Category: Jurassic World

‘Jurassic World Amber Collection’ by Mattel Revealed at SDCC – GameStop Exclusive – Available for Pre-order Now!

Posted on by Chris Pugh

Preview night roared into action yesterday at the San Diego Convention Center for San Diego Comic Con 2019, and with it many new Jurassic World reveals occurred! Perhaps most notably is the official unveiling of Mattel’s 6 inch scale Jurassic World collectors series – the Amber Collection:

To bring the Amber Collection line to life, Mattel has partnered up with GameStop as the exclusive retailer for the exciting lineup. With GameStop comes a great but simple opportunity for collectors – the ability to pre-order the items, guaranteeing you the toy upon its release date. GameStop is no stranger to pre-orders, and offers this for all their upcoming products such as videogames and consoles, which meant they were a perfect fit for high demand collectors items such as these!

The initial wave of items in the Amber Collection are a Dr. Ian Malcolm figure from Jurassic Park, and a Jurassic Park female Velociraptor – and they are available for pre-order now! Dr Malcolm is available here, the Velociraptor is available here, and a online exclusive bundle pack is available here! We strongly reccomend you pre-order ASAP (whether online or at your local GameStop store), as with any exclusive item and collectors lineup, the availability will be more limited than the other toys with the potential of selling out.

The pictures show just how detailed each of these items are, and gives a great look at their amber themed display stands. Malcolm and the female classic Velociraptor are expected to ship this October, so be sure to pre-order now. No word yet on when Owen and Blue will be available, nor what the packaging will look like, but we expect those reveals to happen soon!

We’re on the floor at San Diego Comic Con, so stay tuned for more coverage and pictures on our website and social media channels. We had the chance to talk to GameStops James Parker about the Jurassic World Amber Collection, so keep your eyes peeled on our site for the full interview soon!

What are your thoughts on the Jurassic World Amber Collection, and what other dinosaurs and humans would you like to see? As always, let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for all the latest news!


Jurassic Outpost Is Headed To San Diego Comic Con!

Posted on by Corey Anderson

Hold on to your butts, everybody! We are more than happy to announce that for the first time ever, Jurassic Outpost is headed to San Diego Comic Con. The year’s premiere event for pop culture and geek fandom is celebrating its 50th iteration of the convention, and organizers are sparing no expense heading into next week. To honor the legacy of the 50th San Diego Comic Con, Jurassic Outpost is following suit as we dive into our first ever Comic Con appearance. The event is a planned to last four days starting on Thursday, July 18, and ending on Sunday, July 21. A special preview night is also scheduled for Wednesday evening on July 17.

Jurassic Outpost writers Samantha Endres and Corey Anderson will be on the ground at the San Diego convention center every day covering all the newest Jurassic updates Comic Con has to offer, from new toy releases to interviews with Jurassic VIPs. The event is rife with opportunities and our team is dedicated to reporting as much as possible over the course of next week. If you happen to spot either of our writers waiting in a line or wandering the convention floor, feel free to stop and say hello!

We are also excited to announce that we are bringing some exclusive prizes to give to fans and followers at this year’s San Diego Comic Con. If you or someone you know will be at in San Diego this week, be sure to follow Jurassic Outpost on Twitter for some exciting announcements about our giveaways from the Con. Trust us, these giveaways are not something you will want to miss. Keep your eyes peeled for some scavenger hunt locations as we drop our prizes outside the convention center. You may even be able to snag a poster signed by Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow if you’re quick enough!

Do you have anything you would like to see us cover at San Diego Comic Con? Comment below and we will try our best to bring you the latest and greatest SDCC50 has to offer!

 

 

‘Jurassic World the Ride’ Officially Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Posted on by Chris Pugh

It’s official – the Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios Hollywood has opened its gates! While the park has been letting guests ride the new attraction recently as part of technical rehearsals, it was not formally open. However, Universal surprised everyone today with the official announcement!

Universal City, CA, July 12, 2019 – It’s official: Universal Studios Hollywood’s mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” opens and It Just Got Real.

Inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s JURASSIC WORLD blockbuster films, this spectacular new thrill ride features the film’s stars, Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong, who reprise their roles as Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Dr. Henry Wu, and soars to new heights with the addition of iconic dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus.

“Jurassic World—The Ride” captures the essence of the blockbuster movies and comes to life in collaboration with the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award®-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall.

The elaborately themed all-new “Raptor Encounter” where Blue, the beloved Velociraptor from the JURASSIC WORLD movies, engages with guests in daring face-to-face encounters, along with the addition of two new dinosaurs – a Baby Raptor with her Raptor Handler and a life-size Triceratops who greet guests outside the “Jurassic World—The Ride” entrance, further enhance the entire experience. Plus, a new interactive “Dino Play” area is designed to inspire children of all ages to explore and excavate giant dinosaur fossils.

Costa Rican-inspired cuisine and flavorful Tiki cocktails served at Jurassic Café and all-new tropical Isla Nu-bar add to the dynamic guest experience while an array of souvenir collectible, limited edition and one-of-a-kind dimensional dinosaur sculptures from the Jurassic Outfitters store invite guests to savor a piece of this exciting thrill ride even after they have gone home.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

Numerous POV videos are available online from the new Jurassic World ride, so if you’re eager to experience it online prior to visiting the parks, just check out YouTube – or stay tuned, as we’re visiting the park later this month and will provide our own coverage! The ride itself opens with a innovative screen based Mosasaurus encounter, which is adaptive to time of day and weather according to Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow. However, in the videos online, the time of day effect has yet to be seen, so perhaps todays opening will mark its debut. Likewise, the Indominus Rex in videos online is reportedly not at 100% animation, and will likely be even more interactive soon!

Be sure to stay tuned for our full review of the Jurassic World makeover coming later this month after we visit! Will you be visiting the park, or have you already rode the ride? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think!

‘Jurassic World: Amber Collection’ – Mattel’s 6 Inch Scale Collectors Line Revealed!

Posted on by Chris Pugh

Since the release of the Mattel Jurassic World lineup in 2018, dinosaurs have truly ruled the toy shelves, calling attention from fans and collectors alike. Last year during San Diego Comic Con 2018, Mattel promised a new format for the Jurassic World line: a 6 inch collectors series. Since that reveal, which included Owen Grady, Malcolm, and Velociraptor Blue, it’s been radio silence – however, prior to SDCC 2019 we finally have new pictures and details!

Releasing under the title of the ‘Jurassic World Amber Collection’, this line is aimed at collectors and is sculpted in a 6 inch scale (the core line is a smaller 3 3/4 inch scale). The range will launch with 2 figures based upon the original Jurassic Park: Dr Ian Malcolm, and a classic female Velociraptor. Read their descriptions below for all the details!

Dr Ian Malcolm

​Relive the exciting big-screen action with the Jurassic World Amber Collection! This collection spans the film franchise and features highly collectible and extremely posable action figures with authentic decoration and deluxe detail. The Dr. Ian Malcolm action figure is inspired by the original Jurassic Park film and captures not only his wit and sarcasm, but his deep respect for the power of nature. Action figure is approximately 6.5-inches and includes a stand for display, an extra pair of hands for enhanced play action plus flare and water cup accessories. Take home the excitement of Jurassic Park with this exciting Dr. Ian Malcolm action figure! Collect other action figures in the Amber Collection! Each figure sold separately, subject to availability. Colors and decorations may vary. For ages 4 and up.

Velociraptor (female)

​Relive the exciting big-screen action with the Jurassic World Amber Collection! This collection spans the film franchise and features highly collectible and extremely posable action figures with authentic decoration and deluxe detail. The Velociraptor dinosaur action figure is inspired by the original Jurassic Park film and captures not only her aggression but her intelligence traits as well. Action figure is approximately 6.5-inches and includes a stand for display. Take home the excitement of Jurassic Park with this exciting Velociraptor dinosaur action figure! Collect other action figures in the Amber Collection! Each figure sold separately, subject to availability. Colors and decorations may vary. For ages 4 and up.

