- Post
- #226191
- Topic
- The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe: 1979 Animated VS. 2005 Live-Action
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226191/action/topic#226191
- Time
Mike O
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- 20-Jun-2006
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- 22-Jun-2025
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- Post
- #226190
- Topic
- The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe: 1979 Animated VS. 2005 Live-Action
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226190/action/topic#226190
- Time
Originally posted by: auraloffalwaffle
I think the disappointment I felt in the movie version was due to its lack of character. The makers were obviously falling over themselves to emulate The Lord Of The Rings.
What they should have realised is that CS Lewis' fantasy was a different beast to Tolkein's and merited a different approach.
The pointlessly OTT action scenes (particularly under the frozen waterfall) were so histrionic that it was almost funny. And the photography was all so bright and cheery, in that oh-so-Disney way, that it couldn't hope to match the brooding gloom of LOTR.
I think the disappointment I felt in the movie version was due to its lack of character. The makers were obviously falling over themselves to emulate The Lord Of The Rings.
What they should have realised is that CS Lewis' fantasy was a different beast to Tolkein's and merited a different approach.
The pointlessly OTT action scenes (particularly under the frozen waterfall) were so histrionic that it was almost funny. And the photography was all so bright and cheery, in that oh-so-Disney way, that it couldn't hope to match the brooding gloom of LOTR.
Interesting thoughts. I myself had to pull my foot out of my mouth after see the movie. I rather enjoyed it. I had thought that Disney would give a treatment that stripped it of its meaning (obviously the religious allegory, but also its paralles with childhood) that I was surprised how much got through. There were times when it looked like what it was, a series of sets in Hollywood, and had that stiffness that made Chris Columbus's Harry Potter films so cramped. It isn't as gloomy a tale as LOTR. Most of the film's issues, to me, stemmed for overreaching. Hopefully Adamson will improve his technique with the sequels. But it was infinitly more satisfying that I though that it would be.
- Post
- #226189
- Topic
- Pirates of the Caribbean Two
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226189/action/topic#226189
- Time
Originally posted by: DarthBalls1138
The lotr movies were longer than Pirates and the amount of excitement in Pirates is equal to the amount of boredom served up by lotr, the stories are wonderful to be sure, but the movies just put me to sleep!
I've heard people say that before, but I just can't juderstand how one could findd the battle sequences in thos films dull. I don't think that I have ever left the theater so exhilarated in all of my days. Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't think they're flawless films, but I find them to be trul exhilarating entertainment of the kind that Hollywood seldom, if ever, makes these days. I think that their length can be argued fo given the depth of their source material.
He probably is just trying to stir up excrement. Pay him now mind.
The lotr movies were longer than Pirates and the amount of excitement in Pirates is equal to the amount of boredom served up by lotr, the stories are wonderful to be sure, but the movies just put me to sleep!
I've heard people say that before, but I just can't juderstand how one could findd the battle sequences in thos films dull. I don't think that I have ever left the theater so exhilarated in all of my days. Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't think they're flawless films, but I find them to be trul exhilarating entertainment of the kind that Hollywood seldom, if ever, makes these days. I think that their length can be argued fo given the depth of their source material.
He probably is just trying to stir up excrement. Pay him now mind.
You mean pay him no mind. Thanks! Hello fellow LOTR fan!
- Post
- #226114
- Topic
- What are you going to do with your SE discs?
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226114/action/topic#226114
- Time
Originally posted by: skye_solo
I am really in favor of sending the discs back to Luca$.
I am really in favor of sending the discs back to Luca$.
So how many people are involved in this? If enough send the discs bakc, maybe LFL will get a polite, clear message. Would Mr. Sylveters involve himself in this at all? If coordinated, it could pack a potent punch.
- Post
- #226112
- Topic
- Lucas talks about the Sept 12th Release of the O-OT
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226112/action/topic#226112
- Time
Originally posted by: Jay
Releasing the OOT and SEs simultaneously in two separate packages would've provided the information he seeks.
That didn't happen specifically because the OOT would've at least gone head-to-head with the SEs in terms of sales, and his fragile ego couldn't handle that.
Releasing the OOT and SEs simultaneously in two separate packages would've provided the information he seeks.
That didn't happen specifically because the OOT would've at least gone head-to-head with the SEs in terms of sales, and his fragile ego couldn't handle that.
Lets hope that you're right.
