5 dino-mite secrets behind 'Jurassic Park's movie magic
What's the story
Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg, is an absolute landmark in cinematic history. The 1993 release changed the game of how computer-generated imagery and animatronics were used to recreate dinosaurs on the big screen. While most of us are aware of its path-breaking effects and nail-biting storyline, here are some lesser-known facts about the film that made it a resounding success. Here are five interesting insights into the making of this iconic movie.
Creative insight
Spielberg's dinosaur vision
Spielberg had a clear vision of how dinosaurs should be portrayed in Jurassic Park. How realistic he could make them was what he was after, which is why he worked with paleontologists and special effects experts. This way, the dinosaurs were not just scientifically accurate but also visually stunning, setting a new standard of creature design in films.
Audio innovation
The sound of dinosaurs
The iconic sounds of dinosaurs in Jurassic Park weren't just random noises; they were made using an innovative blend of animal sounds. Sound designer Gary Rydstrom combined recordings from various animals such as elephants and whales. He created the roars and growls that we hear in the movie. This creative approach added an extra layer of authenticity to the dinosaur scenes.
Technical balance
Animatronics vs CGI balance
While Jurassic Park is known for its revolutionary CGI, it also had a strong reliance on animatronics. Spielberg blended both techniques for the most realistic effect. Animatronic models were used for close-up shots due to their intricate textures, while CGI was used for more dynamic, action-packed scenes.
Financial triumph
Box office success story
Upon its release, Jurassic Park went on to become a massive box office success. It grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films back then. Its financial triumph was attributed not only to its mind-blowing visual effects but also to its compelling narrative and strong marketing strategy.
Cinematic influence
Impact on future films
The success of Jurassic Park left a permanent mark on future films by showing what could be done with advanced technology in filmmaking. It opened the doors for other directors to delve deeper into digital effects, impacting countless movies across different genres over the decades that followed.