The History of Oblivion - Secret Weapon 4 | Expedition Alton Towers

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  • Опубліковано 4 кві 2019
  • Join us on Expedition Alton Towers as we look at the World's First Vertical Drop roller coaster Oblivion. Secret Weapon 4 was a huge success with nationwide marketing campaign that created one of the most hyped roller coasters in Alton Towers History. Thank you for joining the Expedition.
    For further information on X-Sector take a look at our history of Smiler video.
    #expeditionthemepark #altontowers #oblivion
    Get 15% off your Expedition t shirt today using the code EXPEDITION at check out - t.co/ohLqLBDKHc
    www.patreon.com/expeditionthemepark
    expthemepark
    expeditionthemepark
    Credits -
    roger doubtfire - • alton towers 4 97
    TowersTimes - • Oblivion [HD] 2018 Fro...
    Pleasure Beach Experience -
    • Oblivion Off-Ride | Al...
    • Oblivion | Alton Tower...
    Mousesteps - • SheiKra Front Row POV ...
    Kieran Vids - • Alton towers drone foo...
    Martin Darke - • Alton Towers fireworks...
    ATJakee - • Alton Towers - Oblivio...
    Theme Park Worldwide -
    • Baron 1898 Front Row O...
    • Oblivion The Black Hol...
    allen david - • Diving Machine G5 at J...
    www.towerstimes.co.uk
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1 тис.

  • @louckykoneko
    @louckykoneko 5 років тому +2747

    whoever was responsible for Alton Towers marketing, especially for this ride and the Smiler, missed their calling as writer for a psychological thriller series or something.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  5 років тому +305

      One thing Alton is good at is Marketing.

    • @19kylegreer96
      @19kylegreer96 5 років тому +92

      @@ExpeditionThemePark except for 13... Hyped it up to be the ultimate ride experience... Maybe if you're 10

    • @tom-ch5ii
      @tom-ch5ii 5 років тому +134

      @@19kylegreer96 TH13TEEN's marketing was still creepy and spooky, even if the ride wasn't that thrilling.

    • @jenniferschillig3768
      @jenniferschillig3768 5 років тому +58

      IKR? That whole section looks like "1984: The Theme Park."

    • @mariosavva999
      @mariosavva999 5 років тому +24

      I love extreme thrill coasters, 13 may not have lived up to hype but it is fun!

  • @thetntraider
    @thetntraider 5 років тому +1351

    I appreciate them pumping fog into the tunnel entrance, so if you have never ridden it before, you don’t know how far the drop actually goes down.

    • @joshmurphy3241
      @joshmurphy3241 5 років тому +1

      OMFG Hey Jaune! I doth be a RWBY fan too!

    • @visionist7
      @visionist7 5 років тому +14

      They don't anymore and haven't for a while

    • @imlewisblackman
      @imlewisblackman 5 років тому +1

      Felice Graziano they always have

    • @visionist7
      @visionist7 5 років тому +7

      @@imlewisblackman they didn't last year in June and October when I was there. I rode it multiple times.

    • @ayarei1860
      @ayarei1860 5 років тому +1

      i wanted to find out how deep it was and how it was a mistake, but surely a good memory...ish

  • @tom-ch5ii
    @tom-ch5ii 5 років тому +859

    Everytime I go to Towers, Oblivion still manages to be the only ride there that intimidates me. Such a good coaster.

    • @Operation_Nighthawk
      @Operation_Nighthawk 5 років тому +7

      same, We need more coasters like it.

    • @chloemcdermott2978
      @chloemcdermott2978 5 років тому +6

      I love it so much. was my first 'big' coaster and made me actually excited about trying more

    • @neilharris8210
      @neilharris8210 5 років тому +3

      Same here Millsy

    • @Drone3774
      @Drone3774 4 роки тому +3

      Oblivion is a 87 degree drop
      Saw is 100
      And both of them don’t phase me
      Lol

    • @Samtreee
      @Samtreee 4 роки тому +2

      Doesn't worry me, it's the first large coaster I ever rode on and since then I've loved it. The only coaster in the park that actually intimidates me is the smiler and that's because the creepy music reminds me of the accident that happened lol.

  • @Bella-ti6fu
    @Bella-ti6fu 5 років тому +883

    Just after the smiler crash in 2015 Alton towers took down the part of the video where they are asking if it is safe or not.

    • @mattvezz
      @mattvezz 4 роки тому +54

      Bella and “welcome to eternal darkness” as it was felt this insinuated eternal darkness for those involved in the incident I believe

    • @athing8846
      @athing8846 4 роки тому +5

      @@mattvezz LMAO

    • @hannamouse1
      @hannamouse1 4 роки тому +18

      @@athing8846 It's funny because....? The crash was a serious event!

    • @athing8846
      @athing8846 4 роки тому +26

      @@hannamouse1 I said LMAO to the fact that they had to remove clips from advertising which shows how stupid Alton Tower operators we're for letting this happen in the first place dumbass.

    • @Naiobia
      @Naiobia 4 роки тому

      I can kinda see why though hhh

  • @SuperEnthused
    @SuperEnthused 5 років тому +471

    This video is perfectly safe and designed for your comfort and enjoyment....

    • @TampaJay
      @TampaJay 5 років тому +7

      Super Enthused sure is!

    • @lunahetfield
      @lunahetfield 5 років тому +13

      Super Enthused then why is it called Expedition Theme Park if its so safe?