- Post
- #226111
- Topic
- Will There be Further Changes to the 09/12 SE Discs?
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226111/action/topic#226111
- Time
Maybe Lucasfilm/Fox way overproduced the '04 discs and need rid of them.
Perhaps some people knew that it wouldn't be the OOT and didn't buy it.
- Post
- #226110
- Topic
- Lucas is a businessman - Don't believe what he says
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226110/action/topic#226110
- Time
Originally posted by: Number20
The problem is that we can wait until doomsday, and may never see a high-quality pristine version of the O-OT on DVD. Lucasfilm doesn't really need the money.
The problem is that we can wait until doomsday, and may never see a high-quality pristine version of the O-OT on DVD. Lucasfilm doesn't really need the money.
Lucasfilm doesn't need any more money. They haven't needed it for a long time now. About three decades. But they keep releasing new products. When they have no more new products to release, the OOT will come out on a fantastic set. Besides, there seems to be something of an ego clash going on here. Lucas said that he is releasing these discs to bait fans. Let's wait and see how this pans out. I'll be the foolish optimist.
- Post
- #226102
- Topic
- HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226102/action/topic#226102
- Time
Originally posted by: Han Solo VS Indiana Jones
I wonder if it would be better for Americans NOT to be involved with the very British Potter film adaptations. Clash of styles and ideologies and all that.
Originally posted by: Mike O
I'm torn. I respect Rowling, but I would have loved to have seen Spielberg's take on the franchise. Then again, I'm not British. Ah, well. What's done is done.
Originally posted by: Marvolo
Spielberg was approached to direct the first HP movie but he wanted to hire american actors for major parts and have Haley Joel Osment playing the part of Harry, but he was American and had blonde hair. J.K. Rowling refused to have the films stripped of thier British heratige, and I can't blame her. So Spielberg refused to do it unless he got what he wanted. Small article about Haley playing Harry Potter
Spielberg was approached to direct the first HP movie but he wanted to hire american actors for major parts and have Haley Joel Osment playing the part of Harry, but he was American and had blonde hair. J.K. Rowling refused to have the films stripped of thier British heratige, and I can't blame her. So Spielberg refused to do it unless he got what he wanted. Small article about Haley playing Harry Potter
I'm torn. I respect Rowling, but I would have loved to have seen Spielberg's take on the franchise. Then again, I'm not British. Ah, well. What's done is done.
I wonder if it would be better for Americans NOT to be involved with the very British Potter film adaptations. Clash of styles and ideologies and all that.
I don't know. Caruon was Mexican and I think that he made a fantastic film. I think that it depends on a lot of issues. First and foremost, of course, the talent of the director. But while the trappings may be distinctly cultural, great storytelling transcends such boundaries. Interesting thoughts, but as the only American director we have to judge the franchise against is is Chris Columbus, the ideas are a bit hard to judge against anything. I kind of wish that someone else had directed Chamber not because I dind't like it, but because it would have been interesting to see how seven different directors would handle the material, like the Alien franchise. Ah well, I suppose we'll find out, won't we. Are you British?
- Post
- #226093
- Topic
- HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226093/action/topic#226093
- Time
Originally posted by: Marvolo
Spielberg was approached to direct the first HP movie but he wanted to hire american actors for major parts and have Haley Joel Osment playing the part of Harry, but he was American and had blonde hair. J.K. Rowling refused to have the films stripped of thier British heratige, and I can't blame her. So Spielberg refused to do it unless he got what he wanted. Small article about Haley playing Harry Potter
Spielberg was approached to direct the first HP movie but he wanted to hire american actors for major parts and have Haley Joel Osment playing the part of Harry, but he was American and had blonde hair. J.K. Rowling refused to have the films stripped of thier British heratige, and I can't blame her. So Spielberg refused to do it unless he got what he wanted. Small article about Haley playing Harry Potter
I'm torn. I respect Rowling, but I would have loved to have seen Spielberg's take on the franchise. Then again, I'm not British. Ah, well. What's done is done.
- Post
- #226092
- Topic
- Fox France confirms the French OOT release >NOT< to be anamorphic
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226092/action/topic#226092
- Time
Originally posted by: Mielr
Did you make your feelings known to her about the non-anamorphic issue? If so, what did she say?
Originally posted by: andy_k_250
I just got off the phone with Lucasfilm. The lady that I spoke to there told me that they had had other calls regarding the rumor that the French release would be anamorphic.
