It has a very different vibe from the Christmas show or the original nighttime spectacular, since it’s about the Dark Arts. This time, the team at Universal Studios Hollywood uses mist, fog, and fire to set the tone, making the audience feel that something eerie is about to begin. The projection, just like in the previous shows, is state-of-the-art. As images of spiders, skulls, and dementors appear on Hogwarts castle, the music builds to its climax until Voldemort’s face materialize on one of towers. As you watch Hogwarts castle taken over by dark magic, Dumbledore’s voice reminds us “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light”. And like magic, Harry’s Patronus appears in the sky. The. Sky. This image is not a projection. The Patronus literally appears out of thin air, like magic. This is done with multiple drones, programmed to create a multi-dimensional image. I should mention that this isn’t a still image either. You’ll actually see the Stag move. I was completely blown away and left in awe. I have never seen anything like this before. Hats off to the creative team at Universal Studios Hollywood for making magic real.
If you have a deep connection with the Harry Potter fandom, this show will definitely tug on your heartstrings. I felt my eyes tear up at the sight of the Patronus light up in the sky. It’s an unbelievable sight and an indescribable feeling.
If you live in Southern California, or planning a trip to the LA area, you have to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and witness this in person. Photos and videos doesn’t do it justice.
You can catch Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Hollywood nightly from June 22th ~ August 11th, 2019.
Visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com for details.