  • @pigeon1873
    @pigeon1873 5 років тому +156

    Fun fact: following the Smiler’s 2015 incident, the reference to a carriage going missing was removed

    • @fidoandthecakes4468
      @fidoandthecakes4468 3 роки тому +22

      And the last part when there questioning wether or not it's safe.

    • @Sebastian-kx4nu
      @Sebastian-kx4nu Місяць тому

      But why would be so, despite the fact that it was meant to further anticipate and cause more excitement/anxiety for the riders?

    • @katiewilson1997
      @katiewilson1997 Місяць тому +1

      @@Sebastian-kx4nu I think its just a sensitive topic with and for respect to the victims of the smiler crash

  • @rodrigosimoes7103
    @rodrigosimoes7103 5 років тому +277

    The fact the park has that height restriction just makes everything so much cooler. It's like when you go to X-Sector or Forbidden Valley or any zone, you can't see the other zones' rides. That makes it so much more unique as it's like you're entering a new world each time.

    • @phoebe_2007
      @phoebe_2007 4 роки тому +7

      Yea! Each place is like a new world and its amazing!

    • @kierancalverley220
      @kierancalverley220 2 роки тому +1

      I couldn't agree more. Makes it seem so mysterious and adds to the alton towers magic

    • @gemigames154
      @gemigames154 Рік тому +2

      This is why Alton Towers is my favourite park. The theming and how the rides blend into the environment is second to none. Nemesis is so well done, Air was a bit of a dud for the environment as it was mostly above flat ground and one corner gave you a front seat view of the amazing... car park 😐, probably why they put VR on it and renamed it to Galactica. Not been on the VR version. After seeing the Smiler up close though for the first time today (didn't go on it unfortunately) I think it out does the Nemesis for using the environment mostly because the Smiler is the bloody environment! I can't believe how dense that thing is. Seeing two cars come close to each other on more than one section is nuts. And the music. The music will haunt my dreams until I can get a chance to go on that monstrosity.
      Sorry for gushing. Just being so close and not being able to go on was heart breaking today.

    • @a_09.7
      @a_09.7 Рік тому

      Main Reason on why Alton Towers is the best theme park in the UK

  • @jimmypawlowski6918
    @jimmypawlowski6918 5 років тому +737

    That couple should seriously just move if they haven’t already. They should know what they were in for when they lived on the grounds of a high-level theme park. It’s like moving to a schoolground and complaining there are too many kids

    • @lilyrose691
      @lilyrose691 5 років тому +11

      JP Coasters that’s a good comparison x

    • @quinnzyker6521
      @quinnzyker6521 5 років тому +30

      I’d turn it into a bed and breakfast/ hotel

    • @KirstyAlice
      @KirstyAlice 5 років тому +71

      That's the problem though, as explained in the video, when the couple moved into their home in 1968 the 'theme park' at Alton Towers was little more than a glorified funfair. They didn't move in after it had become a huge and noisy theme park. Maybe they should have put in more rigorous complaints about noise sooner than 2004, but still.....I believe they were more than within their rights to complain about noise pollution that had happened since the purchase of their property. Also....who, except for the most die hard of Alton Towers fans, would buy the house now and choose to live there, taking into account the noise?!

    • @visionist7
      @visionist7 5 років тому +54

      They're hateful people. Have you seen their photo? Blergh. They own a factory that produces noise enough to keep a surrounding neighborhood awake, but of course because those neighbors can't afford fancy lawyers nobody cares.
      They're vile, spiteful, hateful twats

    • @coastaku1954
      @coastaku1954 4 роки тому +16

      It's similar to a housing development just outside of......... LAGUNA SECA RACEWAY, these Soccer Moms are bitching and complaining about living next to a 50 YEAR OLD RACETRACK, now every car that races needs to have a massive muffler attached to them because it's too noisy for their precious children

  • @TransistorBased
    @TransistorBased 4 роки тому +240

    This seems like one of those rides that will never need updating. There's something about 90s filmography in this style that's always unsettling. It's got that industrial, thriller feel that would be a little bit harder to convey with modern video.

    • @a.3160
      @a.3160 3 роки тому +1

      Yes!

    • @CoasterRoastersStudios
      @CoasterRoastersStudios 3 роки тому

      Just.. Get rid of the 'hypnosis isn't available' thing and you're golden

    • @lambsauce221
      @lambsauce221 2 роки тому

      They removed lots of parts after 2015

    • @sfullernj
      @sfullernj Рік тому

      They could update the TV's to large flat panels

  • @PhilipDanielHayton
    @PhilipDanielHayton 5 років тому +251

    I honestly think Oblivion is hugely underrated. I’ll concede that the actual ride is a one trick pony, but it’s a good trick that commands multiple re-rides when the queues are kind. What makes it great though, is the psychological whole. I remember queuing for 3 hours when it first opened, and whilst nobody wants to queue for that long, the whole spectacle was genuinely entertaining. Marvelling at the drop, and the screams, teasing each other in the queue about bottling it (the creatives were bang on the money when they added that to the script for the queue videos), and even the reliability issues that plagued its early months added to this sense that something foreboding was about to happen. Those 6 years from 92 to 98, Alton creatives were at the top of their game, with each ride transcending that of a theme park attraction and becoming a part of pop culture itself. This is what happens when imagineers and marketeers are completely in tune with each other.
    Ps nice video! Keep em coming.

