In the early days of the 1970s, just a few seconds of computer generated 2D animation was expensive to produce and considered a huge innovation. But today entire motion pictures are being produced using 3D animation and released in stereoscopic digital 3D. All the hard work of the modellers, FX supervisors and animators jumps right out into your lap. None of it would have been possible without these top groundbreaking moments in the history of CG...
Futureworld (1976)
The little-known sequel to Westworld was the first picture to use 3D computer animation. Computers were used by Triple-I to render a hand and face that were then composited traditionally into a shot. The following year, Star Wars used vector 3D visuals when the pilots are being briefed for trench run attack on the Death Star. (Yes, we know the trailer‘s in German – if you can find an English version, let us know!)
Tron (1982)
It made no money for Disney but with 17 minutes of CG including the jaw-droppingly stunning light-cycle sequence, Tron inspired a generation that was growing up with computer games. MAGI and Triple-I were responsible for the groundbreaking CG, which also included an early facial animation, depicting the Master Control Program.
Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (1985)
The Money for Nothing video was the first predominantly computer generated music promo, as well as an early mainstream attempt to animate people. The CG magic was done by Ian Pearson and Gavin Blair who went on to found Mainframe Entertainment.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Just as those giant footfalls sent ripples through that glass of water as the T-Rex approaches for the first time, the 6.5 minutes of footage showing totally believable 3D dinosaurs in this film sent their own tremours through the special effects industry. After their incredible work on this, Terminator 2 and The Abyss, ILM had come of age.
ReBoot (1994)
Running until 2001, ReBoot was the first full-length, full-CG animated TV series. Produced in Vancouver by Mainframe Entertainment, it featured the artwork of ex-2000AD artist Brendan McCarthy. Like Tron it takes place inside a computer, with various characters named after 3D processes, such as Ray Tracer, Phong and Dot Matrix.
Luxo Jr (1996)
The Oscar-nominated short Luxo Jr launched catapulted the small studio Pixar into the limelight, and launched the career of director John Lasseter. It paved the way for later releases like Toy Story. Today Lasseter is Chief Creative Officer at both Pixar and Disney. The first use of Renderman, and the first all-CG Academy Award nominee.
Bunny (1998)
Hairy creatures and a number of other techniques Blue Sky Studios were experimenting with (such as radiosity) went on show in this highly entertaining film directed by Chris Wedge. Bunny won an Oscar and the studio went on to make the Ice Age movies, inspired their many competitors, and were taken over by Fox Filmed Entertainment.
The Matrix (1999)
Voted the number one 3D movie of all time by 3D World readers, The Matrix featured Academy Award-winning visual effects by Manex. The key moment is its innovative bullet-time sequence where Keanu Reeves is captured by 122 cameras in sequence dodging gunfire. The cameras were removed from the scene, replaced by a virtual backdrop.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
Like Tron, The Spirits Within was a box-office bomb. But this gutsy piece of innovation avoided the cartoon route most animated features take, presenting a sci-fi story in convincingly realistic full CG. Its digital actors have inspired FX directors across the industry.
Chicken Little (2005)
Disney’s film about a baseball-playing chicken had a forgettable story, but it was first full length 3D movie released in regular movie theatres using the RealD 3D system. Today, a slew of stereoscopic digital 3D movies are being released, with plastic glasses distributed to viewers, and the technology is being touted as the future of cinema.
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