NOVA Online | Special Effects: Titanic and Beyond

1985 - 'Young Sherlock Holmes' in production

Computer reference shot for "Young Sherlock Holmes"

1980s

Computer graphics take starring turns in feature films.

1982

The Genesis Effect for "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan," depicting a technology capable of instantly rejuvenating a dead planet, is the first all-digital CG sequence to appear in a film.

1983

"Return of the Jedi" features one of the most complex optically composited shots to date, with over 300 separate film elements for one space battle shot.

1985

Knight from "Young Sherlock Holmes," during film production

The first fully CG character, a medieval knight, springs to life from a stained glass window in "Young Sherlock Holmes." The 30-second sequence takes six months to accomplish.

Continue: 1990s

Photos: Industrial Light and Magic.

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