    • @irmaromero3268
      @irmaromero3268 4 роки тому +1

      I agree I like hangtime from knott's berry farm

    • @lbc2013
      @lbc2013 4 роки тому

      It's a shame that nobody seems to ride it anymore: whenever I go, the queue is always 10-15 mins.

  • @MeltedToast84
    @MeltedToast84 5 років тому +780

    Screw those people! They are saying “It’s too noisy”. What do you expect from a huge theme park??

    • @hannamouse1
      @hannamouse1 4 роки тому +18

      They didn't know that it would be a huge theme park when they moved in.

    • @maverick4220
      @maverick4220 4 роки тому +36

      @intempify Typical of Mansion/millionaires to be honest.

    • @ironagent45
      @ironagent45 4 роки тому +9

      Yeah give them the steel vengeance lift hill lol

    • @demoniack81
      @demoniack81 4 роки тому +47

      @intempify Exactly. I've lived less than 40m from a major railway for years, one where 12-car passenger trains race by at 160km/h and 30-car freight trains crawl by under braking to let said passengers by at the station a mile down - with the loudest brakes you'll ever hear on a train.
      It was mildly annoying for the first few weeks, but once I got used to them I barely even noticed them. Never had any trouble sleeping with the windows open on the railway side of the house.
      A (steel) rollercoaster is comparatively much quieter, and from what we saw in the video they've got a lot of trees between them and the park as well. AND the park only operates during the day anyway, so even IF the noise got to them, it would be no different from living on a busy street.
      They're just spiteful people looking to use the government to ruin other people's fun, and possibly make a buck in the process.

    • @memesboi2445
      @memesboi2445 4 роки тому +3

      Yea it can fit blackpool pleasure beach 12 times

  • @liamprattley1851
    @liamprattley1851 5 років тому +148

    Oblivion: “Don’t...look...down.”
    Me when watching Expedition Theme Park: “Don’t...look...up.”

  • @badmoonrising7795
    @badmoonrising7795 5 років тому +161

    Totally agree, the sight of it plummeting into that tunnel is breathtaking and the sound it creates such a foreboding sense of danger, my kids who are now big enough to ride still aren’t brave enough

    • @sillycrumpet
      @sillycrumpet 4 роки тому +2

      badmoon rising22 I’m eleven and I didn’t go on any ride, but then I was forced on oblivion and now I love it

    • @MahouKat
      @MahouKat Рік тому +1

      @@sillycrumpet I didn't go on any till I was eighteen - though I didn't get to visit Alton Towers until I was eighteen 🤣

    • @sillycrumpet
      @sillycrumpet Рік тому +1

      @@MahouKat lmao, 14 now damn that comment was ages ago, but yeah fair enough

  • @liv-qx4go
    @liv-qx4go 2 роки тому +37

    i love how alton towers always leans towards the darker, more sinister themes in their marketing. i think it evokes an excitement in the viewer, because it’s just so ominous and appealing

    • @chazgames3690
      @chazgames3690 8 місяців тому +2

      And than air is the complete opposite 😂

  • @slushosaur
    @slushosaur 5 років тому +288

    Shame they had to modify so much of the ride video theming and narrative in wake of the Smiler incident.

    • @mozzarellastix
      @mozzarellastix 3 роки тому +1

      Slush O'Saur it was very unsettling and yes is a shame that part of the video was removed because the smiler cant help trying to kill people

    • @C0ZMIK5K1TTL35
      @C0ZMIK5K1TTL35 3 роки тому +3

      I really liked the whole Marmalization and Correction too.

  • @hottestcheese7973
    @hottestcheese7973 5 років тому +319

    Alton towers is truly one of the best theme parks on earth, change me mind

  • @SNORKYMEDIA
    @SNORKYMEDIA 5 років тому +80

    just love how excited John Wardley looked during the testing............

  • @bowser515
    @bowser515 5 років тому +22

    Oblivion is the definition of the phrase "short, but sweet" the queues are always fairly quick these days making it always worth a few rides on a trip to Alton.

  • @ThatOneGuy0006
    @ThatOneGuy0006 5 років тому +63

    The Queue line videos are the very definition of iconic! The sheer amount of sadistic glee in The Lord of Darkness's voice is contagious!

    • @tranbar9718
      @tranbar9718 3 роки тому +1

      And that’s what you missed on: GLEE

  • @guy2316
    @guy2316 5 років тому +84

    Oblivion has the best advert it features the iconic sound and a great great guitar bit I mean how could I not like it I'm not OBLIVIOUS to good quality adverts

  • @jeffcunningham308
    @jeffcunningham308 5 років тому +227

    Why would someone dislike this vid. It’s freakin awesome with good info and an good narrator. People need some disliking for no apparent reason

  • @RolyWestYT
    @RolyWestYT 5 років тому +251

    I do wonder what the future holds for this ride. The past 3 times I have been here this ride has always been dead and would take no more than 5 mins to get on. Maybe I was just lucky each time but not sure?

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  5 років тому +74

      It has a really high capacity. Over twice wickerman so sometimes the lines are deceiving

    • @98dizzard
      @98dizzard 5 років тому +22

      Last time we were there we rode it 3 times in a row because there was no queue. It was still suffering post smiler though iirc

    • @terry141186
      @terry141186 5 років тому +18

      It has the highest throughput on the park a mix of short ride time multiple cars and quick loading.

