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Great Movie Ride Update
- Thread starter disneykorn
- Start date
JimiThing1
New Member
Ummm no...
The only film sets in the Great Movie Ride that was made and released by MGM is the Wizard of Oz, Singin' in the Rain, and Tarzan. There are actually more Warner Bros. films in the Great Movie Ride. Indiana Jones was made by LucasFilm Ltd. and distributed by Paramount Pictures (George Lucas has rights to all these films and Star Wars movies too). The Twilight Zone was made by CBS Productions. All of these films and TV shows are used by Disney under license from these companies. So Disney is paying a hefty penny to have these things in the parks.
Bayou_Tigerfan
New Member
You forgot The gy Dog.
Seriously, I think it's really sad that Disney doesn't pay a little more homage to some of those older classics. Aside from the Swiss tree in MK, it's really only the animated movies that get any attention.
I'd really like to see something somewhere in MGM that pays tribute to Old Yeller, Flubber (the original), Davy Crockett, Zorro, etc.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
My bad...
Shaman
Well-Known Member
Thats ok, we all make mistakes:wave: .
I think MGM should have been dropped long ago. And the hat doesn't cause the Studios to lose anything, in my opinion it adds the Disney magic it lacked. This park is about movies, (the hat is featured in both Fantasia and Fantasia 2000...both movies, of which the original was Walt Disney's own concept) and the hat gives the studios an original look that other parks (Universal Studios) does not have. I think that paying MGM to use their movies in Disney rides is not money well spent (buying theme park rights to movies is ok...but do them with movies like Star Wars and Indiana Jones not other classics the younger generations don't even recall), if they get rid of these movies and still want to keep the great movie ride concept, add movies from the wide variety of films that The Disney Company owns. Just my opinion. :brick:
JimiThing1
New Member
June 27th
Dayma
Well-Known Member
It seems that MGM did have SOMETHING to do with Indy. Check out www.imdb.com and do company credits.
From IMDB:
MGM Optical additional opticals
MGM Titles titles
Same thing for Twilight Zone...seems they filemd them ALL at MGM.
From IMDB:
-MGM Studios [us] filming location
-Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer filmed at
I am not being picky here but to say that MGM didnt have anything to do with the movies is false....
MGM did indeed distribute Raiders of the Lost Ark. Since then the sequels were distributed by Paramount (they have also purchased the rights to the original film). Anyway, back in the day when the licensing agreement was first signed between Disney and MGM, Disney only had the rights to Raiders of the Lost Ark and NOT to the sequels. Presumably the terms of that agreement have changed since Lucasfilm signed a separate partnership with Disney.
It is going to be VERY interesting to see how these agreements change over the next few years. It is widely rumored that Spielberg wants Dreamworks to be the distributor of the 4th Indiana Jones film and possible the original trilogy (and these films really are to Spielberg as Star Wars is to Lucas), which would bring on yet purchase of the rights of the films. That would also create another legal mess as Dreamworks has licensing agreements signed with Universal Recreation. Then there is the stormy relationship on the Lucas side of the house, which could result in Lucas walking away from Disney when his licensing contract runs out. Finally, there is intense pressure from Burbank to put an end to the licensing of other company's products for use in Disney's own theme parks. This should all boil down into a nice legal battle in the coming years.
As if that wasn't enough, there are more forces at work in Hollywood that makes the Lucasfilm/Dreamworks/Disney entanglement look like an arm wrestling match. MGM (the company, not the park) is one of the studios that is in the running to buy Universal Studios (with or without the parks division) from Vivendi. If they do end up with Universal, then all MGM signage, props, sets, and pretty much anything related to the company would most likely have to be IMMEDIATELY removed from Disney/MGM Studios as any legal agreements between MGM/Universal and Blackstone would almost certainly forbid any Universal properties (and by extension MGM properties. If MGM were to purchase Universal then their respective film libraries and franchises would become one and the same, even if MGM wisely decides to keep the Universal brand alive) from being used in a competitor's product*.
A lot of things are rapidly coming to fruition that no one could even think of a few months ago. If MGM does buy and/or merge with Universal's film assets, then there is going to be one wicked plot twist in the story of the Disney/MGM Studios. If not, then there probably won't be anything happening other than the neverending negotiation over what rights Disney has to use the MGM brand name.
