‘Small Soldiers’ Logistics

Imagine 12-inch toy figures of soldiers coming to life and wreaking havoc on a suburban neighborhood.

They tear up the town with homemade lethal weapons brilliantly created out of toasters, corncob holders and skateboards.

If it sounds outrageous, remember that in Hollywood anything is possible. Consider “Small Soldiers,” the DreamWorks-Universal picture scheduled to open nationwide on Friday.

Toys invade a city in the film, which blends live action with state-of-the-art computer animation.

The dolls used in the movie and several of the sets used for filming are on display through Sept. 7 at Universal Studios.

The temporary “Small Soldiers” attraction also features special-effects demonstrations and behind-the-scenes filming secrets.

In the movie, the bad guys are in the Commando Elite, super-buff in sleeveless shirts with names like Butch, Kip and Chip. They’re only a foot tall, but they’re tough, smart and very resourceful.

It’s up to the Gorgonites, a group of monster-like creatures with gentle faces, to stop this gang of powerful and vicious little men.

The dolls, displayed in large glass cases, were created by the same artists who won an Academy Award for the dinosaurs in the mega-hit “Jurassic Park.”

Among the soldiers is Maj. Chip Hazard, whose face has features similar to that of actor Tommy Lee Jones, the character’s voice. Gorgonite leader Archer’s voice is that of actor Frank Langella.

The rare weapons used by the dolls in the movie are also on display. Among them is a flaming tennis ball launcher, a propane-powered skateboard and a toaster that fires flames.

There are also three kinds of video games, a virtual-reality battle zone between the Commando Elite and Gorgonites and a looping stage, where you can record scenes of the movie using your own voice.

“We wanted the public to have lots of interaction,” said Norman Kahn, vice president of entertainment at Universal.

“We worked very closely with the filmmakers, and it took about six to eight months to complete it.”

The public also can visit the “Small Soldiers” sets on a back lot, which is usually off limits to the studio’s tours.

They’re called “hot sets” in Hollywood lingo and are unique at Universal because they weren’t just created for the tour.

“It’s the first time the public can go through a set that’s ready for shooting,” said David Weiss, who helped design “Small Soldiers,” the attraction. “These were made for and used in the movie before we brought them over here.”

After a brief filmed introduction by “Small Soldiers” star Denis Leary, guests walk through the front porch of a quiet Midwestern house, then into the home’s living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom.

Each one has an overhead television with “Small Soldiers” star Kirsten Dunst explaining how special effects were used in the particular set.

Film clips are shown, followed by a re-creation of the special effect used in the scene.

About the only thing the attraction doesn’t feature is the toy characters coming to life. That’s because the process is a complicated and sophisticated one in which cables are used to move limbs. In other words, you’ll have to buy a movie ticket to see it.

BE THERE

Small Soldiers at Universal Studios through Sept. 7. Hollywood Freeway at Lankershim Boulevard, Universal City. Park open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission, $38; children 3-11, $28; and children under 3, free. Information: (818) 508-9600.