Movie Magic

8.0

1994•30m

Documentary series dealing with every aspect of special effects in movies, from low-budget make-up to multi-million-dollar computer-generated graphics. The clear presentation includes descriptions of the creation and technical problems of the effects, and interviews with effects technicians, directors, stars and other crew. Each episode deals with one topic, effect or technician (eg theme park rides, CGI, Stan Winston), concentrating on one or more current or recent films.

Trailers & Videos

Movie Magic intro (1994)

Seasons

18 Episodes • Premiered 1994

1. Creature Makeup: Masks and Mirrors

Prosthetic molds, masks, and makeup with an emphasis on the 1994 fantasy/comedy, Cabin Boy.

2. Optical Effects: Optical Illusions

How optical shots are composited with an emphasis on the 1983 George Lucas film, Return of the Jedi.

3. Creature Articulation: The Art of Imitation

Creature models and miniatures with an emphasis on the 1993 Roger Corman film, Carnosaur.

4. Miniature Pyrotechnics: Baby Blasts

Pyrotechnics with an emphasis on the 1993 Sylvester Stallone film, Cliffhanger.

5. Forced Perspective: Eye of the Beholder

Forced perspective trickery with an emphasis on the 1993 Christopher Guest remake of Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman.

6. Ride Films: Riding the Movies

Theme park attractions that are film driven, with an emphasis on motion simulator attraction, Star Quest Adventure.

7. Action Miniatures: Fast and Furious

Special effects shots using miniatures with an emphasis on the 1993 Fantasy/Romance, Heart and Souls.

8. Matte Paintings: The Panoramic Art

How matte paintings are incorporated into special effects shots with an emphasis on the 1993 sequel, Addams Family Values.

9. Computer Animation: Electric Dreams

Computer graphic imagery in film, with an emphasis on a talking cat from the 1993 Walt Disney Pictures film, Hocus Pocus.

10. Cinematic Flight: Up, Up and Away

The history of flight in film, with an emphasis on the 1993 Walt Disney Pictures film, Hocus Pocus.

11. Models and Miniatures: A Model of Perfection

How miniature models are used in effects scenes with an emphasis on the television series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

12. Stop Motion Animation: One Step at a Time

How stop-motion animation works with an emphasis on the work of Willis O'Brien, Ray Harryhausen, and Phil Tippett.

13. Atmospheric Effects: Eye of the Storm

How weather is created for film with an emphasis on the 1993 Clint Eastwood film, In the Line of Fire, and the 1994 Coen Brothers film, The Hudsucker Proxy.