When You Think of a Movie with Excellent CGI, Which Movie Comes to Mind?

CGI in movies has evolved dramatically over the years, and when discussing movies with outstanding visual effects (VFX), many recall War for the Planet of the Apes and Avengers: Endgame. Both films showcase exceptional VFX, but let's delve into how they have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in movie-making.

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

Director: Matt Reeves
VFX: Weta Digital

War for the Planet of the Apes is a film that set new standards for CGI in the Planet of the Apes franchise. Thanks to Weta Digital, the apes in the film appear incredibly lifelike, almost as if they were real. The film's director, Matt Reeves, sought to create a world where the apes feel authentic and emotionally complex. Weta Digital's work on this film has been praised not only for the quality of the ape characters but also for the seamless integration of digital environments, water, weather, and battle scenes.

Key Scenes in War for the Planet of the Apes

Famed Scene: In one particularly challenging scene, Caesar is seen in a cage at the Alpha-Omega military base. Through the bars, viewers can see Woody Harrelson and his men alongside a servile gorilla caged next to Caesar. In the background, there are more cages filled with apes. The scene unfolds at night with rain pouring down, and the ape fur is depicted in detail, appearing wet and clumpy. The CG characters stand shoulder-to-shoulder with real actors, making it a compositor's nightmare, but it is all seamlessly integrated and utterly believable.

Techniques Used in War for the Planet of the Apes

To achieve such realism, Weta Digital employed a range of in-house tools:

Facets: For facial performance capture. Tissue: For muscle and skin. Wig: For fur. Lumberjack: For vegetation. Synapse: For smoke and fire. Manuka: For physically-based rendering.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
VFX: ILM, Weta Digital, DNEG, Framestore, Cinesite, Digital Domain, Rise, Lola VFX, Cantina Creative Capital, T, Technicolor VFX, Territory Studio

Avengers: Endgame is a visual feast that showcases some of the best VFX work in movie history. The film's directorial team, the Russo brothers, sought to blend the efforts of multiple VFX studios to create a grand finale for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film required extensive CG work, with barely a single frame devoid of VFX contributions.

Highlights of VFX in Avengers: Endgame

Key Scenes: Both Digital Domain and Weta Digital contributed significantly to the fight scenes. Digital Domain created the portrayal of the Smart Hulk, an entirely CG character, who took up an hour of screen time. ILM and Framestore shared responsibilities for the climactic battles on Wakanda, while Weta Digital handled the spectacular final assault against Thanos and his armies. These were remarkable undertakings that pushed the boundaries of VFX to their limits.

Techniques Used in Avengers: Endgame

The VFX teams behind Avengers: Endgame utilized a variety of advanced techniques, including:

ILM: For the assault on Wakanda. Framestore: For additional battlefield sequences. Weta Digital: For the final, climactic battle scenes. DNEG: For complex environments and character animations. Digital Domain: For the Smart Hulk and Thanos.

These techniques contributed to the seamless integration of digital elements with live-action footage, creating a cinematic experience that delighted audiences worldwide.

Implications for the Future

Both War for the Planet of the Apes and Avengers: Endgame have set new benchmarks for CGI in movies. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more incredible visual effects in future films. These movies not only entertain but also inspire the next generation of VFX artists and filmmakers.

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