"It is 100 percent, completely not true" was her response.
I just got off the phone with Lucasfilm. The lady that I spoke to there told me that they had had other calls regarding the rumor that the French release would be anamorphic.
"It is 100 percent, completely not true" was her response.
Did you make your feelings known to her about the non-anamorphic issue? If so, what did she say?
She proably said what the "official LFL response" said. Again, we must remember, that Lucas is still contemptuous of these versions. He wants to test the waters, and as we all know, he'll be surprised by the results. "Now we'll find out whether people wanted the original or the improved versions. It will all come out in the end." What is the end? The 30th anniversary? Everybody cross their fingers.
- Post
- #226090
- Topic
- Lucas is a businessman - Don't believe what he says
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226090/action/topic#226090
- Time
Originally posted by: JediFlyer06
Unfortunately, there's no reason for him to give true fans what they want when the mindless masses lap up every bit of shit that LFL releases as though it were the food of the gods. Why give them filet mignon when they're happy with McDonalds? Stop buying the SAME movies over and over again. Exercise some self-control. When the cash stops rolling in, which we know it never will, but if it did, watch how quickly those "reviled and flawed" originals would find their way onto a high quality dvd.
Unfortunately, there's no reason for him to give true fans what they want when the mindless masses lap up every bit of shit that LFL releases as though it were the food of the gods. Why give them filet mignon when they're happy with McDonalds? Stop buying the SAME movies over and over again. Exercise some self-control. When the cash stops rolling in, which we know it never will, but if it did, watch how quickly those "reviled and flawed" originals would find their way onto a high quality dvd.
We at OT.com are a minority, albiet a growing minority. However, that matters not because money is money and evidently even a multi-billion dollar company can never have too much of it. We're not buying the same movies over and over. We're buyingdifferent versions. Not everyone knows about this whole situation yet, and opinions still vary. But things are changing fast. As Lucas own Skywalker, THX, and ILM, the money wouldn't stop rolling in even if the whole world boycotted Star Wars. However, the saga is finally over. What else do LFL have to release now? Sooner or later, and hopefully sooner, the OOT will show up on high quality DVDs. It's just a matter of waiting. Again.
- Post
- #226088
- Topic
- Will There be Further Changes to the 09/12 SE Discs?
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226088/action/topic#226088
- Time
- Post
- #226087
- Topic
- Pirates of the Caribbean Two
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226087/action/topic#226087
- Time
lotr movies sucked and blew at the same time, books are another story.
Oh, this won't end well
. Your reason for even thinking such a thing is? - Post
- #226026
- Topic
- HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226026/action/topic#226026
- Time
Originally posted by: ADigitalMan
I'm hoping Richard Curtis will do HBP.
I'm hoping Richard Curtis will do HBP.
I've heard good things about him. I don't know much about Yates, not being British, and haven't seen any of his BBC productions. We'll find out about him. I wonder why Spielberg turned it down. As I said, Terry Gilliam is my dream Potter director, but I think that Jean-Pierre Junet would be a fascinating choice.
- Post
- #226024
- Topic
- Fox France confirms the French OOT release >NOT< to be anamorphic
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226024/action/topic#226024
- Time
- Post
- #226022
- Topic
- Lucas is a businessman - Don't believe what he says
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226022/action/topic#226022
- Time
Originally posted by: SpecialEditionSaboteur
Wasn't he also adamant about not releasing the films in full screen pan & scan hackjobs? Lo and Behold!
Wasn't he also adamant about not releasing the films in full screen pan & scan hackjobs? Lo and Behold!
As I said, money is a powerful thing. Nimoy did not want to come back as Mr. Spock after his death, but ka-ching. I'm just not a patient man. I hope that we are correct. There are few things I would love more in my collection than high quality OOT DVDs. And I would pay quie a bit for them. Lucas knows this.
- Post
- #226021
- Topic
- SUPERMAN RETURNS REVIEW
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226021/action/topic#226021
- Time
Originally posted by: THX
As I said, X2 is one of the best Superhero movies ever (possibly the best), so no problem with Singer per se (I also liked The Usual Suspects). I actually liked the approach he took on SR, he just didn't succeed in what he was trying to do, and I think he would have done a better job of X3 than Ratner.
