The OFFICIAL STNG-R general discussion thread!

Don't forget this warp shot as well... it is CGI:

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The question is... why CGI this shot?

I think it replaces this FX shot: (slightly back in time from this cap)
http://tng.trekcore.com/gallery/albums/s7/7x01/descentparttwo142.jpg

 

I wouldn't be so quick as to talk about "the money is there" in this respect. If they use CG for something on TNG-HD it's not because they have extra cash, but because they either (a) have to or (b) it's actually cheaper because it takes less time to touch up a model shot for the same result. My earlier example of fixing window lights in tons of shots by manual rotoscoping / painting vs. doing the CG model once and animating it applies.

 

I think they replaced it because it used the 4 footer.

 

This is going to look pretty darn good in motion at 1080p, people.... wow.

 

If all scenes using the four footer are to be replaced, that's a lot of work!

 

Here's the new "Inner Light" shot against the original 4-foot model shot in case anyone wants to see a direct comparison:

http://screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/103578

 

I honestly don't see how anyone can look at these screenshots and determine that some shots are CGi and some shots aren't. Understand that the increase in defintion, contrast and clarity can radically change the appearance of the modelwork, like the Enterprise at warp in The Inner Light.

 

Huh, the geometry of the neck is really different between those two shots.

 

That looks glorious. It has to be CG, it's far too pretty to be the 4-footer. Another thing I've noticed is the streaking stars are damn-near identical to the original shot. I've always assumed they were CG, but I guess they were opticals.

Uh-oh, the saucer deflector is on. There'll be debates about this in Trek Tech!

 

And the "Sins of the Father" one too:

http://screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/103580

 

The 4-foot model has distinct differences to the 6-foot model, most noticeably around the deflector and saucer rim, as well as surface detail. That, plus the different exterior lighting (look at port side neck) make it appear pretty clear that we're not looking at the original model used for this shot.

 

The shadow on the neck does seem to give away the fact that's a CG ship, but if that's the case, it's the most beautiful CG version of the 1701-D I've ever seen. I'd almost believe they borrowed the 6-foot model from the guy who bought it at auction and filmed new scenes!

 

If the saucer impulse engines are switched on whilst still connected to the 'stardrive' section the forums will crash!

 

Regardless of its CGI/Model components, this looks incredible. It will be very much like watching it for the very first time.

 

Devastated that it looks like they are ditching the 4ft model, even though it has obvious aesthetic flaws I always prefered it to the ILM model.

 

Maybe it is the original model but with CGI effects added to it. Not an expert on what can be done with CGI but I assume that can be done.

 

I think you are in a minority with that view. There are many shots of the 4ft model that look great but some look like a toy even at SD resolution. We still don't know if it has been ditched completely yet as it would be a huge undertaking to erase it from the show!

 

I have long been an advocate of sticking to the original footage, but I will turn hypocrite and say that if the 4 footer is gone forever I'll be a happy man.

If they mix and match and only replace some shots of it, I'll be less so.