10 Best CGI Effects In Star Trek
These computer generated effects went far beyond what was possible with physical models and makeup.
Star Trek was one of the first franchises to embrace computer generated imagery (or CGI). Before long, the old days of physical starship model props and styrofoam alien planets were behind us.
Nowadays, CGI has a sour reputation in the film industry as being lazy or ugly, but Star Trek usually keeps it tame, making sure to use practical effects whenever possible, usually only going with CGI for space scenes or the occasional backdrop when absolutely necessary, apart from a few upsetting examples, like the ridiculous-looking Gorn from the Enterprise episode In A Mirror, Darkly or the macrovirus from the Voyager episode Macrocosm.
This list will be taking a closer look at ten CGI effects used in Star Trek that went above and beyond what was possible with practical methods. The most important thing is to work within the limitations of the technology while being careful not to overdo it.
10. The Genesis Device Demonstration
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan introduced us to the Genesis Device, an experimental technology capable of automatically terraforming planets.
In the movie, Kirk and others watched a video demonstration of the Genesis device made using CGI by Lucasfilm Graphics Group (a team that later evolved into Pixar). The demonstration was undeniably stunning for 1982 (and one of the most advanced CGI sequences ever made at the time), and was also the first fully-textured CGI effect ever used in Star Trek.
The video demonstration included some advanced visuals of DNA and other molecules, and a shot of a desolate and lifeless computer generated moon being transformed into a lush forest-covered world perfect for humanoid life.
This scene was a revolutionary leap forward for CGI in the motion picture industry. The digital starship models had not yet reached the level of detail needed to be believable, but computer generated interfaces and simulations like this one worked so well partially because they were going for a more digital look, and paved the way for full CGI starship and space scenes in the future.