Why Jurassic Park 2’s CGI Outshines Today’s Movies, According to a VFX Artist!

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Since the groundbreaking release of “Jurassic Park“, computer-generated special effects have evolved into a standard element in films. Initially conceived as a means to achieve shots unattainable through traditional methods, they morphed into a device for crafting imaginative environments. Today, entire movies can be filmed against green screens and characters transformed into extraordinary beings using motion capture and advanced technology. However, revisiting the original “Jurassic Park” or its sequel “The Lost World“, one is often reminded of an earlier age of CGI, when stop-motion animation was replaced by cutting-edge technology. Interestingly, a VFX artist is discussing why at times, the older CGI can appear more appealing than contemporary applications.

I recently caught a video by Corridor Crew, where three VFX experts shared their thoughts on both subpar and impressive CGI from recent and past blockbusters, highlighting what made them successful on the big screen. As for The Lost World, an early pioneer in this technology, these artists surprisingly believed that the VFX in the Jurassic Park sequel outshone some contemporary examples, particularly during the T-Rex chase scene with the bus. They elaborated:

In simpler terms, when we claim that VFX (Visual Effects) were superior in the ’90s, we are referring to the fact that the approach taken during that time was more holistic and integrated into the overall production. It wasn’t just about the quality of the effects themselves; it was also about how they were carefully planned and executed to fit seamlessly into the scene, as if the entire shot had been designed with those specific elements in mind. In this analogy, adding a dinosaur would be like inserting a well-thought-out visual effect that blends perfectly with the rest of the scene.

Essentially, when computer-generated imagery (CGI) was still in its infancy, filmmakers had to rely heavily on real-world practical effects to complement their digital creations. At this time, there were no full green screen sets or digitally generated explosions. In the movie The Lost World, most of what the dinosaurs interact with or step on is actually part of the real world, including stunt sequences. For instance, when the bus is pushed onto the road, it’s a genuine bus that is being shoved into something. The only thing absent in these scenes is the dinosaur.

In contemporary times, crafting sequences entirely digitally is becoming increasingly common due to its cost-saving benefits for productions. This shift towards CGI-created worlds and action scenes often involves nearly everything being computer-animated. While this tactic can benefit a production in numerous ways, it can also detract from the film by giving it an unnatural, plastic feel and potentially undermining the performances of actors – something that Mark Ruffalo has expressed concerns about, labeling excessive reliance on CGI as “dehumanizing.

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It’s becoming increasingly evident that CGI quality is deteriorating across numerous productions, and there are several contributing factors. Firstly, due to the increased number of projects at major studios, CGI artists are spread thin, leading to tightening deadlines. Insiders from The Flash production have shared that this can result in a mad dash towards release dates, with artists often feeling overworked.

Secondly, advancements in technology enable more shortcuts, meaning fewer shots require painstaking manual animation. While this makes the process easier, it sometimes results in less precise work.

It’s astonishing how technological progress can somewhat take us back, as cutting-edge creations often resemble items from our past. Here’s hoping that practicality experiences a revival and filmmakers are granted increased creative freedom for innovative experiments in the upcoming years.

In the upcoming movie schedule of 2025, there are several films heavily reliant on Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). But if you’re interested in revisiting some awe-inspiring digital visual effects from the early pioneers of computer animation, don’t miss out on watching Jurassic Park and The Lost World. At the moment, these are some of the finest picks for streaming on Starz.

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2025-03-27 16:07