10 Best Uses Of Special Effects In Star Trek

2. Crafting The Genesis Wave

The Genesis Wave from Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan represented the first use of particle effects in a motion picture. Though viewing the film in the 2020s may result in the scene feeling dated, in 1982 this was cutting-edge computer graphics, never-before-seen. 

The effect was created by Industrial Light & Magic, using varying particle patterns for their wall of fire. Though similar in appearance, each particle pattern varied, albeit based on the preceding one. Most of the particles were predominantly red, though with a touch of green. There there were greater clusters, the red was dialled up, giving an almost orange glow in the centre of the explosion.

The particle effect was created with technology that couldn't handle transferring a light glow onto the surrounding terrain, so this was added to the overall effect afterwards by Lucasfilm team member Tom Duff.

An enormous amount of work went into what is a quick scene, though one that has an enduring popularity among Trek fans.