    • @weeb4557
      @weeb4557 5 років тому +8

      I mean as well as the high capacity it fits it’s also terrifying so.... maybe people are scared!

    • @evamansfield6386
      @evamansfield6386 4 роки тому +9

      Roly how do I find your comments on every video I watch

  • @jtbackup4553
    @jtbackup4553 5 років тому +212

    “If this ride is so safe, why is it called, OBLIVION?”

  • @chrisburton4694
    @chrisburton4694 5 років тому +83

    Have an annual trip to Alton towers, went on it last year and you can tell it’s old with the crt monitors in the ques. Makes it look a lot less modern. Still enjoy the ride though.

    • @jazepi22
      @jazepi22 5 років тому +16

      This. Went last week and it looked the most 90s thing ever made haha. Still a great experience though.

    • @phoebe_2007
      @phoebe_2007 4 роки тому +2

      That's the charm of it! It takes you back and adds to the ride experience!

  • @SeanFlaharty
    @SeanFlaharty 5 років тому +95

    Very nice job once again! I remember when there were rumors flying around about Oblivion well before they started construction. Back then the rumor was they were going to create something described as the "Niagra Falls coaster" or something like that. Totally random but interesting fact; The game Forsaken on the original Playstation has references to Oblivion in it. Long story short but I had played and completed the game in late 1998. I noticed that some of the tanks in the game had "SW4" on the side of them. After I completed the game, I was watching the credits and noticed a familiar name. The game was programed by someone named Justin Garvanovic. I had met Justin (founder of the European Coaster Club) while in line for Montu a year prior. I e-mailed him and asked him if he worked on Forsaken as I wasn't sure what he did for a living back then. He confirmed he did in fact work on the game and told me the SW4 tanks were indeed a nod to Oblivion.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  5 років тому +8

      Really interesting! I remember that game and didnt know that.

  • @LillieBeeXD
    @LillieBeeXD 5 років тому +68

    I love that you cover the UK parks too! Alton Towers, Flamingo Land, Thorpe Park et al are British ICONS lmao. We don't get enough love

  • @criticalfayle7509
    @criticalfayle7509 5 років тому +144

    Some theme parks have a big overarching theme that covers most of their operation and lasts years. Like Disney and magic or Universal and film. For Alton Towers it’s like if Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe ran MKUltra. Hey there fellow people how would you like to be the test subject for something horrifying? It’s like someone looked at all the cute Disney stuff and said ‘make the complete opposite of that. Nightmares for life’. I develop a twitch whenever I hear ‘Hall of the Mountain King’.

    • @slushosaur
      @slushosaur 5 років тому +11

      I freaking LOVE hearing their alternative versions of it for each of the rides and park areas XD

    • @bigman5823
      @bigman5823 4 роки тому +7

      Before I watched these videos, I liked going to Alton Towers because it seemed magical to me. I've never not had a good time there and it feeling when I'm is one of pure joy, it's the best theme park I've been to and the theming is amazing. Now the next time I go I can truly appreciate the backstory of the rides and the things they have acheived

    • @Awzuki
      @Awzuki 4 роки тому +3

      Factssss I fucking love it like alton towers a whole creepy amazing dimension and I love it so much

    • @YuukiTakemoto1996
      @YuukiTakemoto1996 3 роки тому

      I just think of the Sonic Sez on Touching.

  • @themeparkchasers6181
    @themeparkchasers6181 5 років тому +115

    Wow, Alton Towers became Six Flags when they put Fanta advertisements around Oblivion.

    • @smilerpunk922
      @smilerpunk922 5 років тому +20

      Yeah, one thing i like about alton towers is that they don't plaster adverts everywhere. this, the cadbury hero's sponsor when galactica first came out as air in 2002 and literally all of cbeebies land are really the only sponsors that i can name off the top of my head. but the fanta adverts were horrendous though and despite me not seeing them in person, they really just take away from the sense of dread at the back of your mind because the posters are so cheesy

    • @roomfullofpigeons
      @roomfullofpigeons 3 роки тому

      @@smilerpunk922 Spinball Whizzer was temporarily Sonic Spinball and they're adding The World of David Walliams with a Gangsta Granny ride.

    • @_mylo_xyloto_1816
      @_mylo_xyloto_1816 3 роки тому

      I'm so glad I was only 3 when that happened
      Fucking shite

  • @Keaturr
    @Keaturr 5 років тому +19

    You can hear the roar of oblivion over by wickerman, I work at Alton towers and I still shudder when I hear it drop.

  • @50727Queen
    @50727Queen 5 років тому +57

    ridden oblivion twice (was the first ride i went on at alton towers) and its so short but it's worth the waiting times to experience the drop.

    • @witchychlo
      @witchychlo 5 років тому

      oh yeah true, but the queue time is never more than 5 minutes lmao

    • @50727Queen
      @50727Queen 5 років тому +1

      @@witchychlo i wanna know what time of day you're riding oblivion

    • @witchychlo
      @witchychlo 5 років тому

      @@50727Queen like anytime apart from the last hour of the day

    • @dillon17
      @dillon17 4 роки тому

      This coaster nowadays, is so, i dont wanna say it but, its boring. I have been on SheiKra in busch gardens and that is a vertical drop coaster, with a drop of 62 meters (203 feet) and it includes a good inversion and the ride last abut 40-50 seconds, since I have been on so many longer, faster and taller ones, oblivion to me just seems Pointless, my opinion.

