H3KnucklesBut we decide which is rightand which is an illusion.Registered Userregular
edited August 2017
To be clear, I have not seen Rogue One yet, and don't have an opinion either way on Leia or Tarkin. But many people responded negatively to it, so it seemed an appropriate example of the risks of trying too much pure CGI in a live action movie.
I mean, even in the LotR trilogy, which tried to use CGI-enhanced practical effects as much as possible, we still have bits like Gollum. And I don't know this for certain, but I'd be willing to be the Ringwraiths on Winged Beasts were straight CGI. So this isn't some crotchety-old-man's all-or-nothing stance. I just mean that most of the time, it's better to use a practical-effects base because there is just something about the color or texture of CGI that tends to not quite match the live action, like if you super-imposed someone filmed for 90's television into an early color film from the 1960's.
AbsoluteZeroThe new film by Quentin KoopantinoRegistered Userregular
Tarkin didn't look perfect, he was clearly not (entirely) a real person in front of the camera. For me, I was just excited to get a Peter Cushing performance from beyond the grave.
Rogue One took an interesting approach; both Leia and Tarkin are played, on set, by live actors in full costume. The only CG on them is, in Leia's case, her face; and in Tarkin's, his whole head. They used performance capture headsets. There's (obviously) an interesting bit about them in the documentary on the BD bonus disc.
I don't think I've ever seen it done quite that way before; it may have, of course. But it was different to how Gollum was done, or most of Andy Serkis' characters.
But in a sense there was a practical effects base to work with, i.e. the live actors, Guy Henry and Ingvild Deila. Henry did all of Tarkin's dialogue, too, although Leia only says one thing and an archive recording of Carrie Fisher's voice was used.
It was audacious, ambitious and a hell of a thing to attempt to do, and I'll be honest, I give them credit for being ballsy enough to even try. But, as usual with the internet, the complaints rang loudest. A lot of people dug it like I did. When my mum saw the movie, she was amazed; she had to check with me that Peter Cushing had in fact actually died 22 years previously. She honestly couldn't tell. She was raving to her friends (who couldn't give a shit about Star Wars, even) about how well it was done.
By the way, H3Knuckles, you should watch Rogue One; it's awesome.
Inquisitor772 x Penny Arcade Fight Club ChampionA fixed point in space and timeRegistered Userregular
I'm just thinking about whether or not I'd want a CGI version of myself created for something like this were I dead. I guess it'd be kind of cool to have given such a performance in such a role that people felt the need to go through the trouble of recreating my likeness.
I'm just thinking about whether or not I'd want a CGI version of myself created for something like this were I dead. I guess it'd be kind of cool to have given such a performance in such a role that people felt the need to go through the trouble of recreating my likeness.
Cushing's estate gave permission, which is about the best you can hope for in this situation. I'm sure now that it's been done big names will start writing it into their contracts in some way.
I'm just thinking about whether or not I'd want a CGI version of myself created for something like this were I dead. I guess it'd be kind of cool to have given such a performance in such a role that people felt the need to go through the trouble of recreating my likeness.
Cushing's estate gave permission, which is about the best you can hope for in this situation. I'm sure now that it's been done big names will start writing it into their contracts in some way.
Undoubtedly. I think a lot of it will come down to context. In Rogue One's case I felt it was done with the greatest of respect in both cases. And that is kind of the crux of it. Fisher liked it; I really hope Cushing would have too.
It also helps that Peter Cushing was a gaunt looking dude playing an inhuman monster. That kinda helps to limit uncanny valley effect. Worst part about Fisher's CGI bit was that they used it to try and push that whole 'hope' theme. 'Rebellions are built on hope' wasn't working earlier in the movie and it definitely wasn't working after a suicide mission that led to the loss of virtually every ship in the rebel fleet.
It was the New Hope. They needed to include the line.
Ninja Snarl PMy helmet is my burden.Ninja Snarl: Gone, but not forgotten.Registered Userregular
Tarkin wasn't so bad that I can't just kinda roll with it and move on. It was still fake enough to not cut it at being convincing, but they managed to convey Tarkin's emotions pretty well regardless.
The Leia shot would've been completely fine, I think, if they just hadn't done a massive close-up on the face. From a moderate distance, it would've looked pretty good and it only sticks out so much because the face takes up the entire shot. Even the tiniest of flaws are going to show rather badly for a shot like that. I also saw the film for the first time in IMAX, so that shot of Leia was like three stories tall for me. I wouldn't even suggest to have a close-up that close for an actual person for IMAX, much less a CG render trying to pass off as live-action.
