Is CGI Getting Worse?

In recent years I've noticed a dip in quality in CGI, resulting in many digital creations that feel very unreal. In this video, I explore why that may be. Please comment below if you know more about CGI and can answer the questions posed in this video.

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I own none of the footage used in this video, all footage is property of its respective studio. Use of this footage is protected under Fair Use.

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[r-kt]

I think the thing is that they used to use cgi as a complimentary dish, but now it’s often used as the main course

[CaseKirby]

4 years later and it is INSANE how accurate this video essay still is

[AnonEMus-cpmn]

I think one of the biggest factors why movies like Jurassic Park looks so lifelike is because the lighting and hues are completely unfiltered. So many movies use heavy artificial light and/or filters.

[kartn]

Like you said, even though the special effects in LOTR are now dated, they still managed to reach the perfect balance between practical effects and special effects in my opinion. That way, things feel less off or simply weird, unlike more recent movies that achieve rather easily the "uncanny valley" impression

[nomorepartiezz]

Transformers from 2007 still looks absolutely incredible and realistic. Transformers TLK from 2017 looks super cartoonish.

[physco]

Cgi look more real when the artist is given more time to create the effects

[nikd]

best cgi: aslan from narnia - had me fooled for years growing up that they didn't just train a lion

[Smerdzy]

If you remember, James Cameron actually waited around 10 years to make Avatar, because the technology to make it look how he envisioned it didn't exist. That's dedication.

[wejw]

The technology is getting better, yet I think its more the studios decision to cut budget and effort. And the general public isnt critical enough to see through it.

[TotallyNotJustCynical]

"Is CGI getting worse?"
*plays the whole trailer for cats*

[jdamagedgoods]

I work in VFX and it typically comes down to over-promising and little time allowed to deliver. Typically these types of deals are made by people who have no idea how much work goes into CGI. ALWAYS use practical fx where possible.

[dessertstorm]

i think the decision to have every action scene shot from impossible swooping angles just trips something in your brain where you know it's impossible.

[barrelracer]

People have forgotten the benefit of combining CGI and practical. It is so important to use both.

[joshwilliams]

The original lord of the rings films felt so grand and on such a large scale. Films don’t feel that way anymore but they should!

[JayMaverick]

It's because all the money goes into creating good characters and quality storytelling. No wait, that's the complete opposite of what's happening.

[TheEarl_ofIDK]

My verdict: CGI didn't get worse, filmmakers just gave up and got lazy

[allan]

If you can notice CGI they're not doing it right.

[etyrnal]

CGI is NOT getting worse.. its becoming MORE ACCESSIBLE to people with LOWER TALENT.

[kuripivt]

2009: Movies look better than video games
2019: Movies look like video games

[temphandlea]

Jurassic Park used lighting, shadow and weather effects to mask the CGI as much as possible as well as frequent switches back and forth between CGI footage and practical effects footage. I'm sure this what makes the CGI of that movie in particular look as good as it does.