Universal released more details on their upcoming park in Texas, now set to officially open in 2026!
Initially announced just over a year ago, the Texas park will be Universal’s first ever entirely children and family centered theme park. The other Universal destinations around the globe feature a mixture of attractions, shows, and events for all ages, but the all new Universal Kids Resort will have offerings specifically geared towards a younger audience.
VP and executive producer of Universal Creative Sarah Gibbon stated “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends They’ll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories – ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy.”
With that in mind, many have wondered what types of attractions, and IP properties we would see In 2024 Universal released two official pieces of conceptual art of an ariel views of all the lands that would make up UKR, and both included portions that appeared to be hinting at potential Jurassic themed sections.
Well, with the announcement of UKR opening in 2026, Universal also released what lands and characters we can expect to see- with Jurassic World being among them!
‘[At Jurassic World] Discoveries abound as kids learn about and come face to face with beloved dinosaurs of Jurassic World in uniquely exciting and interactive ways. The new adventure exclusively created for young explorers will be both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.’
Along with the land synopsis is a picture of everyone’s favorite juvenile ankylosaur Bumpy, from Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.
Along with Bumpy (and whatever other dinosaurs and characters from Jurassic World we may encounter,) guests can experience many other iconic lands and characters in this 97-acre theme park including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, and Gabby’s Dollhouse .
While there are no official details on what guests can specifically expect as far as rides and shows go for UKR, many fans will no doubt be scouring the previously released concept art for clues. And people can also sign up for news and updates on the official UKR site as well!
Tell us what you think. Are you excited for the all-new Universal Kids Resort? Will you be visiting? What kind of rides and experiences do you hope to see? Let us know in the comments!
From traveling museum exhibitions, to multiple educational books written by some of world’s leading scientists, and even donating nearly a million dollars of paleontological research through The Jurassic Foundation, Universal Pictures and Amblin have found many unique and inventive ways to utilize the Jurassic franchise to promote education through STEAM (an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and math.) Universal Destinations and Experiences now continues this trend with their latest student programing at Universal Orlando!
Jurassic World VelociCoaster: Breaking Down the DNA is an all new educational youth program that allows student attendees to discover the the collaborative and innovative world of ride design! Developed in partnership with Universal Pictures, students will explore how a diverse Universal team with varied backgrounds and skills aligned to collectively transform an idea into a multi-award winning ride. They’ll discover how ride design is a complex collaborative process the combines creativity and problem-solving to create an innovative, story-driven attraction.
Program Objectives include:
Exploring academic and professional interests connected to themed entertainment.
Examining how diverse perspectives drive innovative thinking.
Identifying how teamwork is fundamental in achieving a common goal.
How to describe storytelling elements and how they drive immersive experiences.
Explaining the importance of how research influences decision making.
The program is the latest in a series of STEAM centered events hosted at the parks that seek to engage students into exploring engineering, creativity, science, and teamwork. It’s also the latest way Universal has used the Jurassic franchise to promote education. Previously, in 2023, Universal Orlando hosted a STEAM Symposium themed around Jurassic Park’s 30th Anniversary, and Universal Orlando also offers a “Jurassic Paleobotany” program associated with their STEAM App Series, where students work together to describe the importance of understanding plants and environments of the past and present to create authentic, immersive, and themed environments.
Programs at Universal are intended for groups of twenty or more students, and reservations must be made ahead of time. Tours will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs are subject to availability. More details and resources for educators interested can be found on Universal Orlando’s Youth Programing website.
Coming off reopening Jurassic Park The Ride after an extended refurbishment, Universal Studios Japan has announced that they will be hosting a six-month long Jurassic interactive event!
From March 14, 2025, through August 31, 2025 (*dates subject to change) Universal Studios Japan will be hosting Jurassic World Journey, a special limited time event during daytime park hours with unique show offerings, special food, interactive missions, and more!
Take your family on a thrilling, new adventure to experience the dinosaurs from Jurassic World like never before! See the terrifying T. rex on a boat tour through the jungle. Meet and interact with adorable baby dinosaurs! And try not to scream during a tense encounter with a Raptor! You can also go on an all-new “”Mission Walk”” where you can explore the area while solving fun and exciting new puzzles along the way!’
So, lets break down exactly what guests can expect and experience during JW Journey!
ENTERTAINMENT OFFERINGS
There will be three “new” shows offered during the Jurassic World Journey event that will bring guests closer than ever to the park’s dinosaurs! Universal Japan has proven time and again that they love experimenting with live performance to showcase dinosaurs in their Jurassic Park area. Universal Japan has been the stage for a variety of Jurassic shows through the years since the 00’s, showcasing many different dinosaurs with each iteration (one of which even had a Spinosaurus!)
