Scene 1
The attraction host introduces a video featuring director Ron Howard, who discusses what a backdraft is, and how the film was made. (see narration panel on the right)

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SCENE 1 NARRATION
Ron Howard: "What is a backdraft? Well, the technical explanation is a fire that has burned out all the oxygen in a room leaving only superheated gases - over 2,000 degrees just waiting for a fresh breath of air. When the fire gets what it wants... you have a backdraft. Hi. I'm Ron Howard and as the film's director I guess I have a different definition. Backdraft: A tireless cast and crew working under demanding conditions to realistically portray fire and the heroism of the firefighters who battle it.
The screenwriter, Gregory Widen, was a former fireman and he made it very clear that in our movie the firefighters had to be right there in the middle of those blazing infernos. But I knew that getting these shots would be very hazardous for the actors and the entire film crew. Everyday, they found themselves in the middle of flame, smoke, flying ash and toppling scenery.
With all the complicated technical elements even the rehearsals were difficult. We rehearsed the scene first for the actors, then for the camera. Then we added the special effects. Finally we rolled film. [excerpt from Backdraft] A lot of hard work for a very short amount of screen time. Throughout we had to maintain realism. We went to real, old warehouses in Chicago and set fire to the inside, set fire to the outside, and then we blew them up. The crew worked tirelessly to try to make the fire into a living, breathing entity. Or, as the firefighters sometimes call it: The Beast.

On the next stage, you'll see how a few of those spectacular effects were created and you'll also get a sense of the professionalism and courage that our actors showed. Oh, by the way, please don't try what you're about to see at home. On our set we had the constant supervision of Chicago's finest firefighters and from them, I pass on this tip: If you hear a fire engine, get out of the way. They're not going to the movies.