Universal Studios and the Great 3D Retreat

Universal Studios Florida has removed the 3D version of its video on the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, replacing the ride's media with 2D video. Sister park Universal Studios Hollywood switched Minion Mayhem to 2D video earlier this year, following the debut of the attraction in 2D at Universal Studios Japan in 2017.

Minion Mayhem replaced Back to the Future in Japan, so the park preferred a 2D version to play on the IMAX-style screens on that ride. Now, Universal has brought a 2D version to all the installations of the Despicable Me motion theater show around the world.

It's the latest in what seems to be a developing trend away from 3D-based media for Universal. In addition to the Minion Mayhem changes, Universal shelved a 3D version of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Hollywood less than a year after that ride's opening. And when Fast & Furious - Supercharged made the drive to Orlando, it left its 3D version behind in California. Universal Studios Florida also closed its Terminator 2:3D show in favor of what's widely tipped to be a live-action stunt show, too.

Running a media-based attraction in 2D rather than 3D saves a park the cost of buying, cleaning, collecting and (potentially) replacing thousands of 3D glasses. And a switch to 2D potentially can save a park on projection costs as well, as 3D video demands stronger projection lighting to overcome the inherent darkness of 3D glasses' lenses.

While some fans enjoy the gimmick of 3D visual effects, the format bothers others, and some with visual impairments simply cannot see video in 3D. The use of 3D on motion base attractions carries additional risk, as 3D can amplify any disconnect between the physical motion of one's seats and the motion depicted by the video on screen.

Many fans have been complaining abut Universal's over-use of screens in its recent attractions, but I suspect that a good portion of that pushback is due to 3D fatigue, as well. With Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure and the upcoming Super Nintendo World, Universal is moving toward more practical-driven storytelling, but for its recent crop of screen-based attractions, it's easier to try to win back a few fans by dropping the 3D than it is to shut down those attractions and take a chance with something entirely new.

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