Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

FILMS > JURASSIC WORLD TRILOGY > FALLEN KINGDOM

Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that’s about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.

Directed by: J.A. Bayona
Screenplay by: Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow
Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg & Colin Trevorrow
Produced by: Frank Marshall, Belén Atienza, Patrick Crowley
Cinematographer: Oscar Faura
Music Composed by: Michael Giacchino

Runtime: 129 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Certification: PG-13 / 12A / M

Starring

Development & Production

During the development phase, director J.A. Bayona was brought on board to helm the project, working closely with writer and producer Colin Trevorrow. The filmmakers aimed to deliver a film that was bigger and more epic than its predecessor, opting for a widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio and utilizing the CinemaScope format for the first time in the Jurassic Park series.

In pre-production, extensive planning and design took place. Production designer Andy Nicholson and his team meticulously created sets, including the multi-floor Lockwood Estate interior, which was constructed entirely on sound stages. The team also used computer-generated effects to bring to life the exterior of the Arcadia ship, while other real-life locations in the United Kingdom, such as Langley Business Centre and Cragside country house, were used for various scenes.

The writing process involved collaboration between Colin Trevorrow and J.A. Bayona, with Trevorrow serving as an on-set writer during production. The script was refined to ensure a balance of action, suspense, and character development.

Casting played a crucial role in bringing the characters to life. The film retained key actors from the previous installment, such as Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, reprising their roles as Owen Grady and Claire Dearing, respectively. Jeff Goldblum also returned to the franchise as Dr. Ian Malcolm. New cast members, including James Cromwell and Rafe Spall, joined the ensemble.

Filming began in the United Kingdom and later moved to Hawaii. Pinewood Studios served as a primary filming location, providing the necessary sound stages for interior scenes. Filming techniques varied, including the use of specialized cameras like the Edge Arm for dynamic running sequences and the Gyrosphere ride. Stunts were expanded in this installment, with a notable improvised fist fight scene during the dinosaur auction filmed in a single continuous shot.

The film had its world premiere in Madrid, Spain, on May 21, 2018, with the cast and crew in attendance. Following the premiere, the movie was released in theaters worldwide, rolling out in different countries over the course of several weeks. Upon its release, Fallen Kingdom received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s stunning visuals, thrilling sequences, and emotional depth, others expressed concerns about the narrative and character development. It did however prove to be a commercial success, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide. Its strong box office performance solidified its place as one of the highest-grossing films of 2018.

Dinosaurs

Behind The Scenes

The making of Fallen Kingdom is well documented – the Blu-Ray DVD releases included numerous bonus featurettes giving insight into the making of the movie. Most notably, ‘The KINGDOM Evolves’ dives into how the second chapter in the Jurassic World trilogy pushes the franchise in a new direction.

Below, a variety of behind the scenes video and bloopers from the movie are available to watch:

Soundtrack

Composed by Michael Giacchino, the score captures the awe-inspiring wonder, suspense, and heart-pounding action of the movie. The soundtrack was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, where the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Tim Simonec, brought the compositions to life with their masterful performances.

The soundtrack’s last track “At Jurassic World’s End Credits/Suite”, contains the original music from the theme of the 1993 film Jurassic Park, composed by John Williams. More subtle uses of the Jurassic Park theme are found in “Nostalgia-Saurus”, “Volcano to Death”, where it is used in a minor key, and an unreleased piano recording used during a scene in the Lockwood Manor where Claire tells Owen about the first time she saw a dinosaur.

The “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” soundtrack was released on June 15, 2018, by Back Lot Music, offering fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the film’s captivating music and experience the power of the dinosaurs through the enchanting melodies of Michael Giacchino.

Tracklist

Visual Effects

The film showcases a seamless blend of practical effects and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI) to bring the dinosaurs and their breathtaking world to life. Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), under the supervision of David Vickery, handled the majority of the film’s VFX work, creating incredibly realistic and detailed dinosaur animations.

The VFX team skillfully crafted intricate creature designs, implemented advanced simulation techniques for the dinosaurs’ movements and behaviors, and seamlessly integrated them into live-action footage. The result is a visually stunning and immersive experience, where the dinosaurs appear lifelike and interact seamlessly with the human characters. The VFX in “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” showcase the pinnacle of digital artistry and technical prowess, delivering a thrilling and believable world of prehistoric creatures.

Toys and Merchandise

The movie spawned a wide range of toys and merchandise that catered to fans of all ages. The film’s extensive merchandise line featured action figures, playsets, vehicles, and role-play accessories, allowing fans to recreate thrilling dinosaur adventures at home. Leading toy manufacturers such as Mattel and LEGO contributed to the lineup, offering highly detailed and articulated dinosaur figures and building sets.

In addition to the toys, there were apparel items, collectibles, home decor, and accessories inspired by the film. The merchandise showcased a diverse array of characters, including both humans and dinosaurs, providing fans with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of ‘Fallen Kingdom’ beyond the big screen.

You can find Fallen Kingdom items at Entertainment Earth.

Where To Watch

Fallen Kingdom is available to stream through Amazon Prime. You can get 20% off by using code JURASSICOUTPOST at Zavvi US and Zavvi UK. Or check out the options below for home media: