Classic Universal Studios Hollywood

[Rideguy70]

So I didn't really know where to post this, but I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone by creating a thread for anyone who has classic USH pics.

In any case, I was watching the recent Expedition Everest video (a great YouTube channel that documents many attractions, many defunct--most in Florida or England, this is one of his few West Coast vids). In some of the archival footage he found of the park was this, which I managed to screen shot.

While I obviously recognize the sign, I honestly have no idea what that stadium is in the background. Does anyone know more about it?

 

[thewicked]

So I didn't really know where to post this, but I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone by creating a thread for anyone who has classic USH pics.

In any case, I was watching the recent Expedition Everest video (a great YouTube channel that documents many attractions, many defunct--most in Florida or England, this is one of his few West Coast vids). In some of the archival footage he found of the park was this, which I managed to screen shot.

While I obviously recognize the sign, I honestly have no idea what that stadium is in the background. Does anyone know more about it?

That was the old "An American Tale" arena before it was demolished to make way for T2:3D.

 

[Rideguy70]

Really, that was over there? Had it always been there? What was there before it?

 

[Stryker]

the studiotour.com - Universal Studios Hollywood - An American Tail Live

 

[La2kw]

Really, that was over there? Had it always been there? What was there before it?

Before they built the parking structure there (which is what that area is built on top of), there was a parking lot down the hill with a funicular that took you to the top of the hill and into the Victoria Station Restaurant. Victoria Station was an excellent train themed restaurant chain with prime rib and a cool salad bar (which was a new idea at the time). You ate in old railroad cars parked at Victoria Station and the USH location was probably their largest one. It later became a MarvelMania restaurant after they built the parking garage and then part of it was used for the House of Horrors Maze.

 

[tankart150]

Before they built the parking structure there (which is what that area is built on top of), there was a parking lot down the hill with a funicular that took you to the top of the hill and into the Victoria Station Restaurant. Victoria Station was an excellent train themed restaurant chain with prime rib and a cool salad bar (which was a new idea at the time). You ate in old railroad cars parked at Victoria Station and the USH location was probably their largest one. It later became a MarvelMania restaurant after they built the parking garage and then part of it was used for the House of Horrors Maze.

What’s Marvel Mania?

 

[La2kw]

What’s Marvel Mania?

It was like a Hard Rock Cafe/Planet Hollywood type restaurant with Marvel theme. I never ate there, I had little interest in Marvel characters at the time.

 

[Rideguy70]

I do remember Marvel Mania (I even had a birthday dinner there!) and I have vague memories of Victoria Station. Like I knew it was there, but I was a child at the time. I didn't know it used to have a funicular to it, though!

 

[Mad Dog]

Too bad Universal let the rights to Marvel lapse out there. They'd really have Disney boxed in on Marvel stuff if they would have continued use.

 

[La2kw]

I do remember Marvel Mania (I even had a birthday dinner there!) and I have vague memories of Victoria Station. Like I knew it was there, but I was a child at the time. I didn't know it used to have a funicular to it, though!

It was small, held about 10 people and took you right to the lobby of the restaurant.

 

[ush.hacker]

I was doing research about snow in Los Angeles and found this super cool/old photo of USH

Universal Studios after a 1948 snow storm. Photo courtesy of the Security Pacific National Bank Collection – Los Angeles Public Library.

 

[themeparkshark]

Created this on blast zone today

 

[Crypt Keeper]

 

[saint.piss]

 

[saint.piss]

 

[Rideguy70]

A friend of mine, when visiting Oregon, found a vintage Universal Super 8MM reel! A copy of it is even on display in Universal's own display case.

We haven't watched it yet, but we do have a Super 8MM player, so we do plan on it!

Rideguy70 (@rideguy70.bsky.social)

A friend of mine was in Oregon, and happened to see the Universal Super 8mm film reel in an antique store! And he was kind enough to buy it for us! In the last pic, you can see a copy of the film in Universal’s own display case, just to the right of center.

bsky.app

 

[saint.piss]

 

[belloq87]

I really miss all the behind-the-scenes, "Here's how this was done!" stuff in theme parks. Little of it survives.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I agree

I would love a small flex space to showcase films, old and new. The Small Soldier's walkthrough was also really cool back in the day.

 

[Rideguy70]

Finally got to screen that Super 8mm movie. Took a couple of pics, which are also posted at my Bluesky account.

One screen shot has a shooting schedule, and it includes The Jack Benny Show and The Munsters. The former closed in 1965, and the latter started in 1964, so it had to be from that era.

Rideguy70 (@rideguy70.bsky.social)

Finally screened this vintage Super 8mm Universal Studios reel! Selection of screen shots below, starting with Courthouse Square, 6 Points Texas, and a fashionable guest on the Glamour Tram. #UniversalStudiosHollywood #universal #USH

bsky.app