The Velociraptor and Malcolm both have seen quite a few revisions and improvements since their 2018 reveals. Most obviously, the Velociraptor is no longer based upon Jurassic World’s Blue, while Malcolm himself looks more proportionate, and less ‘Jeff Swoleblum’ as some had dubbed him. Take a look at their prior reveals below to compare:

At this point there is no word on availability or pricing, though the current buzz is these items will be retailer exclusive. With San Diego Comic Con 2019 opening its doors in less than 10 days, we wouldn’t be surprise to see and learn more soon – though it remains unconfirmed that the toys will be on display at the show. Further, while Owen is currently not available with the latest batch of information, we suspect he will make it to store shelves at some point (although we would welcome a Jurassic Park focus, with Grant and Sattler first).

Be sure to stay tuned, as more images and information are sure to roar online soon! Until then, sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think of the Amber Collection toys!


Jurassic World at Universal Studios Hollywood Revealed – Soft Opens of the Ride Begin and New Dinosaurs Debut!

Posted on by Corey Anderson

The grand opening of the Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios Hollywood is right around the corner and the park has really ramped up activities and stores in preparation for the launch. Just last month, we saw the opening of Isla Nu-Bar, a spirited effort of serving up the latest and greatest cocktails a dino-enthusiast might ever want to enjoy. Spare no expense.

Universal has raised the gate on another attraction sure to drive kids out of their mind: a baby raptor encounter. Pictures and videos have surfaced showing Universal employees dressed in Owen Grady wardrobe carrying a juvenile raptor around to park-goers of all ages. The raptor wrangler engages with people by allowing them to pet the baby raptor under its chin or even having the raptor briefly lash out for dramatic effect. Check out the video below the raptor and wrangler in action.

The great thing about this new addition to the Jurassic World section is just how mobile it is. With the traditional encounter, attendees are relegated to standing in a line and waiting for their photo opportunity with the larger Blue velociraptor. Now, the baby raptor can come to you. What this new raptor lacks in gesticulations, it completely makes up for in utter adorableness. The wranglers we have seen so far look to be doing an amazing job with their new dinosaur partners.

Universal has also unveiled another new mobile attraction this week in the form of a GIANT roaming Triceratops. The creature wanders around in the Jurassic World section interacting with guests as it passes. This is a huge addition to the current lineup in this section of the park. The animatronic looks fantastic as it lumbers around the area. The eyes may look a little off on this creature, but the rest of it is simply stunning. Check out the trike in action in the video below.

The newly redesigned Raptor Encounter is also now up and running. This attraction features a full size Blue character that can pose for pictures and scare nearby parkgoers with a wide range of movements and familiar sounds. The redesign adds a containment unit similar to the raptor pen enclosure in the first Jurassic World film to serve as a backdrop for photographs with guests. Check out the new setup below.

Last, but certainly not least, the Jurassic World ride itself has begun testing with Universal employees and VIP guests at the park. These soft opens are a way for the park to unofficially debut the ride to guests, and work out any last minute issues. Videos of the ride have emerged on YouTube giving us a POV shots of the entire ride. Honestly, most are not the best quality video and recommend people refrain from watching, to avoid spoilers. However, for those who can’t wait – check out the embed below!

Our opinion? Wait until you get the chance to visit the ride itself. The video shows a promising start, but chances are that finishing touches still need to be made and the best way to experience the ride will (obviously) be in person.

What do you think of all the new attractions opening up at Universal Hollywood? Does this get you excited for when the actual Jurassic World ride opens sometime this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for more news about the ride opening soon!

‘Jurassic World Alive’ Expands with Exciting New Sanctuaries Update!

Posted on by Alex Evans

The ‘Jurassic World Alive’ released their 1.8 update, which now includes Sanctuaries!

In the game, the DPG uses Sanctuaries as safe places to feed and care for prehistoric creatures. You can feed, interact, and play with any of creatures that are placed in a Sanctuary. Feeding time includes goats for the carnivores, while herbivores get bunches of greens! He’s gonna eat the goat?!