In “Dino Encounter” guests will be able to see some of the park’s herbivorous dinosaurs, like Triceratops and Stegosaurus, and will also have opportunities to pet and even feed the animals!
Complimenting the experience with the herbivores will be the “Baby Dino Adventure,” guests will experience the awe and wonder of interacting with a baby dinosaur and learn some fun new facts about the incredible species from its handler! You can even take a commemorative photo to have as a keepsake of this truly unforgettable and heartwarming moment!
Be careful though, because while the island is home to many magnificent and wonderful animals, danger also lurks around every corner! In “Raptor Alert” you find out that several raptors have escaped from their enclosures and have been spotted in the area! Be sure to take caution as you move throughout the area! Get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime as you try to avoid being trapped by the Raptor pack!
Universal is also planning the “ultimate adventure” for the whole family to enjoy with the Jurassic World “Mission Walk!” After picking up your mission booklet at Jurassic Outfitters (each guest can obtain one mission booklet per day), guests will explore the jungles of Jurassic World and complete their exciting missions throughout the Park! As you complete the various missions you’ll also encounter various dinosaurs hidden in the jungle. Every participant who completes all of the missions will receive an exclusive sticker as a gift!
The Jurassic section highlighted on the USJ map. ①Jurassic World Raptor Alert ②Jurassic World Dino Encounter ③Jurassic World Baby Dino Adventure ④Jurassic World Mission Walk
PHOTO OP
On top of the new entertainment offerings, there will also be a special photo op location where guests can get a commemorative photo with a Jurassic World gyrosphere!
FOOD OFFERINGS
The new T, Rex Burger, volcanic Strawberry and Chocolate Cupcake, and Ancient Sea drink.
Universal never misses an opportunity to come up with unique and special foods for their parks as well, and during Jurassic World Journey the park will be offering multiple new edible dishes.
There will be five new meals offered- the massive T. rex Burger Meal, the Raptor Burger Meal, the Pteranodon Burger meal (which looks to be a crispy chicken sandwich,) the Mosasaurus Burger Meal (a breaded fish sandwich,) and the bite sized Triceratops Burger Meal for kids. To pair with the meal there will also be a unique drink, a salty lemon and lychee soda mix named the Ancient Sea.
And don’t forget desert! Offerings like a pteranodon topped chocolate and strawberry cupcake (made to look like Mt. Sibo erupting,) and the Jurassic Chocolate Lemon Churritos are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Images on Universal Japan’s website suggest that there may be even more food and treat options available as well during the event, like a delectable multi-layered dessert dish of some kind and Jurassic themed macarons.
While there has been no news of new or special merchandise (other than the sticker awarded at the end of the Mission Walk,) the Blue and Gyrosphere popcorn bucket will finally be making its way to Universal Japan!
And don’t forget to ride that ever flowing river with the newly refurbished Jurassic Park The Ride, and fly alongside pterosaurs on the rollercoaster The Flying Dinosaur.
Walt Disney World News Today reported in their article reporting on the special event that Universal Japan has said that there will be “enhancements” added to the rides for the event, but we could not find any information on Universal Japan’s website (or elsewhere) corroborating this. It is not without precedent though, as other parks like Universal Hollywood and Orlando have made minor tweaks to their respective Jurassic rides in the past for special events like Halloween Horror Nights. So perhaps we will see a few added details, props, or dinosaurs in the coming months!
Universal Destinations and Resorts around the world have had many different special Jurassic offerings over the years. For instance, for Jurassic Park‘s 30th Anniversary Universal Orlando had a special tribute store, and in 2018 Universal Singapore had the short show Jurassic World ROAR! in honor of the release of Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom. While none of the other Universal’s other resorts have announced any special events or offerings accompanying the release Jurassic World Rebirth as of yet, we can hope that perhaps Universal Japan is just leading the way and maybe some of the other destinations will soon follow suit with some dino-sized surprises for guests this year!
What would you like to see come to Universal Parks around the globe? More special Jurassic events? More unique shows with dinosaurs? New rides? Let us know in the comments below.
The InGen Spinosaurs and Tyrannosaurus facing off in the Aviary showroom of the Jurassic Park Institute Tour. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm
Since the release of Jurassic Park in 1993, there have been multiple accompanying live shows, exhibits, and experiences across the world that have helped bridge the gap between the fictitious world of the franchise, and our real one.
