logo Sign In

Did they make the right decision? - use of technology in the Prequels

Author
Time
 (Edited)

I was just wondering about all of y’alls opinions about the PT in general, specifically Episode III.

Lucasarts made full use of the technology now available to them in creating droids, action sequences, battles, and so forth. As a result, we have much more epic battles, with more people, which allows people to die, which in turn allows for realistic accuracy (i.e. the stormtroopers hit their targets and so forth). In the OT, we had so few people in a battle that no one could get hit. This makes for a much more realistic battle tone, but also makes for a disconnect in the tone and style of the films.

Likewise, the space battles have gotten more complex with each iteration. This makes for (what I thought) a beautiful and exciting space battle in Ep. III, but at the same time there’s a disconnect in style and tone.

Again with the Aliens, vehicles, and droids. Most everyone agrees that Episode I was too big for its britches and should have used puppets, but I feel that Episode III pulled it off appropriately, minus Yoda’s facial expressions, which still fell short of the puppet (though they were far, far from a disappointment).

So, the question - do you think Lucasarts did the right thing to use all the technology and cinematic advances from the past 20 years to make a more realistic, more visually exciting film, and in general make what they felt (note: not what you felt) was the best film they could make with the given resources, or should they have limited themselves to the original style for the sake of continuity and faithfulness to the 80’s SciFi genre?

As a note, I have always felt the latter. But after seeing Episode III, where I feel the film actually grew into its shoes, I’m contemplating admitting I was wrong and supporting the decisions that were made.

If you're going to take forever, then I'm having a hotdog!
Author
Time
Lucas is a brave man to risk so much with untried technologies. and he certainly paved the way for a lot more digital-only high end cinema in the future.

but i think in 50 years, when all has passed, people will watch the OT and it will withstand suspension of disbelief. The PT is going to look like a Playstation 6 game - it will be absolutely juvenile looking. Being in the the effects and editing industry, I applaude the effort - it is really ming boggling. But it was too much too soon. It looks pretty today, but I still find myself fixating on the CGI so much I lose attention to the story.

And not only that, he spent so much time in a technology mind, it's pretty obvious he forgot about the cornerstones of filmmaking like acting, so no one will forgive the effects.
Author
Time
I'm sorry. But if this is the future of Special Effects then the future looks grim. I've always felt that all the CGI in Episodes I, II, and III's space battles felt weightless. I can't explain it but it feels like watching a cartoon that is trying to pass itself off as real. Atleast with the old use of models it had some weight to it. Now don't get me wrong, the opening space battle in Episode III is great eye candy. but in my opinion is not better then Return of the Jedi's. (Notice how I refer to Episode VI to its ORIGINAL TITLE). And come on George. Are you that f@!@ CHEAP that you can't afford 20 people on Clone Trooper armor? The Clone Troopers looked worse this time around then they did in Episode II. Atleast in Episode II they looked real. I mean, it was so fake when one of the Clone Troopers helmets were off. It looked like I was watching Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. lol God. I can't wait till the TV Series comes out and someone with some talent can direct again. I still say if George would've let Spielberg direct Episode III, we would all be happy. And that is my 2 sense.

It’s Not the Years, It’s the Mileage.

Author
Time
The paintings, costumes and automatons looked WAY more realistic than CGI.

///
Fine, mister Lucas, while you're at it why dont you replace Lando with will smith?
Author
Time
there were definately some scenes where $100 and a bucket of paint would've made a MUCH MUCH MUCH better set than 12 days with 3 CGI guys at $200/hr. A lot of the major devices looked pretty good, but there was a TON of background CG elements that looked like the freshman weekend texture and lighting in 3DSMax class group project.
Author
Time
Somewhat off topic, but according to an interview with Natalie Portman in the most recent SW Insider. The babies used at the end were animatronics that were actually controlled by Ewan McGregor. Though the article says they were later replaced by real babies, but is somewhat confusing/unclear as to if that means in later scenes or after the interview the scenes were redone with real babies.

-Darth Simon
Why Anakin really turned to the dark side:
"Anakin, You're father I am" - Yoda
"No. No. That's not true! That's impossible!" - Anakin

0100111001101001011011100110101001100001

*touchy people disclaimer*
some or all of the above comments are partially exaggerated to convey a point, none of the comments are meant as personal attacks on anyone mentioned or reference in the above post