SIGGRAPH SHOWCASE 1992

(1992) This is a documentation from the SIGGRAPH exhibit in 1992, showcasing computer graphics devices and animation developed by students at the Electronic Visualization Lab. At this time, the CAVE® Virtual Reality Theater was first exhibited. More information can be found on the EVL website -- www.evl.uic.edu

I'M YOUR BOYFRIEND NOW, NANCY !!!

HISTORY OF LISBERGER STUDIOS INC

This documentary is really inspiring. NEVER GIVE UP!

COMPUTER REALITIES - TRON 1982

As passionate as I am about analog effects, model making, and puppetry, I admit there have been occasions where I have exclaimed "Tron (1982) is the most beautiful movie ever made"!

After viewing Computer Realities: The making of Tron, I can't help but feel the anxiety of the special effects people of that time. To them, here comes The CRAY 1 Supercomputer, parallel with the plot of TRON,here comes MASTER CONTROL. Their fears are right on. 28 years later, computer graphics have not only taken over the movie industry, their impact on viewers have rendered the work of these special effects pioneers as "cheesy" or worse yet "campy".

Simultaneously, I find the CRAY 1 Supercomputer an amazing tool and can understand the excitement and the inspiration of the programmers working with it.

So when does technology go too far? How do we go from TRON to BEOWOLF (2007)? Is TRON the exception because it's self aware,as it is a movie about computing itself?

That said, I'm looking forward to TRON LEGACY, even though they ditched the old look. I trust Steven Lisberger, more than let's say, George Lucas. We shall see!

BACK TO THE FUTURE / THE RIDE

Douglas Trumbull, a true pioneer in the field of Special Effects, known for films like 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), and Blade Runner (1982). Made his biggest effort to push the theater experience with the Universal Studios "Back to The Future" Ride. This was recently removed and replaced by The Simpson's ride, which is actually the most post-modern ride in history. More on that at a later date perhaps. Today lets pretend we're in a Delorean with hydraulics and praise Douglas Trumbell for his efforts in pushing the limits, especially when technology wasn't in sync with his vision.

WELCOME TO SAVINI LAND

TOM SAVINI IS ONE OF THE TOP 10 HUNKS OF SPECIAL FX AND HE TOTALLY KNOWS IT!