The third season of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous made its debut on Netflix in May of this year, continuing the story of six campers stranded on the ill-fated Isla Nublar. The season opens 6 months after the campers were left behind after the fall of Jurassic World, eventually aligning with Fallen Kingdom’s opening moments. After numerous trials and tribulations for the gregarious gang, the season closed with the kids finally sailing away from Isla Nublar…
But the number one question has been what comes next – and when?
We’ve known a 4th season is coming: Jurassic World Director Colin Trevorrow has said his favorite moments from the show will take place in it — not to mention last we saw of the campers they were unaware of something else lurking in the lower cabins of the yacht they’re now adrift upon. For our speculation on what the season will entail, I strongly suggest checking out the video below where we outline the evidence pointing to the return of Isla Sorna:
As for the release date of Camp Cretaceous Season 4, we’ve been long reporting that it would be a longer wait than normal to better align with the ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ debut. Since early this year we had been hearing Season 4 would release this December, with the fifth season dropping after Dominion in July of 2022 – and newly revealed tie-in books for the fourth season support this.
Given the January 4th, 2022 release date for the books, we suspect the season will release December 24th or 17th, 2021. For some added context, every season of Camp Cretaceous has landed on Netflix on a Friday, and each season had multiple tie-in books that would release roughly 4 – 10 days later. If Season 4 adheres to the same schedule, December 24th is the most probable date.
We go into more detail about all of this in our YouTube video, including what the ‘Rescue Mission’ title may mean – so check it out!
When you take past marketing schedules for Camp Cretaceous into consideration, this means the first trailer will most likely hit in October. However, given the longer time between seasons we’re still hopeful to see something this month – perhaps on September 18th, the one year anniversary of the Camp Cretaceous premiere!
Are you looking forward to the fourth season of Camp Cretaceous, and what do you hope to see happen? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for the latest news!
Hold on to your butts – months of rumors about a potential Jurassic World and Transformers crossover have come true! Today Hasbro has announced an all new set based upon an iconic moment from the very first Jurassic Park: Tyrannocon Rex vs Autobot JP93!
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), Universal Brand Development and Amblin Entertainment today revealed the first-ever TRANSFORMERS X Jurassic Park collaboration. The iconic T.Rex and Ford Explorer from the blockbuster 1993 film, Jurassic Park, are now TRANSFORMERS robots – TYRANNOCON REX and AUTOBOT JP93. The new TRANSFORMERS X Jurassic Park figure and vehicle pack celebrates the groundbreaking, ultimate thrill ride, Jurassic Park, which brought audiences to an island theme park populated by dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA… and we all know what happened next!
Welcome…to Jurassic Park. TYRANNOCON REX is on the loose, and it’s up to AUTOBOT JP93 to track her down and stop her from wreaking havoc. Both figures feature a combined 260 unique decos and details inspired by fan-favorite moments from Jurassic Park. The TYRANNOCON REX figure converts into T.rex mode in 27 steps and features detailed molded dino texture. The figure features an all-new head mold and stands at 7 inches.
Fans will also enjoy a nostalgic interpretation of one of the iconic vehicles from the film, as the AUTOBOT JP93 figure converts into licensed Ford Explorer mode in 18 steps. The figure stands at 5.5 inches and comes with a blaster accessory that can attach to the figure in both modes. Dr. Alan Grant and the Game Warden inspired both the JP93 hat in bot mode and the JP93 blaster accessory.
Both figures are contained within packaging inspired by the unforgettable scene in Jurassic Park when the T. rex gets loose from her enclosure and crushes the Ford Explorer. The packaging also includes a cardboard backdrop illustration of the T. rex’s cage, so that fans can recreate the iconic scene, in addition to T. rex footprint graphics on the back of the pack.
TRANSFORMERS robots have always been… More than Meets the Eye, but now, through the TRANSFORMERS Collaborative, fans can experience these larger-than-life characters as they team up, mash up, and meet up with other characters, teams and people who share this same special quality. It is a world of constant change where things are not what they seem.
The TYRANNOCON REX figure and AUTOBOT JP93 vehicle pack are available now at $104.99 for pre-order on Amazon.com. A second release of the figure and vehicle pack will be available starting December 1, 2021, via HasbroPulse.com and select retailers worldwide.