While not indicative of gameplay, the live-action CG dinosaurs in the ad are quite exciting – it’s rare for Jurassic to see film quality visuals in expanded materials, and we’ll happily take more like it! Now if only they’d feature some of the more obscure dinosaurs from the films that we didn’t get to spend as much time with. For a real look at the update, check out the images below!

The DPG has built dinosaur Sanctuaries all over the world to help DPG members protect and care for their creatures. Place your creatures in these Sanctuaries to feed, play, and interact with them, then collect their DNA. Work together with other players to improve your Sanctuaries, care for each other’s creatures, and get more rewards!

Work with other DPG members to care for the creatures to receive DNA and rewards that help level up the Sanctuaries. This allows players to get up close and personal with their dinosaurs, and build a more authentic relationship with their digital prehistoric friends. Being able to play and feed the creatures makes the Sanctuaries feel a bit like a Jurassic Tamagotchi!

In other ‘Alive’ news, the ‘Battle at Big Rock’ Allosaurus and Nasutoceratops will be coming to the game in a future release! A first look was dropped on Twitter earlier this week:

While the Nasutoceratops looks to be an incredible addition to the Jurassic roster, we’re not so sure about that “Allosaurus” – in fact there has been some speculation online that it may not be an Allosaurus at all, as it doesn’t look anything like the species in question. However, the game labels it as such, and it does match the equally non-Allosaur Mattel toy. If Big Rock does feature that design, it means the Allosaurus design attempts are 0/2, but maybe third time is the charm with Jurassic World 3?

Design issues aside, we’re even more intrigued by what Battle at Big Rock may be – from toys to game tie ins, it’s being treated more and more like the films themselves, and not just a simply web feature. Even stranger is how the external media is being released, but nothing has been officially announced. We’re not sure what is going on, but we are excited!

If you play Jurassic World Alive, are you enjoying the Sanctuaries? Also, what new features would you like to see added to the game? Let us know in the comments!

First Look at Universal Hollywood’s New Dinosaur Animatronics from Jurassic World the Ride

Posted on by Chris Pugh

Summer is here, and the ever elusive opening date for Jurassic World the Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood draws closer and closer. While the exact date has yet to be revealed, the brand new attraction opens sometime this Summer, and the marketing continues to amp up. In a new behind the scenes feature, details from the ride are teased, and we’re given our first peak at some of this river adventures tantalizing dinosaurs — check it out below!

While the video doesn’t go into much new detail if you’ve been following the updates closely, the appearance of dinosaurs – particularly the Indominus Rex – are brand new. In the video Jon Corfino – part of the Universal creative team – does reveal that Blue the Velociraptor will indeed feature within the ride, and hints at the much expected showdown between the Indominus and Tyrannosaurus Rex within the rides climax. Jon also talks about the innovative new part of the ride which will mix practical and screen based elements to bring the gigantic Mosasaurus to life.

We’re also given a peek at the returning Dilophosaurus and Parasaurolophus, both legacy dinosaurs from its original Jurassic Park ride iteration. While not featured in the video, it’s been confirmed that the mother and baby Stegosaurus will also return, though we’re unsure on how the animatronics and designs may have been updated for the Jurassic World rebrand. As previously mentioned, Blue will make her debut in the ride, but we’re also hopeful her more deadly and wild counterparts from Jurassic Park will also reappear.

While there is no date for the rides opening yet, many areas of the Jurassic section are now open, such as Jurassic Outfitters, Jurassic Cafe, and the brand-new Isla-Nu-Bar. While the new Raptor Encounter has yet to open its paddock gates, that experience is expected to roar to life soon – so stay tuned for more updates!

What do you think of the new Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, and do you plan to visit once it opens? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to keep your eyes on Jurassic Outpost for more updates!


Jurassic World’s Isla Nu-Bar and Jurassic Café Open at Universal Studios Hollywood

Posted on by Samantha Endres

Image via California Informer on Twitter!

