What we might expect from Star Tours Part 2
Let’s start this week off with some interesting details regarding the rumored upgrade to Star Tours, provided by LaughingPlace.com. This is one of those rumors that have been around so long, I have a hard time remembering a time when this wasn’t discussed on the internet. Having said all that, it does seem as though this rumor is really picking up some steam over the last few weeks.
Included in the rumored changes are…
Each simulator equipped with 5 rear-projected Disney Digital 3-D screens with one screen in the front and two smaller screens on both the left and right sides of the simulator.
Front-projected modified (for polarization) IMAX HD DOME projectors facing upwards will be used during the ride and will be totally external of the simulators.
Part of the reason I never truly loved this attraction, even though I am a big Star Wars fan, was the fact that it just didn’t seem very detailed. To me, I was watching a movie in a theater that jerked around. Having just the one screen did not offer the kind of motion simulation that really makes your senses fool you. This could change all that.
Three remote controlled AAs are used in the ride, with two of the same type simulating walking, but only featuring upper torsos and a third which does not move from its permanent location, but can be “puppeted” both in motions and statements, or can run in a generic mode
Another thing I was always hoping for. Like Muppet Vision 3D, Star Tours introduced a new character to help tell the story for the attraction. And in the same regard as Waldo, Rex was no where near as interesting as the characters already available. I would like nothing better that to see a Star Wars attraction starring Star Wars characters in audio-animatronics form.
There are even more interesting details so read the article for all the ideas. One thing left out of the rumor is what set of films this update will be based on. I think all of us 30-somethings are dreading the idea of the prequels taking over Star Tours. I can’t say anything for sure, but right now I would bet against that.
biblioadonis aka George said,
July 9, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
I have been waiting since, what, 1999 for a Star Tours upgrade? Let’s hope that some of these rumors come true.
I agree with you, that I would rather see an upgrade based on Episodes IV-VI, but at this point, I would be happy with an Episode III theme.
What about something based on the new Clone Wars cartoon/live action series that are currently in production?
There were some amazing rides that the Imagineers kicked around that Lucas vetoed. Mostly due to the use of established characters. One was supposed to have Darth Vader chase you in the StarSpeeder 3000 in the current Star Tours attraction. Lucas nixed the idea because Vader has already been redeemed and is no longer an evil character.
Another was a Space Mountain-type roller coaster where you could choose which side of the Force you wanted to be. There were two different tracks. Apparently, even Imagineering didn’t have the technological know-how for that one.
Mike said,
July 9, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
I would like to see an upgrade of the attraction but keep it old trilogy.
I would still love an expansion of the Star Wars area with another ride and a Mos Eisley Cantina
Mike said,
July 9, 2007 @ 2:41 pm
oh, and I prefer Rex to JarJar
Kitty-chan said,
July 9, 2007 @ 2:46 pm
It is taking every single little bit of willpower for me to resist getting excited about a possible new Star Tours. My son loves loves loves Star Tours, and must ride it over and over each visit . . . I thank my lucky stars that he’s old enough to ride it alone now, because I can only take that old movie so many times! The rough edit at the end of the asteroid sequence bugs me every time now.
But I do hope they keep Rex in the act. He’s not just better than JarJar (Mike surely is damning him with faint praise!), but he’s actually kinda funny in his own right. Plus I kinda love Paul Reubens, so what can I say?
Raidermatt said,
July 9, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
If Jar Jar is included, my only wish is that it be as a target.
The effects in the rumored upgrade sound cool, but what will be most important in the long run will be the story and how the effects are used. But like others, I’m pretty much in “seeing is believing” mode on this rumor, just because it has been around for so long.
Eric said,
July 9, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
Comparing Rex to Jar Jar is akin to comparing a headache to decapitation.
David said,
July 9, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
True, but in the long run Eric…I don’t want either one.
Jon said,
July 9, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
It will be awesome.
Matt said,
July 9, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
I’m also waiting for something more official before getting excited. The details sound great and would be a major upgrade (I’d have been happy with another film and the same technology) but if this is true, Disney is going the extra mile.
David said,
July 9, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
I got to give Raidermatt the award for the funniest line…
“If Jar Jar is included, my only wish is that it be as a target.”
I think that expresses the feeling of everyone who sat throw the Phantom Menace
Biblioadonis aka George said,
July 9, 2007 @ 9:40 pm
I remember sitting in the theater. Midnight showing. Everyone cheered when the Lucasfilm logo came up.
When Jar Jar spoke. It was dead quiet. Right away, we all knew that he was a mistake.
Sigh.