Summary
A cult classic sci-fi film from 1981,Outland, leaves VFX artists stunned, with one of them saying “I’m trying to comprehend what I just watched.” Written and directed by Peter Hyams, the sci-fi thriller follows a federal marshal stationed at a mining colony on Jupiter’s moon Io, where he uncovers evidence of corruption and as he attempts to expose those involved, he faces threats on his life from those determined to silence him.Sean Connery leads the castalongside Peter Boyle, Frances Sternhagen, James B. Sikking, and Kika Markham.
During the latest episode ofCorridor Crew’s “VFX Artists React” series,host Wren Weichman reacted toOutlandand was stunned by its special effects. Watch the portion of the video below:
While Weichman was stunned by its special effects, saying “I’m trying to comprehend what I just watched,“Outland’s VFX supervisor William Mesa appeared as a guestand explained how they created the stunning special effects. Check out a few of the relevant quotes below:
Weichman: I’m trying to comprehend what I just watched. There’s people there in the distance on some sort of space station-type thing, and then it pans over, we see more, “I’m like okay, that’s a pretty cool tracking shot,” and then there’s people coming down the foreground suddenly out of nowhere… Those people below the crane and on the space station, that was done previously on a shot and now that’s a plate that you’re then separately projecting as a whole finished thing onto another screen that’s already pre-combined.
Mesa: Yes, that’s pre-combined and then we had the set. We did a lot of shots like this in the movie. It was all to make the movie huge, to make it look big… That’s all on the side screen except for the ladder we had on stage. Pretty much all this imagery is all on the side screen. We can mat things on top of the actors. A lot of times it’s just tape. It’s something more like a black masking tape because you are projecting an image on top of the black tape because the screen puts back about 80% of what it receives. It can’t show up or can’t perceive onto the camera because it’s so dark.
Why Outland’s Special Effects Are So Stunning
Outland’s special effects are so stunning todayconsidering the technological constraints of the early 1980s. In turn,the production relied heavily on practical effects, including meticulously crafting models and miniatures. These physical constructs were highly detailed and lit well enough to create realistic and immersive environments on screen, particularly the space station setting. These detailed miniatures were especially used for the exterior shots of the space station and other spacecraft, which were filmed using motion-control cameras that created the effect of their smooth and precise movement onscreen.
Outlandutilized optical compositing techniques to combine multiple elements into a single shot.
In addition to miniatures, the production design onOutlandwas highly detailed, which helped contribute to the creation of a believable industrial and futuristic environment. The use of cinematography also complemented the practical sets with careful lighting and camera angles that enhanced the sense of space and depth. This was before the advent of modern digital effects, soOutlandutilized optical compositing techniques to combine multiple elements into a single shot. This method involved layering different filmed elements together, sometimes including masking tape, which required precision and skill to achieve seamless results.
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Outlandused all the technology available at the timeto push the boundaries of special effects. This also included techniques such as front projection and blue screen to integrate live-action footage with background plates. Overall,Outlandcould only have been made by prioritizing practical effects, combined with the innovative use of the latest technology available, which is why its special effects still look so stunning today, and way ahead of their time.
How Was Outland Received?
Its Critical & Commercial Reception Explained
Despite being recognized for its stunning special effects,Outlandreceived mixed reviews and box office receptionupon release in 1981. The movie shares narrative and thematic similarities with the1952 filmHigh Noon, and some criticizedOutlandfor failing to effectively adapt the classic Western to a sci-fi setting, while others thought it functioned well as a space Western. Some praised its suspense, with one critic even consideringOutlandmore frightening thanAlien, as well as its anti-capitalist themes.Outlandis seen as a solid sci-fi film, though opinions vary on just how effective it is overall.
Outlandhas a 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and audiences.
In addition to mixed reviews,Outlandalso received a mixed box office reception. It opened strongly in May 1981, making over $3 million at the box office over its opening weekend in the United States. While the movie performed well in Los Angeles and New York, it performed poorly in smaller cities, and Warner Bros. took a massive risk by releasing it in fewer than 350 theaters to gradually build an audience. However, the film faced a massive second-weekend drop-off and only ended up grossing $17–20 million against its estimated $18 million budget.
Despite its mixed reception,Outlandwould go on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound, though it was snubbed forBest Visual Effects, a category that had only been created the year prior in 1980. After a mixed box office performance,Outlandgarnered a larger audience through home media, including on formats such as VHS, Beta, and V2000 videotapes, as well as Laserdisc in 1984, DVD in 1997, and eventually on Blu-ray in 2012.Outlandalso garnered a larger audience on TV on premium channels like HBO and Showtime, as well as network television.
Today,Outlandis considered a cult-classic sci-fi film, especially because of its stunning special effects, which were way ahead of their time in 1981. Its immersive environments on display were created through a combination of detailed miniatures, optical compositing, and precise lighting. These practical techniques, combined with innovative camera work, set a high standard for visual effects and madeOutland’s futuristic settings look remarkably convincing.
Outland
Cast
Outland is a 1981 science fiction thriller directed by Peter Hyams. Sean Connery stars as Marshal William O’Niel, assigned to a mining colony on Io, Jupiter’s moon, where he uncovers a dangerous drug-smuggling operation. Faced with corruption and violence, O’Niel takes a stand to bring justice to the lawless outpost. The film also features Peter Boyle and Frances Sternhagen in supporting roles.