As I said, X2 is one of the best Superhero movies ever (possibly the best), so no problem with Singer per se (I also liked The Usual Suspects). I actually liked the approach he took on SR, he just didn't succeed in what he was trying to do, and I think he would have done a better job of X3 than Ratner.
I agree wholeheartedly. SR was a great idea that did not come to fruitation. Who is Keiser Soze? Thanks for you input. Understand, I meant not offense. I apologize.
- Post
- #226005
- Topic
- Pirates of the Caribbean Two
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226005/action/topic#226005
- Time
Originally posted by: Nanner Split
Well, this was pretty good, but holy crap, Gore Verbinski needs a freakin' editor. He's turning into Peter Jackson or something. There was no reason for this movie to be so long.
Well, this was pretty good, but holy crap, Gore Verbinski needs a freakin' editor. He's turning into Peter Jackson or something. There was no reason for this movie to be so long.
Hey, watch what you say about Peter Jackson
. I do agree, however, that Pirates was ridiculously long. - Post
- #226004
- Topic
- Lucas is a businessman - Don't believe what he says
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226004/action/topic#226004
- Time
Originally posted by: yanksno1
The rumor is false. However, we must remember that that is probably exactly what Lucas wants. If restored anamorphic 5.1/2.0/mono versions are in the high-priced set, people like me would pay an exhorbitant amount for the set. Lucas may be testing the waters with this release to see if there is a market for it at all. If the John Q. public is willing to buy the OOT, then audio/videophiles would certainly pay for a good version. Lucas may be stubborn, but he is certainly not stupid. I hope that we are right in our optimistic beliefs. Cross your fingers. I hope that we do not have to wait too long.
The cycle will no doubt continue on HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.
Originally posted by: Patrick Russell
Y'all know as well as I do... they'll eventually release the O-OT in the same crisp, anamorphic widescreen format in which we see the O-OT clips in the Empire Of Dreams documentary. I agree exactly.
The main thing I'm looking at this as is the timing of it all. It makes no sense to me to release the never to be sold again OOT in september when next year will be the 30th Anniversery. If this is the only version we'll see of the OOT on DVD, wouldn't he wait a few months later and release them on the 30th Anni? I think we could see a new uber box set (I'm hoping the PT and 2004's will be fixed along with the anamorphic widescreen format OOT) next year. One can dream anyway.
That is my hope as well. With the 2.0 and mono tracks and a good 5.1 mix. I've got all of my fingers and toes crossed.
Well, I'm sure that uber box set will cost more total than these releases will. Besides, I don't want new copies of the PT. I already own them. If the new rumors about an anamorphic transfer are true, then the September releases will be good enough for me without the need of some wallet-draining special edition 6 chapter saga box set.
Y'all know as well as I do... they'll eventually release the O-OT in the same crisp, anamorphic widescreen format in which we see the O-OT clips in the Empire Of Dreams documentary. I agree exactly.
The main thing I'm looking at this as is the timing of it all. It makes no sense to me to release the never to be sold again OOT in september when next year will be the 30th Anniversery. If this is the only version we'll see of the OOT on DVD, wouldn't he wait a few months later and release them on the 30th Anni? I think we could see a new uber box set (I'm hoping the PT and 2004's will be fixed along with the anamorphic widescreen format OOT) next year. One can dream anyway.
That is my hope as well. With the 2.0 and mono tracks and a good 5.1 mix. I've got all of my fingers and toes crossed.
Well, I'm sure that uber box set will cost more total than these releases will. Besides, I don't want new copies of the PT. I already own them. If the new rumors about an anamorphic transfer are true, then the September releases will be good enough for me without the need of some wallet-draining special edition 6 chapter saga box set.
The rumor is false. However, we must remember that that is probably exactly what Lucas wants. If restored anamorphic 5.1/2.0/mono versions are in the high-priced set, people like me would pay an exhorbitant amount for the set. Lucas may be testing the waters with this release to see if there is a market for it at all. If the John Q. public is willing to buy the OOT, then audio/videophiles would certainly pay for a good version. Lucas may be stubborn, but he is certainly not stupid. I hope that we are right in our optimistic beliefs. Cross your fingers. I hope that we do not have to wait too long.
The cycle will no doubt continue on HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.
And hopefully on other formats to come.
- Post
- #226002
- Topic
- OK, the DVDs are coming...so how bad are they going to look?