But in both cases, the rest of the effects are generally so incredibly good that I didn't watch the movie and even remotely get the impression that they were using CG just to be all flash and no substance like the PT. They did a pretty good job with CG actors and an amazing job everywhere else, so it's fine for me.
When my mum saw the movie, she was amazed; she had to check with me that Peter Cushing had in fact actually died 22 years previously. She honestly couldn't tell. She was raving to her friends (who couldn't give a shit about Star Wars, even) about how well it was done.
You blew your chance to convince her he was a vampire.
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AbsoluteZeroThe new film by Quentin KoopantinoRegistered Userregular
When my mum saw the movie, she was amazed; she had to check with me that Peter Cushing had in fact actually died 22 years previously. She honestly couldn't tell. She was raving to her friends (who couldn't give a shit about Star Wars, even) about how well it was done.
You blew your chance to convince her he was a vampire.
When my mum saw the movie, she was amazed; she had to check with me that Peter Cushing had in fact actually died 22 years previously. She honestly couldn't tell. She was raving to her friends (who couldn't give a shit about Star Wars, even) about how well it was done.
You blew your chance to convince her he was a vampire.
But Cushing was a vampire killer.
No one expects the vampire killer to be a vampire*. Maeks you think.
* yes, we're ignoring the obvious with Angel and Forever Knight lol
Vampire killers also tend to encounter a lot of vampires, usually alone or in small groups. The vampire(s) only have to get lucky once to kill or, better yet, turn their hunter.
This does not necessarily mean, however, that the hunter will stop; some, hating what they've become, simply continue and/or redouble their efforts, intending to kill themselves last.
Vampire killers also tend to encounter a lot of vampires, usually alone or in small groups. The vampire(s) only have to get lucky once to kill or, better yet, turn their hunter.
This does not necessarily mean, however, that the hunter will stop; some, hating what they've become, simply continue and/or redouble their efforts, intending to kill themselves last.
Vampire killers also tend to encounter a lot of vampires, usually alone or in small groups. The vampire(s) only have to get lucky once to kill or, better yet, turn their hunter.
This does not necessarily mean, however, that the hunter will stop; some, hating what they've become, simply continue and/or redouble their efforts, intending to kill themselves last.
You gotta wonder if those vampires get shit for eternity
"Great fucking job, Vampire Bob. Now the fucker wants to kill us and has all of our powers. Just fantastic work there, friend."
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Librarian's ghostLibrarian, Ghostbuster, and TimSporkRegistered Userregular
My only problem with Tarkin was how tall he was in Rouge One. Peter Cushing was the same height as the guy playing Krennic so in the movie when Tarkin is like a head taller, it threw me off. They just kept the height of the actor playing Tarkin.
My only problem with Tarkin was how tall he was in Rouge One. Peter Cushing was the same height as the guy playing Krennic so in the movie when Tarkin is like a head taller, it threw me off. They just kept the height of the actor playing Tarkin.
To be fair, Krennic was never next to Tarkin in ANH (hell, I don't even know if Tarkin was ever filmed standing) so you would only find this a discrepancy if you knew the real heights of the actors.
My only problem with Tarkin was how tall he was in Rouge One. Peter Cushing was the same height as the guy playing Krennic so in the movie when Tarkin is like a head taller, it threw me off. They just kept the height of the actor playing Tarkin.
To be fair, Krennic was never next to Tarkin in ANH (hell, I don't even know if Tarkin was ever filmed standing) so you would only find this a discrepancy if you knew the real heights of the actors.
Yeah but in my mind I'm thinking of the scene with Leia, Tarkin, and Darth Vader and Krennic was about at the same height as Leia was to Tarkin so it made him seem super short comparatively.
Just made me think the whole time, Geez this Krennic guy must be tiny!
Princess Leia looked stranger than Governor Tarkin. That was bizarre, considering, taking by itself, Tarkin looks almost like a caricature movie monster (after seeing the movie the first time, I ended up looking up a photo of Cushing--yes, he did look a little emaciated and scary in 1977, more than I remembered, but the CG representation took it further--that must be the uncanny valley talking). There's something very off-putting about her in that one scene that is hard to put into words.
The thing is, I would've completely forgiven another actor doing their best Peter Cushing impression. It would've have even registered. I didn't get upset about Senator Mothma or whatever being played by a different woman--granted, Peter Cushing is Peter Cushing, but if anything that would've made it more forgivable. Why not cast Ralph Fiennes--or someone even closer--in up-aging makeup to do their best impression?
