Universal Studios

Universal Studios is one of the six major American movie studios and the second oldest studio in Hollywood. From the 1920s to the 1940s, the studio produced classic monster movies such as Dracula and Bride of Frankenstein. In the 1970s, the studio revived itself with the hit movie Jaws. The studio owns a massive library of film and television shows. The company has now merged with NBC, and is currently known as NBC Universal.

In addition to producing films and television shows, Universal Studios also operates two major theme parks, located in the Hollywood, California area as well as in Orlando, Florida. The Hollywood location offers guided studio backlot tours on trams, as well as variety of movie and television related attractions and thrill rides. Both live sets and those from classic films may be viewed on the tram tour, including the Desperate Housewives set and the Bates Motel from the movie Psycho.http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/ The Orlando Universal Studios does not have a movie studio, but does offer two distinct theme parks including Universal's Island of Adventure and the Wet 'n Wild Waterpark.http://www.universalorlando.com/Home/home.aspx

There are numerous hotels located within close proximity to both the Hollywood and Orlando Universal Studios sites. Complete vacation packages are available to those traveling from out of town, or single day and season passes are available for local residents.

1. 1912: Universal Studios was founded by Carl Laemmle as Universal Film Manufacturing Company
2. 1915: Universal City Studios opens in Los Angeles
3. 1931: The films Dracula and Frankenstein are both released
4. 1936: Laemmle lose control of the studio after financial difficulties
5. 1952: Decca Records takes control of Universal
6. 1954: The movie Creature from the Black Lagoon was released
7. 1960: The movie Psycho was released
8. 1962: MCA takes over Universal Pictures
9. 1973: The movie The Sting was released
10. 1975: The film Jaws was released
11. 1982: The movie E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was released
12. 1993: The film Schindler's List was released
13. 2000: The company Vivendi Universal was formed
14. 2004: The merger of NBC Universal occurred
15. 2005: The movie The 40-Year-Old Virgin was released
16. June 1, 2008: A massive fire broke out on backlot, destroying some Universal sets

• NBC Universal: Official Site