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226002/action/topic#226002
- Time
The Abyss: (probably the best Cameron movie ever!) it is also a 4/3 mastered dvd, but here you can tell that it is a LD master transfer; the picture is really blurry (specially when there is high contrasts in the image, like the openning sequence in the USS Montana), it's a shame that this movie never had a 16/9 release on dvd!
It will get an anamorphic release eventually. And I agree that The Abyss is much underrated. Top notch commercial filmaking.
They'll never be released in DTS.
It will get an anamorphic release eventually. And I agree that The Abyss is much underrated. Top notch commercial filmaking.
They'll never be released in DTS.
Never say never.
- Post
- #226001
- Topic
- Finally Got Rid of My 2004 DVD's...
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226001/action/topic#226001
- Time
Originally posted by: Darth_Evil
I'm afraid I'm not getting you're question. I don't believe I ever even mentioned ROTJ in my posts. All I said was that my cousins, like most kids, think the PT is much more exciting than the OT. Kids are impressed by flashy lights and crappy CGI, after all. I never once mentioned ROTJ. Anyway, I don't hate ROTJ, not at all. It may not be as good as the first two, but is still a great film.
Originally posted by: Mike O
Do you hate ROTJ? Many people do.
Originally posted by: Darth_Evil
I was mocking what they said. It's not my personal opinion.
I was mocking what they said. It's not my personal opinion.
Do you hate ROTJ? Many people do.
I'm afraid I'm not getting you're question. I don't believe I ever even mentioned ROTJ in my posts. All I said was that my cousins, like most kids, think the PT is much more exciting than the OT. Kids are impressed by flashy lights and crappy CGI, after all. I never once mentioned ROTJ. Anyway, I don't hate ROTJ, not at all. It may not be as good as the first two, but is still a great film.
I was just curious, that's all. I was also surprised. The Battles of Yavin and Hoth, the Luke/Vader duels, the Death Star sequence, etc. Those are, to me, exhilarating sequences. I was just curious that's all. I mean no offense. There is, by the way, a campaign to send the SE discs back to Lucas, just FYI
- Post
- #226000
- Topic
- Fox France confirms the French OOT release >NOT< to be anamorphic
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/226000/action/topic#226000
- Time
Originally posted by: THX
(shocked silence)
(shocked silence)
I'm not all that surprised either. So, it's back to waiting and hoping.
- Post
- #225999
- Topic
- SUPERMAN RETURNS REVIEW
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/225999/action/topic#225999
- Time
Originally posted by: THX
...and Dick Donner had directed SR.
I don't know about that. How about James Cameron? I take it that you're none too fond of Singer?
Jenny, all that campy crap from SII is going to be gone come this fall. Richard Donner's cut (as Michael Thau would assemble it) is going to finally see the light of day. It's all but certain that the rather stupid elements of the film will be gone. Meanwhile, Lois will shoot Clark, Brando will be back, the Fortress will be destroyed, and Miss Tessmacher will find the toilet.
...and Dick Donner had directed SR.
I don't know about that. How about James Cameron? I take it that you're none too fond of Singer?
Jenny, all that campy crap from SII is going to be gone come this fall. Richard Donner's cut (as Michael Thau would assemble it) is going to finally see the light of day. It's all but certain that the rather stupid elements of the film will be gone. Meanwhile, Lois will shoot Clark, Brando will be back, the Fortress will be destroyed, and Miss Tessmacher will find the toilet.
The campyness is part of the film's charm. The first was certainly very campy.
- Post
- #225925
- Topic
- SUPERMAN RETURNS REVIEW
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/225925/action/topic#225925
- Time
I'm not saying Sups II was bad (I was laughing outloud at many parts) but it was too campy and kiddy for me. SR didn't have any of those Pee-Wee Herman elements and I liked it that way.
Yes, but that is also the charm of the original two Superman films. They are very tongue-in-cheek. Superman is such a difficult character to work with. It really takes a writer like Alan Moore or someone like that to make him interesting. He is so powerful that, outside of kryptonite and red sunlight, not much damages him. It runs the risk of making him seem boring. Superman Returns was an attempt to do what was done with Batman Begins and give Superman a richer character in film. It was an attempt to make something age old feel fresh again, and to replace the Americana vibe of the original film with something much more interesting. I simply don't think that it entirely succeeded. It has a lot of great ideas in it, but I don't think that it entirely comes to fruitation. There is a phenomenal movie somewhere in Superman Returns, but the movie itself felt good but not great to me. Really, Superman needs a villian to match his powers, and as evil as Lex is (and as much fun as Spacey has in the role), he can't have a big showdown with him. Most of the film's problems seemed to me to come from overreaching. It didn't succeed, but it wasn't from lack of trying.
