Transformers ride launches, hits 'glitch'
Ready to roll out: EVAC, the car in which guests ride, is modeled after a new AUTOBOT created exclusively for the Universal Studios Singapore's Transformers ride. Someone forgot to tell the Allspark to show up for work on Saturday.
The highly anticipated Transformers the Ride at Universal Studios Singapore suffered what was reported as a technical "glitch" on its opening day and was grounded for 45 minutes.
According to AsiaOne, the ride stoppage occurred at about 2:45 p.m. and the ride resumed opertions at 3:30 p.m.
Universal Studios Singapore did not release information or explain the incident, but did say that the problem did not compromise the safety of any of visitors.
The temporary shutdown did not scare off hardcore fans. Some waited more than two hours to get on the four-minute ride that zips through streets, subway tunnels and rooftops while being chased by Decepticons.
Modeled after a new Autobot character named EVAC, the ride features groundbreaking visual effects created by Industrial Light & Magic.
The ride that took almost four years to make brings visitors though 360-degree, scream-worthy spins.
- More on CNNGo: Transformers: The Ride to open in December
According to Channel News Asia, director/producer Michael Bay, who attended the launch, said the process of lending creative input to the ride was similar to directing a movie.
"I tried to help them sculpt the story and figure out what type of shots we'd like to do, what type of characters we can use," said Bay. "They also had some great ideas ... on how the simulators work, how it mixed with the photography and the shots that we need."
Universal Studios Singapore is the first park to have Transformers the Ride. Another is expected to open in the United States at Universal Studios Hollywood in April or May 2012.