In the early 00’s, one such exhibit was the Jurassic Park Institute Tour, located in Japan. Designed and produced by Thinkwell Design & Production, the Thea Award Winning exhibit brought the world and science of Jurassic Park alive unlike ever before.
The nearly hour-long experience featured twelve different exhibits, all featuring interactive displays and showcasing breathtaking encounters with dinosaurs using of state of the art technology and theatrical techniques. To bring these environments and exhibits to life, the creative team employed artists who took great great care of the loaned props, and in recreating entire environments from educational museum galleries, to an InGen laboratory, and even a jaunt through the Aviary.
JPIT’s Field Art Director, Rick Bluhm, adjusting a display in the InGen lab. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
To tackle such an endeavor as one of these dino-sized projects, you need a dedicated and creative team. Enter Rick Bluhm, a Field Art Director on the Jurassic Park Institute Tour project. We were lucky enough to be able to connect with Bluhm, and asked him to reflect on his career as well as on his time with the JPIT project.
JO: What got you interested in being in entertainment and ultimately a Creative Director, and how did you make the journey to now helping create some of the most immersive theatrical and ride experiences in the world?
RB: My career began with theatrical set design in the Los Angeles area at dozens of small theatres. Through contacts there I transitioned into Art Direction for television commercials, series and ultimately films. It was while I was on hiatus between those projects that I was asked to join Universal and have been in themed immersive entertainment ever since – although I just retired from my position of Senior Director, Creative, after 12 years developing attractions for the parks in Orlando and Osaka.
I was very proud to be a part of the Thinkwell team that produced Jurassic Park Institute Tour and we had quite an adventure in Tokyo that summer! Prior to [joining JPI], I was the Art Director for several show attractions that we opened in Universal Studios Japan in 2001. Needless to say, I had experience with the culture and that helped me lead the wonderful local prop and set dressing crew for JPIT.
One of the earlier exhibits in the JPIT, showcasing the latest information and research in paleontology. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm
JO: In the early 00’s with the release of Jurassic Park 3 there was this kind of push with the Jurassic Park Institute branding to kind of be more educational focused. There were books, games, and a website. But then of course there was the inception and creation of this live experience which looks like it bridges a lot of the fantastical elements and universe of the films with science and education. Can you tell us how the tour came to be initially?
RB: Ken Nakashima was the man who brought the idea for the tour to Thinkwell. He was studying paleontology at a university in the L.A. area and was keenly interested in dinosaur DNA. His father, Sam Nakashima brought investors together to create this tour, which would package the education Ken was passionate about into a wonderfully immersive entertainment experience.
An InGen lab showroom. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
RB: The details about developing the concept happened all before I was brought on to the project. Joe Cashman was the Production Designer who oversaw creative and he hired me as a Field Art Director to procure all the set dressing and props, plants etc. and stage them all when we arrived in Tokyo. Before the “Mr. DNA” film pre-show, we had a huge exhibit of dinosaur skeletons with informational graphic panels to anchor the experience with a strong scientific foundation.
The Brachiosaur canopy scene, where guests would come face to face with some of the largest animals InGen created. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
JO: What was one of the hardest aspects of bringing this experience to life?
RB: The biggest challenge was the scene which featured Brachiosaurs feeding. Guests felt as if they were on a bridge, overlooking the canopy of trees through which the long necks of the dinosaurs were grazing. We had limited depth there, so I had a firm in Singapore fabricate trunks with bases and armatures so we could create huge diameters of gingko trees that sat a few feet above the floor and masked it.
This EX-STINKS. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
RB: One particularly silly moment was when we received delivery of the dung pile for the Triceratops yard. It didn’t seem quite real enough, so I asked the prop team to coat it in clear gloss. It worked so well that it elicited big laughs from the crew and guests.
A section of the JPIT that showcased scenic props and models from Jurassic Park 3, including the unused infamous “RED” Velociraptor from early pre-production. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
JO: Did you all have any movie props or pieces that were a part of the tour?
RB: Although we moulded a few props (eggs, for example) from originals from the films, we wanted a special way to feature actual props and wardrobe from the latest film (JP3).
Costumes used by the main cast of Jurassic Park 3 on display at the JPTI. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
RB: We created a post-show before the exit which displayed incubators and other equipment from the scene where they stumble on the dilapidated Ingen lab – plus a couple of full size Raptors and wardrobe from the key characters. I also created an Art Directors’ Studio area to feature blueprints and renderings of the sets from that film.