That being said, it wasn't as bad as it could've been, even if I think it was unnecessary. Unlike Leia's cameo, Tarkin's scenes are fairly crucial to the film, at least as a setup up to a sort of military sabotage/heist film and not a "Young rebel coming of age" film, which I found very uninteresting (a separate issue). So they did an okay job. You could tell something was wrong, and the more time you spent, the more you could tell something was wrong, but even by the film's end, it was't so bad that it ruined those fairly important scenes. It just seemed...unnecessary. At least I think so. Like splicing in the X-Wing/Y-Wing cockpit footage from the 1970s next to all the new pilot footage because why not I guess?
When my mum saw the movie, she was amazed; she had to check with me that Peter Cushing had in fact actually died 22 years previously. She honestly couldn't tell. She was raving to her friends (who couldn't give a shit about Star Wars, even) about how well it was done.
You blew your chance to convince her he was a vampire.
But Cushing was a vampire killer.
You couldn't...and shouldn't...mistake the guy.
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H3KnucklesBut we decide which is rightand which is an illusion.Registered Userregular
Just finished revisiting the Thrawn trilogy for the first time since publication. Still a really good series. Fun to see the Star Wars universe from when so much of the EU was still unestablished, and even the story of Anakin, The Clone Wars etc was still open to interpretation.
So Saberforge is doing a mystery box sale. If anyone ever wanted to buy a good quality LED lightsaber. I got one last fall and couldn't be happier. $125 bucks gets you a at least a light up no-sound saber with a chance at a with sound, full rgb, or crystal chamber saber.
If anyone out there is on the fence about getting an LED saber -- pull the trigger. I paid A LOT more for mine, and still think it was worth every penny.
So Saberforge is doing a mystery box sale. If anyone ever wanted to buy a good quality LED lightsaber. I got one last fall and couldn't be happier. $125 bucks gets you a at least a light up no-sound saber with a chance at a with sound, full rgb, or crystal chamber saber.
If anyone out there is on the fence about getting an LED saber -- pull the trigger. I paid A LOT more for mine, and still think it was worth every penny.
I just got the Black Series Empire Strike Back Luke Saber and am very happy with it. I know it doesn't reach the build quality of those Saberforge ones but I like it a ton.
I found a used copy of Star Wars Monopoly (the "collector's edition" that predates the prequels so it's entirely OT themed) on Amazon for a seemingly reasonable price. Its condition was listed as "acceptable" and stated that it had tape damage on the edges of the box. Sure, I can live with that. Probably.
It showed up today, and upon opening the box it came with an unwanted free gift; stale tobacco smoke smell. I can't even work out if it's cigarettes, cigars or pipe smoke.
It is at least complete, though. I've left it outside where nothing will blow away but to try and see if some fresh air will help it over time. I've got a couple of other things to try but obviously there's only so much one can do that won't damage the paper and card components.
I'm a bit disappointed to say the least but I've got a month to return it if I can't get the smell off. I might just do that anyway and just keep my eyes open for a better condition copy.
I had a new copy once upon a time, so it'd be nice to have it again; it's a lovely set even though of course "olol Monopoly". But this particular copy might not fit the bill; unless I find an incomplete one in better shape that I can use this as spares for. The pewter figures and the plastic pieces are all good, the board's alright, and the money looks okay, but the cards are a bit rough and of course the box is rather damaged. And all that's before you consider the smell...
Update: it's definitely improving the more it airs out. Thankfully today is dry with a gentle breeze, and I can lay it out where the money and cards won't blow away.
My mum - who (supposedly) likes Star Wars - was looking at the board, going "I don't know any of these places!" It's all locations from the OT (almost); starting from Dagobah (Swamp and Yoda's Hut), through such places as Tatooine (Lars' Homestead, Mos Eisley and Jabba's Palace) and eventually to Coruscant (Monument Square and the Imperial Palace), which is where the "almost" comes in. She might need a re-watch to refresh her memory!
I found a used copy of Star Wars Monopoly (the "collector's edition" that predates the prequels so it's entirely OT themed) on Amazon for a seemingly reasonable price. Its condition was listed as "acceptable" and stated that it had tape damage on the edges of the box. Sure, I can live with that. Probably.
It showed up today, and upon opening the box it came with an unwanted free gift; stale tobacco smoke smell. I can't even work out if it's cigarettes, cigars or pipe smoke.
It is at least complete, though. I've left it outside where nothing will blow away but to try and see if some fresh air will help it over time. I've got a couple of other things to try but obviously there's only so much one can do that won't damage the paper and card components.
I'm a bit disappointed to say the least but I've got a month to return it if I can't get the smell off. I might just do that anyway and just keep my eyes open for a better condition copy.
