Universal to celebrate 100 years of movies with ‘specially themed entertainment experience’ in Orlando and more
Universal is marking its 100th anniversary this year and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio’s film history and cultural legacy. Universal’s Parks and Resorts will help highlight the campaign with centennial specific content and merchandise throughout both the Orlando and Hollywood locations. The Orlando resort will soon announce a specially themed entertainment experience that will celebrate Universal’s heritage.
Although details of the new entertainment experience aren’t expected to be released until later this month, it’s rumored to be a new nighttime fountain show in the lagoon at Universal Studios theme park. In addition, Foursquare users who check in at iconic Universal locations such as the studio and theme parks will be able to unlock special behind-the-scenes tips and content.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment will kick off the celebration this month with a special 50th anniversary release of To Kill a Mockingbird, debuting on Blu-ray for the first time ever. Throughout the year, Universal will pay tribute to other influential films in the Universal library with special events and Blu-ray releases of such iconic classics as Jaws and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, which celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Universal will reveal an updated animated logo tied to the centennial. The animated logo will make its first appearance in front of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax at its premiere in February, and for that film’s U.S. theatrical release on March 2nd. (The new static version of this logo is at the top of this post.) Other activities surrounding the studio’s 100th anniversary include a vibrant social media campaign, special events, promotions and many surprises to engage fans throughout the yearlong celebration.
“This is a proud moment for all of us who’ve had the privilege of working at Universal Pictures,” said Ron Meyer, Universal Studios President and COO. “Our centennial is designed to bring special memories back to longtime movie lovers and fans, and to engage new audiences with our extraordinary library of films for the first time. Our goal, 100 years later, is to preserve, restore and continue the iconic legacy of this studio for generations to come.”
Fans and film enthusiasts can start celebrating online today at the official Universal Centennial website, Universal100th.com, a one-stop destination dedicated to Universal’s 100 years. Universal will be sharing archival content on its brand new Tumblr; fans of Universal classics on Facebook will find exclusives and special opportunities across their favorite pages; followers of @UniversalPics on Twitter can find the activities using the hashtag #Universal100; and for those who are followers of fashion, Universal’s Pinterest account will be drawing inspiration from favorite films for everyone’s Pinboards, starting with 10 inaugural titles of pop-culture classics such as The Breakfast Club, Scarface, Sixteen Candles, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridesmaids. These online initiatives will roll out throughout various times of the year and will tie back to the Universal Centennial official site.
In the spring, select fans will have the opportunity to attend a special gala anniversary celebration on the California movie lot featuring many of the filmmakers and artists who shaped the studios history. In addition, the studio will spotlight the 100th Anniversary throughout various worldwide film festivals and other featured events, panels and activities.
On April 30, 1912, Universal Film Manufacturing Company filed its certificate of incorporation with the state of New York. In 1915, Carl Laemmle officially opened Universal City, the largest film production facility in the world.
