The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular at Universal Studios Hollywood (1989)

"The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular" highlights from Universal Studios Tour VHS - The Holiday Video Library - American Adventure Series (1989).

ABOUT
"The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular" was an attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood from 1983 to 1993. This thrilling 20-minute live-action stage show, part of the park's "action spectaculars" lineup, took place in the indoor Castle Theater and drew loose inspiration from the film Conan the Barbarian. Gary Goddard created the show's creative design.

The stage itself was transformed into a captivating ruined temple brimming with treasure. The story followed the exploits of Conan, a young and agile Cimmerian, as he descended onto the stage using a rope in a quest to plunder the temple's riches. One of his allies, Red Sonja, remained above to collect the treasure. However, Conan's attention was momentarily captivated by the Dragon's Eye, an alluring gem embedded in a dragon statue. As Conan was about to claim it, an eccentric old wizard named Kallias interrupted him.

Kallias revealed that the Dragon's Eye contained the imprisoned evil wizard Taras-Mordor, who had been sealed away by the combined powers of Kallias and the Sword of Crom. Meanwhile, Conan continued to gather the treasures and send them up the rope to Red Sonja, unbeknownst to Kallias. The unlikely trio soon formed a friendship, and Kallias invited Conan to join him for dinner.

While Conan and Kallias left the stage, Red Sonja couldn't resist the allure of the Dragon's Eye. She removed it from its altar, inadvertently freeing Taras-Mordor. A fierce duel ensued between Kallias and Mordor, resulting in Kallias disintegrating. Realizing the imminent danger, Sonja urged Conan to defend himself, and he instinctively grabbed the legendary Sword of Crom. To his astonishment, Conan's transformation into a muscular barbarian was immediate.

Mordor summoned three mighty warriors to aid him, but Conan and Sonja managed to defeat them. However, Mordor, fueled by the power of the Dragon's Eye, resurrected the fallen henchmen. Ultimately, Conan and Sonja triumphed by sending the henchmen plunging down a pit. Conan's battle with Taras-Mordor climaxed as the evil wizard transformed into a fire-breathing dragon. Through a valiant fight, Conan emerged victorious, stabbing the dragon with the Sword of Crom.

The heroes restored the Dragon's Eye to its rightful place on the altar, sealing Taras-Mordor away and resurrecting Kallias. Grateful for their bravery, Kallias thanked Conan and Sonja for their heroic efforts. The show concluded with the protagonists striking triumphant poses as the curtain fell.

Location - Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California
Area - Entertainment Center, Upper Lot
Status - Removed
Opening date - June 18, 1983
Closing date - 1993
Replaced - The Land of a Thousand Faces (1975 - 1980), Castle Dracula Live Show (1980 - 1983)
Replaced by - Beetlejuice's Rockin' Graveyard Revue (1995 – 1999), Spider-Man Rocks (2002 – 2004), Fear Factor Live! (2005 – 2008), Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical (2009), Special Effects Stage (2010 - 2023), Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Roller Coaster (2026)

General Statistics
An MCA Recreation Services Production
Jay Stein, President
Barry Upson, VP of Planning
Produced by - Peter Alexander
Project Manager - Larry Lester
Attraction type - Stunt Show
Theme - Conan the Barbarian
Duration - 20 minutes
Music - Basil Poledouris

Cast of characters
Conan the Barbarian [1984, Anthony B. Carroll], Gil Birmingham
Red Sonja [1993, Karen Sheperd]
Wizard Kallias
Taras Mordor (evil sorcerer)
Azura (ax-wielder)
Double Swordsman
Balash-Cushite
Young Conan [1990, Mark Dacascos]

Excerpt from Universal Studios Tour VHS - The Holiday Video Library - American Adventure Series
Produced by Finley Holiday Films
Narrators - Doug Lee, John Steiner
Photography - Brent Armenta, Larry Scher, Michael Brass
Writer and Editor - Bill Finley
Video Editors - Sandra Armenta, Michael Brass
Additional Music Score - Richard McCurdy
Additional Music - De Wolfe
Audio Engineering - Michael Brass
Special Effects - Editel
Paintbox Artist - Vikki North
Project Director - Gary Nance
On-Location Director - John Poorman
Special Thanks - Eileen Strotz, Molly Connare, Matthew Long, E.T., Cast, and Crew at Universal Studios Hollywood
Produced by Finley Holiday Films

© 1989 Finley Holiday Films
Posted for entertainment and educational purposes only.
To purchase other tour videos, visit https://finleyholiday.com/

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