Reynolds@RAND-UNIX.ARPA (12/18/83)
vision. The one
you are probably asking about is the Computer Graphics Project of the
Computer Development Group. I thought this was part of Sprocket.
These are the people who brought you the "Genesis Demo Sequence" from
"STII: The Wrath of Kahn" as well as the 3D diagram of the Death Star
and Moon of Endor used in the pre-Big Battle scene in "The Return of the
Jedi".
An even better source of good reporting and excellent graphics regarding
special effects production in general is the quartly CINEFEX. Each
issue is two or three articles which discuss a film's effects IN DEPTH!
To answer your questions: they use both vector (E&S PS2) and raster
displays, raster including frame buffers as well as high resolution
laser scanning and recording film. They buy hardware, build hardware,
buy software, write software and plan to sell (at least) some of their
hardware ("Pixar") someday.
They are on UUCP and I know they do read this digest occasionally, but
I've never seen them contribute to any of the flamage. Very wise...
-c