    • @iitzfizz
      @iitzfizz 2 роки тому

      agreed

  • @Clay3613
    @Clay3613 5 років тому +129

    Using a live-actor as promotion and security is genius...why can't American parks get that kind advertising. Son Of Beast just had a big wooden crate...

    • @smilerpunk922
      @smilerpunk922 5 років тому +3

      I guess kings island just thought that counted as theming? Horrendous theming but okay

  • @m_affiliates
    @m_affiliates 4 роки тому +34

    Oblivion: Don’t look down
    Oblivion in Australia: Don’t look up

  • @thecaledoniansleeper2648
    @thecaledoniansleeper2648 Рік тому +5

    The Oblivion marketing and queue line security videos was PHENOMENAL! I feel like that they belong in some physcological thriller show or physcological thriller show from BBC!

  • @FannyLerouxTime
    @FannyLerouxTime 5 років тому +73

    I never knew about the noise complaints. I knew about the tree height restriction (something I find stupid), but if within a mile of the park the screams make your windows rattle, then you need new windows. Even when in the oblivion ride area, the screams aren't that loud.

    • @James-gn3dj
      @James-gn3dj 5 років тому

      Have you heard about the red water?

    • @FannyLerouxTime
      @FannyLerouxTime 5 років тому

      @@James-gn3dj on the nemesis ride?

    • @98dizzard
      @98dizzard 5 років тому +7

      It's a conservation area and it's likely most properties are listed. So they can't just install triple glazing.

    • @sulphuric_glue4468
      @sulphuric_glue4468 5 років тому +2

      I actually find the height restriction very good. It is a stunningly beautiful area and nobody outside the park wants the natural beauty ruined.

    • @smilerpunk922
      @smilerpunk922 5 років тому +4

      @@sulphuric_glue4468 that and if the restriction were never put in place, we would never have had nemesis.

  • @trendkill3333
    @trendkill3333 5 років тому +16

    Been on that thing 7 times, even though it’s ridiculously short the adrenaline you get just before you drop is unmatched by any other ride

  • @abagar2000
    @abagar2000 4 роки тому +27

    Oblivion: Well, well, well. Look who's in the spotlight now. That's right, yours truly! Not the best at the whole vertical drop thing, but at least I can say that I was the first to do it.
    Nemesis: Oblivion was groundbreaking. The first vertical drop in any rollercoaster, and the first ride to really take the country by storm.
    Air: Everyone was talking about Oblivion when it launched. People were saying how the drop looked terrifying, others were picking up the merchandise.
    Rita: There were a lot of expectations for this ride, and Alton Towers really delivered. I might be the Queen of Speed, but even I can't catch up to him.
    Th13teen: Whenever a new ride comes out, everyone will always compare it to Oblivion's launch. That's how good it was.
    Smiler: The guy might be a total edgelord, but hey, at least he can back it up. That vertical drop is no joke.
    Wicker Man: The first time I went on Oblivion, I nearly crapped my pants. The Fanta sponsorship sucked, by the way.

    • @TylerPlays-ec5cc
      @TylerPlays-ec5cc 3 роки тому

      Can you make more of these for all of the rides.

    • @crystaltheheadgehog8395
      @crystaltheheadgehog8395 2 роки тому

      @@TylerPlays-ec5cc agreed 8 got some ideas f9r some my ocs wanna hear them (the ocs are corkscrew black hole and hex btw)

  • @rosenrot234
    @rosenrot234 5 років тому +19

    Can you imagine getting paid just by going "Clear the area please" at guests?

  • @keithwellerlounge74
    @keithwellerlounge74 4 роки тому +9

    The 90s seemed such a simpler and more positive time....you would never get this amount of hype for a theme park ride nowadays. I'll never forget how anxious I was from the moment I walked into X-Sector until the moment I came off this ride for the first few times. The theming of the X-Sector area is fairly minimalist, but somehow they hit the bullseye with Oblivion. The queue video is so shit-yourself memorable.

  • @PAJAMALAND
    @PAJAMALAND 4 роки тому +5

    It's important that pre-construction footage is archived, so future enthusiasts know exactly how a ride was advertised before release. The BBC did a great job with their Magic Factory documentary, but it's now down to us, theme park enthusiasts, to document everything and archive it.

  • @AudreyMealiff
    @AudreyMealiff 2 роки тому +4

    I love John Wardley's look of glee at around 9:09!! He's like a big kid, and thrilled with this brilliant ride!

  • @ahuman9864
    @ahuman9864 4 роки тому +6

    I love the sound of Oblivion. The steam around the entrance to the hole, then when it comes out the end and banks around like a giant bird. The theme is awesome too. That’s what separates it and makes it the best drop coaster . The rest are just out in the open, Oblivion is mysterious. The queue theme is great too. It’s industrial and sinister. BUT THE SOUND! The way the train/cart roars is magic!

  • @holnrew
    @holnrew 5 років тому +16

    I went on a school trip during the fuel crisis in 2000, so there was hardly anybody there. I got to go on it something like 5 times in a row, it was amazing. I've been a few times since then, and one ride never feels like enough.