I had a new copy once upon a time, so it'd be nice to have it again; it's a lovely set even though of course "olol Monopoly". But this particular copy might not fit the bill; unless I find an incomplete one in better shape that I can use this as spares for. The pewter figures and the plastic pieces are all good, the board's alright, and the money looks okay, but the cards are a bit rough and of course the box is rather damaged. And all that's before you consider the smell...
Probably you could get rid of it by packing it in a box of rice, or some other absorber.
I was just browsing Facebook marketplace and saw some one a bit down the road is selling a used copy for $5. Plus SW Trivial Pursuit and SW Trivia. Now I'm tempted to pick them up.
I was just browsing Facebook marketplace and saw some one a bit down the road is selling a used copy for $5. Plus SW Trivial Pursuit and SW Trivia. Now I'm tempted to pick them up.
H3KnucklesBut we decide which is rightand which is an illusion.Registered Userregular
Man, I've still got both SW Monopoly and SW Trivial Pursuit (from before the prequels). They're buried in a box at my parents' house along with a bunch of other stuffed that got packed away, but neither got much use so they should be in good shape. Maybe I should sell them?
Man, I've still got both SW Monopoly and SW Trivial Pursuit (from before the prequels). They're buried in a box at my parents' house along with a bunch of other stuffed that got packed away, but neither got much use so they should be in good shape. Maybe I should sell them?
Wait until The Last Jedi is in theaters then sell them. I don't think you'll get as much demand with the incoming Han Solo train wreck. Save us, Ron Howard!
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Handsome CostanzaAsk me about 8bitdoRIP Iwata-sanRegistered Userregular
Dawww
Also heres a figure leak that has spoilers for TLJ:
Posts
I mean, even in the LotR trilogy, which tried to use CGI-enhanced practical effects as much as possible, we still have bits like Gollum. And I don't know this for certain, but I'd be willing to be the Ringwraiths on Winged Beasts were straight CGI. So this isn't some crotchety-old-man's all-or-nothing stance. I just mean that most of the time, it's better to use a practical-effects base because there is just something about the color or texture of CGI that tends to not quite match the live action, like if you super-imposed someone filmed for 90's television into an early color film from the 1960's.
I don't think I've ever seen it done quite that way before; it may have, of course. But it was different to how Gollum was done, or most of Andy Serkis' characters.
But in a sense there was a practical effects base to work with, i.e. the live actors, Guy Henry and Ingvild Deila. Henry did all of Tarkin's dialogue, too, although Leia only says one thing and an archive recording of Carrie Fisher's voice was used.
It was audacious, ambitious and a hell of a thing to attempt to do, and I'll be honest, I give them credit for being ballsy enough to even try. But, as usual with the internet, the complaints rang loudest. A lot of people dug it like I did. When my mum saw the movie, she was amazed; she had to check with me that Peter Cushing had in fact actually died 22 years previously. She honestly couldn't tell. She was raving to her friends (who couldn't give a shit about Star Wars, even) about how well it was done.
By the way, H3Knuckles, you should watch Rogue One; it's awesome.
Steam | XBL
Cushing's estate gave permission, which is about the best you can hope for in this situation. I'm sure now that it's been done big names will start writing it into their contracts in some way.
Undoubtedly. I think a lot of it will come down to context. In Rogue One's case I felt it was done with the greatest of respect in both cases. And that is kind of the crux of it. Fisher liked it; I really hope Cushing would have too.
(edited to clarify.)
Steam | XBL
Critical Failures - Havenhold Campaign • August St. Cloud (Human Ranger)
It was the New Hope. They needed to include the line.
Absolutely. Guy Henry nailed it.
Steam | XBL
The Leia shot would've been completely fine, I think, if they just hadn't done a massive close-up on the face. From a moderate distance, it would've looked pretty good and it only sticks out so much because the face takes up the entire shot. Even the tiniest of flaws are going to show rather badly for a shot like that. I also saw the film for the first time in IMAX, so that shot of Leia was like three stories tall for me. I wouldn't even suggest to have a close-up that close for an actual person for IMAX, much less a CG render trying to pass off as live-action.
But in both cases, the rest of the effects are generally so incredibly good that I didn't watch the movie and even remotely get the impression that they were using CG just to be all flash and no substance like the PT. They did a pretty good job with CG actors and an amazing job everywhere else, so it's fine for me.
You blew your chance to convince her he was a vampire.
But Cushing was a vampire killer.
No one expects the vampire killer to be a vampire*. Maeks you think.