The first two X-Men films lacked the right ensemble feeling.
Yes, but that is also the charm of the original two Superman films. They are very tongue-in-cheek. Superman is such a difficult character to work with. It really takes a writer like Alan Moore or someone like that to make him interesting. He is so powerful that, outside of kryptonite and red sunlight, not much damages him. It runs the risk of making him seem boring. Superman Returns was an attempt to do what was done with Batman Begins and give Superman a richer character in film. It was an attempt to make something age old feel fresh again, and to replace the Americana vibe of the original film with something much more interesting. I simply don't think that it entirely succeeded. It has a lot of great ideas in it, but I don't think that it entirely comes to fruitation. There is a phenomenal movie somewhere in Superman Returns, but the movie itself felt good but not great to me. Really, Superman needs a villian to match his powers, and as evil as Lex is (and as much fun as Spacey has in the role), he can't have a big showdown with him. Most of the film's problems seemed to me to come from overreaching. It didn't succeed, but it wasn't from lack of trying.
The first two X-Men films lacked the right ensemble feeling.
Yes, but Ratner's third film kind of gave the ensamble a Power Rangers feeling, which I didn't care for as much. The problem with X-Men is that there are so many characters that it is impossible to focus upon them all in the confines of 2 hours. Instead of focusing on them as a whole, Singers film attempted to individualize each of the X-Men, to varying degrees of success. I really wish that Singer has stayed to complete the trilogy.
- Post
- #225922
- Topic
- Fox France confirms the French OOT release >NOT< to be anamorphic
- Link
- https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/225922/action/topic#225922
- Time
Originally posted by: andy_k_250
That's basically the point I was trying to make with my signature. Except I don't know if you get a visceral thrill seeing Yoda bumping around his little house, but at least he looks like he is actually filling that physical space.
I love The Road Warrior too - can you imagine how crappy it would be done with CGI?
Originally posted by: Mike O
Look at Robocop. The ED-209 stop motion may look dated, but the practical effects by Rob Bottin on Robocop himself are as impressive as ever. An American Werewolf in London is still arguably the best werewolf transformation ever filmed (CGI can seem to get werewolves right), Alien is as breathtaking and terrifying as it ever was, and the full-body shot of the queen in James Cameron's Aliens is more impressive than anything in the prequel trilogy. CGI, when used carefully, is an interesting tool. But that doesn't mean that older effects techniques have no merit. One one hand, filmakers can now create anything that they can imagine. On the other, this means that they might not stop to think outside the box. An excellent review for The Road Warrior that I once read put it best. There is a certain visceral thrill that one can only get by banging two objects together, and CG can't replace that.
Why is it that a little green muppet from 1980 looks more realistic and lifelike than the best CGI that the 21st century has to offer? What does this say about the state of modern "special" effects?
Look at Robocop. The ED-209 stop motion may look dated, but the practical effects by Rob Bottin on Robocop himself are as impressive as ever. An American Werewolf in London is still arguably the best werewolf transformation ever filmed (CGI can seem to get werewolves right), Alien is as breathtaking and terrifying as it ever was, and the full-body shot of the queen in James Cameron's Aliens is more impressive than anything in the prequel trilogy. CGI, when used carefully, is an interesting tool. But that doesn't mean that older effects techniques have no merit. One one hand, filmakers can now create anything that they can imagine. On the other, this means that they might not stop to think outside the box. An excellent review for The Road Warrior that I once read put it best. There is a certain visceral thrill that one can only get by banging two objects together, and CG can't replace that.
That's basically the point I was trying to make with my signature.
Except I don't know if you get a visceral thrill seeing Yoda bumping around his little house, but at least he looks like he is actually filling that physical space.I love The Road Warrior too - can you imagine how crappy it would be done with CGI?
Yes, but Yoda is a fully-fledged character. He exists for the purpose of moving the narrative forward. He has a complete backstory and he develops. Jar-Jar doesn't actually do much, good bad, or indifferent. He's just sort of there. And I'm still waiting for the SE DVD of The Road Warrior. It is unquestionably one of the best action films ever made. That final car chase thrills me no matter how many times I see it, which has been quite a few now.