A Thousand Stars: Episode IV, Part 31

[matril]

Back in 1977, we were only on the cusp of the era of computer-aided effects. So the images of the virtual Death Star run might not seem very exciting to our jaded, 21st century eyes. It was cutting-edge for its time, a very exciting new use of computers to generate moving images that appeared three-dimensional.

I think it's charming. Even if come across as low-tech for us nowadays, it fits pretty well with the notion that the Rebellion is barely scraping by, having to rely on cheap scavenged equipment and tech. Look at the adorable blippy explosion. We can appreciate all the more the contrast between this bare bones rendition and the actual battle, where real explosions will cause mortal peril for real people.

Next time, emotions run high...

Comments

[krpalmer]

I once came across a period article about the computer animation of this scene. It happened to mention George Lucas had asked for somewhat less impressive animation than he could have got. I do have to admit to some suspicion of the veneration of "visual aesthetic" over "delving into what the original creator actually had in mind" (to say nothing of "relying on old intellectual property rather than trying to create something new"), but I did find your interpretation of this as showing the Rebels had to use "cheap scavenged equipment" interesting.

When it comes to this scene I'll also admit to always taking note of how it shows a "preliminary Death Star design"; I gather the computer animation had to be finished in time to be "front projected" on set. (The big "The Making of Star Wars" book mentions there'd been plans to also film the in-cockpit shots using "front projection" as well, but the special effects just couldn't be finished in time, so bluescreen was put up instead.)