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.
CreatorsGary R. Benz, Stephen Rocha, Lise Romanoff
Creature Makeup: Masks and Mirrors
Jun 24, 1994
Prosthetic molds, masks, and makeup with an emphasis on the 1994 fantasy/comedy, Cabin Boy.
Optical Effects: Optical Illusions
Jul 1, 1994
How optical shots are composited with an emphasis on the 1983 George Lucas film, Return of the Jedi.
Creature Articulation: The Art of Imitation
Jul 8, 1994
Creature models and miniatures with an emphasis on the 1993 Roger Corman film, Carnosaur.
Miniature Pyrotechnics: Baby Blasts
Jul 15, 1994
Pyrotechnics with an emphasis on the 1993 Sylvester Stallone film, Cliffhanger.
Forced Perspective: Eye of the Beholder
Jul 22, 1994
Forced perspective trickery with an emphasis on the 1993 Christopher Guest remake of Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman.
Ride Films: Riding the Movies
Jul 29, 1994
Theme park attractions that are film driven, with an emphasis on motion simulator attraction, Star Quest Adventure.
Action Miniatures: Fast and Furious
Aug 5, 1994
Special effects shots using miniatures with an emphasis on the 1993 Fantasy/Romance, Heart and Souls.
Matte Paintings: The Panoramic Art
Aug 12, 1994
How matte paintings are incorporated into special effects shots with an emphasis on the 1993 sequel, Addams Family Values.
Computer Animation: Electric Dreams
Aug 19, 1994
Computer graphic imagery in film, with an emphasis on a talking cat from the 1993 Walt Disney Pictures film, Hocus Pocus.
Cinematic Flight: Up, Up and Away
Aug 26, 1994
The history of flight in film, with an emphasis on the 1993 Walt Disney Pictures film, Hocus Pocus.
Models and Miniatures: A Model of Perfection
Sep 2, 1994
How miniature models are used in effects scenes with an emphasis on the television series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Stop Motion Animation: One Step at a Time
Sep 9, 1994
How stop-motion animation works with an emphasis on the work of Willis O'Brien, Ray Harryhausen, and Phil Tippett.
Atmospheric Effects: Eye of the Storm
Sep 16, 1994
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.
Digital Enhancement: Painting by Numbers
Sep 23, 1994
Computer generated effects in film with an emphasis on the 1993 fantasy/comedy Heart and Souls and a Kodak commercial.
Sound Effects: Audio Awareness
Sep 30, 1994
No description available.
Pyrotechnics: Bombs and Other Blasts
Oct 7, 1994
How explosions are created for film with an emphasis on the 1993 adaptation of Stephen King's Needful Things.
Weapons: Hits and Misses
Oct 14, 1994
How weapons and ammunition are created for film, with an emphasis on the 1993 Sylvester Stalone action film, Demolition Man.
Physical Effects: Causes and Effects
Oct 21, 1994
How physical gags and effects are executed in film, with an emphasis on the 1993 comedy, Hot Shots! Part Deux.