* On that subject, I should add that Barry Diller is threatening to sue the hell out of Vivendi if any of VUE is sold off to a competing media company, so it is highly doubtful that Disney would be in the running for any of these assets.
It is going to be VERY interesting to see how these agreements change over the next few years. It is widely rumored that Spielberg wants Dreamworks to be the distributor of the 4th Indiana Jones film and possible the original trilogy (and these films really are to Spielberg as Star Wars is to Lucas), which would bring on yet purchase of the rights of the films. That would also create another legal mess as Dreamworks has licensing agreements signed with Universal Recreation. Then there is the stormy relationship on the Lucas side of the house, which could result in Lucas walking away from Disney when his licensing contract runs out. Finally, there is intense pressure from Burbank to put an end to the licensing of other company's products for use in Disney's own theme parks. This should all boil down into a nice legal battle in the coming years.
As if that wasn't enough, there are more forces at work in Hollywood that makes the Lucasfilm/Dreamworks/Disney entanglement look like an arm wrestling match. MGM (the company, not the park) is one of the studios that is in the running to buy Universal Studios (with or without the parks division) from Vivendi. If they do end up with Universal, then all MGM signage, props, sets, and pretty much anything related to the company would most likely have to be IMMEDIATELY removed from Disney/MGM Studios as any legal agreements between MGM/Universal and Blackstone would almost certainly forbid any Universal properties (and by extension MGM properties. If MGM were to purchase Universal then their respective film libraries and franchises would become one and the same, even if MGM wisely decides to keep the Universal brand alive) from being used in a competitor's product*.
A lot of things are rapidly coming to fruition that no one could even think of a few months ago. If MGM does buy and/or merge with Universal's film assets, then there is going to be one wicked plot twist in the story of the Disney/MGM Studios. If not, then there probably won't be anything happening other than the neverending negotiation over what rights Disney has to use the MGM brand name.
* On that subject, I should add that Barry Diller is threatening to sue the hell out of Vivendi if any of VUE is sold off to a competing media company, so it is highly doubtful that Disney would be in the running for any of these assets.
Shaman
Well-Known Member
I'd hate for Star Tours and Indi to be taken away...but maybe if that happens Disney would be forced to actually come up with better and newer things than depending on hit movies made by other companies. Disney has made so many great movies, that I don't understand why they need these other movies (I think they want to grab the fans of these movies) I don't want Star Tours or Indi to go, especially to the dark side (Universal/Dreamworks...lol). Just my opinion. :hammer:
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
Vivendi Said to Be in Talks to Sell Theme Parks to Investment Firm
Blackstone may buy all or part of the division, a source says. Price could be about $1.5 billion.
By Richard Verrier, Times Staff Writer
Vivendi Universal is in advanced talks to sell its flagship theme parks to a New York investment firm in what could be the first step toward dismantling Universal's vaunted entertainment empire in a bid to raise cash, a source familiar with the negotiations said.
Blackstone Group is negotiating with the Paris-based company to purchase all or part of Vivendi's theme park division, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando in Florida and Universal's ownership interests in parks in Spain and Japan, the source said. Blackstone already holds a 50% stake in the two parks that make up Universal Orlando.
The theme park operation is likely to fetch about $1.5 billion, according to analysts.
The talks come as Vivendi made clear this week that it plans to sell not only the theme parks but also its Universal movie studio and television properties by year's end. The fate of Universal's huge music division is less certain. The company is seeking to reconfigure itself into a telecommunications giant and slash its $18-billion debt load.
The seriousness of the discussions with Blackstone — which had stalled last fall, only to be revived recently — suggest that Vivendi Chief Executive Jean-Rene Fourtou may sell off the entertainment assets piecemeal. That approach is frowned upon by some observers, who believe that bundling the businesses makes more strategic sense and could raise more cash.
Indeed, a deal with Blackstone has the potential to undercut Vivendi's most aggressive suitor, Marvin Davis. An investment group led by the oil tycoon has offered to buy a controlling interest in the entertainment assets for $13 billion — but only if all the units are included. Davis' representatives could not be reached for comment Thursday.
The other serious bidders, including Liberty Media Corp. and Viacom Inc., are keen on the company's profitable cable channels and have little interest in the high-cost and low-margin theme park business.
