Visual Effects
Ongoing coverage on Visual Effects.
Latest coverage
28 Days Later director Danny Boyle admits using "about 30 seconds" of AI in his upcoming Netflix movie: "It's a useful tool... provided you use it respectfully"
Director Danny Boyle admitted to using approximately 30 seconds of generative AI in his upcoming Netflix film, Ink, for animating photographs and creating mice effects. While Boyle views AI as a useful tool when used respectfully and with proper compensation, the article expresses disappointment and questions the ethical implications and potential replacement of VFX artists.
Insomniac admits there's no lore reason Logan's suit in Marvel's Wolverine regenerates: 'You can't play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body'
Insomniac Games has explained that Logan's suit in Marvel's Wolverine regenerates for practical reasons, stating players cannot spend most of the game in shredded rags. Head of technology Mike Fitzgerald noted the need to balance reflecting brutal combat with maintaining a cinematic superhero feel. The team invested significant effort in damage progression for suits and enemies, including realistic fluid dynamics for blood effects.
Marvel’s Wolverine Aiming For A “Cinematic Feel” With the Battle Reborn Suit
Insomniac Games is discussing the design choices behind Marvel's Wolverine's self-healing suit, aiming for a cinematic feel during brutal combat. Head of technology Mike Fitzgerald explained that the suit restores itself to maintain visual consistency and player power fantasy. The game will feature detailed damage reflection and fluid physics for blood effects, with ray tracing enabled by default.
Elden Ring’s A24 adaptation is in the can — and a crew member said so before the post disappeared
The film adaptation of Elden Ring, produced by A24 and directed by Alex Garland, has reportedly completed production. Evidence emerged from a now-deleted Instagram post by a prop artist, which included a thank-you note from the production team and details about the project's timeline, suggesting a March 3, 2028 release date. The film is rumored to be a prequel, focusing on events before the game's Shattering.
The blinding muzzle flash in Modern Warfare 4's gameplay premiere was actually a bug
Infinity Ward has confirmed that the extreme muzzle flash seen in early gameplay footage of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 was a bug. The developer stated that the issue, which significantly obscured the screen during firing, will be fixed before the game's beta period. This bug marred the initial hands-on gameplay premiere for content creators.
Marvel Rivals is making some big visual changes to 'cut down on battlefield chaos' which is wonderful because my old brain can't handle that level of overstimulation
NetEase is implementing visual changes in Marvel Rivals to reduce battlefield chaos and improve clarity. This includes softening the glow of hero abilities and tuning down visual effects for Jubilee and Team-Up abilities. While the author notes some lingering visual clutter, the adjustments aim to make clashes more manageable and the game's interface less overwhelming.
You can mod out the yellow filter in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
A new reshade mod called ACBlackFlag Natural Colors has been released for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, allowing players to remove the game's yellow filter and adjust oversaturated colors. This mod aims to provide a more natural visual experience for the game on PC. Additional mods are available to uncap cutscene framerates and remove pillarboxing.
Black Desert Mobile Introduces the Transcendence Class Remaster, a Combat Skill Overhaul Update
Pearl Abyss has released a major update for Black Desert Mobile, introducing the new Transcendent Class system which overhauls combat skills and enhances visual effects. This update unifies existing Ascension and Awakening classes, expands skill levels to 20, and allows for further customization through Skill Sigils and weapon specializations. The game also features a Heidel Ball event on July 11 to celebrate the update.
The VFX tech behind Saros: from NGP to Graphite
Housemarque details the evolution of their visual effects technology, from the NGP particle engine used in Returnal to the unified Graphite framework powering Saros. The article highlights advancements in volumetric fog rendering, GPU simulation, and Houdini integration for creating dynamic and reactive in-game environments on PlayStation 5.
Jon Favreau reveals which The Mandalorian and Grogu scene was filmed first, and it's my favorite moment from the…
Director Jon Favreau revealed that the first scene filmed for The Mandalorian and Grogu was the ocean plate shot at Adelphi Base, where Grogu and Rotta the Hutt play. Favreau shared this detail in the director's commentary, highlighting it as a favorite moment that emphasizes the growing friendship between the two characters. The article also mentions other behind-the-scenes facts revealed in the commentary, including input from George Lucas and Edgar Wright.
Marvel messes up CGI in an embarrassing Punisher: One Last Kill moment that "genuinely looks like a GTA…
A noticeable CGI error in Marvel's The Punisher: One Last Kill has drawn criticism, with viewers comparing the visual effects to those found in Grand Theft Auto cutscenes or early PlayStation 3 era games. The mistake occurred during a scene where Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle is pushed out of a building. This embarrassing moment for Marvel Studios has led to widespread discussion online.
Godzilla goes to New York in 'Minus Zero' teaser trailer
Toho has released a teaser trailer for Godzilla Minus Zero, the direct sequel to Godzilla Minus One. The film, set in 1949, features the iconic monster in New York and will be released in Japan on November 3 and in the United States on November 6. Takashi Yamazaki returns to direct after his Oscar-winning work on the previous film.
Morning Multiplex
A new mod for Cyberpunk 2077 transforms the game's visuals into a gritty VHS tape aesthetic, reminiscent of a 1977 release. The article also mentions official trailers and content creator videos for the game.
After Initial Doubts, Avatar 4 and 5 Are All But Confirmed According To Film Producer
Despite director James Cameron's past hesitations, producer Rae Sanchini is confident that Avatar 4 and 5 are moving forward with production. Sanchini stated that scripts are complete and the team is utilizing more accessible technology to streamline the visual effects process, contrasting with the previous trilogy's complex systems.
Films Released Before Completion and the Stories Behind Them
This article discusses films that were released feeling incomplete due to rushed production, unfinished visual effects, or behind-the-scenes issues. It highlights examples like The Mummy Returns, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, and Cats, suggesting that rushing films to completion often results in a negative viewer experience.
10 Epic Films That Prove a Huge Budget Can Pay Off
This analysis examines ten films that demonstrate how significant budgets can lead to successful cinematic spectacles, despite the inherent risks in Hollywood. Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Avatar: The Way of Water are highlighted for their massive production costs and subsequent box office returns, while others like John Carter serve as cautionary tales of expensive failures.
Apple acquires popular video editing software company MotionVFX
Apple has acquired MotionVFX, a company known for providing plugins, templates, and visual effects for video editing software. The acquisition is expected to lead to improvements and native integration within Apple's own video editing applications like Final Cut Pro and Apple Motion. Details regarding the acquisition price and the future of MotionVFX's support for competing products remain undisclosed.
10 Lavishly Produced Movies That Blew Everyone Away
This article highlights ten lavishly produced movies that incurred massive production costs, showcasing Hollywood's willingness to spend big on spectacle. Films like 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,' 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' and 'Avatar: The Way of Water' are discussed for their high budgets, extensive CGI, and significant box office returns, demonstrating the industry's pursuit of dazzling audiences.
15 Breakthrough Movie Effects That Redefined Epic Storytelling
This analysis highlights 15 influential films that redefined storytelling through groundbreaking visual effects, from practical stunts in Mad Max: Fury Road to the CGI innovations in Avatar and the iconic "bullet time" of The Matrix. The article showcases how advancements in CGI, motion capture, and practical effects have consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic possibility.
Top 15 VFX Milestones That Shaped Fantasy and Historical Cinema
This article highlights fifteen landmark films that significantly advanced the art of visual effects in cinema, from early practical techniques to groundbreaking CGI. Films like Jurassic Park, The Matrix, and Avatar are discussed for their innovations in creature design, digital environments, and motion capture, demonstrating how technology and creativity have shaped fantasy and historical storytelling.