Concept art, models, and other preproduction and production material from the first three Jurassic films on display. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
RB: I took great care in the authenticity of our props – particularly the genetics lab and medical bay – researching details from the films. Also, the artificial foliage had to have proper scale and species that would be found in the regions from the films.
Rick Bluhm adjusting and adding foliage to one of the various scenes in JPTI. A small compy pops up to keep the creative company. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
JO: What do you think captivates people about Jurassic or dinosaurs in general?
RB: Dinosaurs will always be a source of fascination to us humans. The strength and majesty of those exotic creatures in an ancient world, so different from what it is now. I was obsessed as a boy and have seen my nephews and others continue with that curiosity.
One of the many animal containment areas apart of JPTI, featuring Triceratops and a fully animatronic Jurassic Park 3 style Ankylosaurus. Image courtesy of Rick Bluhm.
While the Tour is no longer, an other interactive Jurassic experiences have now taken its place, you can watch a promotional reel for the Jurassic Park Institute Tour below thanks to archival efforts of The Jurassic Park Collection.
Have you ever experienced a Jurassic exhibit? If so, which one, and what kind of affect did it have on you? Would you like to see more edutainment style experiences and material from the Jurassic brand like with Jurassic Park Institute? Let us know in the comments below!
Theme Park Insider released their lists of top attractions across the world for the past year, and for the fourth consecutive year Universal’s VelociCoaster remains the apex of coasters.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure puts you right in the middle of a training session with Owen’s IBRIS Raptors. You’ll come face to face with Echo, Charlie, Delta, and Blue as you are launched at 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) into a paddock. After you careen around tight corners, barely missing sharp rocks and snapping teeth as you roll through multiple inversions, you’ll be launched a final time at 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour) and up a 155 foot hill (47.2 meters) to just narrowly avoid becoming dino-chow!
The thrilling ride is accompanied by an breathtakingly immersive queue, where you will see and encounter the raptors several times before even boarding the ride train (as well as other neat Jurassic Park and World easter eggs!)
Have you survived VelociCoaster? What other types of Jurassic rides or offerings would you like to see come to Universal Destinations and Resorts around the world? Lets us know in the comments below!
After a lengthy closure, Jurassic Park: The Ride at Universal Studios Japan is set to reopen in 2025, and a lot sooner than you think!
Back in July of 2023, it was reported that Universal Studios in Japan would be closing Jurassic Park: The Ride for a lengthy refurbishment. While outlets said that the ride would reopen at some point in 2025, no official date was ever given. Since the closure, the official Universal Studios Japan website has had the ride listed as being closed ‘indefinitely.’ Since the official closure in September of 2023, very little news or information has been given on the status of the refurbishment, with any updates solely coming from theme park vlogging videos. For months there have been no real or official updates of any kind.
Previously, the only other Jurassic ride to undergo such a lengthy closure was the original Jurassic Park: The Ride in Universal Hollywood. which closed in 2018 and was to be replaced with Jurassic World: The Ride in 2019. The replacement was met with a mixed to favorable response, with many happy that new animatronics and effects were added to a ride that needed a good amount of updates and fixes, but that certain elements felt incomplete or cut and a bit of the original magic and storytelling was absent.
While some speculated that perhaps Japan would be going through the IP change, it had never been stated that the ride would be changing so dramatically. Moreover, in the last year, there has been no change at all to any of the signage or theming in the area of the park. So it seems like Japan has kept with the more iconic and recognizable JurassicPark branding. So perhaps the ride will stay mostly the same, with all the major animatronics being replaced with more updated technology and effects?
Well, guests to Universal Japan will finally be able to ride the ever-flowing river once again as Jurassic Park: The Ride prepares to open its gates again, on January 8th of 2025!! The reopening marks the end of a sixteen-month-long refurbishment (six months longer than the Park to World flip in Universal Hollywood.)
The official Universal Japan X account announced the reopening in a post, stating:
‘Jurassic Park – The Ride, which has been closed for renovations since September 2023, will reopen on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation. Please look forward to the reopening.’
Accompanying the announcement was a short teaser video:
To many the teaser may be a tad… underwhelming. After such a long time of being closed, all we are essentially seeing is stock footage of the ride pre-refurbishment. When Jurassic World: The Ride was preparing to open after only ten months there was a special teaser released to build excitement for the opening, and something along those lines would have been a tad more exciting to see.
But all this just begs the question… what will the ride look like once it opens in two weeks; what exactly are we in store for? Universal Japan has played the entire refurbishment very close to their chest, and it seems like if they have made any major updates to the dinosaurs, ride system, or other effects they plan on keeping it a secret until the ride is reopened to the public on the 8th.
