kdtry

Sounds about right

I understand the consensus for Next Generation was that it was terrible. That’s hard to rebuke, and rightfully so. However, I do believe it was an admirable attempt at storytelling. Where the original was linked to the film cosmetically, Next Gen was more direct in its use of the Spooky Island Demons and Scrappy Doo. Further, the basin of souls added to the core of the ‘disco room,’ is a significant placemark in the film. These pieces worked together to create a cohesive space. Alike the film, the castle and caves are a unified complex. In Next Generation, the castle has become overrun with demons ahead of Scrappy Doo’s transformation in the caves. The final show scene also occurs in the caves, with light breaking through, ending the demons, and reenacting the enduring finale of the film itself. Therefore, the space occupied by the disco room reads as traversing through the caves. Likely a semi-immaterial traversal at that, like souls bounding back to their bodies after lasting imprisonment. This is the closest the ride has ever gotten to intentional coherence throughout. On paper, a highly immersive attraction! Unfortunately, the messy actualisation of such looked sad against the original. With the latest retrofit, I think this desire for storytelling has gone by the wayside – slightly. Or perhaps the creatives let go of the reins too early. We enter the lift in the caves, and next find ourselves in the Spookapalooza arena during the final show scene. “How do we get from one to the other?” I imagine the creative team asked this question. I don’t feel there is an easy answer to it, perhaps influencing the now ‘disco-room,’ in its painted absence. Despite this, I really appreciate the continued significance of the Spooky Island Demon, now animated on the dolly. Further, the new show scene depicting the Monstrous Dining Hall is directly out of the film. To nitpick, I imagine there are slightly better ways the screen could be integrated, the corner fold is quite disruptive; however, I acknowledge we are on an Australian Theme Park budget (and a GBH Capital one too…). I am very happy with the direction that has been taken regarding the actualisation of third iteration; it seems those in lighting were up to their necks. Initially I wasn’t too set on the blue hue that has been added throughout many scenes and the queue. I might still prefer the darkness of the previous two iterations solely on nostalgia. However, if I were to put a colour to the 2002 slopsterpiece, it would probably land within the bounds of blue. Blue is a more distinct ambient than black. I believe the dark ride portion will be read as a more effective and coherent place, rather than an absence as previously indicated with the darker palette. Even more impressive, the fluidity of these lights. The knights come alive in sync with the flicker of lights (I wish the figures reflected this fluidity). The Demon is drenched in strobe like flashes on approach. All seems to be well synchronised with the train. I think it is easy for this to go unnoticed, but if you were to remove these effects and compare, the difference would be dramatic. I cannot understate how happy I am to see the initial sliding door return. It fills my heart. To be honest the rest could be a slapjob and I would still get joy out of the door. It’s a real haunted house now. And notice, the synchronised lighting with each open and close – marvellous. What pisses me off about both Next Gen and this third iterations are their exits. The dip unveils walls of foliage and a sign for the Tiki Doll Lounge. Evidently, we are well out of the castle. Turn the corner, and exit the vehicle, suddenly the walls are back to that of the castle. Maybe I take back what I had to say about cohesion. And don’t get me started on the loose articles system!!!!!! That is a slapjob. The giftshop is stylised with a tiki interior. I wish the hall from exit to gift shop linked this. Add some false foliage to the walls (I know it will be ripped off in a day) and sculpt some tree trunks or rocks for textural variance. Darken the lights, give it an ambient evening soundtrack – some crickets and the rustle of palm fronds – and maybe dot some fireflies on the roof. Nice and atmospheric, calm against the ‘scary,’ just encountered. While they’re at it (which will be never), add a small permanent bar kiosk featuring a thatched roof and kitschy Spooky Island paraphernalia somewhere outside the exit. Perfection. Perhaps once Doomsday is gone. Space also exists near the extended queue. This is the only generational ‘classic,’ I think we’ve got (at present). Scooby is culturally ingrained, and certainly the live action iteration is endearing with local audiences. I would love to see it expand beyond the castle. Also, the absence of Gotham City Café and courtyard would be a resolute win… I evidently intake and consider these things beyond the reference frame of the public. It's not that serious, I know, I know. But the implementation of more considered lighting in this third iteration will unconsciously dictate a much greater sense of cohesive storytelling for general audiences. Next generation was literal but sloppy. The ‘disco room,’ could obviously use more of this literacy going ahead; absence is not informative. Refinement all-round is certainly needed, but a step has been made in a positive direction. I am sure we would all love to see more Scooby ahead.

I don't believe the reply implies the screens remain unchanged. If they were the same, then why bother keeping them a "mystery." (I imagine they could just update the media and call it a day though) If they've chosen to keep the screens, then I look forward to December 😋 It'll be a rough BGH summer!!!

In what world would the theming not reference the 2002 film? It is rhetorical. The assertions' only purpose is shoving IP further down our throats. (I know it's a typical PR reply and shouldn't be taken this seriously)

Did the Knights and the Reaper always look so "straight out the costume store Halloween aisle?" These scenes probably haven't been touched thematically by this refurbishment. However, the fixed camera perspectives (compared to being seated in the moving ride vehicle), and the boosted lighting, do not showcase them very well. It looks cheap.

Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closes Superman coaster Spare parts only went so far. Seems GD won't reclaim it's record anytime soon.

Village coming through with the goods?? Time will tell, but at least it seems they understand there are big shoes to fill this time round.

brat maze