Comments on: Star Wars: How the Death Star Computer Graphics Sequence Was Made

By: Miss Jane

Miss Jane — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:09:56 +0000

An interesting comparison is the “computer graphics” in “Escape from New York.” They couldn’t afford to even do CGI, so the rendering of New York was done with a miniature model of Manhattan. It was painted black, and reflective paint was used to paint the “wireframes” of the skyscrapers.

By: bmulligan

bmulligan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:20:46 +0000

I don’t see why the stylus would require an update. The process of digitizing has been completely updated by laser digitization, which is orders more accurate than hand pointing with a stylus.

And I hate to say it, but even back when this video was made, Larry should have given it to a friend to edit. I think I fell asleep in the middle. This 10 min. video should have been condensed into 3 1/2 minutes, tops.

By: roi_ratt

roi_ratt — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:56:08 +0000

Wow. Being that I am merely “savy” with computers (i.e. I can run the programs and do a bit of diagnostics and other such mildly geeky ilk that impresses my tech-deficient coworkers and bosses) but nowhere near smart enough to be an “IT Guy” – I was kind of surprised to see primitive, but functional correlations between his method and modern programs. Think about the time that guy could have saved with “Copy/Paste”!

I saw it as a very primitive PowerPoint presentation. The controls, rotation etc.

Initiate “Geek Challenge!” Let’s see a “modern” update pps.

Also, being the semi-geek that I am, I thought the stylus is lacking serious updating. What he was using and how he was using it doesn’t seem to have changed a whole lot to me. Sure, systems and hardware in that regard have “updated” with wireless and better touchscreens, but damn if the interface didn’t look REALLY familiar with “connect the dot” style lines al la “MS Paint”.

reCap: William Sleeting – sounds like a Pirate name!! ARRGH!

By: Matthew

Matthew — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:23 +0000

That was a DEC PDP11/45 16bit computer. I used to work for that company back then building these things. They had an optional graphics processor that could run things like the 2D moon lander game. We thought that was as cool as it gets. We couldn’t believe it when we read in a company publication that the Death Star graphics were produced on this equipment. I think That started a lot of us on the road to video game addiction!

By: Bakedpotatoes

Bakedpotatoes — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:13:45 +0000

That certainly was amazing, even now with GUIs to do it all for you, many people still can’t do that.

By: PartiallyDeflected

PartiallyDeflected — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:07:20 +0000

I wish he would have mentioned what kind of computer he did that with.

By: don

don — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:01:40 +0000

Interesting; but that poor bastard.

By: Greg Tatum

Greg Tatum — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:49:08 +0000

Are you kidding? I get a wave of nostalgia seeing old computer screens like that. I wish more movies featured such retro CG effects. I think it adds a special charm.

I don’t know, maybe that’s just me!

By: Chris Higgins

Chris Higgins — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:19:35 +0000

I just want to be clear: I think Alien is a better movie than Star Wars, but Mother’s screen? Ridiculous. All right, let the nerd-fight begin.