the editor-in-chief of Inside Universal. Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood.” Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and around the world – including to places like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore. Jon currently resides…
November 18, 2014 – Shrek 4D will be undergoing routine refurbishment between December 2 and December 19, Inside Universal has learned. While Shrek 4D is slated to receive a permanent queue in the future in preparation for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this short turnaround suggests modest refinements to the existing show. Debuting in 2003, Shrek 4D has seen a slew of modifications as Universal Studios Hollywood continues to embark on its ambitious five year plan, beginning with the opening of Transformers: The Ride – 3D in 2012 and culminating with the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry…