Today, Thorpe Park announced via a YouTube video that their 2009 coaster codenamed ‘Project Dylan’ will be the world’s first horror movie-themed roller coaster.
Based around the popular ‘Saw’ horror movie series, the park is boasting that the attraction will be the scariest ride in the world. A dedicated website has been created; SawTheRide.com, in a similar fashion to the launch of Stealth.
The website contains a countdown timer which confirms an opening date of Friday 13th March 2009. For the past four months there have been teaser videos released by the park to encourage hype – these are set to continue on the 13th of each month and have their own dedicated section on the website, as well as being available on the Thorpe Park YouTube Channel.
Also featured are promotional images, giving away clues of how the attraction will finally look. Once again a developer’s diary makes an appearance where the construction team will post regular photos and information on the progress leading up to opening day.
Want to be the first to experience Saw – The Ride? You can be in with a chance by completing a challenge given to you by Jigsaw, named ‘Become a disciple of Jigsaw’. This feature will be available soon.
“So you think you’ve got the guts to be the first to ride? Complete my code endurance test and you’ll be considered. Use the saw to hack through your leg. This is not for the faint hearted…. Only a true disciple will pass this test. Let the games begin.”
Playing the game will present you with a fairly graphic 3D representation of a leg which you have to use the computer controls to cut through, with heavy breathing and blood effects. On completion of this delightful task, you are offered the chance to put your name on the ‘placeholders form’, where you enter your details for a chance to be one of the first to ride. Just a name and email are required.
Here’s the full press release:
The UK’s thrill-capital, THORPE PARK, leading next generation film studio Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures today announced that they will launch SAW – The Ride, the world’s first ever horror movie-themed rollercoaster, in Spring 2009. Based on Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures’ ‘Saw’ franchise, the most profitable horror franchise in movie history, SAW – The Ride is the scariest ride in the world. The latest installment in the series, ‘Saw V,’ premieres on Friday 24th October, and THORPE PARK will be inviting visitors to ‘Face Your Fears’ on their new terrifying attraction next year.
Like the films, THORPE PARK’s new rollercoaster will test the nerve of all who dare ride it and visitors will be at the mercy of the series’ master manipulator, Jigsaw. The ultimate test of SAW – The Ride will be a ‘beyond vertical’ drop of 100’ from a height of 100ft, making it the steepest freefall drop in the world. Riders will also endure three inversions that will add another dimension to a whole new experience of adrenaline-fuelled fun for thrill seekers.
SAW – The Ride continues the growth of the ‘Saw’ franchise as an international cultural touchstone. The original 2004 ‘Saw’ launched a new wave in horror films and introduced a bona fide icon of terror: Jigsaw, the philosophically inclined psychopath with an exacting moral agenda and a genius for gruesome games of survival, ‘played’ with those he believes have ceased to value and appreciate the gift of life. Ratcheting up tension and invention with each successive film, the ‘Saw’ franchise has become a part of the zeitgeist while jangling nerves around the world. To date, the four ‘Saw’ titles have taken in over $550 million in worldwide theatrical box office and their combined gross DVD sales are nearly 24 million units.
Candy Holland, Creative Director for Merlin Entertainments Resort Theme Parks, is the woman behind the ride and arguably has Britain’s scariest and most exciting job. She is an extreme thrill enthusiast and will draw on her extensive background in theme park and theatre set design, working with the project team to make it the scariest ride in the world. Candy was also responsible for the creative development of THORPE PARK’s Stealth ride, Se7en maze, and Oblivion and Air at the Alton Towers Resort.
Candy Holland comments, “I’m a huge fan of horror films and am utterly relishing creating the scariest ride in the world. Anybody who has sat through a ‘Saw’ film scared and terrified beyond belief will have some idea of what’s in store for them at THORPE PARK. SAW – The Ride is going to be shocking and intense; both physically and psychologically; and is sure to give you nightmares.
“We have worked in close collaboration with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures on this project to ensure total accuracy of the key elements of the ‘Saw’ films, which when combined with the latest rollercoaster technology will create a phenomenal ride experience.”
Marketing Director of THORPE PARK Carolyn London says, “SAW – The Ride is definitely only for the brave, and will add an element of edge to an already adrenaline packed breadth of thrills on offer. We’re certain the ‘Saw’ theme will set pulses racing and will satisfy the appetite of those in search of the ultimate exhilarating experience.”
‘Saw’ producers and Twisted Pictures principals Mark Burg and Oren Koules remark, “We love scaring people, and SAW – The Ride is a whole new way to do it. The team at THORPE PARK have really impressed us with their grasp of the ‘Saw’ universe and with their dedication to creating a truly edgy attraction.”
Guy Avshalom, Lionsgate COO, and Aubrey McClure, Lionsgate Vice President of Promotions, Licensing & Merchandising, add, “SAW – The Ride is a reflection of how thoroughly the ‘Saw’ franchise has crossed over into pop culture at large. We are delighted to be working with THORPE PARK to continue that expansion with the scariest ride in the world.”