We very much are looking forward to the reopening of this legendary attraction. It marks the start of what is sure to be a massive dino-sized year to come for Jurassic fans! Moreover, the fact that Japan has chosen to retain the iconic Jurassic Park branding instead of changing it to Jurassic World is noteworthy, and hopefully, if the ride is a success in popularity and excitement to Universal guests upon its reopening it means that all Jurassic rides and attractions aren’t necessarily resorted to the fate of being changed to the Jurassic World model.
Are you excited about the reopening of Jurassic Park: The Ride in Japan? Would you like to see more Universal parks refurbishing their Jurassic rides and areas, and if so- what kind of attractions would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below!
Conceptual rendering of the main entry for Jurassic World: The Experience -Courtesy of AWC
This week, NEON (the production group responsible for the popular Jurassic World: The Exhibition) along with Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) and Universal Live Events & Location Based Entertainment, announced that Jurassic World: The Experience will soon be coming to Bangkok, Thailand!
The new walk-through attraction has been ‘specifically curated’ for Asiatique, a riverfront destination location famous for its culture, entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. It will be housed in a 6,000 square meter (64,583 square feet) location, and feature life-like animatronic dinosaurs and environments that will put guests in the middle of their own adventure on Isla Nublar. To create this fully immersive experience, the attraction is also said to blend ‘real-world science and education with the very best in high-quality entertainment.’ Along with the attraction will be an all-new themed restaurant as well, which is intended to ‘seamlessly blend the immersive journey with culinary delights’ for visitors of the destination.
(From left to right) The press conference of Jurassic World: The Experience, in Bangkok, held at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination led by Mr. Michael Hariz, Chief Commercial Business Officer, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited, Dr. Paitoon Wongsasutthikul, Chief Investment Officer, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited, Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited, Mr. Chadchart Sitthiphan, Bangkok Governor, Mr. Nithee Seeprae, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mr. Gerald Raines, SVP, Live Events and Location Based Entertainment Universal Destinations and Experiences, Mr. Ron Tan, Executive Chairman & Group CEO, NEON, and Mr. Kurt Baker, Executive Vice President, Global Marketing, NEON.
A new immersive edutainment experience will surely thrill countless visitors, as similar productions, exhibits, and destinations have throughout the history of the Jurassic franchise. Such experiences have been hits with the public, dating back to The Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park exhibit, to the Jurassic Park Institute Tour, and NEON’s already widely popular Jurassic Park: The Exhibition (which opened in 2017, and has been touring on several continents since!)
While there is no specific information on what guests can expect to encounter, on NEON’s Instragram a juvenile Bumpy [puppet] with a handler was present at the press conference suggesting further that we’ll see a lot of favorite moments and dinosaurs from the franchise, as well as the utilization of some of the similar “DNA” as the Exhibition and theme parks to bring the dinosaurs to life for the attraction (assuming most of the animals will be brought to life by Creature Technology.)
That being said, Jurassic World The Experience will be big. Very big. To give you some perspective, Jurassic World: The Exhibition tends to range between 1858-2322 square meters (20,000-25,000 square feet,) so this new experience will be over twice as large! That could mean we are in store for multiple new show moments, exhibits, or dinosaurs. While the new café and restaurant should be taken into consideration, the release states that the total size of the expansion is set to be about 10,000 square meters (or 108,000 square feet (which makes this installation more comparable in size to Universal’s Horror Unleashed project, at around 10,219 square meters/110,00 square feet!) So if they are saying that the Experience alone is 6,000 square meters, insinuating that the rest is for the eateries… it means we are in store for something truly special.
Currently, Jurassic World: The Experience is expected to open in quarter 2 of 2025, which would mean they’re aiming for sometime roughly between April and June of 2025. You can join an information waitlist for Jurassic World: The Experience by visiting its official website, and you can read the full press release in its entirety, here.
La-La Land Records has been hitting a homerun with ‘Jurassic Park’ fans over the years. In 2016, they released a double CD set of expanded and remastered soundtracks for the classic John Williams scores ‘Jurassic Park’ & ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park,’ with both getting sperate releases (and even more material) in 2022 & 2023 respectively. This year, they have a new soundtrack release for the franchise’s third film, ‘Jurassic Park 3,’ composed by Don Davis! But what sets it apart from previous releases, and is it a definitive presentation of the score? Let’s take a walk in the park and find out!