This is a set I personally never expected, but would have killed for as a kid, and I fully expect it to be highly sought after by collectors. The Tyrannosaurus Rex in the set is inspired Megatron’s Tyrannosaurus form from Beast Wars (which the latest live-action Transformers movie ‘Rise of the Beasts’ is based upon), while ‘Autobot JP93’ is an all-new character with a more typical Transformers theme.
What do you think of this Transformers and Jurassic Park collaboration, and will you be picking up the set? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more Jurassic news!
Hot off the heels of learning we’ll get our first look at ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ exclusively during IMAX screenings of ‘Fast and the Furious 9’, we now have details about what the exclusive preview entails!
Opening up 65 million years in the past, we will see the dinosaurs as they originally were, in their natural prehistoric environments. This includes newcomer Moros intrepidus, a small Tyrannosaurid which can be seen sporting full coat of feathery plumage in the below image. As for the larger species, sans feathers? That’s none-other than the much anticpated Giganatosaurus.
The IMAX® exclusive allows fans to see the biggest, boldest chapter in the Jurassic series yet on the biggest screen and in the most thrilling way possible. “As part of our celebration welcoming moviegoers back into theaters this summer, we couldn’t think of a more perfect way to say, ‘thank you’ to the hundreds of millions of Jurassic and Fast fans around the world,” said Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures. “This first look at Jurassic World: Dominion that Colin and his team put together is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Even better, there’s simply no more perfect place to experience both the Dominion Preview and F9 than on a massive IMAX® screen. This really is the ultimate movie-fan experience.”
The five-minute Special Extended Preview of Jurassic World: Dominion, which audiences will be able to experience in full-screen 1:90:1 IMAX® aspect ratio,includes a prologue to the film’s narrative and is set 65 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs roamed the entire Earth. The breathtaking, action-packed scenes, featuring Oscar® winner Michael Giacchino’s iconic score, reveal what Earth looked like long before humans existed and tell the origin story of how dinosaur DNA first came to be carried by a mythic mosquito. The Preview features seven new species of dinosaurs, created by the legendary Industrial Light & Magic, that have never been seen in any Jurassic film before. But the Preview doesn’t end there and holds some real trademark Jurassic surprises with dinosaurs later roaming an Earth that is decidedly less theirs alone.
“Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to see dinosaurs in their natural habitat,” director Colin Trevorrow says. “It may have taken a few decades, but with a little help from ILM, Universal and Amblin, it has finally happened. This Preview is just a glimpse of the film we’ve made. It’s an epic celebration of everything Steven Spielberg and Michael Crichton created, and I can’t wait to share it with the world next summer.”
The Preview will be available at IMAX® screenings of F9 in more than 40 countries and territories including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States and Vietnam. (In countries where F9 is opening earlier than June 25, the Preview will be available on opening day on IMAX® screens in those markets.)
“This sequence was made to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Luckily, IMAX theaters are back, and all over the world we’re returning to theaters because movies bring us closer together,” Trevorrow says. “I think we need that shared experience right now … maybe more than we ever have.”
This is a big day for Jurassic World, Park, and Paleontology (with a major caveat) fans alike. The appearance of feathered dinosaurs in the Jurassic franchise has been long requested, and it seems Dominion has spared no expense in giving them their much anticipated exciting debut.
As for what else the preview will showcase? We hear there will be lots of exciting T. rex action, modern day (and perhaps prehistoric), which will steal the show. Likewise, Dreadnoughtus, Quetzalcoatlus, Oviraptor, Nasutoceratops, and Iguanodon will showcase in the opening – all being entirely new, other than Nasutoceratops which featured in Battle at Big Rock.
As for the paleontological caveat — it seems Giganatosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex will cross paths, which is well, quite absurdly fictional. Not only were they from two separate continents, they were separated by more time than when man evolved from primates. In an age of misinformation, that’s frustrating to hear, as this will greatly misinform the public about these animals, and be a huge hinderance for proper paleo-science education.
That rant aside, it is incredibly exciting to hear so many new species will feature, and we cannot wait to see their paleo-accurate depictions. We can’t help but wonder how much the prehistoric Tyrannosaurus Rex design, featured on the poster with small hair-like feathers, will vary from its de-extinct Jurassic Park iteration. Likewise, will Mattel or other merch manufactures bring these designs to life? It certainly would make a great display with them next to one another!