The brand new Isla Nu-Bar and the updated Jurassic Café opened today at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Costa Rican-inspired cuisine and flavorful Tiki cocktails served at Jurassic Café and all-new tropical Isla Nu-bar add to the dynamic guest experience as part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s new mega attraction opening this summer, “Jurassic World—The Ride,” based on the JURASSIC WORLD blockbuster films.

Borrowing its name from the fictitious Central American island in the JURASSIC WORLD movies, the stand-alone, open-air Isla Nu-bar, complete with a thatched roof, serves up tropical-themed Tiki cocktails in three collectible cups: Etched Tiki, Bamboo-styled Tiki and Tiki God.

Whether blended or made-to-order with fresh juices, every aromatic blended drink is adorned with a pineapple leaf and edible orchid flower. Flavorable beverages include Tropical Margarita, Piña Colada and Painkiller, along with island cocktails such as Tiki Tai, Bird of Paradise, Ti Peach, Rum Runner and Mai Tai.

With Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef Marie Grimm at the helm, the new Jurassic Café caters to a selection of Costa Rican-themed cuisine, inspired by the location of the JURASSIC WORLD movies. Mouth-watering menu items include Sweet Corn Cakes with Slow Roasted Mojo Pork or Spicy Mojo Jackfruit, Citrus Glazed Chicken, Fresh Roasted Red Snapper and Isla Burger. Tempting starters include savory Chorizo and Potato Empanadas, Crispy Lettuce Leaf Roll with Shrimp, Tropical Fruit Salad and Pomegranate Guacamole with plantain chips. All entrees will be accompanied by fresh green papaya salad and Costa Rica’s national dish, Gallo Pinto – traditional rice and beans.

The food and drinks are looking incredible, although we do wish the drinks had appropriately Jurassic World themed names. We can’t wait to fully explore this area, its new secrets and fun to be had, plus ride the Jurassic World ride when it eventually opens later this Summer! In the meantime, more information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com, and be sure to follow their social media pages for all the latest updates!.

Has anybody tried the new drinks or food yet? Let us know in the comments!

Let’s Talk About the Color of the Jurassic Park Velociraptors (They’re Not Green)

Posted on by Corey Anderson

Last August, we took you on a deep dive through the different variants of Velociraptor the Jurassic Park franchise introduced us to over the years. Today, we delve a little further into a specific aspect of the raptors of the first movie to debunk a common misconception that has plagued fans and Universal collaborations for years: the original Jurassic Park Velociraptors were NOT green.

The misconception of the green velociraptor has been perpetuated ever since promotional material from Jurassic Park hit the mainstream in 1993. The main culprit for this fallacy stems from a particular set of photos that most people have stumbled across at one point or another. Here is just a taste of few pictures from that set.

Green Velociraptors? Not quite… read on.

As you can see, these pictures give the raptors a faint, but noticeable, green tint to their skin. This mis-color can be attributed to several factors: blue stage lighting, a set full of green plants, and post-shoot color corrections.

This has been problematic for a variety of reasons, but the issue has really spread like wildfire when it comes to merchandising. Mattel’s recent Legacy Collection has been a hit with casual fans and serious collectors alike, but the toy line is not without its faults. In this case, raptor color is, well…the big one. Take the Muldoon/Raptor figurine set for example. The ill-fated park warden is sporting his signature khaki look, but we cannot say the same about the accompanying Velociraptor.

Green, green, and more green. Since the green raptor promo pictures were some of the most common materials distributed by Universal, it would not be a stretch to speculate that many partners, like Mattel, are pulling the color palettes for their toys directly from those images. Perhaps even Universal believes this is the proper color? The result is a recreation that is not exactly authentic to the source material. And let’s take a look at the SDCC Exclusive Hammond figure that Mattel just announced. See if you can predict where we might take issue with the set.

You guessed it. Another green raptor (and as one commenter comically noted, a stand that resembles “a bowl of guacamole”). Tasty Mexican food similarities aside, the raptor color is the real takeaway. So, while many of you know what we’re about to say, let’s set the record straight. Without any doubt, we can tell you the Jurassic Park raptors were BROWN. Photos unmarred by color corrections or studio lighting reveal exactly how the predators were supposed to look.

