Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Ride Matchup #1: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show vs. Sounds Dangerous!

This is both the first head-to-head matchup of rides as well as the first Hollywood Studios rides to be reviewed on Grading Disney.com. I will review each ride next to the other and then I will pick a final score and a winner to advance to the next round. For the sake of time I will skip the ride history since there are many more matchups to come!

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show Review

  1. Visual Theming - This show may be one of the most visual impressive shows in all of WDW. The automobile stunts throughout are perfectly executed and wonderful to watch. The background is also well designed and fulfills its purpose. Score 9.25 out of 10
  2. Audio Theming - There is nothing particularly special about the music in this show but the sounds of the cars and motorcycles are very cool and add to the experience of the high-aderenaline stunt show. Score 7 out of 10
  3. Story Telling - The story of Lights, Motors, Action! is that of an action movie that is being filmed right in front of the live audience. This story is well executed and immersive through the use of movie theming (i.e. actors portraying directors and cameramen guide the audience through the action) Score 8.5 out of 10
  4. Popularity - The stunt show is very popular and often plays to full audiences. Since this show is relatively new and is an exciting, high energy performance it really isn't that surprising that it is a headline Hollywood Studios attraction Score 8 out of 10
  5. Age Range - Lights, Motors, Actions! is truly an attraction that appeals to all ages. It can be enjoyed by anyone because there are no physical restrictions that pertain to it, unlike many other "thrilling" attractions. The only slight problem is that this show tends to be more male-oriented because of its nature Score 9 out of 10
  6. Lasting Appeal - Although this show hasn't been around for long it seems like an attraction that could stand the test of time. It still features long lines and memorable experiences for new viewers pointing towards it's possible, although unproven, longevity Score 7.5 out of 10
  7. Intangibles - The Extreme Stunt Show is certainly a recognizable headline attraction at Hollywood Studios. It is a very enjoyable show that is certain to create memories for years to come Score 8.75 out of 10 

Sounds Dangerous! Review
  1. Visual Theming - There are very few visual elements throughout Sounds Dangerous! because it is a primarily a audio performance. There is a short closing video but it, much like the queue and show building, is nothing particularly special Score 6.75 out of 10
  2. Audio Theming - This is where this show excels. The creative use of sound in Sounds Dangerous! tells its story and gives a unique experience for the audience Score 9.5 out of 10
  3. Story Telling - The story of this show is somewhat corny but Drew Carey helps to make it very funny in some parts. Also the way the story is presented helps to make this a one-of-a-kind experiences Score 7.5 out of 10
  4. Popularity - This show is not very popular as it is only open on select days and only manages to draw a small crowd Score 6.5 out of 10
  5. Age Range - Most theater shows appeal to a wide range of ages and this is no exception. The only ones who may not be able to listen to this show are young children who are easily scared by loud sounds Score 8 out of 10
  6. Lasting Appeal - Sounds Dangerous! has minimal public appeal nowadays. It is only a little more than a decade old and is already beginning to show signs of age in its sound equipment and selection of actors. Score 6.75 out of 10
  7. Intangibles - Sounds Dangerous! is an interesting show to experience but it doesn't really have much lasting appeal or special Disney magic which make it stand out from the crowd Score 7 out of 10


Final Scores

    Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show - 8.5 out of 10
    vs. 
    Sounds Dangerous! - 6.75 out of 10

    Winner - Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show won by a fairly wide margin because it is a far more exciting and memorable show than Sounds Dangerous!. While Sounds Dangerous! is a unique show it just doesn't have any longevity or special elements that make it stand out. Lights, Motors, Action! on the other hand is one of best shows in Hollywood Studios and perhaps all of WDW

    Saturday, April 9, 2011

    Grading Disney is now returning normal posting

    If you have been to the site in the last few weeks you may have noticed that there has been new content in a while, as my last few weeks have been very busy. I apologize for that and I am now planning to return to the normal posting on this blog. I will soon go through the grading disney march/april madness bracket and then move on to some new content in the weeks to come. So as always I hope you enjoy this blog and come back frequently to see what's new!