Be sure to check out our breakdown of the footage here:
Tickets for ‘F9’ are on sale now — be sure to pick up your IMAX screening today!
Spoiler warning: If you’ve not seen Season 3 of Camp Cretaceous, this article goes into detail about numerous story elements. So if you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it. Seriously, it’s the best season yet.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we have some exciting new reveals from Matel’s Jurassic World toy line that will be hitting stores this Summer! The third Season of Camp Cretaceous made its debut on Friday, following the story of six teenage campers stranded on Isla Nublar after the demise of the park. As they struggle to survive and find a way to escape the dino-infested island, they encounter numerous species of dinosaurs during thrilling sequences.
With the third season of the Jurassic Netflix series, Mattel has brought even more dinosaurs from the show to life. Take a look at the all-new toys, and then learn more about the terrifying hybrid Scorpios Rex from showrunner Scott Kreamer below!
JURASSIC WORLD OCEAN PROTECTOR MOSASAURUS™
SRP: $34.99 | 4Y+
Be a part of the thrilling action and adventure with Jurassic World Ocean Protector Mosasaurus, the colossal swimming dinosaur which makes a big splash as a fan favorite in the blockbuster Jurassic World franchise.
This Mosasaurus action figure is inspired by the movie and comes in a massive size that will thrill fans at 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) high and 17 inches (43.2 cm) wide.
Realistic sculpting, moveable joints and articulation help this colossal creature come to life, including a wide-opening jaw.
The figure is made from 1 pound (454 g) of ocean-bound plastic; plastic that is sourced within 31 miles (50 km) of waterways in areas lacking formal waste collection systems.
The third season of Camp Cretaceous takes part roughly six-months after the fall of Jurassic World, which means the Mosasaurus is hungrier than ever, and will soon escape into the ocean (as seen during the opening of Fallen Kingdom – which also takes place about 6 months after Jurassic World). This of course leads to some must-see moments with the prehistoric marine reptile, making the aquatic terror a must-have toy for fans of the show and collectors alike.
However, this huge Mosasaur toy is more than just a series tie-in: it’s part of a new eco-friendly initiative Mattel has been launching on multiple fronts. The Mosasaurus toy is created from 1-pound of “Ocean-Bound” plastic, truly living up to its “Ocean Protector” title.
We’re excited to see Mattel finding news ways to reduce their ecological footprint and become more ‘green’, and hope to see more items boast similar programs in the future.
JURASSIC WORLD: CAMP CRETACEOUS SLASH ‘N BATTLE SCORPIOS REX
SRP: $24.99 | 4Y+
Get ready for more thrills and adventure with Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous! The all-new hybrid dinosaur revealed in season 3 (which premiered globally on May 21 on Netflix), Scorpios Rex, is extremely fast, dangerous and unpredictable—and unleashes terror with its poisonous quills.
Kids can relive all the action from the popular animated series with this larger-sized Slash ‘N Battle Scorpios Rex action figure featuring a dynamic claw slashing feature, a chomp and roar, plus a mighty tail whip attack.
To start the claw slashing action, push the button for a full-on arm extending slash and grab attack. Push the other button to activate a big chomp and roar, and pull the Scorpios Rex’s tail back to activate the spring-loaded motion for a surprise tail whip attack, too.
After months of speculation, the mysterious “E750” has been revealed: the Scorpios Rex. This hybrid dinosaur might be the scariest creature to appear in the larger Jurassic-universe, and is truly an abomination in the best possible ways. This was one of Dr. Wu’s earliest attempts at creating a hybrid, before the Indominus Rex and Indoraptor – it was deemed a failure and ordered to be destroyed by Simon Masrani. However, Dr. Wu decided to cryo-freeze the dangerous dino, which unfortunately thawed out in Season 2, pitting it against the campers in Season 3.
To learn more about the ‘S. rex’ we talked to showrunner Scott Kreamer to shed some light on this exciting new addition to Jurassic World lore:
“Predating the Indominus Rex and Indoraptor, the Scorpios Rex (or “E-750 project”) was Dr. Wu’s first foray into creating a hybrid dinosaur. As in many first attempts at creation, mistakes were made. We started hypothesizing in the writers’ room that the Indominus Rex couldn’t have possibly been Wu’s first shot at making a hybrid, which got us to thinking about what came before, and why was it unsuccessful.”