Stan Winston’s studio took great care in creating the scariest possible version of the Velociraptor, including the color selection. The finished product was a molted brown color to allow the animals to blend in with the earthy tones of the Costa Rican forest. And you do not just have to take our word for it. The folks over at the Stan Winston School have shared numerous pictures of the original animatronic raptors.

Check it out below!

As you can see, not a hint of green. Just watch the film!

The Winston team put so much work into building the scariest and most advanced and lifelike animatronics on the planet for Jurassic Park, as you can tell from the painstaking details in each figure. In our minds, it’s time we honor the legacy of Stan Winston’s work and get these toy raptors (or any other homages to the original, like potential appearances in Jurassic World Live Tour or Camp Cretaceous) back to the way they were meant to be colored…Brown, inspired by a Leopard.

What do you think about the colors used for the raptors in toy sets? Does the green color bother you? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think!

LEGO Jurassic World “Jurassic Park: T. rex Rampage” Collectors Gate Set Revealed!

Posted on by Chris Pugh

Today, celebrating the 26th anniversary of Jurassic Park’s theatrical release, LEGO has a very special new Jurassic World set announcement. Based upon the iconic gates from the beloved film, the ‘Jurassic Park: T. rex Rampage’ set is a must have for collectors and fans alike. Check out our video below, and read on for all the details!

Enjoy an advanced building experience and relive classic movie moments with LEGO® Jurassic World 75936 Jurassic Park: T. rex Rampage. This collectible construction toy includes 3,120 building bricks and features the original Jurassic Park’s iconic gate and a large, fully posable, brick-built T. rex dinosaur toy which is ideal for display. The trigger-activated gate is framed by a wall incorporating 7 detailed, brick-built scenes inspired by the movie, such as John Hammond’s dining room, Ray Arnold’s control room and a bunker for Ian Malcolm. A must-have for Jurassic World fans, this toy construction set includes 6 minifigures and baby dinosaur figure, plus a minifigure display stand with T. rex facts plate.

• This dinosaur toy set includes 6 minifigures: John Hammond, Ian Malcolm, Ellie Sattler, Alan Grant, Ray Arnold and Dennis Nedry, plus a baby dinosaur figure.

• Brick-built LEGO® T. rex dinosaur toy features snapping jaws, posable head, arms, legs and tail.

• The brick-built LEGO® version of the original Jurassic Park’s iconic gate has an opening function, jungle leaves and flame elements.

• The wall framing the gate features a buildable dinosaur nest with 2 cracked egg elements at the top and other brick-built scenes inspired by the movie, including: a bunker with a buildable bed for Ian Malcolm, flashlight and fire extinguisher, plus ladder and display case elements; power shed for scene with Ellie Sattler; John Hammond’s dining room with table and minifigure chair, plus ice cream, spoon and 3 cookie elements; Ray Arnold’s control room with a buildable desk, 3 computers and a minifigure chair; scene with a buildable bathroom; scene for Dennis Nedry with a buildable mud slide and shaving cream can.

• This display toy model also includes a buildable minifigure display stand with T. rex facts plate

.• Accessory elements include John Hammond’s hat and cane, and Alan Grant’s hat and dinosaur claw.

• John Hammond, Ray Arnold and Dennis Nedry minifigures are new for June 2019.

• This collectible toy building set includes 3,120 pieces and makes a great dinosaur gift for adults.

• Jurassic Park gate measures over 16” (42cm) high, 18” (48cm) wide and 5” (14cm) deep.•T. rex dinosaur measures over 8” (22cm) high, 27” (69cm) long and 6” (17cm) wide.

This set will only be available in LEGO stores, and shop.lego.com with a release date of June 19th for LEGO VIPS and July 1st for everyone else. Its retail price is $249.99, and is recommenced for ages 16 up.

Are you a fan of the new LEGO Jurassic Park collectors set, and will you be picking it up? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for even more news this Jurassic June!