10 Horror Monster Movies With Amazing Special Effects
4. Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors was destined to have groundbreaking visuals, considering it was directed by Frank Oz, who performed the puppetry for The Muppets, The Dark Crystal, and Star Wars. And yet, the beloved musical still surpassed expectations.
Though the song and dance routines are top-notch, nothing competes with the man-eating Audrey II. Rather than relying on blue screens or optical effects, the fiendish flower was brought to life with an army of puppeteers (60 in total).
It goes without saying that Audrey II's vocals are performed phenomenally by Levi Stubbs. However, the mean green Mother from outer space is so well-designed and handled, it's easy to pick up on Audrey II's sassy personality, even if it didn't speak. Seriously, watch the flower shop scenes on mute and you'll have no problem reading the carnivorous plant's expressions.
Sadly, the best moments surrounding Audrey II didn't make the final cut, as Little Shop of Horrors was meant to conclude with the plant's saplings demolishing New York City.
After a negative test screening, Oz was forced to give the movie a conventional happy ending.
This is a massive shame, since the puppetry in the original climax is extraordinary.