Batman: Knight Flight at Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi

An innovative airborne dark ride system and stunning content creates one of the most ambitious attractions in the world.

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INTRODUCTION

Batman: Knight Flight takes visitors on a visually stunning flight of fantasy as they board a next-generation drone wing dark ride system to join Batman in the skies above Gotham City on a mission to defeat The Joker.

Visitors take an airborne journey in a high-tech drone wing ’Crime Fighter’ developed by Dynamic Attractions that dives, climbs, spins and rolls as it speeds through an immersive sky scene created by massive photorealistic sets, animatronic figures, cinematic media and special effects within a series of dome structures.

Electrosonic worked in partnership with Thinkwell, Smart Monkeys and Dynamic Attractions to turn this exciting vision into reality. Electrosonic was responsible for technology design consulting, dome projection, audio and special effects, system integration and show control.

OVERVIEW

Batman: Knight Flight is a world-class example of the fusion of architecture, storytelling and technology in a large-scale series of dome structures that takes the visitor experience to new levels.

It features the drone wing ‘Crime Fighter’ - an award-winning next-generation moving robotic arm dark ride system where the visitor’s high-octane journey is fully integrated with themed physical scenery and the stunning audiovisual recreation and special effects of the night skies above the city.

This ambitious experience brings together a next-generation ride vehicle with an immersive set, photorealistic CGI media and cinematic video, awe-inspiring special effects, animatronic figures and a dramatic soundtrack to create an extraordinary multidimensional experience.

Advanced dome projection and edge-blended projection techniques on 3-dimensional surfaces create spectacular flight and fight sequences, while more than 100 speakers and subwoofers deliver immersive themed music, audio effects and dialog.

Content and special effects are precisely managed by the show control system to synchronize media with the progress of the flight simulator. The audiovisual and ride systems can be controlled and monitored locally by a touch panel or integrated with Smart Monkeys’ Parkwide Control System for centralized management.

CHALLENGE

The major technical challenge was to project the high resolution content accurately on a massive series of domed structures and 3-dimensional sets. The solution required detailed projection studies and the development of custom lenses for multiple projectors.

The show also required precise control to synchronize the timing of content, lighting and special effects with the motion and progress of the remote-controlled flight simulator. To maintain the sense of magic and mystery, the technology had to be concealed.

SOLUTION

Electrosonic’s experience in large-scale dome projection and flight-based experiences enabled the team to ensure accurate projection. We carried out detailed projection studies and collaborated with projector and lens manufacturers to develop a custom solution for rendering the high-resolution images.

Armed with positional information from the ride manufacturer, Electrosonic’s on-site software engineering ensures that the video content and fog and lighting effects trigger at precisely the right moments so no one misses any part of the experience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The park now has one of the most innovative attractions in the region. It has built a thrilling immersive experience using highly creative audiovisual and special effects that take full advantage of the next generation flight simulator.

The stunning multimedia content recreates the dramatic environment of the night sky using advanced dome projection and edge blended techniques to reproduce content faithfully on difficult 3-dimensional surfaces.

Project Details

Client

Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi

Location

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Size

1.65 million sq. ft. (full park)

Services

Technology Design Consulting

Build & System Integration

Audio, Video & Control Systems

Dome & Edge-Blended Projection

Projection Studies

Specialty Audio

Engineering & Fabrication

Integration & Installation

Testing & Programming

We are extremely excited to welcome guests on the Batman: Knight Flight, and have them experience this futuristic high-tech ride. We have no doubt that the newly opened ride will soon be a fan favorite to our thrill-seeking visitors, and an exciting addition to the park’s interactive attractions.

Don Strickler

General Manager, Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi

Night flight Audiovisual and special effects create the dramatic Gotham City night sky where Batman fights arch enemies to protect the city.

Flying high The combination of an award-winning robotic arm dark ride system and stunning multimedia audiovisual is taking immersive flight simulation to new heights.