Another very successful film-to-attraction transfer borders the New York and Production Central sections of the Studio: the real-life tornadic thrill of Twister. Forget Dorothy and Toto, this live-action show puts guests directly in the path of the killer storm and there's no Yellow Brick Road escape from this tornado.

The film's stars, Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, host the pre-show video, recalling moments from the movie and adding their own knowledge and respect of severe storms gained during film production.

Guests next enter a skilled recreation of a home devastated by a tornado only moments before, reminiscent of the splintered wreck of Aunt Meg's home in the film.  The photo flash brightens the scene considerably for image clarity, but the dim mood lighting of this scene really evokes the darkened menace of a house threatening to fall down around your ears with every creak, crack and groan of fractured lumber and plaster.

I was truly impressed by the art direction and set construction of this mid-show sequence. As visible above, the structure resembles the large-scale destruction one would expect in a typical Midwestern house ravaged by a tornado.  The creative team obviously paid close attention to the architectural details and artifacts exposed by such damage: the shattered walls, ceilings and their denuded lathe-and-plaster foundation, and the remnants of furniture strewn throughout the wreckage.  Going the extra step, the designers wisely included external debris within the house -- such as the speed limit sign and a wayward car which fell through the ceiling and now teeters over guests' heads.  To continue the severe weather threat, lightning flashes beyond the tree-battered windows as ominous rolls of thunder roar overhead.  Such thoughtful attention to set and environmental details, and the accumulative benefits gained by them, go a long way in selling the dramatic reality of the attraction before guests even enter the show's finale.

A final visit of instruction and warning by Helen and Bill, broadcast on the home's scattered TV sets, prepares guests to face this tornadic beast firsthand.  Outside the storm rages once more and a close lightning strike kills the lights, prompting guests outdoors and into the night . . .

          

© 2001-2002 scott weitz