UPDATE Jun. 1:
Universal Studios Hollywood has begun technical rehearsals for the new light show at Hogwarts Castle! Take a look at the impressive spectacle (starts at about 4:35):
———————————————————-
Have you had the chance to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood yet?
Well, hold onto your hats, because you haven’t experienced it like this before!
A brand new light show called “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” is set to debut this summer, and it’s bound to put every attendee under its spell with a combination of lights, effects, and the incredible music of John Williams!
Stacey Quinealty, the park’s senior manager of audio and visual production, said that they wanted to create an experience unlike any other with the production.
We really wanted the guests to have that bone-chilling moment and go, ‘Wow, this is something I’ve never experienced before…It’s really spectacular!’
This production has been in the works for more than a year, and on June 23, 2017, the spectacle will finally come to light (pun intended).
Are you worried about potentially missing the show if you head off to another part of Universal Studios during the night? Fret not! The show will play multiple times a night during its summer run.
As for the music that will be played, not only is it a medley of all our favorite musical moments from the films (arranged by John Williams himself), but it was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra too! Each instrument was recorded individually with a multi-channel system, combined with eight models of speakers and 3D projection mapping. This means guests will experience the show differently, depending on where they are standing!
Tim Runco, who is the park’s senior vice president of entertainment, expressed his sincere excitement for the final product.
If you think of the series, that soundtrack — particularly the John Williams soundtrack — it’s such a part of the emotional experience…The space [will] be alive, with the way it sounds. It’s going to be a magical experience.
This light show comes a few months after Universal Studios Japan announced its Dementor night show.
See below for the official press release!
Will you be booking your ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood to see the light show? Let us know in the comments below!
Press Release
Universal City, CA, May 18, 2017 – Beginning June 23, guests are invited to see “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” in a whole new light when Universal Studios Hollywood introduces its all-new “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts TM Castle,” featuring a dazzling light projection experience against the backdrop of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will shine brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin that culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky. The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection, designed to dance across the stunning Hogwarts castle, will be accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that will emanate in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London. This new summertime feature will take place multiple times a night during its run. Live rehearsals with annual pass previews and very limited guest access will begin in June in preparation for the June 23 grand opening. Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle. From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen. The architecturally stunning land also includes the incredibly captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, now enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™ and Hog's Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts. A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods. More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
