Tomorrow sees the launch of the new centennial celebration logo for Universal Pictures, which will make its debut appearance before the release of DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX.
The film, which will be released in the US from tomorrow, has the privilege of revealing the new logo for Universal which is celebrating 100 years in the film business. The brand worked with the Academy Award winning New Zealand-based company Weta Digital, who specialise in visual effects. While staying true to the identity of Universal as having a global vision, Weta Digital modernised the logo by taking inspiration from satellite technology and basing the new planet design on what the globe looks like on a clear night from space. Instead of defining countries boundaries, Weta Digital took the step of pinpointing places on the globe with spots of light, symbolising communities and cultures being joined together by their love of film.
Ron Meyer, Universal Studios President and COO said, ‘Our Centennial year is the perfect opportunity to create a new logo that reflects our future while honoring our past. Universal’s new logo celebrates the studio’s extraordinary legacy in creating lasting movie memories and connecting viewers across the globe.’
Universal have also updated the booming introductory score which accompanies the logo. Although it hasn’t been changed as such, Bryan Tyler (award-winning film score composer (he worked on the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise) has rearranged it slightly, adding a choir and new parts for strings and drums – uniting different cultures of instruments from all over the world.
Tyler said, ‘We wanted to utilize the classic melody that we all know and bring it into the 21st century, while still being very respectful of what Jerry Goldsmith did originally. I wanted it to be a celebration of all the great movies Universal has done over the years—connecting the past to the present.’
Along with the new logo and musical arrangement, Universal are also celebrating their 100th year with many events including a huge film restoration initiative, theme park celebrations and a special film-based gala, featuring many of the film makers and artists involved in some of their finest works.
It’s nice to see how Universal are constantly updating their image to keep up with our ever-changing world and the technology that keeps evolving. Like many others, I’m secretly glad they haven’t changed their musical score – it’s something that’s synonymous with Universal and what would we do without it?!
Source: Universal100th
