How Much CGI is Too Much ?

[TOSalltheway]

I have always felt that A Private Little War was a pretty good episode that was ruined by two things, a horrible modified gorilla costume for the mugato, and those horrible disco blonde wigs for the hill people.

Would making CG changes to both be pushing it too far ? A more believable creature and normal realistic hair would make a world of difference in this episode.

 

[Warped9]

The problem with applying cgi to fix something made in a different era is the issue of where does it stop? There was a lot of "Ooo-ing" and "Ah-ing" when TOS-R came out, but there seem to be evermore examples of the new f/x not holding up. While some of it can look rather nice some of it also looks very cartoonish.

It would have been best to either just clean up the existing footage or invest the proper time and money to make things look finished but of the era. Some of the current fan productions have done a good job of creating new TOS era f/x that are clean and clear yet still look like they could have been done back in the day.

The other issue is that TOS wasn't made to withstand the scrutiny of today's higher resolution imagery. They were happy if it could pass the test on low resolution CRT televisions. And for many years it did just that.

I understand the sentiment of wanting TOS to look as good as possible, but it's a very fine line between good intentions and doing too much.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

The time and cost of rotoscoping new hair onto people would be ridiculous.

Moreover, even if technology makes it practical someday, it would be tremendously invasive and involve a whole set of artistic decisions just as susceptible to condemnation as the original wigs were.

 

[paudemge]

I can't really tell you how much is too much. But you usually know it when you see it.

 

[BillJ]

Moreover, even if technology makes it practical someday, it would be tremendously invasive and involve a whole set of artistic decisions just as susceptible to condemnation as the original wigs were.

+1

 

[FormerLurker]

And then there's the black disco wigs on the villagers. Do you intend to replace them, too? Like Warped said, where does it stop?

 

[Melakon]

I thought adding CGI views outside the windows in "The Menagerie" was too much.

 

[Warped9]

I can't really tell you how much is too much. But you usually know it when you see it.

Very true. I think subtlety is a much better approach. TOS-R became "we can do it better" with the end result often enough being, "No, you haven't."

 

[marlboro]

I don't like adding CG "fixes" to old shows. It's worse than colorizing b&w movies.

 

[TREK_GOD_1]

I have always felt that A Private Little War was a pretty good episode that was ruined by two things, a horrible modified gorilla costume for the mugato, and those horrible disco blonde wigs for the hill people.

Would making CG changes to both be pushing it too far ? A more believable creature and normal realistic hair would make a world of difference in this episode.

If a few wigs and a costume ruin the overall message of the story and strong performances, then there's not much that will help anyone troubled over ultimately minor things.

TOS-R was a disaster of ego and assumption, with its "talents" assuming they could interpret or replace original intent and creativity. The assumption was false--almost as bad as their game-like 1701, overboard planet designs, several amateur-like matte painting replacements, etc.

So, to your question:

How Much CGI is Too Much ?

It it too much when it is a poorly crafted distraction, instead of a natural part of the film / story.

It is too much when the so-called artists assume they have the sense and ability to one-up the original work.

 

[Kor]

If the inserted effects actually looked like they were from the time period, then it would be great. I must admit I enjoy watching TOS-R on a big HD TV, but the effects are very obviously computer-generated, and don't look like anything produced at that time.

Kor

 

[spockboy]

[/QUOTE]


TOS-R was a disaster of ego and assumption, with its "talents" assuming they could interpret or replace original intent and creativity. The assumption was false--almost as bad as their game-like 1701, overboard planet designs, several amateur-like matte painting replacements, etc.

So, to your question:

How Much CGI is Too Much ?

It it too much when it is a poorly crafted distraction, instead of a natural part of the film / story.

It is too much when the so-called artists assume they have the sense and ability to one-up the original work.[/QUOTE]

Well said sir!

Spockboy

 

[TOSalltheway]

My view is CG is too much when you notice it is there. Good CG is when you dont even notice it.

 

[Warped9]

My view is CG is too much when you notice it is there. Good CG is when you dont even notice it.

That's also a fair way of looking at it.

 

[bbailey861]

Late to the ball, I concur with a couple of thoughts that have popped up. CGI is a wonderful thing if you don't realize it's there and you aren't distracted by it. It becomes too much as soon as you notice it.

 

[Maurice]

Too much =

• Altering the film contrary to the original intent (red beam for "blue fire" fer instance)
• Does not look like the rest of the show in terms of photographic style, film grain, etc.

 

[johnnybear]

While you're at it why not change the uniforms for something that looks more futuristic or even just lengthen Kirk's top so he stops pulling it down every time he takes a roll across the floor!
JB

 

[Dude111]

Would making CG changes to both be pushing it too far ? A more believable creature and normal realistic hair would make a world of difference in this episode.

No..... LEAVE ANY CGI OUT OF STAR TREK!!!!!

CGI is garbage.........

 

[JonnyQuest037]

I think the TOS-R project was at its best when it was the most subtle. I watched "Bread and Circuses" on Netflix the other day and they added a couple of faint moons in the background of the location shot when Kirk, Spock, and McCoy first beam down. You might not even notice them unless you were looking for them, but it nicely sold that they were on an alien planet. I'm glad they resisted the temptation to do anything more, like change the sky to green or something.

 

[Warped9]

Blinking Gorn. The horrible Tholian and Klingon ship redos. Complete crap hangar deck and shuttlecraft.

That's just for starters.