New 4-D movie coming to Legoland parks

A 4-D version of the hit “Lego Movie” is being filmed to show at 17 Legoland parks and discovery centers around the world.

Merlin Entertainment, owners of the Legoland parks, announced Wednesday that it is partnering with the producer of the “Lego Movie,” Warner Bros., to develop a 4-D movie that will include actual wind, water, smoke and other elements to bring the movie to life.

The new movie, which will feature characters from the 2014 blockbuster, is scheduled to be completed and shown at existing theaters at Legoland parks and discovery centers by the end of 2015, according to Legoland officials.

4-D movies are not new. Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and Madame Tussauds in Hollywood all show 3-D movies in special theaters where a fourth dimension of water, air, bubbles or other effects shoot from the seats or walls.

The “Lego Movie” grossed more than $468 million from worldwide box offices, and earned rave reviews and an Academy Award nomination for its “Everything Is Awesome” theme song.

Director Rob Schrab, a veteran of TV comedies, will direct the “The Lego Movie Sequel,” Warner Bros. announced this week.

Merlin Entertain has reported that its Legoland theme park in Carlsbad continues to generate strong attendance numbers. For the first half of 2014, Legoland and other Merlin Entertainment parks reported 27.5-million visitors, nearly 7% higher than the same period in 2013.

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