Oldest CG that still looks jaw-dropping?

[u2rocksbaby]

The question is pretty straightforward (computer-generated effects only), but I feel it's open to opinion. For example, while Terminator's 2's liquid metal effects look amazing and suit the plot of its film perfectly, I'd have to give my trophy to Jurassic Park, since that movie, both through the photorealism of the creatures and the screentime of said effects, pretty much solidified the idea that you could do anything with computer graphics.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

If we're talking about how impressed I was with CGI, then I'll go with the original King Kong.


Considering this was made in the 30's, it looks incredible, especially when you put it against the special effects that would come in the next twenty years.

 

[Z of the Na'vi]

"Who dares disturb my slumber...?"

...does this guy count? I ask because hearing his voice as well as watching how fluid he moves still sends chills down my spine.

[sub]I assume the Cave of Wonders was CG. Correct me if I'm wrong.[/sub]

 

[u2rocksbaby]

If we're talking about how impressed I was with CGI, then I'll go with the original King Kong.


Considering this was made in the 30's, it looks incredible, especially when you put it against the special effects that would come in the next twenty years.

Fair point, and it's precisely for this reason why I'd prefer to keep this subject to COMPUTER-GENERATED effects, since they age much, much faster and thus pass a much harder test if they still look good.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

Probably something made by Pixar, I'm going to say Toy Story, but I'm sure they have sometime earlier.

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

Terminator 2.

Although, a large amount of the effect weren't computer generated (such as the cop blown apart with the gernade launcher, that was actually a robotic model created by the guy who did the models for Alien) so I am not sure how much of it counts.

 

[Hazy992]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today


EDIT: Turns out I was wrong about it being CG. I still maintain it looks good no matter what it is.

 

[SeeIn2D]

Final Fantasy X cut scene that puts many modern HD games to shame. Can't wait for the remaster next year.

 

[Fractral]

Final Fantasy X cut scene that puts many modern HD games to shame. Can't wait for the remaster next year.

I'd actually say that not just FF10's, but FF9's cutscenes look stunning, even now. I was amazed when I played it a few months ago, having recently played through FF7, at how amazing the visuals are. Despite a lack of voice acting, the characters still look emotive and have really good levels of detail, such as realistic hair and faces. By contrast, Final Fantasy 7, which came out on the same system only a few years earlier, looks much worse, and has a tiny polygon count compared to FF9.

 

[Scarim Coral]

It got to be the water alien thing in the film The Abyss-

 

[Private Custard]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today

Shame the same can't be said for the rest of the CG in that film, which mostly looks really dated now.

 

[Hazy992]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today

Shame the same can't be said for the rest of the CG in that film, which mostly looks really dated now.

Haven't watched it in a while so I can't really say. This scene just really sticks out for me, but then again that might tell you something.

 

[Private Custard]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today

Shame the same can't be said for the rest of the CG in that film, which mostly looks really dated now.

Haven't watched it in a while so I can't really say. This scene just really sticks out for me, but then again that might tell you something.

The awful animation of the F-18s, as well as the least-bothered dog in history are the moments that stand out for me. Well, that and the vomit-inducing flag porn!

It's a decent popcorn flick though, well worth the two visits to the cinema on its release.

 

[Hazy992]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today

Shame the same can't be said for the rest of the CG in that film, which mostly looks really dated now.

Haven't watched it in a while so I can't really say. This scene just really sticks out for me, but then again that might tell you something.

The awful animation of the F-18s, as well as the least-bothered dog in history are the moments that stand out for me. Well, that and the vomit-inducing flag porn!

It's a decent popcorn flick though, well worth the two visits to the cinema on its release.

Yeah I do make a habit of watching it whenever it's on TV, even if I know how dumb it is

 

[Dags90]

It got to be the water alien thing in the film The Abyss-

I think that style worked better in Terminator 2, which is only two years newer. The Abyss alien kinda looks like a tutorial nowadays, whereas the T-1000 looks like something that will fuck your shit.

 

[Hoplon]

If we're talking about how impressed I was with CGI, then I'll go with the original King Kong.


Considering this was made in the 30's, it looks incredible, especially when you put it against the special effects that would come in the next twenty years.

That's not a Computer Generated Image or CGI for short, that's a special visual effect.

 

[Nigh Invulnerable]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today

Those explosion sequences were mostly practical effects and not CG, if I recall. Maybe I'm wrong.

The OP ninja'd my vote for Jurassic Park, but it's still my vote.

 

[Leemaster777]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today

Those explosion sequences were mostly practical effects and not CG, if I recall. Maybe I'm wrong.

The OP ninja'd my vote for Jurassic Park, but it's still my vote.

Nope, you're 100% correct. That's... well...


OT: I'll toss another vote on the Cave of Wonders for Aladdin.

 

[Nigh Invulnerable]

Made in 1996 and it still holds up today

Those explosion sequences were mostly practical effects and not CG, if I recall. Maybe I'm wrong.

The OP ninja'd my vote for Jurassic Park, but it's still my vote.

Nope, you're 100% correct. That's... well...


OT: I'll toss another vote on the Cave of Wonders for Aladdin.

That said, it was some very impressive model-making and exploding. Aladdin did do some good CG in subtle ways, as did Emperor's New Groove.

 

[Programmed_For_Damage]

"Who dares disturb my slumber...?"

...does this guy count? I ask because hearing his voice as well as watching how fluid he moves still sends chills down my spine.

[sub]I assume the Cave of Wonders was CG. Correct me if I'm wrong.[/sub]

Yeah I've got to say that example in particular still holds up. That and anything involving the T1000 in Terminator 2.

And I don't know about "jaw-dropping" but the intro to Ultima 8 will always hold a special place in my heart