Scott went on to explain how the Scorpios not only filled a role within the backstory of hybrid dinosaurs, but also presented an opportunity to push the story of the campers forward in exciting new ways:
“At this point in the story, the campers have learned to survive amongst the dinosaurs on Isla Nublar. Not to the point of complacency, but still, they know the lay of the land. We wanted to shake things up and have them face something new and overwhelming, something that not even Darius’s dino knowledge, Sammy’s big animal expertise, nor their experiences on the island could possibly prepare them for.”
If you’ve seen the new season, you know how true that is. The Scorpios Rex is a bizarrely terrifying animal which feels unnatural and unpredictable. It’s not only a new challenge for the campers to face, it’s a new experience for the viewers, pushing into territory that the films had not yet ventured.
The Scorpios truly is the franchises first monster, perhaps reminding some fans of the scrapped attempts at dino-human hybrids which Jurassic Park 4 once considered. In fact, in some moments the Scorpios almost feels reminiscent of that now infamous art by Carlos Huante. To dig deeper into the DNA and design philosophy behind the proto-indominus, Scott went on to say the following:
“Since the Scorpios was the first step in creating the Indominus and Indoraptor, we definitely hoped fans would notice the family resemblance of the trio. Sort of like when you see those drawings detailing the evolution of man, we wanted to be able to visually see the evolution from the chaotic failed medical experiment that is the Scorpios, all the way to the sleek killer that is the Indoraptor.
We have taken great pains in the series to portray the dinosaurs as animals, not monsters. In the case of the Scorpios Rex, we wanted a monster. Aaron Hammersley and I had some initial thoughts, and then our design team took it and ran, playing a lot with proportions: the overly long arms, the thinner than usual torso, the poisonous quills. In addition, we tasked our animation team with making the Scorpios’s movements feel off, almost zombie-like, as if it wasn’t totally in control of its body and limbs. Top that off with some top-notch (and horrifying) sound design and amazing effects & lighting, and we had ourselves a monster.
Given that the Scorpios was Dr. Wu’s first shot at creating a hybrid dinosaur, we figured he’d throw the kitchen sink at it, genetically-speaking. Along with his go-to tree frog DNA and Scorpion fish DNA, the Scorpios also shares genetic make-up with (amongst others) T rex, velociraptor and carnotaurus.”
The Scorpios Rex may not be beautiful, but it is certainly stunning to look at, and is a deadly addition to Jurassic World. As someone who prefers to keep dinosaurs as animals, and the Jurassic films as dinosaur movies, I’m surprised to admit how much I enjoyed the Scorpios in season 3. From the design to its erratic behavior, it just clicked for me – and it felt just grounded enough, especially when juxtaposed against the other dinosaurs which seemed to look and act more like real animals than ever before in the modern-era of the franchise.
I wouldn’t want to see hybrids go any further into monster territory, but I feel the Scorpios found the perfect balance and really created a unique presence on screen. With that in mind, I can’t wait to get my hands on the latest toy from Mattel, which is due to hit shelves soon.
Are you a fan of the Scorpios Rex, and will you pick up its toy counterpart? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for more!
The park is closed, all the dinosaurs are running free and wild, and Isla Nublar’s fragile living system is losing all stability, falling into anarchy. Meanwhile, 6 teenage campers have been left behind on the island after missing the evacuation, struggling for survival for months. All the while, a new sinister threat creeps ever nearer.
After a decidedly divisive sophomore season that made some questionable tonal choices all while not pushing the story very far, we were anxiously looking forward to seeing what THIS season had in store. Would it be more akin the debut season, more in line with the reality of the feature films, or would it further embrace its animated freedom, and shake the shackles of sensibility and continuity, pushing for over-the-top, and quirky moments?
Releasing on May 21st, we’ve had a chance to watch the much anticipated third season of Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous! Here is our season 3 REVIEW:
Season 3 begins with a high-stakes escape attempt, after many previous failed attempts, that as you can imagine, also goes awry. Frustrated, the campers find themselves scouring the island once again for ways to finally escape Isla Nublar. This leads them to many exciting locations, both old and new. As they explore the island deeper they not only push their own story of escape forward, but uncover many new mysteries along the way – some of which are very much tied to the mysterious new dinosaur codenamed “E750”, which plays a big role in keeping the campers on their toes.
