Visual Effects and Beyond

Computer, July 2009

The rapid developments in visual effects led Computer to dedicate a special issue to those techniques that normally remain unnoticed because they are so seamless we forget they are computer-generated. Computer's July issue presents four articles by leading experts who allow a glimpse behind the scenes at state-of-the-art visual effects and beyond.

Digital Domain provides the full story of cutting-edge facial and fluid animation technology in today's blockbuster movies such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Two authors from the BBC describe the technology behind today's virtual studios. Ubisoft discloses how it squeezes performance out of GPUs for real-time games such as EndWar. And Walt Disney Imagineering describes how theme park attractions create immersive entertainment illusions that go beyond visual effects.

Oliver Bimber's guest editor's introduction provides a general overview of this issue, and the authors and their sponsors have been gracious in providing these multimedia demonstrations of their state-of-the-art technology and art.

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