Chapter 1
Where the magic began
Chapter 2
The physical world of practical magic
Chapter 3
The digital revolution and CGI
Chapter 4
The modern hybrid era
Ch 3 · The digital revolution and CGI
disney Disney's 1982 Tron used fifteen minutes of 3D CGI, while ILM's 1991 Terminator 2 introduced liquid-metal morphing and digital reflection.
Quiz
Which 1982 Disney sci-fi film was among the first to feature extensive 3D computer-generated imagery?
Quiz
Which visual effects company created the revolutionary liquid-metal T-1000 for Terminator 2?
disney Industrial Light and Magic pioneered modern CGI by animating realistic dinosaur skin and movement
Quiz
How many minutes of CGI dinosaurs are actually in the 127-minute film Jurassic Park?
Quiz
What technology did Steven Spielberg originally plan to use for the wide dinosaur shots in Jurassic Park?
Fun Fact
First digital actor: The 1985 film Young Sherlock Holmes featured the first fully 3D digital character: a stained-glass knight that comes to life.
Quiz
What is the main difference between basic motion capture and modern performance capture?
Quiz
Which actor is widely considered the pioneer of motion capture acting for his role as Gollum?
Glossary
cgi (noun)
Visual images created using computer software, typically for use in films, television, or digital media. In 1993, Steven Spielberg used this technology to create the groundbreaking photorealistic dinosaurs of Jurassic Park.
Visual images created using computer software, typically for use in films, television, or digital media. In 1993, Steven Spielberg used this technology to create the groundbreaking photorealistic dinosaurs of Jurassic Park.
Quiz
Why are bright green or blue backgrounds specifically used for chroma keying in films?