Documentary series dealing with every aspect of special effects in movies, from low-budget make-up to multi-million-dollar computer-generated graphics. The clear presentation includes descriptions of the creation and technical problems of the effects, and interviews with effects technicians, directors, stars and other crew. Each episode deals with one topic, effect or technician (eg theme park rides, CGI, Stan Winston), concentrating on one or more current or recent films.
4.0 / 5
Episode 1
Prosthetic molds, masks, and makeup with an emphasis on the 1994 fantasy/comedy, Cabin Boy.
Episode 2
How optical shots are composited with an emphasis on the 1983 George Lucas film, Return of the Jedi.
Episode 3
Creature models and miniatures with an emphasis on the 1993 Roger Corman film, Carnosaur.
Episode 4
Pyrotechnics with an emphasis on the 1993 Sylvester Stallone film, Cliffhanger.
Episode 5
Forced perspective trickery with an emphasis on the 1993 Christopher Guest remake of Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman.
Episode 6
Theme park attractions that are film driven, with an emphasis on motion simulator attraction, Star Quest Adventure.
Episode 7
Special effects shots using miniatures with an emphasis on the 1993 Fantasy/Romance, Heart and Souls.
Episode 8
How matte paintings are incorporated into special effects shots with an emphasis on the 1993 sequel, Addams Family Values.
Episode 9
Computer graphic imagery in film, with an emphasis on a talking cat from the 1993 Walt Disney Pictures film, Hocus Pocus.
Episode 10
The history of flight in film, with an emphasis on the 1993 Walt Disney Pictures film, Hocus Pocus.
Episode 11
How miniature models are used in effects scenes with an emphasis on the television series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Episode 12
How stop-motion animation works with an emphasis on the work of Willis O'Brien, Ray Harryhausen, and Phil Tippett.
Episode 13
How weather is created for film with an emphasis on the 1993 Clint Eastwood film, In the Line of Fire, and the 1994 Coen Brothers film, The Hudsucker Proxy.
Episode 14
Computer generated effects in film with an emphasis on the 1993 fantasy/comedy Heart and Souls and a Kodak commercial.
Episode 15
No overview available.
Episode 16
How explosions are created for film with an emphasis on the 1993 adaptation of Stephen King's Needful Things.
Episode 17
How weapons and ammunition are created for film, with an emphasis on the 1993 Sylvester Stalone action film, Demolition Man.
Episode 18
How physical gags and effects are executed in film, with an emphasis on the 1993 comedy, Hot Shots! Part Deux.
No media available
