Jurassic World: Things You Might Have Missed

The time has finally arrived. Not only has “Jurassic World” been released, but it’s been breaking records. This box office juggernaut has fans split on whether or not the film is actually good. However; one thing can be agreed on. “Jurassic World” is full of callbacks, tributes, and nods to the previous films. Here are a few of them.

Chaos

Although he never made a physical appearance in the film, Dr. Ian Malcolm’s presence was still lurking throughout the film. On the monorail, you can see the boys’ Nanny reading Malcolm’s book “God Creates Dinosaurs.” The book can also be found on Lowry’s (Jake Johnson’s) desk in the control room. Another connection to the beloved character is when Claire refers to his desk as chaotic. He replies back by saying it’s “One step away from collapsing to anarchy.” These words seem to have been taken directly from Malcolm’s mouth. The messiness of Lowry’s desk is also a possible nod to Nedry’s desk covered with nic-nacs and food wrappers.

Classic Tee

Lowry also sports the classic “Jurassic Park” logo with a shirt he bought on Ebay. It’s evident that he is a fan the first park, which he refers to as being “legit.”

Green Button

During the airport scene, Gray and Zach’s parents are saying their goodbyes before they depart to the park. Being very adamant, their mother says to answer all her phone calls while saying the very familiar words, “It’s the green button, when you see my name push it.” There’s no doubt that this line was referring to the similar words John Hammond said to Dr. Ellie Sattler as he talked her through turning on the original park’s power.

Bumpy Ride

If you’ve seen the film, you know that Masrani isn’t the best at flying a helicopter. Similar to the first movie, the helicopter ride is incredible turbulent, but rather than the act of winds, it’s the poor skills of Masrani. Not only during the flight do we see a very familiar waterfall, but Masrani even mutters the most famous words of John Hammond, “Spared no expense.”

I don’t know if this really qualifies, the helicopter parallel is a bit of a stretch, and Masrani is literally quoting Hammond in that scene so I don’t believe it really counts as a reference or a nod to the first Jurassic Park, it’s mainly just plot continuation.

An Old Friend

 

Dr. Wu wasn’t the only returning character in the film. The Tyrannosaurus Rex in Jurassic World is in fact the original T-Rex from the first park. This has not only been confirmed by director Colin Trevorrow, but the scars made from the raptors at the climax of the first film are visible on her neck. Just like 1993, she continues to be lured by a tied down goat and a flair.

Reunited

Another very familiar scene is when Claire sees her nephews for the first time. Spotting them on the staircase of the Samsung Innovation Center, an instant callback to Hammond embracing his grandchildren in “Jurassic Park.”

Adding to the callbacks at this location, the vicious Dilophosaurus makes an appearance as the hologram that distracted one of the raptors. In addition, the fossils being uncovered at a hands on exhibit was shot almost identical to the opening shot in Montana of the very first film. Mr. DNA also can be found at the Innovation Center, as he continues his job to educate the people on how the dinosaurs were brought to life.

Veggisaurus

In the first film, Lex finally conquered her fear of dinosaurs by feeding the brachiosaurus while in a tree; that was until the creature sneezed all over her. This scene was brought back into memory  in “Jurassic World” when a young girl feeds what looks like a baby Apatosaurus  at the petting zoo. Like Lex, she is thanked by  being covered in drool.

Revenge

We all know that “Jurassic Park III” is one of the more disappointing films of the franchise. While it took place on separate island (Isla Nublar), a Spinosaurus was present on Main Street, but in the form of a skeleton. Many fans were angered that the Spinosaurus in “Jurassic Park III” killed a T-Rex in the film, but in “Jurassic World” the T-Rex got some vengeance by crashing though the skeleton.

They Never Listen

It seems whenever someone says to stay back in the Jurassic franchise, the person being told ignores the orders. In “Jurassic Park” it was Tim and in “Jurassic World” it was Claire. Both decided to not listen and continue on. Unfortunately they discovered an injured herbivore, and while it sad these scenes offered very touching moments.

Musical Influence

During the climactic scene of the dino vs. dino battle, a very small yet recognizable piece of score is thrown in as Blue returns to save the day. The piece of music is none other than the theme of “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.”

Hold Onto Your Butts

Besides the Indominous Rex, the Mosasaurus was undoubtedly one of the most talked about new dinosaurs in the movie. During the feeding show there are a few callbacks to “Jurassic Park” that can’t help but go unseen. The stands for one are on hydraulics, giving the audience more than one perspective to see underwater creature. In the original film, the guests ride on a informative theater experience which also has the seats moving; however it is horizontal movement instead of vertical.

The shark used as bait is another nod to the previous film. The great white instantly has movie goers thinking “Jaws.” But what exactly does the film have to do with “Jurassic Park”, besides being both directed by Steven Speilberg? In the original, Nedry’s computer has “Jaws” playing on screen.

Gyrosphere

Instead of Jeeps, the guests go on safari via Gyrospheres. These technologic wonders are virtually indestructible, unless you come across a hybrid monster. Like Tim and Lex, Claire’s nephews become trapped under glass as gigantic jaws try to swallow them whole. Adding to the similarities, a piece of electrical equipment lures the beast, but rather than a flashlight, it’s the ringing of a phone.

Welcome to Jurassic Park

The visitor center of the first park makes an appearance in the film, as the kids wander through the restricted area. Inside, the find the fallen dinosaur skeletons as well as the banner “When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth.” In the garage, Gray finds night vision goggles, which he holds for a brief moment before setting them down in fear. Perhaps the most obvious of the throwback objects were the Jeeps. A very observant eye would notice that the Jeep that Gray and Zach restore, Jeep 29, is the same Jeep that John Hammond and Gennaro ride in during the beginning of “Jurassic Park”.

East Dock Sign

The infamous Dock sign is also referred in “Jurassic Park.” Even though the sign is almost identical to the east dock sign, the sign is points towards an entirely new location.

(Un)Lucky bag

Gray’s waist pouch almost got him killed when the Indominous Rex’s claw got hooked on the bag. Gray isn’t the first character with a lucky bag, as Sarah Harding in “Lost World” and Billy in “Jurassic Park III” had bags of their own that were not so lucky.

Winston’s Restaurant

Located on Main Street is a restaurant with an all too familiar name. Stan Winston, a pioneer of special effects, was involved in all three previous films, making him a very important member of the Jurassic Park franchise. Looking at the menu, which can be found on jurassicworld.com, the iconic Chilean seabass dish from the first film is included. Passing away in 2008, Winston’s memory lives on with this very touching tribute.