Analysts weren't surprised by the talks with Blackstone. "Most of the other buyers have said they don't want the theme parks," said Michael Nathanson, with Sanford C. Bernstein. "Blackstone is the logical buyer."
Representatives of Universal Studios Recreation Group and Blackstone declined to comment. Sources close to Universal, however, said there was a widespread expectation within the company that a deal with Blackstone would be struck.
Whatever form it takes, a pact with Blackstone is not expected to produce dramatic changes to the theme park operation, which probably would continue under the same management and keep the Universal name, sources and analysts said.
Even so, a sale of the parks would mark the end of an era at Universal, which has long regarded its theme parks as a key promotional outlet for franchise movies, such as "Jurassic Park."
Under former owners MCA and Seagram Co., Universal spent billions of dollars building its resort in Orlando — which today is composed of two theme parks, three hotels and the CityWalk entertainment district — in an effort to take on rival Walt Disney Co.
More recently, former Vivendi Universal Entertainment Chairman Barry Diller had been a keen backer of the theme park business and gave the division a mandate to expand at home and abroad. Universal recently secured an agreement to open a theme park in Shanghai.
Theme parks, although hard hit by the war in Iraq and an industrywide slump since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, have been a profitable business for Vivendi. They contributedabout $100 million in annual cash flow.
But the parks, with their multimillion-dollar thrill rides, are costly to maintain, and Vivendi does not have the cash to run the business, Fourtou told shareholders Tuesday during the company's annual meeting.
Established in 1985, Blackstone is one of the nation's leading investment firms, with more than $14 billion in equity funds. It is known for partnering with major corporations in big deals and is no stranger to the theme park business or Vivendi. In 1991, Blackstone invested in the Six Flags amusement park chain with Time Warner Inc. and later sold its interests for a tidy profit.
The company already owns half of the two parks that make up Universal Orlando — Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure — a stake it acquired in 2000 for $275 million.
Blackstone also was among the investors that bought Boston publisher Houghton Mifflin from Vivendi last year.
Buying the Universal parks on the cheap is simply a good investment for Blackstone, which probably would sell the operation when the economy improves, analysts said.
"If Blackstone buys the theme parks soon, it will be because the company has decided the timing is right," said Orlando theme park consultant Bill Coan. "It's still a down market in tourism. I think they see distinct advantages in buying right now."
Splitting the theme parks off from the studio, however, could create complications for any buyer. The Hollywood theme park, for example, sits on the Universal City lot, requiring any new owner to make costly lease payments to Universal. The new owner also would have to negotiate intellectual property rights for movie-themed rides.
Staff writer Rob Johnson of the Orlando Sentinel contributed to this report.
Blackstone may buy all or part of the division, a source says. Price could be about $1.5 billion.
By Richard Verrier, Times Staff Writer
Vivendi Universal is in advanced talks to sell its flagship theme parks to a New York investment firm in what could be the first step toward dismantling Universal's vaunted entertainment empire in a bid to raise cash, a source familiar with the negotiations said.
Blackstone Group is negotiating with the Paris-based company to purchase all or part of Vivendi's theme park division, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando in Florida and Universal's ownership interests in parks in Spain and Japan, the source said. Blackstone already holds a 50% stake in the two parks that make up Universal Orlando.
The theme park operation is likely to fetch about $1.5 billion, according to analysts.
The talks come as Vivendi made clear this week that it plans to sell not only the theme parks but also its Universal movie studio and television properties by year's end. The fate of Universal's huge music division is less certain. The company is seeking to reconfigure itself into a telecommunications giant and slash its $18-billion debt load.
The seriousness of the discussions with Blackstone — which had stalled last fall, only to be revived recently — suggest that Vivendi Chief Executive Jean-Rene Fourtou may sell off the entertainment assets piecemeal. That approach is frowned upon by some observers, who believe that bundling the businesses makes more strategic sense and could raise more cash.
Indeed, a deal with Blackstone has the potential to undercut Vivendi's most aggressive suitor, Marvin Davis. An investment group led by the oil tycoon has offered to buy a controlling interest in the entertainment assets for $13 billion — but only if all the units are included. Davis' representatives could not be reached for comment Thursday.
The other serious bidders, including Liberty Media Corp. and Viacom Inc., are keen on the company's profitable cable channels and have little interest in the high-cost and low-margin theme park business.