Best of all, some of the story promises larger reaching implications for the franchise in some very interesting ways.
It seems that with every season comes an improvement in animation, and season 3 is no stranger to that. The dinosaurs continue to look, act, and animate more and more like their big screen counterparts, and the lighting and shading on the characters and environments continues to evolve. The set pieces are thrilling yet logical, pushing the bounds of imagination and fun without breaking away from what we’ve come to expect from the films. From swooping hang glider chases to callbacks to The Lost World, the environments and dinosaurs are constantly creating adventure for the campers and the viewers alike.
Speaking of dinosaurs, the trailer teased the all-new Monolophosaurus, a species that has fast become one of our all-time favorites in both design and behavior. They really dig into a naturalistic yet primal behavior for the species, feeling incredibly fresh for Jurassic, yet entirely at home. We would love to see the Monolophosaurus appear in Dominion, and we imagine it is going to be a big hit from its fun scenes within the season.
Then, of course, there is the mysterious E750, which also feels more fresh than you may expect, has some decidedly terrifying scenes, and fun animation that really helps it stand out from past dinosaurs and hybrids. But that’s not all! The season brings back the Dimorphodons from Jurassic World, the Gallimimus, an adorable baby Brachiosaur, and the all-new herbivorous Ouranosaurus which will bring joy to fans of expanded Jurassic media like Operation Genesis. The season is a dino-lovers dream, and the sequences are thrilling, fun, and fresh, without delving into the occasional ‘jumping the shark’ embellishments like season 2.
The characters expand their relationships and understanding of the dinosaurs in this season, while those very concepts are challenged by the presence of the E750. Bumpy continues to be a fun addition to the show, and does not lack her playful personality, yet feels more plausible and grounded than her previous season 2 depiction. She provides not only a sense of security for Ben and the campers, but also a real connection to the dinosaurs for the audience.
The season is filled with growth and tension, and not just the dinosaur kind. Compelling characters are key to Jurassic, even when their stories are not always intertwined with the larger franchise as a whole.
Darius, Brooklyn, Ben, Yaz, Sammi, and Keni’s bond as a group continues to grow, however not without its challenges, as relationships between the group are tested, as are their survival skills. Their development marks an improvement over the second season, where it seemed much of the growth the characters made in season one was backtracked upon so that the characters could more fit their archetypal roles, often played for laughs over logic. While there is no shortage of playfulness in this season, we see real human growth, as the camper’s relationships evolve in compelling ways, while their trauma – from both off the island and on it – drive many of their decisions.
The campers are given some great scenes, with Ben and Darius sharing some truly compelling moments together. Darius still holds on to a sense of blame from dropping Ben during the monorail attack in the first season, while Ben must learn how to once again be a team player from his traumatic estrangement depicted in season 2. This all leads to some interesting dynamics that play out very authentically.
Kenji, Brooklyn, Yaz and Sammy also share some great development, pushing the story further while evolving them as individuals. Further speaking of pushing the story forward, Dr Wu features in the season in some fun ways, as you’ve seen from the trailers. We found that while his appearance may be limited, we’re finally given some insight into who he is as a person, what his motivations may be, and perhaps even how that could be applied to future Jurassic stories – such as Dominion.
While season two omitted a number of story beats setup in the first, the third seems to get the series “back on track” – so to speak – but does lack any form of storytelling outside of Isla Nublar itself. For example: Dave and Roxy were forced off the island in the first season after knowing full well the kids were still out there. Would these two camp counsellors just accept that all of the children perished – or would they still be fighting for their rescue? There is a missed opportunity here, and one we hope is revisited in future seasons! While this season does begin to tie closer to the stories of films, it would benefit from branching storylines and perhaps adult characters to help tie to the live-action universe in impactful and fresh ways.
Another storyline that was glossed over in the second season is Mantah Corp. Originally setup in season one as the potential “baddies”, they were virtually unmentioned in the second season, and this season does not make up for it. The bioengineering company is given a few small mentions, but feels more like a MacGuffin for Sammy, and ultimately leaves a lot to be desired. We really thought the organization would play a much larger role, especially after their intriguing and threatening setup in season one.
Season 3 however does benefit from an extension of the episode count, using the added storytime to the fullest extent. The two additional episodes are some of the best the series has offered so far, with high tensions across a perfectly executed finale. Overall it makes the story finally feel bigger and further aligns itself with the Jurassic World trilogy of movies.
