Transforming 'Transformers' Into the 3D Ride

At a cost that insiders put at $200 million, Transfomers: The Ride 3-D opened May 25 at Universal Studios Hollywood, placing guests in a world of giant bots while racing through Chicago and battling against Decepticons to save the world. "You're combining ride action, spectacular visuals and great special effects," says Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative, of the attraction, for which director Michael Bay served as creative consultant. Billed as the theme park's most technically complex ride, the experience begins as guests enter a N.E.S.T. (Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty) compound, where Transformers, who appear on video monitors and in voiceover, inform them that they are new recruits, called to action to rescue the planet. Guests are handed a pair of 3D glasses and board 12-seat Transformers named EVAC.