Analysts weren't surprised by the talks with Blackstone. "Most of the other buyers have said they don't want the theme parks," said Michael Nathanson, with Sanford C. Bernstein. "Blackstone is the logical buyer."
Representatives of Universal Studios Recreation Group and Blackstone declined to comment. Sources close to Universal, however, said there was a widespread expectation within the company that a deal with Blackstone would be struck.
Whatever form it takes, a pact with Blackstone is not expected to produce dramatic changes to the theme park operation, which probably would continue under the same management and keep the Universal name, sources and analysts said.
Even so, a sale of the parks would mark the end of an era at Universal, which has long regarded its theme parks as a key promotional outlet for franchise movies, such as "Jurassic Park."
Under former owners MCA and Seagram Co., Universal spent billions of dollars building its resort in Orlando — which today is composed of two theme parks, three hotels and the CityWalk entertainment district — in an effort to take on rival Walt Disney Co.
More recently, former Vivendi Universal Entertainment Chairman Barry Diller had been a keen backer of the theme park business and gave the division a mandate to expand at home and abroad. Universal recently secured an agreement to open a theme park in Shanghai.
Theme parks, although hard hit by the war in Iraq and an industrywide slump since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, have been a profitable business for Vivendi. They contributedabout $100 million in annual cash flow.
But the parks, with their multimillion-dollar thrill rides, are costly to maintain, and Vivendi does not have the cash to run the business, Fourtou told shareholders Tuesday during the company's annual meeting.
Established in 1985, Blackstone is one of the nation's leading investment firms, with more than $14 billion in equity funds. It is known for partnering with major corporations in big deals and is no stranger to the theme park business or Vivendi. In 1991, Blackstone invested in the Six Flags amusement park chain with Time Warner Inc. and later sold its interests for a tidy profit.
The company already owns half of the two parks that make up Universal Orlando — Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure — a stake it acquired in 2000 for $275 million.
Blackstone also was among the investors that bought Boston publisher Houghton Mifflin from Vivendi last year.
Buying the Universal parks on the cheap is simply a good investment for Blackstone, which probably would sell the operation when the economy improves, analysts said.
"If Blackstone buys the theme parks soon, it will be because the company has decided the timing is right," said Orlando theme park consultant Bill Coan. "It's still a down market in tourism. I think they see distinct advantages in buying right now."
Splitting the theme parks off from the studio, however, could create complications for any buyer. The Hollywood theme park, for example, sits on the Universal City lot, requiring any new owner to make costly lease payments to Universal. The new owner also would have to negotiate intellectual property rights for movie-themed rides.
Staff writer Rob Johnson of the Orlando Sentinel contributed to this report.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
No...Blackstone wants to be sole owner of the parks and resorts--the separation only involves parks from the rest of the company which could, indeed, lead to problems.
mkepcotmgmak
Well-Known Member
WOW
excuse my ignorance on this, but how would they seperate the parks from the company? wouldn't that mean that they owner of the parks would have to pay royalties to the Universal company to keep the "Universal" attractions? that would be like someone buying out Disney World and making it a seperate entity from the Disney name. wouldn't Mickey have to change to Nickey?
excuse my ignorance on this, but how would they seperate the parks from the company? wouldn't that mean that they owner of the parks would have to pay royalties to the Universal company to keep the "Universal" attractions? that would be like someone buying out Disney World and making it a seperate entity from the Disney name. wouldn't Mickey have to change to Nickey?
mkepcotmgmak
Well-Known Member
oh wait, i meant to add to my prev. post - THIS IS GREAT - this could really be Universal's downfall... here is what I propose - when the co. starts going downhill let DISNEY buy them out and take the universal name, THEN merge Disney/MGM Studios to UNIVERSAL DISNEY its not that far of a drive from WDW to Universal, so load up some 18 wheelers and bring those rides to Lake Buena Vista... lol
Pumbas Nakasak
Heading for the great escape.
This story is now also running in the UK financial sections of the press. They say its definately just the theme park buisness.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
Re: WOW
Disney did this with Tokyo Disneyland...that property is separate from the Walt Disney Company (not sure if they are entirely separate or only mostly separate--I don't know what percentage the Oriental Land Company owns...)
Disney did this with Tokyo Disneyland...that property is separate from the Walt Disney Company (not sure if they are entirely separate or only mostly separate--I don't know what percentage the Oriental Land Company owns...)