In 2001, the soundtrack was released on CD in the form of a 54-minute album via Decca records. Composer Don Davis (‘The Matrix Trilogy’) assembled this 1-CD release himself, combining some cues together to form certain tracks, and arranging it all in his own personal sequence. Unlike the John Williams scores for the prior films, this one is nearly wall-to-wall action (just like the film). While it runs through every scene, it also expertly weaves themes established by Williams in very fun and clever ways. Also included on the album was the 1999 Randy Newman song “Big Hat, No Cattle,” which puzzled fans since it is only briefly heard in the film during an early bar scene in the background. While this album featured a decent amount of the score (about 50 minutes of Davis’s material), it did leave off several noteworthy cues that were heard in the film. Some of these were favorites of those who had seen the film, such as the climactic showdown with the Spinosaurus, expecting to find them on the album but ending up disappointed.
Interesting to note is that this album was an “Enhanced CD.” If put into a computer’s CD or DVD ROM drive, it would open a program with access to special features, including: the film’s trailer, a dinosaur size chart, photos, website access, a text conversation with Don Davis, and a trailer for the unreleased PlayStation game ‘Jurassic Park: Survival.’(It should be noted that the new 2024 soundtrack release does NOT include any of this content.) While this 2001 CD Album is now out of print, it can at least be bought for relatively cheap prices in the secondary market and is also easily available for digital purchase.
It’s been theorized that because the album’s CD needed extra space for the enhanced content (along with the Randy Newman song), it forced Don Davis to make his arrangement of the cues shorter than perhaps he wanted. This explains why the score’s runtime on the album is about 20 minutes shorter than the albums were for ‘Jurassic Park’ & ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park.’ In fact, it could have otherwise included even more additional music, given the format’s size limits of about 80 minutes.
Curiously, about a year after the album was released, an “Academy Promo” CD was sent out for Oscar consideration that found its way online (perhaps by Dennis Nedry?). This longer, unofficial version of the soundtrack contained several additional tracks not included on the commercial Decca release, including many extended film versions of existing tracks. (However, it did not include the Randy Newman song nor any of the “Enhanced CD” content.) Some of the additional highlights include music for when the raptor eggs are discovered in the jungle, the Spinosaurus chasing the group toward the aviary’s entrance, and the film’s entire climax tracks (albeit with a fuller mix and additional orchestrations). Since this wasn’t an official release that one could find in stores, these unique tracks were shared with many fans through internet piracy. Over the past two decades, this was unfortunately the only way for anyone to hear the extended version of the soundtrack apart from watching the film itself.
La-La Land Records, Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Decca Records present JURASSIC PARK III, a limited edition 2-CD remastered and expanded presentation of acclaimed composer Don Davis’ (THE MATRIX, THE MATRIX RELOADED, BOUND) original motion picture score to the blockbuster second sequel in the legendary JURASSIC PARK franchise, starring Sam Neill, William H. Macy and Tea Leoni, and directed by Joe Johnston. Expertly interpolating, and building on, maestro John Williams’ iconic JURASSIC themes, composer Davis propels the film’s excitement even further with his own powerhouse, original orchestral material. Expanded and sounding better than ever, JURASSIC PARK III shines brilliantly – it’s robust, thematic high-octane film scoring that finally gets to shine in full within this deluxe release. Produced by Mike Matessino and Neil S. Bulk, newly edited by Bulk and mixed and mastered by Matessino from the original 24 bit film mixes, this 2-CD presentation showcases the original 2001 soundtrack release remastered on Disc 1, with the expanded film score spread across both discs, concluding with additional tracks on Disc 2. The exclusive, in-depth liner notes are by John Takis, including new comments from the composer, while the sharp art design is by Jim Titus, continuing the eye-catching style he employed for our JURASSIC PARK and THE LOST WORLD re-issues. This is a limited edition of 3000 Units.
The presentation of this edition of the score is the opposite of how their 2022 ‘Jurassic Park’ release was done: the original album is on the first CD, followed by the first section of the expanded score, with the rest of it and some additional alternates on the second CD. The release was presented this way due to space limitations on the CD format and their own personal preferences. The original album was included due to unique edits & takes that several of the tracks had and, of course, the Randy Newman song. For those already familiar with the original album, or want to skip to the expanded presentation, you’ll want to begin with track 17 on CD 1.
Right away, we hear something new: the film version of ‘Isla Sorna Sailing Situation.’ The only real addition to this cue is a sustained note near the beginning (as the film’s title cards are appearing on screen, and the water ripples). Other film versions as heard on the Academy promo are present, such as ‘Bone Man Ben,’ ‘Raptor Repartee,’ and ‘Cooper’s Last Stand.’ But what will be exciting for fans of the score are a few other film versions heard for the first time, such as ‘Dinosaur Man,’ ‘The Dinosaur Fly-By,’ and most notably ‘The Raptor Room’ (which includes an alternate segment and a longer moment with the choir). Additional alternates include an alternate opening to ‘Clash Of Extinction’ (a cue not heard in the film in any form), an alternate ending for ‘Raptor In The Cabin,’ and an alternate ending for ‘River Reminiscence.’ A major highlight, presented in extended form, is ‘The Hat Returns / End Credits,’ which showcases the full version of the end credits for the first time (longer, and arranged differently, than what is heard in the film).
However, despite having all of the Academy promo tracks (making those bootlegs of it finally obsolete), and a few other film versions of cues; there are still several missing, without any explanation. Most notably not on this release are film versions (or, what could be vastly different ‘film mixes’ that remove some of the brass and other instruments from their original compositions) of ‘Frenzy Fuselage,’ ‘River Rampage,’ and ‘Paul Makes A Leap.’ What’s interesting is that some of these tracks do have supposed “extended” versions on this release, but when hearing them there are no discernable differences. Listening closely, there are only either very minor performance differences or a sustained note with a longer fadeout at the end. The cues ‘Party Crasher,’ ‘Brachiosaurs On The Bank,’ and ‘Pteranodon Habitat’ have different openings or endings entirely in the film as well, and are also not present here. ‘Pteranodon Habitat’ has a timpani-heavy ending in the film, and while it is not certain if this piece was even composed by Don Davis, it would have been nice to have gleamed some explanation. Unfortunately, the liner notes (while detailed on the film’s history and the making of the score) don’t give us any intel on this topic.
Do these omissions taint the release of this soundtrack? That may depend on how much you were hoping to have those versions of the tracks. Neither me nor Bernard A. Kyer (who provided some details mentioned in this review) were asked to participate in this release like we did for ‘Jurassic Park’ in 2022 and ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ in 2023, so we can’t explain the absence of these film versions. There is a chance that the elements used in the film could not be found, or some strange rights issues, but without any information given we can only speculate. In my personal opinion, I do prefer the fuller orchestrated versions of these tracks that are included rather than what can be heard in the film.
Omissions aside, this is still the best release the ‘Jurassic Park 3’ soundtrack has ever had. The clever cover artwork that matches the prior two releases is fantastic, the sound quality is great, we finally have an official release of the Academy promo’s tracks, and it provides several film versions of cues people have wanted to hear outside of the film ever since it came out. With the original album also included at the beginning, there really is no need to own the previous release unless you want to hang onto the “Enhanced CD” content (if it even works on your computer anymore).
DISC 1 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK ALBUM (54:28) 1 Isla Sorna Sailing Situation 4:21 2 The Dinosaur Fly-By 2:13 3 Cooper’s Last Stand 1:59 4 The Raptor Room 2:35 5 Raptor Repartee 3:04 6 Tree People 2:00 7 Pteranodon Habitat 3:01 8 Tiny Pecking Pteranodons 3:34 9 Billy Oblivion 2:49 10 Brachiosaurus On The Bank 2:05 11 Nash Calling 3:36 12 Bone Man Ben 7:18 13 Frenzy Fuselage 3:58 14 Clash Of Extinction 1:39 15 The Hat Returns / End Credits 5:07 16 Big Hat, No Cattle 4:24 Performed by Randy Newman
SCORE PRESENTATION (85:07) 17 Isla Sorna Sailing Situation (Film Version) 4:26 18 Dinosaur Man 1:43 19 Udesky, Nash And Cooper 2:29 20 The Raptor Bone 1:18 21 Raptor In The Cabin 1:52 22 The Dinosaur Fly-By (Film Version) 2:28 23 Cooper’s Last Stand (Extended Version) 2:52 24 Frenzy Fuselage (Extended Version) 4:08 25 Clash Of Extinction 1:40 DISC 1 TOTAL TIME: 77:40
ADDITIONAL MUSIC (13:14) 20 Dinosaur Man (Alternate) 1:43 21 Raptor In The Cabin (Alternate) 1:52 22 Cooper’s Last Stand (Alternate) 2:38 23 Clash Of Extinction (Alternate Opening) 1:46 24 River Rampage (Alternate Ending) 2:11 25 River Reminiscence (Alternate Ending) 1:08 26 Dinosaur Man (With Choir) 1:44 DISC 2 TOTAL TIME: 75:18 TOTAL 2-DISC TIME: 2:32:58
Still available from La-La Land Records are their 2-CD remastered/expanded reissues of ‘Jurassic Park’ & ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park!’ Don’t miss your chance to own the ultimate versions of those scores as well!
