IwerksÆ TurboRideÆ 3D Ride Simulation Theatres Will Entertain Patrons At Paramount Parks In North America

IwerksÆ TurboRideÆ Theatres Upgraded To 3D In Five Paramount Parks Venues

11-Oct-00

Paramount Parks has contracted with Iwerks Entertainment (NASDAQ: IWRKC) to upgrade existing IwerksÆ TurboRideÆ ride simulation theatres from 2D projection to 3D, in time for the next summer season in five North American parks. When they reopen in spring 2001, Paramount Parksí upgraded, 148-seat Iwerks TurboRide theatres will form a new star attraction, premiering ""7th Portal,"" a new 3D specialty film on which Paramount is currently in production with Stan Lee Media and Blur Studio. The five parks signed on for the 3D upgrades are: Paramountís Great America in California, Paramountís Kings Island in Ohio, Paramountís Kings Dominion in Virgina, Paramountís Carowinds in North Carolina and Paramountís Canadaís Wonderland in Ontario. ""We are honored by the business relationship that has existed between Paramount Parks and Iwerks for the past 15 years, since the first installation of an Iwerks TurboRide theatre at Kings Island in 1985,"" says Don Iwerks, co-founder and acting CEO of Iwerks Entertainment. Following the 1985 installation, Paramount Parks continued to add Iwerks TurboRide attractions. Each of the five parks listed above currently features a pair of Iwerks TurboRide theatres, and one in each pair will be upgraded to 3D.""Over the past few years we have enjoyed a rewarding relationship with Iwerks,"" says Dean Sharits, Vice President of Design and Entertainment for Paramount Parks. ""Our Turbo Ride theatres are extremely popular with our guests, thanks in large part to our ability to present a host of exciting new ride simulation films. We are looking forward to showcasing our new 3D ë7th Portalí film adventure, which brings superheroes to life in a unique experience.""Don Iwerks interprets the new sales as continuing evidence of motion simulationís evolution from a high-tech novelty to a standard facet of entertainment attractions. ""Simulation is maturing as an entertainment medium,"" says Iwerks. ""A simulation theatre is now a basic component of an amusement park - not so ubiquitous as the roller coaster, but getting into that league. And simulation technology is becoming transparent - it is a tool for storytelling, not an end in itself. The moving seats, big movie screen and special effects are no longer enough to impress the guest without a good show. The overall experience is what matters. Paramount Parks chose Iwerks not just for its state-of-the-art technology, not just for its excellent service, but also for the adaptability and versatility of that technology, and for the extensive Iwerks film library that helps them to always put on a good show.""For more information about Iwerks Entertainment Inc., visit www.iwerks.com.

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