  • @hollyhs3222
    @hollyhs3222 4 роки тому +5

    Oblivion will always be special to me, my first big ride and after 100s of times riding it I still get a massive adrenaline rush from that drop. Fantastic ride, simple but brilliant!

  • @evehill3008
    @evehill3008 4 роки тому +16

    I had a panic attack when we were going up on the second time I went on it and woke up in the little doctors office I was so confused turns out I had a panic attack and fainted they had to close the ride for 2 hours to make sure everything was safe, I would rather ride smiler then oblivion any day surprisingly

    • @evehill3008
      @evehill3008 3 роки тому +3

      @Bryce Quinlan because they thought I was in danger and they had to test everything out to see if it was safe

    • @evehill3008
      @evehill3008 3 роки тому +2

      @Bryce Quinlan thank you!!

  • @KuyaMagik
    @KuyaMagik Рік тому +10

    Love your videos thank u!

  • @TheMrMarkW
    @TheMrMarkW 4 роки тому +4

    Still my favourite ride in Alton Towers. The bass note of the car flying round the track caused by the track resonation is outstanding. Still one of John Wardley's genius moves.

  • @Meefo__
    @Meefo__ 2 роки тому +3

    I took a 10 year hiatus from this ride as I was absolutely terrified and I used the excuse “it’s boring, there’s no need for me to ride it.” In the last 1 and a half years I’ve found a new love for it as it’s a true test of fear. I know it’s a short ride the climb is so worth it. Just you and your fear! Also I knew it used to hold you at the top for longer!! Now it’s like half a second

  • @falchionofeternity433
    @falchionofeternity433 5 років тому +34

    Ah, another good Alton Towers episode. Oblivion will be forever immortalized in RTC.

  • @kaseycaitlin1951
    @kaseycaitlin1951 5 років тому +69

    I live in England and have been before when I was 6 and I remembered going near oblivion but didn’t go on it my sister went last year and went on oblivion and got a photo of her she went on it 2 times

    • @RetroMMA
      @RetroMMA 5 років тому +3

      Grammar... do you even?

    • @kaseycaitlin1951
      @kaseycaitlin1951 5 років тому +1

      Ellipsis of Triple Tap sorry it was my older sister distracting me

    • @witchychlo
      @witchychlo 5 років тому

      2 times? amateur.
      i only got 6 rides on my last visit but i went on nemesis 20 times

    • @kaseycaitlin1951
      @kaseycaitlin1951 5 років тому

      AJ Faller it is mostly busy when I go

    • @sarah-zp4cu
      @sarah-zp4cu 5 років тому

      charwiexe that is probably why lmao, but then again the nemesis queue is not always long. however, heard that going to the dark forest when you get there is good since there a never any queues there in the morning since lots of ppl like to go on the rides at the front of the entrance like wicker man.

  • @jamescurzon2456
    @jamescurzon2456 5 років тому +20

    This was the first ever rollercoaster I went on, I didn’t know what was coming to be honest. I’ve ridden it hundreds of times since

    • @DatBear8
      @DatBear8 4 роки тому

      Same but mine is thr Yukon Striker.

    • @DatBear8
      @DatBear8 4 роки тому

      What i mean is that its a dive coaster

  • @Corks-ti4vz
    @Corks-ti4vz 5 років тому +4

    I can’t believe I first rode this 20 years ago I feel ancient, I miss the ‘don’t look down’ being played before the drop. The echo it made was creepy!

  • @sachikatsutano
    @sachikatsutano Рік тому +1

    blivvy was my first coaster ever- this year. I wasn't expecting it to knock my screaming out in the tunnel but it did! Knocked a screw loose too and now I cannot wait to go on more rides!

  • @FrillWasTaken
    @FrillWasTaken 5 років тому +14

    I'm obsessed with theme parks and roller coasters, and I play planet coaster quite a bit, but I'm very acrophobic and have only ever ridden one roller coaster, is there anyone else here who can't ride roller coasters but is still obsessed with them?

    • @dr4gonsl4yer786
      @dr4gonsl4yer786 4 роки тому +3

      Yes! They're so fascinating but I've had a phobia of them my whole life! I've only ridden one as well but I'm going Alton Towers with my friends soon and they'll probably force me on all the rides lol

    • @dr4gonsl4yer786
      @dr4gonsl4yer786 3 роки тому +1

      @Harry Johnston-Smith you’re so right, and OMG! Thank you for reminding me that i commented on this . I did indeed go to Alton towers , and had the best day of my life sitting on all their big coasters! So yeah it was awesome 😅 if i can get over it, anybody can !

    • @boredandihaveyoutube8175
      @boredandihaveyoutube8175 2 роки тому

      Yup

  • @lukegreen5341
    @lukegreen5341 5 років тому +8

    I've Been On Oblivion Rollercoaster At Alton Towers Back In Summer 2016 And This Is My First Ever Scary Roller Coaster In The World. Awesome. Thanks Expedition Theme Park Mate. X

  • @jayrave4
    @jayrave4 5 років тому +4

    The fog over the tunnel was there to keep insects away, but also neatly doubled to obscure the view into it from the top of the drop.

  • @hattylntamin6613
    @hattylntamin6613 3 роки тому +2

    It really did create a sense of dread! At 8 years old, Oblivion was my first 1.4 coaster and i was so nervous but it was incredible. Then my first looping coaster was The Smiler, followed by Nemesis. Insane for such a young age and only being used to rides such as Vampire and Dragon's Fury at Chessington, but very glad my dad pushed me to it as now I love roller coasters and I'm an enthusiast

  • @StarportS
    @StarportS 5 років тому +11

    I am still in love with this ride! Thank you for doing a history video on it!

