CSI The Experience

Combing Las Vegas crime scenes is a dirty job, but someone's got to do it! Fictitious U.S crime drama “Crime Scene Investigation” makes no bones about it being potentially grisly, but that hasn't stopped a new breed of wannabe investigators seeking out this kind of employment – both in Las Vegas and beyond! There's even a personalized C.S.I diploma to be had for crime crackers!

Racking up 250 episodes and a global audience estimated at 70 million (as of May 2011); the “C.S.I” sleuth drama that first aired on CBS back in 2000, still shows no sign of diminishing popularity. Instrumental to the show's success, has been the continuous flow of realism – plot lines which rarely crossed over the threshold of unbelievability, and remained true to everyday events (rather than matters of National security, which seem to form the precedent for most modern crime dramas.) The premiering series “C.S.I: Las Vegas” drew a cult international following – the very same fans now flocking to Las Vegas' “Studio Walk” at the MGM Grand, to follow in the footsteps of their super-sleuth screen peers.

Without a doubt, creators Anthony E. Zuiker and Jerry Bruckheimer never envisaged their screen drama becoming an interactive Sin City experience. Interestingly, both had a hand in producing the show, with the aid of parent “team-building” company EMS Exhibits. Creation of the amazingly realistic crime scene sets fell to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, who also implemented the computer-reporting systems, anthropology labs and fingerprinting devices. The real stars of “C.S.I” - including William Petersen, George Eads and Marg Helgenberger, add an unwarranted authenticity to proceedings. Petersen plays the biggest role here in the Vegas setup, acting as host and lead investigator “Gil Grissom”.

“C.S.I: The Experience” intends to succeed where prevalent and traditional murder mystery experiences in Las Vegas fall short. For one, you don't have to perform, and secondly, you don't have to endure the poor acting skills of some guy who thinks he's Columbo! Veering away from the archaic murder mystery experience, “C.S.I” invites guests to see, touch and investigate for themselves - laying on three realistic crime scenes to choose from. “A House Collided” replicates the contemporary cool of a modern Las Vegas condo interior, in the setting of a slightly up market, quiet neighborhood. The scene is shattered by the looming presence of a sedan estate, which has veered off the road and come crashing through the living area window. But is this is tragic accident, or a crazed kamikaze attempt on the condo owner's life?

Remarkably true to a Las Vegas street scene, “Who Got Served” simulates a Sin City alley, situated between two resort hotels and right on the heart of the Strip. Lying afoot a huge dumpster, the sprawled corpse of “Penny Golden” (a waitress) instantly assumes this is a potential murder scene. But in the absence of visible blood, could this merely be a bang-on-head fall? “No Bones About It” offers a distinctly Sin City-esque alternative, with a desert scenario and a partially submerged skeleton. Question is, how did it get there? It's a chilling echo of darker Vegas history, when the mob ruled with guns and grins, whacking any old adversary and ditching them in the desert. Could this be one of their 70's victims?

Greeted by the face and voice of Anthony E. Zuiker; the experience draws in it's fresh batch of crime scene investigators with a ten minute introductory video. Jerry Bruckheimer also provides some narrative, outlining the fascinating scientific methodology that you'll be using later, including DNA analysis and forensic anthropology. “Gil Grissom” the briefs his underlings within the “Briefing Studio”, handing out investigation record sheets for note taking, and some all important tools of the trade – the integrals, such as gloves, swab sticks and plastic tweezers. He sends forward his army of sleuths, with a signature motivational quote: “Remember, the dead can't speak for themselves”!

Racking up evidence is all part of the fun on “C.S.I”. Visitors are presented with a plethora of scattered clues, ranging from footprints in the sand, to body hair from the alleged perpetrators. The experience is further enhanced by an innovative computer database, containing dental records an DNA information of both victims and villains. Armed with such variegated tools, you might think solving these mysteries will be a walk in the park – but nothing on “Crime Scene Investigation” is ever as it seems, as you'll come to find out. Will you crack the case, and walk away with your C.S.I Diploma?