Hey, here’s a video from a guy who makes very interesting videos about how CG was done in movies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N5SpsD71FI
It’s in French but there are English subs.
I really like what he does, he always interviews people involved in creating the effects he’s talking about! And there’s also a video about the Special Edition trilogy on his channel (in which he might talk about the CG trench effect) :3
I loved that interview, it was go cool to hear from William Reeves, one of the guys who worked on the actual VFX for those shots, explain how they all came about.
Also the part of the interview with Terrence Masson, part of Lucasfilm’s VFX department who worked on the 1997 Special Edition, as well as TPM, say about the SE alterations:
“There comes a time where you just have to stop and let it exist as it exists. Us hardcore Star Wars fans were horrified at George asking… you know, making Greedo shoot first, putting that ring around the Death Star explosion, it was just… you know… again I understand… kind of, but… we were y’know… ‘no, please don’t do that’ (laughs)”.
And also a mention for Harmy’s Despecialized Editions!
The whole Gorkab YouTube channel does appear to have some very cool videos and some great looking interviews with many people in the industry. I’ll bookmark that. Thanks Bewy!
^ It still looks stunning over 40 years later.