  • @phoebe_2007
    @phoebe_2007 4 роки тому +5

    You honestly can't beat alton towers adverts and marketing or their rides, all phenomenal

  • @djreeeeeeee
    @djreeeeeeee Рік тому +1

    Oblivion was marketed absolutely perfect. The queue line video is also so good because of the anticipation it makes you scared and I love it

  • @Persephone01
    @Persephone01 2 роки тому +2

    I went on this and was terrified. I'm glad my mum pushed me on it just like Air. Seeing the tunnel being constructed, I'm glad they added fog effects.

  • @yae4809
    @yae4809 3 роки тому +3

    also, i LOVE how the ride operators are acting, it creates such a cool experience

  • @Slaterking2010
    @Slaterking2010 4 роки тому +6

    Brilliant ride even today.
    The sad part is the longest I waited is 15 mins (Well that sounds good you ask) but it shows how it's not as popular as it once is, as it can take some time going through the waiting line that I guess when once full could have surpassed 3 hour waiting times.

  • @Estrius
    @Estrius 4 роки тому +2

    Alon Towers has always been a fascinating park to me. The restrictions they have to work with has shown how creative they can get with their rides. It's really interesting to see.

  • @theoh7389
    @theoh7389 Рік тому +2

    the drum and bass track never gets old

  • @Hatska2wolf
    @Hatska2wolf 5 років тому +4

    Got to love Oblivion, every time I see the Lord of Darkness videos it makes me smile. I miss the old days when the debate video was still used but at the end of the day I’m just happy I get to ride this ride and watch Renny Krupinski work his magic.

  • @cannibalisticrequiem
    @cannibalisticrequiem 5 років тому +11

    You know it's an Alton Towers video when you hear Edvard Grieg in the AT commercial! 😆

  • @zo__zo6834
    @zo__zo6834 2 роки тому +5

    If you can manage to time your visit to Alton Towers with a clear autumn/winter night of a full moon (did this around Halloween when Alton Towers had scare mazes and stuff) then it totally transforms oblivion if you ride it late (if you stop at the hotel you can ride stuff late). The huge moon in the sky as you climb and then hang at the top is amazing and feels within reach.

  • @Simply.Kama1
    @Simply.Kama1 Рік тому +1

    I have very fond memories of being 11 and terrified to my core of this ride. Eventually my dad and my brother took me on it and I would not stop crying in the queue! I got to the loading bay and could barely speak! I’m was so scared but this one ride operator who was locking me in saw I was wailing and told me she liked my shoes! If it wasn’t for that lady I would of seriously freaked out! So if you watching this and you somehow remember the screaming little girl who you calmed down, thank you! This is now my favourite ride at the park ❤️

  • @smith9808
    @smith9808 5 років тому +4

    That advert is legendary. Still remember seeing it all those years ago. 4hr queue though 😂

  • @OceanbornAngel
    @OceanbornAngel 4 роки тому +8

    What I love about Alton Towers? Unlike the Disney theme parks and their manufactured happiness it's a dark dystopian theme park of destruction.

  • @Chinawanka
    @Chinawanka Рік тому +5

    8:34 after he said “Welcome to OBLIVION” i got a coca cola advert. Took atmosphere away…

  • @tallicay2k
    @tallicay2k 5 років тому +13

    Don’t care what anyone says, this is still the best ride there imo. That video with the lord of darkness is the best for setting the tension. (Unfortunately now toned down a bit due to the neighbour next door.)

  • @isthatajojoreference
    @isthatajojoreference 5 років тому +5

    Knott's did a amazing job with their take on dives coasters with hang time. It's just amazing how they scare you with a pause at the top showing you no track.

    • @smilerpunk922
      @smilerpunk922 5 років тому

      I've never been on any dive coaster other than oblivion and while i can agree with you on some parts, the massive hole that is staring right back at you on oblivion is just so spooky,

  • @nahidamini5389
    @nahidamini5389 5 років тому +3

    YOU EXPLAIN THESE SO WELL

  • @PokeParadox
    @PokeParadox 5 років тому +2

    It's good to know I didn't imagine the "Don't look down" played at the top. I questioned my memory when I didn't hear it on subsequent visits. Thanks for solving that mystery!

  • @IndianaJones44
    @IndianaJones44 25 днів тому

    Keep coming back to this Alton Towers series

  • @jamescurzon2456
    @jamescurzon2456 5 років тому +3

    The queue line videos featuring the lord of light or what ever he was called were removed after the smiler crash for obvious reasons as it hinted that the ride might not be safe. I may be wrong but I’m pretty sure that is why they did

  • @matthewknight5926
    @matthewknight5926 5 років тому +8

    See I love oblivion’s atmosphere, marketing, aethestic, and everything around it, except the ride itself, like I didn’t grow up during the time it was advertised. I wasn’t even born yet so I guess I didn’t buy so much into the hype, but I feel it hasn’t exactly aged that well because it’s a very simple ride that goes up, goes down, and that’s it

  • @DoctorNerf
    @DoctorNerf 4 роки тому +1

    Oblivion was my first ever thrill ride. I remember it vividly. I was 9 years old and I cried my eyes out nonstop saying I didn't want to go on it. My Dad forced me to queue for about 1.5 hours, seeing these videos, pretty much crying on and off the entire time. Got on it and it hung me over the edge and again, i cried.
    I'm glad he did it though because I'm not even a little bit scared of rollercoasters anymore and I've been to tonnes of theme parks. I can't wait to go to America and when I'm there I will certainly ride Top thrill dragster or Kingda Ka, as well as the other crazy rides America offers.

