Travel

Universal Studios Hollywood: The Home Movies

The Horror! The Horror!
2022: Story and Photos • Videos 2024: Photos & Videos 2026: Videos

Logline: With Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium and One Piece a new draw at Fan Fest nights, Mattopia Jones returns to Los Angeles for another whirlwind tour with cameos by Susanna Hoffs and Emily Mortimer.

Goreography III

There’s a growing appreciation for what Universal’s doing in keeping various theme park experiences fresh. Certainly, Disney’s taking similar action with updates to Galaxy’s Edge now including oriignal trilogy Star Wars characters.

But Universal’s offered pleasant surprises for the past several years, starting with my first foray into Halloween Horror Nights and being absolutely thrilled to walk around the Bates Motel and that eerie house on the hill. Subsequent visits have offered various experiences. Most recently, 24 September 2026, was a new spin on the classic Universal Studios Tour tram drive-by of the Bates Motel. Curiously, there's a classic 1950s car parked outside cabin number one, it’s trunk open. But there’s more, as captured here on video.

Note: The following videos were shot with the Osmo Action 6 using a street grip.

Bates Motel

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR
EXT. BATES MOTEL, CABIN #1
During the classic Universal Studios Tour, an eerie scene plays out.

Director’s note: We obviously need to replace the nuisance, on-going running commentary provided by the tram patron with something more thrilling.

Jaws

While the classic Jaws attraction of the Universal Studios Tour has remained basically the same for decades, here it is as of 24 September 2026.

Act II, Scene III
EXT. AMITY ISLAND: BEACH
An idyllic beach town setting is disrupted by a terrifying GREAT WHITE SHARK.

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