As a longtime enthusiast of the Planet of the Apes franchise and someone who’s always had a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes magic that brings movies to life, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on 4K UHD Blu-ray. The inclusion of “Inside the Lens: The Raw Cut,” a full-length raw cut of director Wes Ball’s action adventure, is nothing short of revolutionary for fans like myself who relish peeking behind the curtain of movie making.
The “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is set to create history with its extraordinary 4K UHD Blu-ray special features. For the first time, a full, unedited version of director Wes Ball’s action adventure will be presented alongside the final VFX version of the film in a split-screen format. Named “Inside the Lens: The Raw Cut,” this exclusive behind-the-scenes feature gives fans an unprecedented opportunity to compare the actors’ motion capture performances with the finished product of the latest installment in the “Planet of the Apes” series. Ball shared his thoughts on this unique feature in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly.
“If you have an interest in the filmmaking process, particularly visual effects films like Kingdom, then this is something you’re bound to find absolutely fascinating. It offers a unique, inside look at the forefront of contemporary cinema.”
From Behind the Screen: Unedited Takes, offers an exclusive bonus feature – insightful commentary by directors Dan Zimmerman and Erik Winquist. Notably, Zimmerman has a rich history as editor for the critically acclaimed “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” while Winquist showcases his expertise as the VFX supervisor. In a recent interview, director Matt Ball shared:
Over the course of about a year in post-production, we focused on perfecting over 1,500 visual effects shots. Regularly, we compared our progress with the original footage to make sure every detail was accurate. I often found myself captivated by the incredible magic that WetaFX’s work displayed, effortlessly transforming raw daily footage. Towards the latter part of post-production, it occurred to me what a wonderful experience it would be to let fans who love movie-making peek behind the scenes, just like I did.
Wes Ball Reveals Studio Offered ‘No Resistance’ to Raw VFX Idea
The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes raw cut has been on director Wes Ball’s mind for quite some time. But while he thought the concept of watching the entire film with the actors’ mo-cap, VFX-less performances might appeal to filmmaking gurus, Ball still had to sell 20th Century Studios on the idea. Ball elaborated in the same interview:
When I presented my concept at the studio, it turned out that there was no one to oppose it, as you might expect from a group of movie enthusiasts. They found the idea appealing. However, we encountered a practical problem: dealing with the complexities of ‘data budgets’ and finding a way to incorporate an additional version of the film on the discs without compromising its visual quality.
In June, an official announcement was made that the 4K UHD disc of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” would contain the unedited version. This news will surely delight those intrigued by the filmmaking process, and for movie enthusiasts who appreciate behind-the-scenes content, they should find pleasure in “Inside the Lens: The Raw Cut.” Ball further mentioned:
“Many people often think that work like this is simply the result of magical software or a simple computer click. However, it’s actually a combination of exceptional skill, artistic flair, and close collaboration between our VFX team and dedicated performers that truly breathes life into the magic.”
Ball added (below):
“Working on this movie was like being plunged headfirst into deep waters, yet with an exceptional crew by my side, it transformed into a remarkable voyage that helped me evolve as a filmmaker within this fascinating series. I felt truly privileged to be part of this project. Not only have I broadened my skills in utilizing technology more creatively, but the experience has been both challenging and rewarding.”
Upon gaining a deeper understanding of the craft, I confirmed once again the enduring principle: It’s all about narrative and personalities. The visuals serve merely to amplify the viewer’s journey, not dictate it. As I embarked on this enlightening journey, my anticipation for what lies ahead has grown even stronger.
Fans have an opportunity to pre-purchase the “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” Collector’s Edition (4K UHD/BD Combo + Digital + SteelBook) on Amazon, priced at just $34.96 (normally $65.99). Meanwhile, the standard “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” UHD/BD Combo + Digital edition is currently listed for $49.99.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’
4K UHD Blu-ray drops on
Tuesday, August 27.
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2024-08-20 22:33