  • @Kaykoification
    @Kaykoification 5 років тому +2

    I absolutely love this rollercoaster as it terrified me then and still does now!

  • @The8BitNerd
    @The8BitNerd 10 місяців тому +3

    Alton Towers: “First vertical drop coaster.”
    (Oblivion has an 87 degree drop)
    Alton Towers: “Close enough.”

  • @sophiecooke2839
    @sophiecooke2839 5 років тому +7

    I love Oblivion. I first rode it when I was 9, a month before my 10th birthday. That was in 2013. Since then, including the first time I rode the ride, I have been on the ride 30 times.

    • @smilerpunk922
      @smilerpunk922 5 років тому

      i've only been on it 4 times and the first time was last year when i was 13!

    • @sophiecooke2839
      @sophiecooke2839 5 років тому +1

      @@smilerpunk922 You've got to admit, it is a fantastic ride. I know the words to the video on the screen off by heart !!

  • @chloe8554
    @chloe8554 4 роки тому +3

    Oblivion is and always will be my favourite advertised ride.

  • @marinakyriacou6525
    @marinakyriacou6525 5 років тому +3

    I remember the first time I went on oblivion, there was a light rain that was on and off and we hung above the drop for longer than usual. It was awesome! :D

  • @Walkwithmejo
    @Walkwithmejo 5 років тому +21

    Cool ride I can't wait to go alton towers this may . I haven't been on this since 2003❤🎢

    • @patrickrooney9999
      @patrickrooney9999 5 років тому +2

      A LOT has changed, must've been awesome back in '03! Might see you in the queues :p

    • @jess_swales
      @jess_swales 5 років тому

      I’m going in May too for my 14th birthday, however I have never been before so I’m going with a friend. 💙

    • @eawykeham3900
      @eawykeham3900 5 років тому +1

      @@jess_swales hope you have a good time and alton towers is definetely worth it me and my friends go twice a year ( we live 3 hours away) and every time it gets better

    • @jess_swales
      @jess_swales 5 років тому

      Ethan Martin thank you, we also live about 3 hours away and I’m so excited. 💙

    • @Walkwithmejo
      @Walkwithmejo 5 років тому

      @@eawykeham3900 Hi Ethan I hope you have a lovely time too 😎 Have you been on the Wicker Man yet . I can't wait to go on that x🎢

  • @pandoranbias1622
    @pandoranbias1622 5 років тому +8

    Is hall of the mountain king just Alton’s go to song for secret weapon commercials?

  • @thoomish3556
    @thoomish3556 2 роки тому +2

    honestly I'd give the guy who came up with that logo a big raise, iconic

  • @TheWolfXCIX
    @TheWolfXCIX 5 років тому

    I love these videos, especially on Thorpe Park and Alton Towers!!

  • @kenopsia9013
    @kenopsia9013 4 роки тому +10

    The guard looks like the red soldier from tf2

  • @clever_girl_766
    @clever_girl_766 5 років тому +20

    When you going to do pin ball wizzer/sonic spinball?

  • @Chalky.
    @Chalky. 5 років тому +1

    Oblivion was the reason I first went to Alton Towers as it's such a long drive down there when Lightwater Valley and Flamingo Land are so much closer.

  • @hopespeak5852
    @hopespeak5852 4 роки тому +2

    I love how well made the theme is.

  • @TonyKimtheamusementparkfan
    @TonyKimtheamusementparkfan 5 років тому +4

    John Wardley is a genius :) Oblivion, Nemesis, The Smiler, AIR, I mean he designed all of their roller coasters :)

  • @flippineck2825
    @flippineck2825 3 роки тому +3

    It's the one that really is still intense despite its simplicity.
    It would benefit from more themed surroundings.
    But what would really be a game changer is if it did 2 laps, with the 2nd one being BACKWARDS!

  • @deanmcgowan3485
    @deanmcgowan3485 5 років тому +1

    These videos are so awsome and really interesting it's cool to find out all this stuff about my favourite park in the world

  • @dwitefry4157
    @dwitefry4157 5 років тому +2

    being about one of my favourite rides this was going to get a like anyway but having a short 'making of' for the advert? hell yes.

  • @VictoriaWorthington-rd4kh
    @VictoriaWorthington-rd4kh 5 років тому +3

    People nowadays saying that this ride is not even slightly intimidating or thrilling have to remember that it was the mother of dive coasters. Without Oblivion, we would not have the dive coasters we have today. Brilliant ride

  • @rodrigosimoes7103
    @rodrigosimoes7103 5 років тому +7

    6:29
    John
    *Thrill Engineer*
    Sorry Wardley lol

  • @Luxurzx
    @Luxurzx Рік тому +1

    Watching John wardley fidget in excitement at 9:05 is wholesome

  • @ryancnayr
    @ryancnayr 4 роки тому

    I really love your videos dude, really helps with my media course