'Fast & Furious: Extreme Close-Up' Added to Universal Studios Hollywood

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 26 -- "Fast & Furious: Extreme Close-Up" becomes a spectacular new addition to the famed Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., today as NASCAR superstar Jimmie Johnson signaled three top Hollywood stunt drivers to execute a never-before-attempted drift race and extreme 70' car jump maneuver to inaugurate the new attraction with a fanfare of screeching runner, pyrotechnics and breathtaking action.

The new visually stunning chase sequence inspired by the enormously successful Universal Pictures blockbuster series utilizes two specially-outfitted Volkswagen cars mounted on advanced robotic mechanical armatures. Aided by state-of-the-cinematic-art computer generated "previsualization" technology, the new tram feature thrust guests into close-up range of the pulse-pounding, rubber-burning underground world of street racing. Robotic racers dazzle guests with an awesome "in your face" display of explosive action via large scale motion control simulation, then surprise and delight spectators with a dexterous "automotive dance demonstration" of intricate robotic programming set to a hip-hop beat.

The addition of "Fast & Furious: Extreme Close-Up" is part of a dramatic re-make of Hollywood's longest-running hit: The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. The signature attraction, which has taken over 125 million visitors behind the scenes of the movie and television industry's biggest hits, also features lively new video narration by Oscar(R) and Emmy(R)-winning superstar Whoopi Goldberg, a key "bigature" set from last year's blockbuster, "King Kong," and the original movie sets from Steven Spielberg's epic hit, "War of the Worlds."

New features also include "virtual studio guide" appearances from "Today" show star Al Roker, "Access Hollywood" hosts Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush, as well as the opportunity to see more working TV and movie sets than ever before, including sets from "Crossing Jordan" and the top-rated "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

The enhancements represent the most sweeping changes made to the Studio Tour in over a decade and the greatest number of new additions to the world-famous attraction since the first trams rolled along the landmark Universal backlot in 1964.

The cars utilized in the new "Fast & Furious: Extreme Close-up" attraction were provided by NBC Universal's alliance partner, Volkswagen.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., is a full day, movie-based theme park featuring such unique and groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy--The Ride," "Shrek 4-D," "Terminator 2: 3D," "Jurassic Park-The Ride" and the world-renowned behind-the-scenes Studio Tour and includes the adjacent CityWalk, a unique dining and shopping promenade featuring over 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, night clubs, retails shops and movie theaters.

Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.