I find it hard to believe that Universal bought this very expensive trussing and rigging just for NYE..
If they BOUGHT the Trussing, I estimate what they have wouldve cost them a little under 40k. Would they be willing to spend that much on projecting new years concerts? It's been a while since I've looked at stage trussing so im pretty sure it could be more or less However The real "smoking gun" if you will are the aquatique shows boxes and the overly modified nature of the barges.
From the website:
"Water and light Screens
The Water Screen technique, created by Aquatique Show, projects still or moving pictures onto a surface made entirely of water.
This translucent screen is produced by a submerged system which can be
installed on a barge, on the banks of a lake or in the sea either in a tank already in place or one installed by our team.
The screen is invisible when not in use, appearing and vanishing at will. Another attraction is the relief effect of the images, which the eye perceives in three dimensions.
For open-air events only."
So, It is quite possible that Universal is getting a new show, however I must also point out that these things could also be used for this new technology that is being developed by a few companies. one of them that is quite a bit more advanced than anything aquatique is doing was at IAAPA, However the name escapes me. I think it was along the lines of techniflex or something like that.
More from the official aquatique website:
"The Aqua Graphic® water curtain offers a surface for projecting your images and lets you create letters and logos in space, all at the same time.
This quite unique patented technology is the result of several years' research.
For a convention, a new product launch, a shopping center or a show, etc. Indoors and outdoors, day or night, Aqua Graphic® will make your event simply unforgettable!
Available for sale
or hire."
It could be possible that Universal just hired them to enhance NYE...
However, I personally believe the overwhelming amount of evidence we do have indicates a significant investment in a new nighttime show. I for one wouldnt be putting holes in pre-existing structure or modifying my night time show for NYE, even if my current nighttime show did suck... Also the reinforcement of the stage speaks wonders IMHO. I do however believe that the trussing is only temporary. If it was gonna be used in the future for a "nighttime spectacular" they probably wouldve ordered it painted black and there would be water proof casing over the lift motors for the main truss, not plastic bags.
We'll have better indication of what they are gonna do once they start putting whatever they are gonna put on these barges.
