SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, the leading innovator of immersive 3-D and 4-D Attractions and the exclusive distributor of the industry’s best selling film titles, has partnered with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and the San Diego Zoo to create the RIO Rainforest Adventure 4-D attraction.
Mark Cornell, Senior Vice President of Attractions Development for SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, said, “This attraction was designed to take the 4-D theater to the next level with a variety of species of macaws perched near the theater, interactive elements and branded characters to elevate guest experience as well as boost overall value and revenue for the San Diego Zoo.”
RIO: The 4-D Experience is a 12-minute theater presentation inspired by the hugely popular 2011 film RIO from Blue Sky Studios and Fox Animation, which opened to the public on September 27th 2013.
The attraction also provides an opportunity for the Zoo to educate guests about conservation issues. Debra Erickson, Director of Communications and Interpretation for San Diego Zoo Global explains, “The San Diego Zoo is dedicated to saving endangered animals that, like RIO’s Blu and Jewel, are impacted by deforestation, habitat fragmentation and the illegal pet trade. We are always seeking out new and innovative ways to engage our guests and share with them the challenges facing wildlife around the world.”
Following on from the success of RIO, RIO 2 is scheduled for release in April 2014.
Greg Lombardo, Vice President of Global Location Based Entertainment Development at Fox Consumer Products, said, "Rio Rainforest Adventure is a great example of Twentieth Century Fox's long-term strategy of extending and enriching our relationship with fans of our movies in meaningful ways. This attraction, set at one of America's top family destinations, demonstrates how entertainment can energize parents and kids through the wonder of the world around them."
