Computer-generated imagery (CGI) has often been the subject of criticism, yet it has undeniably transformed many popular film franchises for the better. Iconic series like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) showcase how modern digital effects can captivate audiences, particularly in the realms of fantasy and science fiction. Moreover, numerous classic films have experienced a renaissance thanks to contemporary CGI advancements.
While some outdated franchises may suffer from subpar early CGI, the evolution of this technology has allowed several reboots and remakes to surpass their originals visually. From towering mythical beasts and advanced sci-fi technology to beautifully crafted imaginary realms and even animated creatures, high-quality CGI can drastically enhance the storytelling of both remakes and sequels.
10 Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
Stunningly Rendered Ape Societies
The Planet of the Apes franchise has consistently utilized special effects to engage viewers, with its original films impressing audiences through elaborate makeup and prosthetics. When director Matt Reeves took on the task of revitalizing the series, CGI became a cornerstone in illustrating the evolution of ape society. The visual effects in these prequels stand among the most remarkable in cinema today.
Much of the series’ critical acclaim can be credited to Andy Serkis’s exceptional motion capture performance as Caesar. His nuanced expressions and body language have been flawlessly translated into CGI, resulting in highly realistic textures and fur. With each subsequent film in the series, the visual effects have only grown more sophisticated.
9 Star Trek
An Updated Take on an Old Classic
Few iconic sci-fi franchises have been as historically hindered by financial restrictions as Star Trek. Originating as a television series, it often lacked the necessary budget to create expansive alien worlds, primarily relying on confined spaceship environments. However, the 2009 reboot featuring Chris Pine transformed the visual landscape, introducing audiences to a plethora of vibrant, imaginative cosmic locales.
The visual upgrade allowed the majestic Starfleet vessels to shine like never before, while the alien species within the Federation were also granted a fresh look. Despite the enhanced CGI, the new films maintain a balanced combination of practical effects and makeup, ensuring the franchise’s visual continuity remains intact.
8 Mad Max: Fury Road
A Mix of Practical Effects and Smooth CGI
Mad Max: Fury Road garnered acclaim for its commitment to practical effects, showcasing breathtaking stunts and real vehicles driven by the actors. However, it also skillfully incorporated CGI to amplify the overall spectacle, enhancing the experience without overshadowing its physical effects. This approach allows both practical stunts and CGI to shine in harmony.
Key CGI elements, such as Furiosa’s mechanical arm and the immense sandstorm, blend seamlessly with the live-action footage. Additionally, digital enhancements play a vital role in polishing the film, from eliminating visible stunt wires to adjusting the lighting of several scenes. While the practical effects are commendable, the thoughtful integration of CGI deserves its own acknowledgment.
7 Dune
An Obvious Upgrade to the Original Obscure Film
Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune marks a significant departure from David Lynch’s earlier version, which, while visually striking, lacked the vast ambition and depth afforded by modern filmmaking techniques. With CGI, Villeneuve has created breathtaking landscapes that fully realize Frank Herbert’s complex universe, from the sweeping sands of Arrakis to the stunning visuals of Giedi Prime.
The advancements in CGI enable a sheer scope of artistry, including ornithopters soaring through the skies and immense sandworms crashing through the desert floor with terrifying grandeur, all contributing to a vivid auditory and visual experience that upholds the legacy of the Dune saga.
6 Batman Begins
Grounded Batman with Realistic Special Effects
In the realm of superhero cinema, high-quality CGI is essential for bringing characters to life. For Batman, the initial four films produced modest CGI effects that limited the character’s visual possibilities. Christopher Nolan embraced a more realistic approach in his Dark Knight Trilogy, showcasing impressive CGI in Batman Begins.
This installment sets the stage for a darker, more grounded interpretation of the Batman mythos, enhanced by numerous digital effects that elevate the thrilling action sequences, proving that even a more serious take on superheroes requires solid visual storytelling techniques.
5 Evil Dead Rise
Enhances Its Gore with Some Stomach-Churning CGI
Traditionally, Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise has excelled through practical effects, emphasizing visceral horror through tangible, real-world elements. However, the latest installment, Evil Dead Rise, demonstrates how effectively CGI can coexist with and enhance practical effects, culminating in advanced and unsettling horror visuals.
Elements such as the climactic Deadite creature showcase sophisticated CGI innovation, allowing the franchise to refresh its horror aesthetic while retaining its roots. Previous ventures, including the TV adaptation Ash vs. Evil Dead, experimented with CGI to complement the franchise’s unique style, paving the way for future installments to explore this blending of effects further.
4 Man Of Steel
Brought Superman into the Modern Day
Superhero stories often thrive on compelling special effects, a fact especially true for Superman. Past films struggled to convincingly portray his extraordinary abilities, relying on less advanced visual effects. However, Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel brought the character into a new era of visual storytelling.
Though Superman Returns preceded it, Man of Steel’s unparalleled CGI significantly transformed the visual representation of his powers, showcasing breathtaking battles with General Zod and offering realistic depictions of flight and combat. This film revitalized interest in Superman within the expansive DCEU, proving that modern effects could elevate even the most legendary characters.
3 Tron: Legacy
Reclaimed the Series Title of Cutting-Edge Sci-Fi
The original Tron was once lauded as a groundbreaking showcase of digital effects but has since aged poorly. Fortunately, the franchise was revived with Tron: Legacy, successfully blending the awe of advanced CGI with a loyal nod to its predecessor.
Released in 2010, Tron: Legacy captivated audiences with its vibrant neon visuals and stunning representations of a cyberpunk universe. While it may not have achieved the same level of acclaim for its effects as James Cameron’s Avatar, it significantly raised the bar for the franchise’s visual aptitude, cementing its place as a modern classic.
2 X-Men: First Class
Made Many Reconsider What Mutants Were Capable Of
Although the original Fox X-Men trilogy holds up reasonably well regarding visual effects, advancements in CGI became crystal clear with X-Men: First Class. This prequel demonstrated a leap forward in rendering capabilities, showcasing what mutants could achieve on screen.
The film features impressive sequences from Magneto’s powerful abilities to Darwin’s shapeshifting, underscoring the enhanced visual effects that allow for grand, comic book-inspired storytelling. As a result, it revitalized interest in the X-Men franchise and paved the way for more diverse comic storylines.
1 Godzilla Minus One
Made Godzilla a Horror Film Again
The original Godzilla film served as a poignant metaphor for nuclear devastation, though the latter entries in the series leaned toward monster brawls rather than horror. However, Godzilla Minus One brings the terror back, showcasing a terrifying and unyielding creature wreaking havoc in post-World War II Japan.
By harnessing cutting-edge CGI, this latest installment effectively re-establishes Godzilla as a nightmarish force of nature for contemporary audiences, illustrating the profound impact of advanced visual technology on film storytelling.
Related Articles:
Explaining the Title of Godzilla Minus One: Why This Godzilla Film Is Named That
12:06
Wallace & Gromit’s New Film Sheds Light on Tough Truths About the Franchise After 36 Years
4:32
Tim Allen Reveals Exciting Toy Story 5 Storyline Tease: “It’s A Really Cool Thing”
4:17
Leave a Reply