Howard Beckerman Animation Page - Back Stage; New York Vol. 23, Iss. 25, (Jun 18, 1982): 36.

ANIMATION SPOT

By Howard Beckerman

"There is a double-barreled wonder in special effects," states John Culhane in his recent book, "Special Effects in The Movies." He goes on to explain, "The first wonder is that all these grand illusions look real on the screen. When we were very young, we thought they were real; when we got older, we knew that they weren't, but we willingly suspended disbelief so that these special scenes could have their effect on us. The second wonder started when we got old enough to ask, 'How'd they do it?'" Culhane, who writes for various national magazines on subjects related to the popular arts, details how "they" did it and are still doing it in his fully illustrated paperback from Ballantine Books.

The area of special effects has so broadened in recent years, that one cannot view a theatrical film or an evening of video without running into an elaborate display of visual magic. Animation studios, formerly engaged entirely in the nuances of character animation, have now found that they are being called upon to enhance commercials and dramatic films with effects that run the spectrum from starry universes to the addition of fireflies into a romantic love scene. As Culhane indicates, special effects are nothing new, they have been around since the earliest films, but today with the emphasis on films of fantasy the public has become more aware of and expect to be transported by elaborate and wonderful explosions, bursts, mists and mysterious comings and goings of people and things. Perhaps the only difference between today's movie effects and those of the past are that we are now all sophisticated enough not to be fooled but childlike enough to enjoy screen magic and hope that it never stops.

While there are several fine fantasy films at local theaters at present, (the effects in the new "Star Trek II," are executed with a wonderful eye for visual design and taste) there is also a great chance to reexamine the excellent special effects work of the past. The Regency Theater at Broadway and 67th Street (724-3700) is featuring the most elaborate series of films of fantasy that has ever been presented in this city, and each show is a double feature! Such delights of the fantasy-special effect idiom as "The War of the Worlds," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "The Picture of Dorian Gray," "The Thief of Bagdad," "Things To Come," "The Time Machine" and "The Wizard of Oz" are just a sampling of the 34 classic films that will be on view starting June 16th and flashing across the screen until July 24th. Coincidentally, many of these spellbinders are featured in John Culhane's $9.95 book.

1. Beckerman H. Annimation: ANIMATION SPOT. Back Stage (Archive: 1960-2000). 1982;23(25):36. http://mutex.gmu.edu/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.mutex.gmu.edu/magazines/annimation-animation-spot/docview/962827331/se-2?accountid=14541.