Ride rips into Six Flags


A view of Six Flags New England's newest ride "The Dark Knight Indoor Coaster." Passengers will ride in the Gotham City rail car (shown above) as they zoom through the city desperately trying to escape the Joker, hoping the Dark Knight will come to their rescue. Reminder Publications submitted photo

Bat Signal sheds light on 'Dark Knight'

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

AGAWAM When worldwide moviegoers last saw Batman in 2005 he had just answered the first Bat Signal and was soaring off into the night to battle a villain who leaves joker playing cards at the scene of his crimes.

Now, three years later, moviegoers in three states will have the opportunity to enter into the world of "The Dark Knight" seven weeks prior to its theatrical premier on July 18 when "The Dark Knight Indoor Roller Coaster" opens Memorial Day weekend.

Despite recent building setbacks, Six Flags New England Park President Larry Litton said the park is anticipating an on-time opening for the indoor coaster the first of its kind in New England.

Riders will be thrown into a dark day in Gotham as residents desperately try to flee the Joker, who is terrorizing the city. Their method of escape will be via Gotham's subway rails as riders cling to the hope that Batman will come to their rescue.

Prior to entering the ride, park goers will have the opportunity to experience footage specially shot by the filmmakers for the ride. Litton explained that riders will be attending a press conference called by District Attorney Harvey Dent actor Aaron Eckhart as he tells the citizens of Gotham that the city is under siege and he is uncertain whether Batman is on the side of righteousness.

Litton explained that next riders will be ushered into a rail car the roller coaster to try to escape the Joker.

Melissa Pinkerton, public relations manager at Six Flags New England, said the riders will experience dramatic sound and visual effects. Litton explained that people will see buildings engulfed in flames and as they ride by they will feel the heat of the fire. Gusts of wind will hit riders simulating the feeling that Batman has just zoomed by them.

Litton said while many other coasters in the park such as the "Superman: Ride of Steel" feature extremely high speeds, flips, turns and corkscrews, "The Dark Knight" will be a ride for the entire family to enjoy. He explained that sharp 90-degree turns as riders pass through the coaster as well as the darkness will provide some of the thrill elements for "The Dark Knight."

Litton said Six Flags is trying to recreate Gotham City for park goers so that they may be fully immersed in the story before even sitting in the rail car.

He explained that another goal is to broaden the appeal of the DC Comics section of the park so that visitors don't visit the area only for the "Superman: Ride of Steel." Litton said restorations to "Cat Woman's Whip" (previously called "Poison Ivy") as well as "The Hall of Justice" have made them "hidden gems" of the park, often overshadowed by the "Superman: Ride of Steel."

Litton noted that in addition to "The Dark Knight," a Johnny Rockets restaurant will also be built there for this season's guests.

He added, however, never to discount the "old" Batman roller coaster. Litton said the ride was the first floorless coaster in New England and one of the smoothest ever built.

"It's going to be a whole new experience," Litton said enthusiastically of "The Dark Knight Indoor Coaster."