I’ve read a few reports lately about a new exhibit at Universal Studios – “The Universal Experience: Behind the Scenes of Universal Pictures”. This is described as a display of “never-before-seen” original props, costumes, and other assets that are part of the filmmaking process from some of their more popular films and productions.
One such story can be found at MonstersAndCritics.com (LINK). Per this report, features with pieces on display include Atonement, All Quiet on the Western Front, The 40 Year Old Virgin, E.T., The Extra Terrestrial, Apollo 13, The Sting, Seabiscuit, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Mummy, Dracula, Jurassic Park, Earthquake, The Birds, Psycho, Gladiator, Fast Times at Ridgemont Drive, Spartacus, Back to the Future, and more.
There is another story on the DailyNews.com (LINK). In addition to describing the new attraction, this article references the Keira Knightly dress worn in Atonement that was auctioned publicly a few months ago:
In March, a dress billed as the original worn by Knightley in “Atonement” – and authenticated by Durran in an auction listing – sold for $46,000 at a ClothesOffOurBack.org sale. The proceeds went to Variety’s Children’s Charity of Southern California.
According to the auction listing, the “dress was taken directly from the production’s archives and is one of a handful that was made specifically for Ms. Knightley to wear during filming. Multiples were fashioned because of the fragility of the dress.”
Universal spokeswoman Audrey Eig acknowledged that, as often is the case, several copies of the dress were made for the film. But she said the gown on display at the new attraction is what is known in the industry as “the hero costume” – the actual costume worn by Knightley.
See prior OPB articles for details on the referenced dress:
- Charity Auction: Keira Knightley’s Dress From Best Picture Academy Award Nominee “Atonement”
- Charity Auction: Keira Knightley’s “Atonement” Dress Sells for $46,000
The second article is very interesting with a good deal of anecdotal information, while the first has some nice wide shot photos of what the displays look like.
It is a benefit to the hobby to have some nice examples of important pieces on display for the public to enjoy.
Jason De Bord