The third season returns to the roots established in season one, the tone is believable, the stakes are high, and the writing is consistent, albeit perhaps held back by a cast consisting only of kids. The latest season doesn’t lean into the cartoon tropes that season 2 introduced, and instead allows the show to better re-appeal to fans of all ages. While perhaps not living up to the tv animation standards established by Avatar: The Last Airbender, Star Wars Clone Wars, and Rebels, Camp Cretaceous has a lot to offer in a franchise full of frights and adventure. This season shows that the show itself has the potential to become a first-class animated show, like the aforementioned outside examples – hopefully sooner rather than later. Camp Cretaceous has certainly proven itself – which should justify a higher budget allowing for larger set pieces, visual variety, and more expansive impactful storytelling.
Camp Cretaceous Season 3 is a true joyride that flies by, and easily stands as the best of the three. From nostalgic moments, to well-crafted set pieces, compelling character drama, and an engaging story, this was our favorite season yet, and we cannot wait to see how the story evolves and where it goes next.
Season 3 of Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is only a mere 7 days away, and anticipations are running high to see where the story goes next. The misadventures of the 6 campers stranded on Isla Nublar are sure to take an interesting turn, as the mysterious new Dino cooked up by Dr. Wu, “E750”, will makes its debut.
While not too much is know about the season outside of what the teaser and trailer have revealed, we now have a few more glimpses of the adventure to come thanks to the following clips and images.
First up, enjoy this extended sequence straight from the first episode of Season 3, featuring the animated debut of the fearsome flying reptiles known as Dimorphodon’s, and a perilous hang-gliding set piece:
It’s quite fun to see the Dimorphodons return, after their absence in 2018’s Fallen Kingdom. Not to mention the (re)confirmation that Jurassic World’s animals are clearly not all-female, and are breeding in the wild on Isla Nublar – which will surely be an interesting problem in 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion, with the dinosaurs now free on mainland.
Next up, we have a series of images shared by DreamWorks themselves, showcasing scenes from the trailers, and some all-new moments. From Bumpy the ankylosaurus, to what appears to be sequence including the ever enigmatic Dr. Wu, these pictures set the picture for a diverse season, promising an expansive story.
Fair warning, it’s possible some of those pictures may be late episode spoilers. For our breakdown of the images within, check out our video here:
Finally, and perhaps the most exciting for fans of Jurassic Park, is a new look at ‘E750’ shared by DreamWorks on social media. In what appears to be a clear callback to the Velociraptors in the kitchen sequence from the first film, we see the new lab-made-dino looking through a window of a door, which looks almost identical to Visitor Centers kitchen of the first park…
Whether or not this is that location remains to be seen, but the similarities are striking, and we can’t wait to see more of this season. We’re sure it will be a hit!
With just one week until Camp Cretaceous Season 3 comes out, be sure to stay tuned Jurassic Outpost for even more coverage. We’ll be sure to post a review of the season once we’ve seen it and can share, and will have much more to come!
Let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments below, and as a final sign-off, if you need a refresher on what happened in Season 2, check out our recap below!
Something is coming, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with you! Jack De La Mare and I have been hard at work on an exciting partnership with Jurassic World and Target to bring you Beyond the Gates – a new collectors focused web-series where we will be revealing all new Jurassic products, while digging into the DNA that brought the items to life.
Not too long ago Universal began discussions about this unique collaboration, and we hit the ground running to help design a show format that we hope excites you as much as it does us, from the fans for the fans. Our friends at Universal, Mattel, and Target shared our excitement and helped support us every step along the way as we began to play in this expansive Jurassic toybox, creating this little show.
We were given the keys, and a chance to not only to take the Jeep and drive – but to custom design it from the ground up. We worked with a handful of talented artists – including Lukas Vagt, Matt Henderson and Caleb Burnett – to support hatching the series, and evolve Beyond The Gates from concept to reality. This collaborative process has been a dream, and every party involved has been crucial in bringing this vision to life.
Today (February 17th) the first episode of Beyond the Gates made its debut exclusively on Target.com, with subsequent episodes to follow the third week of every month. Every episode feature your first look at all-new, upcoming Jurassic World reveals – and upon their reveal, they will become available for pre-order directly at Target.com.
