Universal Studios offers Hollywood Excitement - By: J. Michael Key

Universal Studios Hollywood sits high up on a hill looking down over all of North Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. It's a spectacular view and only one of the many thrills visitors experience when they step foot onto the grounds of one of the oldest movie making studios in Hollywood that is still in operation. It opened its doors in the days of silent movies and began then to give tours to interested visitors.

A tour of Universal Studios began when sound was introduced to film making and the curious public wanted to see how it all was done. They were treated to a visit to the soundstages and movie sets that created quite a stir. However, the tours were discontinued in the 1930's and were not started up again until 1964. Thirty years of movie making ticked along at Universal Studios without any opportunity for the public to take a look behind the scenes.

When the tours began again in the 60's excitement began to mount quickly. Tourists were now offered a glimpse of the stars' dressing rooms and additional attractions were added, one after another in response to the demand. In time the public was so mesmerized by the theme park that developed, treating them to stunt demonstrations, rides and staged events, that movie production almost began to take a back seat, at least on a portion of the lot.

Universal Studios has a rich history that is often overlooked. Located in Universal City, an unincorporated area that is now in North Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood was built on a 230-acre ranch. In the early days of the studio the ranch still functioned and was included as part of the tour. Guests were able to buy fresh produce after they visited the studio.

Locating the studio out in the country was quite a controversial move. Founded by Carl Laemmle, many of the other studio chiefs questioned this decision. As it turned out, the draw of film making was so great that location was not a deterrent at all and it wasn't long before the studio became a hit in the industry.

Universal Studios was the birthplace of so many of Hollywood's beloved characters, from Spiderman and Woody Woodpecker to the Flintstones and Curious George. This history is reflected in the theme park today where a visit will provide a day or more of excitement for the whole family. The rides are a favorite part of a visit to the studios for most kids and include the heart stopping Revenge of the Mummy. If you love horror movies, the House of Horrors will definitely draw you in. You may even run into Frankenstein's monster or some other cheerful character as you make your way through it.

Universal Studios is located near many other attractions that offer additional entertainment for visitors. The Gibson Amphitheatre hosts all the big names in the music industry and is one of the frequent hosts for Hollywood's award ceremonies. The MTV Movie Awards event was recently held at the Gibson Amphitheatre.

Many visitors enjoy visiting Universal City Walk where they enjoy watching street performers, dining at the many fine restaurants and shopping in the unique area boutiques. Magicians, mimes and musicians entertain with enthusiasm all along the entrance to the theme park. The Hollywood Bowl is not far away either.

A visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is not something you will want to miss on your next visit to California. The studio is still actively producing movies while the theme park and all its thrills just keeps getting better and better. The once quiet country ranch has become abuzz with entertainment excitement for the whole family.

About the Author

Michael Key has written on a variety of subjects. For more information on Universal Studios visit http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Universal-studios.html Universal Studios.

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