Note: Additional images of physical product provided by Matthieu Munoz.
Are you going to get this new release of the ‘Jurassic Park 3’ soundtrack? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and as always stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for the latest!
Recently we had the incredible opportunity to step into a world that felt like a scene straight out of Jurassic World. Thanks to the amazing team at Scenic World, who invited Jurassic Outpost for an exclusive look at their Dinosaur Valley attraction, we experienced one of Australia’s most immersive dino adventures!
Welcome to Dinosaur Valley
Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s Dinosaur Valley offers an experience that’s as close as you can get to a real-life Jurassic Park. Right as I entered, I was greeted by lifelike baby dinosaurs, including a cousin of the Ankylosaurus, a massive T-Rex, and even an impressively animated Dilophosaurus! Each animatronic dino brought so much personality and realism to the experience, making me feel like I’d walked into a prehistoric world.
The Scenic Railway: A Ride Into the Past
One of the highlights was hopping aboard the Scenic Railway, which felt like stepping into a Jurassic World film. The steep descent into the valley is an adventure on its own, with the dense foliage, misty mountains, and distant dinosaur roars setting an epic atmosphere. It’s no surprise that this spot is often referred to as one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains, now made even better with a Jurassic twist!
A Journey Through Dinosaur Valley
After getting a map, it was time to begin exploring. My first stop was at the family of Parallophosaurus, a stunning and lifelike group that brought so much charm to the trail. Walking through the valley surrounded by mountains and ancient rainforest, I was immersed in the environment, with the roars of dinosaurs echoing through the jungle, adding an unmatched authenticity to the adventure.
Meeting the Spinosaurus
No Jurassic adventure is complete without a fan-favorite dinosaur, and for me, that’s the Spinosaurus! Seeing it in this setting, surrounded by lush vegetation, felt surreal—it was as if the dinosaur had truly come to life in its natural habitat. Another cool feature Scenic World added was a sign language board that teaches visitors how to sign dinosaur terminology, adding an educational and inclusive element to the experience.
Plan Your Visit to Dinosaur Valley
Scenic World’s Dinosaur Valley is perfect for fans of Jurassic Park, families, and adventure lovers. The immersive scenery, incredible dinosaur models, and the stunning landscape of the Blue Mountains create a unique Jurassic adventure that feels authentic and fun. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate dino experience, this is the place to be!
For more information on Dinosaur Valley and ticket options, visit Scenic World’s website. Don’t miss out on this limited-time event—explore a real-life Jurassic adventure in Australia’s most picturesque landscape!
Last Friday, October 11th, we had the incredible opportunity to host a Jurassic Outpost Community Meet-Up at PAX Australia 2024 – the ultimate event for gamers and pop culture enthusiasts. For those unfamiliar, PAX is a massive gaming convention held annually, bringing together gamers, developers, and fans from around the world for a weekend full of games, panels, and unforgettable experiences.
Our Jurassic Outpost Meet-Up was a dino-lover’s dream come true! We decked out the space with Dino inflatables, handed out limited edition Jurassic Outpost stickers, and played iconic Jurassic music to set the scene. But the real highlight? Meeting all of you, our fellow Jurassic fans, who came together to celebrate the franchise we love.
Throughout the event, we gave fans the chance to voice their thoughts on the current state of the Jurassic franchise—what they love, what they hope for, and what they’d like to see improve. The passion and insights shared by the community were amazing! We also had some incredible cosplayers join in, snapping photos with our Dino inflatables, making it a fantastic time for everyone involved.
I landed in Melbourne, the 3:30am wake up caught up to me 😅
After the meet-up, our very own host Jayden(aka NJayrassic) took part in a 3v3 gaming trivia panel for charity, hosted by GenerOzity. Jayden nailed all of the Jurassic questions (no surprise there!) and even showed off his impressive Velociraptor sounds, adding an extra dose of fun to the event.
We want to extend a massive thank you to PAX Australia for letting us host the Jurassic Outpost Community Meet-Up, and to all of the fans who came out to support us. The love and dedication from this community means everything, and we can’t wait to do more events like this in the future!
For The Fans, By The Fans 🦖🦕
Thank you to everyone who came out to the first PAX community meet up! 🦕🦖
