As theme parks continuously create new white knuckle rides to keep visitors returning for more, the world's first ever horror movie-themed rollercoaster, SAW - The Ride, opened at Thorpe Park this March using the latest technology to transform the idea into a reality.
The novel idea to base a ride on the most popular horror film franchise in history, SAW, and give visitors a spine chilling experience required the expertise of the Ashdown AV team, who were approached to create an integrated sound, video, lighting and effects control system for the ride. Project manager Peter Roe began the planning phase in November 2008, specifying the equipment required and designing the ride's control system.
Two 47" AQUiVO outdoor weatherproof screens from AV distribution company PSCo, were chosen for the project to relay video content to thrill seekers on board the ride at the pinnacle moment. The horror content from SAW is seen just before riders experience a nerve-shredding 'beyond vertical' drop of 100ยบ from a height of 100ft and endure three inversions.
The AQUiVO screens are weather resistant LCD displays, meaning they can be left outdoors all year round and will not be affected by wind, rain, snow or sunshine. The screens' IP56 rating means they are fully resistant to water, humidity and dust, while an anti-reflective surface means they can still be viewed in sunlight.
A combination of ultra violet lighting, mechanical effects, video and audio are triggered at various stages, using an AMX console to control the timings from sensors set up in different locations on the ride.
Bernie Whates, managing director of Volume One who ran the AV project commented: "It is certainly an extremely scary concept - some of the team have experienced the ride and have given it rave reviews. To really bring the movie to life, the AV system is cutting edge and uses the very latest technology triggered at just the right moment for maximum impact."
(Jim Evans)
