ThrillNetwork.com :: Universal Studios Hollywood turns 40

News: Universal Studios Hollywood turns 40

By Aaron

Jul. 14th, 2004 -- Forty years ago, visitors to Hollywood were greeted only by the facade of the movie industry, the Avenue of the Stars, Grauman's Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood sign. The true center of the movie making world, the studios themselves, were strictly off limits.

That changed on July 15, 1964, when Universal Studios (the world's largest studio both then and now) began offering a tram tour of the studio. For $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for children, guests could see the places where some of their favorite films were made. The original tour took riders past the house and motel from Psycho, a house from the popular T.V. show Leave it to Beaver, sets of New York, Paris and small Westerns towns, and rows of sound stages.

Today, Universal Studios has expanded far beyond the original studio tour. The park boasts 14 rides and attractions, including the Terminator 2 3-D show, Jurassic Park-The Ride, Back to the Future, and the recently opened Revenge of the Mummy, in addition to the massive City Walk complex in front of the studios. The Studio Tour, however, is still there, as are some parts of the original ride, including the Bates Motel.

Universal Studios itself has no plans to officially commemorate the park's 40th anniversary.

More information can be found at Canada.com.