Universal and ourselves not only want to use Beyond the Gates to share exclusive official content, but also to better inform the fans and collectors what is coming, when it will be available, while giving them a reliable way to secure those items for their collection before those opportunities go extinct. On top of that, we wanted to use this opportunity to let you hear directly from the masterminds who helped design the toys while taking a look at the development and evolution of the items via concept art, prototypes, and more!
The first episode of Beyond the Gates is here, and features a look at two long anticipated Amber Collection dinosaurs from the original Jurassic Park trilogy, accompanied by the expertise of Mattel’s own Chandra Hicks.
Watch now at Target.com!
If you’ve seen episode 1, and are looking for our ‘After Show‘ — stay tuned! We’ve hit the ground running on this project, and that one is coming in hot. As for what to expect, we’ll take a longer look at the Amber Collection reveals, hear more from Mattel’s Chandra Hicks, while showing off more concept art and early looks at the development of these toys!
We wanted to thank Universal Pictures for being so accommodating and entrusting us to help create this fan-focused show. We have so much more to come, and can’t wait to show you more of what waits BEYOND THE GATES.
At long last, a Jurassic World game that is not mobile-exclusive or a park builder has arrived! ‘Jurassic World: Aftermath’ is an immersive VR survival adventure game hitting platforms like the recently released Oculus Quest 2, featuring plenty of Dino-action, and compelling storytelling.
Check out the launch trailer below!
We’ve been playing this game the last couple of days, and will have plenty of exciting content hitting our YouTube channel soon – but until then, here are some of the basics you need to know:
‘Jurassic World: Aftermath’ is set 2 years after the events of Jurassic World, prior to events of Fallen Kingdom. You play as Sam, a voiceless protagonist serving as an avatar to the players, who was hired for an illegal asset retrieval mission on Isla Nublar. You were hired by Dr. Mia Everett, an ex Jurassic World geneticist who worked under Dr. Henry Wu. Everett accompanies you to the island and watches your every move via a body camera, all while speaking to and advising you as you explore (think Halo’s Cortana to Master Chief – only if the Chiefs main talent was hacking computers, and hiding in storage lockers).
Dr. Everett’s past with Dr. Wu comes into play throughout the story, as their time working at the park was mired with admiration, tension, and spite. Working on the Velociraptor genetics program together, they eventually butted heads and had a falling out – which could mean life or death on the island as Everett tries to salvage the mysterious operation, and figure out just who she can call for help.
This game is lore rich, with fantastic voice acting by Laura Bailey (Everett), BD Wong (Wu), and Jeff Goldblum (Malcolm). The story has everything to do with Velociraptors, and there is a lot to discover within – including some reveals that may have relevance in 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion. There is a lot to unpack there, and we will have more in-depth coverage soon!
The gameplay is focused on navigating the facilities (including the canonically important, and expanded universe favorite Geothermal Power Plant), getting certain system back online to unlock doors, access computers, and try to survive – all while dodging three Velociraptors. If you’re wondering where these new raptors came from, why they look different, and why they behave differently, worry not – the game has compelling answers for all those questions within the story.
This game has zero combat elements: your tool is your wit, using computer systems to distract the raptors as you crawl through vents, take cover behind tables, or hide within lockers all while hacking into computer systems, or looking for items needed to progress. You also have a flashlight, which you can use to spook the occasional Dilophosaurus, which will try ambush you from ventilation openings. All of this leads to exciting ‘raptors in the kitchen’ like moments of cat and mouse tactics, much like Alien Isolation at a smaller scale and budget.
While this games budget is notably smaller, the voice acting is top tier, as is the music. The story is incredibly compelling – and certainly seems to be canon – but shorter, and clearly episodic, with an expansion coming in 2021. The cel shaded visuals looks crisp, though I really can’t help but wonder if a more realistic style would have been better positioned for the VR format. After-all, it’s all about breaking the confines of a screen and bringing that world to life for the player. Thankfully, the gameplay is well polished, and that’s what really matters.
If you have a VR capable device, or are planning to pick something like the Oculus Quest 2 already, this game is not to be missed for Jurassic story fans (Side bar: also pick up Vader Immortal and SuperHot — they really are must-haves for the VR platform. They made me a believer.). If you’re waiting for more information, fair play as well! Be sure to stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost, where we will have in-depth video coverage coming, including a Quest 2 unboxing, lore videos, and a formal review in the days to come!