* yes, we're ignoring the obvious with Angel and Forever Knight lol
This does not necessarily mean, however, that the hunter will stop; some, hating what they've become, simply continue and/or redouble their efforts, intending to kill themselves last.
You gotta wonder if those vampires get shit for eternity
"Great fucking job, Vampire Bob. Now the fucker wants to kill us and has all of our powers. Just fantastic work there, friend."
To be fair, Krennic was never next to Tarkin in ANH (hell, I don't even know if Tarkin was ever filmed standing) so you would only find this a discrepancy if you knew the real heights of the actors.
Rock Band DLC | GW:OttW - arrcd | WLD - Thortar
To be fair, thats not the case in all countries.
Yeah but in my mind I'm thinking of the scene with Leia, Tarkin, and Darth Vader and Krennic was about at the same height as Leia was to Tarkin so it made him seem super short comparatively.
Just made me think the whole time, Geez this Krennic guy must be tiny!
The thing is, I would've completely forgiven another actor doing their best Peter Cushing impression. It would've have even registered. I didn't get upset about Senator Mothma or whatever being played by a different woman--granted, Peter Cushing is Peter Cushing, but if anything that would've made it more forgivable. Why not cast Ralph Fiennes--or someone even closer--in up-aging makeup to do their best impression?
That being said, it wasn't as bad as it could've been, even if I think it was unnecessary. Unlike Leia's cameo, Tarkin's scenes are fairly crucial to the film, at least as a setup up to a sort of military sabotage/heist film and not a "Young rebel coming of age" film, which I found very uninteresting (a separate issue). So they did an okay job. You could tell something was wrong, and the more time you spent, the more you could tell something was wrong, but even by the film's end, it was't so bad that it ruined those fairly important scenes. It just seemed...unnecessary. At least I think so. Like splicing in the X-Wing/Y-Wing cockpit footage from the 1970s next to all the new pilot footage because why not I guess?
I think the voice play was stronger.
You couldn't...and shouldn't...mistake the guy.
One of my sisters is a film buff and big fan of Star Wars, so we've been meaning to watch it for the first time together. Just hasn't worked out yet.
Steam ID: Good Life
If anyone out there is on the fence about getting an LED saber -- pull the trigger. I paid A LOT more for mine, and still think it was worth every penny.
Critical Failures - Havenhold Campaign • August St. Cloud (Human Ranger)
I just got the Black Series Empire Strike Back Luke Saber and am very happy with it. I know it doesn't reach the build quality of those Saberforge ones but I like it a ton.
I found a used copy of Star Wars Monopoly (the "collector's edition" that predates the prequels so it's entirely OT themed) on Amazon for a seemingly reasonable price. Its condition was listed as "acceptable" and stated that it had tape damage on the edges of the box. Sure, I can live with that. Probably.
It showed up today, and upon opening the box it came with an unwanted free gift; stale tobacco smoke smell. I can't even work out if it's cigarettes, cigars or pipe smoke.
It is at least complete, though. I've left it outside where nothing will blow away but to try and see if some fresh air will help it over time. I've got a couple of other things to try but obviously there's only so much one can do that won't damage the paper and card components.
I'm a bit disappointed to say the least but I've got a month to return it if I can't get the smell off. I might just do that anyway and just keep my eyes open for a better condition copy.
I had a new copy once upon a time, so it'd be nice to have it again; it's a lovely set even though of course "olol Monopoly". But this particular copy might not fit the bill; unless I find an incomplete one in better shape that I can use this as spares for. The pewter figures and the plastic pieces are all good, the board's alright, and the money looks okay, but the cards are a bit rough and of course the box is rather damaged. And all that's before you consider the smell...
Steam | XBL
My mum - who (supposedly) likes Star Wars - was looking at the board, going "I don't know any of these places!" It's all locations from the OT (almost); starting from Dagobah (Swamp and Yoda's Hut), through such places as Tatooine (Lars' Homestead, Mos Eisley and Jabba's Palace) and eventually to Coruscant (Monument Square and the Imperial Palace), which is where the "almost" comes in. She might need a re-watch to refresh her memory!
Steam | XBL
Probably you could get rid of it by packing it in a box of rice, or some other absorber.
Steam ID: Good Life
Ffffffffffff~
Do it.
Steam | XBL
Wait until The Last Jedi is in theaters then sell them. I don't think you'll get as much demand with the incoming Han Solo train wreck. Save us, Ron Howard!
Also heres a figure leak that has spoilers for TLJ:
Resident 8bitdo expert.
Resident hybrid/flap cover expert.
I want one.
Steam | XBL
OMG
Resident 8bitdo expert.
Resident hybrid/flap cover expert.