The Universal Dynasty

Universal Studios is most known by this generation as the studio that produces 'tons of films.' They are recognized for films varying as widely as the original Dracula, to Jaws, to Ted; all drastically different to say the least. But why is Universal so great? What is it about it that has made it one of the most outstanding film studios in the world?

Universal is part of "The Big Six" conglomerates and is the oldest continuously running studio and the oldest in the United States of America. Founded in 1912 by (mainly) Carl Laemmle, has released more than 3,424 films in its 101 years. That is insane! That's an average of 34 films per year.

Universal's success could be attributed in part to Laemmle's business savvy talent and his creative visionary, but the studio would be little if not nothing if it weren't for the films it released. Amongst the more than 3,000 film titles with Universal's name attached, three films have broken all time box office records: Jaws (1975), E.T: The Extra Terrestrial (1982) and Jurassic Park (1993). Here are a few more notable films born from the masterminds at Universal (a full ist can be found at Wikipedia):

• Phanton of the Opera (1925)
• Dracula (1931)
• Hamlet (1948)
• The Mummy (1959)
• Farenheit 451 (1966)
• The Andromeda Strain (1971)
• Jaws (1975)
• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band (1978)
• E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
• The Pirates of Penzance (1983)
• Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
• Jurassic Park (1993)
• Apollo 13 (1995)
• Twister (1996)
• Patch Adams (1998)
• American Pie (1999)
• Gladiator (2000)
• The Grinch (2000)
• A Beautiful Mind (2001)
• Bruce Almighty (2003)
• United 93 (2006)
• The Kingdom (2007)
• The Changeling (2008)
• Couple's Retreat (2009)
• Despicable Me (2010)
• The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
• Ted, Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty, Anna Kerinina, Pitch Perfect, The Savages (2012)
• Oblivion, Jurassic Park 3D Re-Release (2013)

These are just a handful of Universal films that are a few of my personal favorites. Ironically, in 1999, my family and I went to visit my aunt and uncle who live in Los Angeles and work in stunts and camera (respectively) for Universal Studios. At the time, my aunt was working as a stunt double on the 2000 adaptation of How The Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carrey. One evening, we went on set and I actually got to walk around the "Whoville" set-climb the swirly stairs, play in the fake snow, 'shop' in Garfinkle's, even sit in Cindy Lou's bedroom! Unfortunately, due to security and disclosure rules, we weren't allowed to take any photos. Nonetheless, that was still one of the highlights of my childhood. I will never forget that feeling of the following Thanksgiving, seeing the set that I had visited just a year before!

 

Because of its success, like any good business, Universal needed to expand. In 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood opened for business; complete with rides and replicas of many of the movies already produced and released by the studio. Naturally, the theme park has evoloved with rides and sets to go along with more recent films and even television shows. In June of 1990, Universal Studios Orlando Resort opened. There you can find themed rides of films like Jaws (recently retired), Jurassic Park, E.T., The Simpsons, Dr. Seuss and most recently (my favorite) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I can say from personal experience at both of these parks, experiencing it is truly magical. You are literally getting to step inside some of your favorite movies and pretend you are in them. One of the most extravagant rides is the Twister experience, which employs the use of some of the real movie set- complete with explosions, a cyclone, strong winds and a huge sopping rain storm. Most recently, Universal has expanded its theme park business to Osaka, Japan, which opened in May 2001.

 

I am a huge movie buff. If it were culturally and morally respectable, I would sit in a huge comfy chair all day watching film after film after film. It is undeniable that Universal Studios Corportaion has brought us multitudes of films that as a culture, we have enjoyed for decades. The classics will always be classics, but new classics are forming at nearly every release.

 

I think it is safe to say that Universal has formed a 'dynasty' of their own and a name that resonates in households both nation-wide and worldwide, providing entertainment and memory making for individuals and families alike.

Sources:

Photos- Google Images

Information- universalstudios.com & wikipedia.com