Being a movie buff, I was very excited to hear that the new Fox Studios Australia was opening a Backlot section that would include movie-themed attractions. Having been to Universal Studios in Los Angeles and Orlando, as well as Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World, I was hoping that something similar to the great attractions at these 3 studio theme parks would be recreated. Following is an account of the day Sarah and I spent at Fox Studios Backlot on November 14, 1999.

Layout

Fox Studios is made up of the professional studios, where films like The Matrix, Babe: Pig in the City, and Mission Impossible 2 have been shot. Then there is the Backlot, which contains all the themed attractions. And finally, there is Bent Street, an entertainment and retail area that houses a Hoyts cinema complex, restaurants, and a multitude of shops.

Backlot

The Backlot is a 60 acre park that has 8 attractions and several eateries. Throughout the day, a cast of characters ranging from Simpsons favourites like Bart and Homer to a walking film projector move around to entertain the guests. The attractions are described and reviewed below.

Titanic: The Experience

This is the headline attraction at the Backlot. The audience is cast as extras during the filming of James Cameron's Titanic. You are initially led to a room where props from the film and an actual miniature model of the ship are on display. The curtain opens and you see the Titanic, ready for boarding. You walk up the gangplanks into steerage, where a purser gives you some handy information. Then…the iceberg strikes! It's a race against time as you are herded up the steps, then onto the deck, and finally into the lifeboats. Will you survive?

A fun experience that almost captures what it might have been like during the sinking of the famous ship. Many of the props and sets are from the film itself. I would have preferred a little more excitement, however. Maybe lowering the lifeboat into the water, and with a splash. As it is, doesn't carry enough repeat value, unlike thrill rides at other parks. Though the Backlot is not really meant to be an amusement park, the Titanic experience is supposed to be the must-do attraction, and should therefore have made you want to do it again.

Rating: 7/10

The TV Tour

Housed next to the Titanic attraction, the TV Tour is a walk-though attraction that showcases the sets from TV programs like The X Files, Water Rats, and NYPD Blue. Also offers some interactive video communication games. Interesting but nothing special. Fox Mulder's office and NYPD Blue's toilet look realistic enough, but won't make you say, "WOW!"

Rating: 5/10

The Simpsons Down Under

An attraction based on the popular animated series featuring the dysfunctional family from Springfield. A walk-through of some of the Simpsons' "live" sets, such as the family's lounge room and sofa. Then a motion capture session on stage, where a Simpsons' character on the screen mimics the movements of a host in a specially designed suit. Cool stuff, though I think the original idea was for audience members to try on the suit.

Finally, a special version of the Simpsons Down Under is shown. This is the one where Bart makes a long-distance call to a boy in the Australian outback, asking about how the water spins as it goes down a sink. Worth seeing.

Rating: 7/10

The Babe Set

A walk-by of the set from the Babe sequel, which was shot at the professional studios. This is mainly of the canal area, where the majority of the action is set. While nice to see the various houses and bridges, it would have been better to be allowed to actually walk on the set (though I understand why they didn't allow this). Worth about 2 minutes of your time.

Rating: 3/10

Hall of Cool Stuff

An interesting look at some of the costumes and props from some of the most popular Fox films, such as the Alien series and Romeo and Juliet. Entertaining.

Rating: 6/10

Star Dressing Room

Highlights costumes from films like Titanic, Crocodile Dundee, and Mrs Doubtfire. Followed by an informative and amusing session with a make-up artist that involves audience participation. Shows how bloody scratches and bruises are created, as well as transforming someone into a monster. Make-up, sound effects and special effects shows are 3 staples of movie theme parks that allow the public to get inside the world of movie magic. While not as polished as the horror make-up show at Universal Studios in Orlando, this one is still quite good.

Rating: 7/10

The Sound Stage

An excellent 3-part attraction that discusses the role of sound and sound effects. First is a video session discussing how technicians record and then alter sounds. Second is an aural experience in the Dark Theatre, where multi-directional sound effects simulate anything from a car screeching to the crack of lightning. Third is a foley effects show in the Vox Theatre, involving a very good host called, naturally enough, Vox. He explains what a foley artist does and why they are so named, then demonstrates how everyday items like coconut shells are used to add sound effects to a scene from Young Frankenstein. Audience participation is included. Another staple of movie theme parks, this is a very good attraction, even if I've seen most of it before in similar shows at other movie theme parks.

Rating: 8/10

Lights! Camera! Chaos!

Unfortunately we didn't get to see this show, as we were late by 1 minute to the 12:30 session and would have had to wait around for the 3pm session. Therefore, we skipped it.

Dining

There is a selection of eateries inside the Backlot. Nothing spectacular; just the usual fast food shops like a burger joint, a sandwich counter, and an Asian take-away. Seating provided.

Bent Street

This retail and entertainment section has free admission. A variety of shops like Dymocks, Sanity, and Fox Studios memorabilia; several bars, cafes, and restaurants, including the Asian Kitchen and noodle bar, the Cine pasta and wood fired pizza restaurant, and the Star Fish seafood grill. Includes the Hoyts 12-screen complex, all featuring stadium seating, and a 4-screen arthouse cinema. Some areas (like the Arena restaurant) were still incomplete, but eventually I think this will be a good place to spend a night out or when going to see a movie.

Conclusion

Fox Studios Backlot is a fun way to spend 3 hours, but at $37.95 per adult ticket, it is ultimately not satisfying enough to make me want to go again. It will need more attractions, especially of the thrill-ride variety, to induce repeat business. Go once if you haven't been to a movie theme park before, or take your kids for a day out, but otherwise, think twice. A place like Warner Bros Movie World on the Gold Coast (where I haven't yet visited) may be better bang for your dollar.