What movie made you appreciate special effects?
In this issue
Daily Movie Question
Shout Outs
Movie Recommends
Poll
Movie History
Behind-The-Scenes
Movie Quote
Question of the day
What movie made you appreciate special effects?
For me, The Thing
Shout Out
I recently asked this question on Substack Notes. Here are some of my favorite answers:
tells ussays:Jurassic Park
adds:2001: A Space Odyssey. I saw it in a theater when I was eight years old. On a wide screen (Panavision? Yeah I think that’s what it was) and one of the first stereo theater sound systems too.
Blew my frikkin mind. 🤯
Tron - no real CGI - too early for that, but it manages to generate real atmosphere with what was available at the time.
What do you think?
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Movie Recommend
Avatar (2009)
James Cameron's film revolutionized 3D technology and motion capture, blending CGI with practical elements to create the immersive world of Pandora.The Matrix (1999)
A blend of practical effects and CGI, The Matrix introduced "bullet time," along with practical stunts and wire work that set a new standard for action films.Inception (2010)
Known for its mind-bending visuals, Inception mixed CGI with practical effects, such as rotating sets and real explosions, to create its surreal, gravity-defying sequences.Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
A trailblazer in both practical effects (like animatronics and pyrotechnics) and CGI, T2 featured the groundbreaking liquid metal T-1000.The Abyss (1989)
Another James Cameron classic, The Abyss featured groundbreaking underwater special effects and the first use of CGI to create a realistic alien creature.Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
A masterclass in practical effects, this high-octane action film used real stunts, explosions, and practical vehicles, enhanced with some CGI for added intensity.Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
With innovative practical effects, including miniatures, models, and rotoscoping, Star Wars redefined what was possible in visual storytelling.Gravity (2013)
While heavily relying on CGI for space effects, Gravity used practical effects for many scenes, including real lighting rigs and suspended rigs to create the illusion of zero gravity.The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
A mix of groundbreaking CGI (for the large battles and creatures) and practical effects (including miniatures and prosthetics), this epic film set new standards in the fantasy genre.The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan's use of practical effects (like the real truck flip and high-speed chases) alongside CGI made The Dark Knight a visual and action-driven masterpiece.
Movie Question Poll
Celebrating Movie History
"King Kong" (1933) – Premiered on April 7, 1933, this film introduced innovative stop-motion animation techniques, bringing the iconic giant ape to life.
"Man in the Dark" (1953) – Released on April 8, 1953, it was the first 3-D movie from a major Hollywood studio, offering audiences a new dimension in cinematic experience.
"Mothra vs. Godzilla" (1964) – Debuting on April 29, 1964, this film showcased a dramatic battle between two iconic monsters, contributing to the rich legacy of kaiju cinema.
"Death Becomes Her" (1995) – Released on April 7, 1995, this dark comedy utilized pioneering visual effects to depict characters defying aging and death.
"Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) – Celebrating its 34th anniversary this year, this film is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects, particularly the portrayal of the T-1000 character.
Behind-The-Scenes
In "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991), the T-1000's liquid metal effects combined practical and CGI techniques. The actor, Robert Patrick, wore a full-body prosthetic suit that was hot and uncomfortable. For the liquid metal transformations, groundbreaking CGI was used to create realistic shifts, setting a new standard for visual effects in action films.
Movie Quote
"There is no spoon." – Spoon Boy (The Matrix, 1999)
King Kong (1933)
The Thing, Exorcist, Alien