That’s, uh, chaos. Jeff Goldblum has shared an image of himself as Dr. Ian Malcolm, on the set of Jurassic World: Dominion, recreating his iconic pose from Jurassic Park. Take a look below!
Ok, so let’s get the inevitable out of the way – while this is on the set of the third Jurassic World film, and he is in costume, this picture is clearly something they staged for fun and is not in the movie. That said, if they somehow found a way to pull it off we might allow it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s just appreciate how full on classic Jurassic the chaotician looks here.
In the years leading up to the release of Jurassic World, there was a dire drought of cool merchandising to collect – however, since 2018 the market has certainly roared to life. There’s no shortage of fun Jurassic merch, so it often takes something special to really catch our eyes.
Thankfully the Captivz collection does just that by featuring the best mini Jurassic World dinosaurs out there.
Captivz: Original Edition collection compared to Cryo Can for scale
The new line of Pop ‘N Lock figures comes from Toy Monster, an Australian based company, which is where the line is currently for sale. But don’t worry – international availability is planned for 2021, and these new dinos should find their way nearer you soon!
So, what are Captivz? Here is official description for the Original Collection currently available in Australia:
With a collection of species and duplicates, players can challenge friends to battle rounds based on species, Aggression or Intelligence powers – the bigger your dinosaur army is, the stronger your defence line is and the more chance you have to win points and become the ultimate Captivz champion. Over 15 Pop n’ Lock Jurassic World dinosaurs are roaring to hatch out of slime eggs, including Rare, Ultra-Rare and Limited Edition metallic species. So un-wrap, crack and ooze your way through slime to reveal your mystery species – Pop n’ Lock your dinosaur and then, get ready to battle!
The collection includes: Blue, Blue (Gold), T. rex, T. rex (Silver), Indoraptor, Indoraptor (Bronze), Delta, Baryonyx, Stegosaurus, Sinoceratops, Triceratops, Stygimoloch, Pteranodon, Mosasaurus, Brachiosurus, and Indominus Rex.
They retail currently around 7 AUD (which converts to around $5), and pack a lot of bite for such a small price. As I said earlier, these are in my honest opinion the best Jurassic minifigs out there. Each dino comes in 3 parts for easy Pop-N-Lock assembly, and measure roughly 3 inches long, give or take. In size, they’re comparable to Mattel’s blind bag figures, but feel more solid, and are sculpted with far more detail. Likewise, the paint applications are often very impressive, calling to mind Papo with natural weathering and fine detailing.
And that’s where these figures really impress – not only are most clearly built from the ILM models, sporting eye pleasing accuracy and dynamic poses – they also often sport sharper sculpting and painting details than the core Mattel 3.75″ action figure line. This extra attention to detail shines: these catch the eyes even from a distance, and are easily recognizable to their film counterparts.
Take the Captivz Stygimoloch (one of my favorites), and compare it against the Mattel Attack Pack Stiggy ($7.99 MSRP) – despite the far smaller size and cheaper price, it sports an appearance more authentic to the films (that’s not a diss against Mattel there, but a commendation to the Captivz team). I can’t say enough good things for the detail (plus price), and I really believe Jurassic fans won’t want to miss out on this collection as it expands with new species in the future.
Or compare the Sinoceratops to the Mattel Sound Strike Sinoceratops – despite being dwarfed, its detail is more finely tuned and realistic looking. Captivz also make good use of compromises at the scale, such as the solid black eyes with a white paint reflection detail, which really bring the soul of this tiny dino to life.
While this line has no solid scale, with each dinosaur figure roughly the same size, they do pair quite well with 3.75″ action figures – if you consider them hatchlings. While the line focuses on adult dinos, it does feature one curious exception – the Stegosaurus. This adorable little dino might not fit with the rest of the line, but it looks phenomenal with a surprisingly detailed paint application, and pairs well with Mattel’s human figures, even if wholly unintended.
If you’re in Australia, you can hunt these down yourself at retailers such as Kmart – Otherwise, you can keep checking our site, or check out the official Jurassic World Captivz website here! We’re excited to see how this line evolves going into the future, and will have continued coverage on our site, including a hands on video soon.
Are you looking for new Jurassic Park merch to collect? Let us know what you think of the Captivz line below, and as always, stay tuned for all the latest news!
