Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Now in 3D

May 20, 2015, 6:24 PM · The acclaimed Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride is going 3D...

...at Universal Studios Japan.

The Osaka park unveiled its revamped Harry Potter ride on Thursday, making this the first of the two existing Hogwarts Castle rides to play in 3D. The original Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade in Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, remains in its original, 2D projection form.

Expecto Patronum
Photo courtesy Universal Studios Japan

Harry Potter film series actors Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), right, and Katie Leung (Cho Chang) were on hand with park president Glenn Gumpel for a ceremony Wednesday night at the Osaka park to "enchant" the Hogwarts Castle with a special spell to make the attraction run in 3D. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Studios Japan last summer, drawing record crowds to the park, which is Universal's most popular by annual attendance, drawing more than 11 million visitors a year.

Will the 3D version of the Forbidden Journey come to one of Universal's American parks? Might this be one of the announcements that Universal Studios Hollywood will make as part of its Wizarding World of Harry Potter reveal on June 2? Stay tuned.

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Replies (7)

mhowe
Melanie Howe
May 20, 2015 at 6:36 PM · I may be in the minority on this, but this is one "improvement" that I'm happy to let Japan keep. Since I where glasses I don't enjoy 3D rides as much as some people might -- that's the one thing I don't like about Gringotts. I'm glad the original FJ is 3D-free. And I really, really hope they don't include that nonsense in the new Kong attraction....
Jake007
Writer
Jacob Sundstrom
May 20, 2015 at 7:03 PM · Mehhh, I think I'm just fine with the 2D version. The 3D on Gringotts gave me a bit of a headache.
anonymous
107.212.214.52
May 20, 2015 at 7:11 PM · PLEASE NO 3D IM BEGGING YOU... With the glasses on, it makes everything else darker which means you won't be able to experience the amazing practical effects
brynmelyndavid
David Brown
May 21, 2015 at 1:24 AM · I'm with these others - having to put 'special glasses' on to enjoy a ride really detracts from the experience for me and like others since I wear glasses it's just plain awkward. 2D is fine thanks. I realised this when we left it too late to catch the 3rd part of the Hobbit in 3D and had to watch the 2D version and you know what - I actually enjoyed the 2D show better than the 3D ones...
anonymous
204.4.13.72
May 21, 2015 at 11:20 AM · The screens are so dark and blurry now....I can't imagine 3D...When your flipped up on the wopping Willow, I can see glasses flying off. Sorry It does not need 3D in Orlando.
phobicgalvan
Daniel Galvan
May 21, 2015 at 5:13 PM · 2D is better than 3D...especially a ride like this with so many practical effectz. Too many 3D rides at Universal Studios!
MaxLaZeb
Max LaZebnik
May 21, 2015 at 11:53 PM · Both Back to the Future and the Simpsons have worked beautifully without using 3D as well. I still haven't been to Florida's Wizarding World but people actually like the fact it's not in 3D there.

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