Amazing Effects in Classic Films - How Did They Pull It Off? | Part 15

Summary by Krater

This video examines how practical special effects were achieved for iconic scenes in movies like Indiana Jones, Back to the Future Part II, Cliffhanger, and The Bourne Ultimatum.

From the video

Answers: How were practical special effects done in classic 80s and 90s action movies?

• practical special effects
• miniatures
• motion control
• stunt work
• composite photography

What it concludes

• The rope bridge scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was filmed across three different continents using miniatures, a 90-meter suspension bridge built in Sri Lanka, and mechanical dummies.
• The mine cart chase in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom utilized 7-inch scale miniature carts and figures on a 50-plus-foot track filmed with GoMotion.
• Back to the Future Part II received a PG-13 rating after Steven Spielberg called the MPAA to suggest a middle rating.
• The hovering DeLorean scenes in Back to the Future Part II used a mixture of full-size cars on cranes and 3-foot-long miniature DeLoreans on motion control rigs.
• The dinner scene with Marty's family in Back to the Future Part II used the VistaGlide motion control camera system to allow Michael J. Fox to play three separate characters in the same frame.
• The skydiving scenes in Point Break used specialized fitted rigs under actors' costumes and a specialized crane rig with telescoping arms for close-ups against the open sky.