Practical EFX vs CGI

For the month of January, we are exploring practical effects.  

In this episode, we compare some of our favorite movies that showcase practical effects, Alien, The Thing and The Witches, with their updated remake/prequel/sequel CGI versions.  Listen for behind the scenes info and our opinions on the CGI versions.

Patrick discusses 1979’s Alien and 2017’s Alien: Covenant both directed by Ridley Scott.

Links Patrick mentions:

• Alien and its Photographic Challenges 
• Special Effects in “Alien”
• Lighting and Visual Effects in Alien (1979)
• The Filming of Alien

Steph discusses 1982’s The Thing and 2011’s The Thing (prequel)

Links Steph mentions:

• studioADI THING (2011) in-house tests
• THING (2011) ADI Creature Work Behind-The-Scenes
• The Thing 2011: How It Looked With Amalgamated Dynamics’ Practical Effects & Why They Weren’t Used
• Harbinger Down
• The Making of the Thing (1982)
  • Around 39:55 Rob Bottin explains the doctor getting eaten by the stomach scene and other special efx moments
• The Thing Trivia on IMDB

Holly closes the episode with a comparison of 1990’s The Witches and 2020’s The Witches.

Links Holly mentions:

• The Witches EPK – Jim’s Red Book – The Jim Henson Company
• My Time on “The Witches” – interview with Steve Whitmire, American puppeteer, who took over performing as Kermit and Ernie after Jim Henson’s death
• 20 Crazy Revelations Behind The Making Of The Witches
• The Witches (2020) – Behind the Scenes