View Full Version : Question about Sci Fi TV model vs CGI space combat...
balstino
04-12-2008, 08:05
I'm currently trying Battlestar Galactica (the new one) but I can't get on with the CGI space sequences. I'm a real fan of the combat sequences in the snow in Empire Strikes Back and the original Battlestar Galactica. Are there any series or even films out there now with model based space combat or is it completely redundant? Thanks :)
I think the last Sci Fi series to use real models is one of the star trek, (Either DS9 or Voyager) then Enterprise went totally CG
But i have to say new Battlestar Galactica has the best , most realistic CGI so far and i doubt using models would have made it look much more realistic!
As for films - they still use models quite a lot, even the new star wars trilogy used models extensively, it's just the over processing of the post-production that makes it look so CGI
:oh-hum:
GAmbrose
04-12-2008, 08:43
?
Battlestar's CGI is amazing.
Gary A
hookbeak
04-12-2008, 10:54
There's no doubt that models look better still, but the cost severely limits what you can do on a TV budget - look at ST:TNG, most of the space battles resulted in two stationary spaceships shooting at each other. Compare this to the astounding CGI work in DS9's final couple of seasons.
BSG has great CGI, it clearly stands out as CGI but it allows the show a scope that models never could. Unfortunately CGI always seems to date badly (look at Babylon 5 or Space : A & B). Hopefully, the quality of it now will mean that current shows date more gracefully in the future.
Summerisle
04-12-2008, 12:32
There's no doubt that models look better still, but the cost severely limits what you can do on a TV budget - look at ST:TNG, most of the space battles resulted in two stationary spaceships shooting at each other. Compare this to the astounding CGI work in DS9's final couple of seasons.
BSG has great CGI, it clearly stands out as CGI but it allows the show a scope that models never could. Unfortunately CGI always seems to date badly (look at Babylon 5 or Space : A & B). Hopefully, the quality of it now will mean that current shows date more gracefully in the future.
On TNG they were hampered by unimaginative producers, who demanded they use the glass table top method when shooting fx sequences i.e. they only wanted horizontal movement across the screen, like objects being pushed about on a flat horizontal plane! I think you'll find even when using CGI they did very little vertical movement with their digital models. Even the music composers got a telling off if their music was too thematic and exciting, i.e. memorable. Crazy! Thankfully Ron Moore seems to have avoided these pitfalls on BSG.
There's no doubt that models look better still, but the cost severely limits what you can do on a TV budget - look at ST:TNG, most of the space battles resulted in two stationary spaceships shooting at each other. Compare this to the astounding CGI work in DS9's final couple of seasons.Actually, you'll be surpised to hear there wasn't as much CGI as you think there was in the final couple of seasons, most of it was still model work :eek: just really really well done, they only used computer to duplicate the number of ships. But the ships were still very real
BSG has great CGI, it clearly stands out as CGI but it allows the show a scope that models never could. Unfortunately CGI always seems to date badly (look at Babylon 5 or Space : A & B). Hopefully, the quality of it now will mean that current shows date more gracefully in the future.B5 dated quite badly because it never looked that good to me in the first place, i have a feeling that BSG will take some time before looking dated.
I'm currently trying Battlestar Galactica (the new one) but I can't get on with the CGI space sequences.
You're telling me this doesn't do it for you?!? :eek:
<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSmhWkJ4MMA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSmhWkJ4MMA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>
Good one richie, go watch Season 3 episode 4 (escape from nu-caprica) of BSG and then tell me that's not the best SFX you've ever seen on TV in your life!
BSG CGI style ain't bad, but still a rip-off of Firefly - and perhaps Cowboy Bebop before
Which isn't suprising as the same team that did firefly (Zodiac productions) also did the SFX for the first 2 seasons of BSG. And as an in joke they had the firefly zoom pass the window in the distance in the pilot :nuts:
Fun Fact - A Zodiac empolyee pass on some CAD meshes on to someone outside the industry and a certain company using a 3D printer has made masters of a number of ships from the show. It's the most accurate models you can buy. :D i have the Valkinye and S4 Cylon Radier.
balstino
05-12-2008, 08:03
You're telling me this doesn't do it for you?!? :eek:
<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSmhWkJ4MMA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSmhWkJ4MMA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>
Seems like a good series with some good acting and storylines. Just the battle CGI scenes I don't get on with. :shrug:
GAmbrose
05-12-2008, 08:08
To quote Garth Algar:
I have a question, when did you become a nutbar?
Gary A
MrHat001
05-12-2008, 12:22
I'm amazed anyone could fault the CGI in BSG. It's not always perfect but 99% of the time it's better than many of the mainstream hollywood sci-fi.
The space battles in BSG are even better than those in SW: Revenge of the Sith.
balstino
06-12-2008, 12:23
Couldn't see Richie's youtube video at work, but yes that looks great. I just don't like the viper vs cylon fighter combat in the new BSG. It looks hectic and unconvincing. I prefer the style and models of old series...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nkG4GbK5QSA
alsemail
06-12-2008, 14:48
I don't see what the problem with the CGI is. If I went to the cinema and saw that I wouldn't be disappointed.
I don't see what the problem with the CGI is. If I went to the cinema and saw that I wouldn't be disappointed.
I've certainly seen worse CGI than that before now. I think we're just a little spoilt with what can be achieved. That clip is :eek: , btw.
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2012, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.