Both the Wing Commander and Street Fighter movies were universally panned when they were released, though the games on which they were based were tremendous successes in their fields. Now, Showscan Entertainment Inc. wants to turn these two franchises into thrill-ride films, to be shown in special format, large-screen theatres in theme parks, multiplexes, and other tourist venues around the world.

　　Showscan recently formed Wing Commander Simulation Co. to create the ride - based on both the computer games and the movie - so audiences can experience space combat, Wing Commander-style.

　　"The Showscan ride is yet another evolutionary step for Wing Commander," said Wing Commander creator and movie director Chris Roberts. "We are thrilled about the opportunity to truly put audiences in the front seat of Wing Commander's spectacular action."

　　The second thrill-ride film will be based on Capcom's Street Fighter II series, and it will use computer-generated graphics in a variety of fight sequences familiar to the game's many players. Capriccioso Inc. will develop the thrill-ride film.

　　"We are very excited to introduce, with Showscan, the first ride film ever based on an arcade video game," said Kazuhisa Saito, president of Capriccioso. "We hope that fans of ride films everywhere thoroughly enjoy our presentation."

　　Street Fighter II is due out in June, and Wing Commander is set for a January 2000 release.

　　"Consumers want to 'live' through movies and games," said Dennis Pope, president and CEO of Showscan. "By making simulation thrill-ride films based on recognizable brand name games and theatrical films, Showscan is leading the way in bringing together all the critical, exciting, and visual elements of entertainment today."