History of Computers - Computer Generated Imaging

By Reed Brace - 2012

Introduction

Computer generated imagery (CGI) is, in most cases, the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to imagery in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, commercials, simulators and simulation.^[1] Computer generated imagery, or CGI for short, can be dynamic or static as well as 2d or 3d. Artists of CGI such as Michael Bay use digital rendering software, such as Blender. Rendered images are now able to be made to look very realistic, and in most cases the use of CGI is so subtle that an audience or consumer won't notice.

This picture is from the upcoming Ninja Turtles movie. As you can see CGI looks very realistic and can be difficult to tell from reality.

Another example of CGI, this is from the movie Avatar. Avatar was praised for it's CGI. Note: Picture not from Avatar.

Overview

CGI was first used in the 1950s, but did not become popular or practical until much much later. The first full length film to use CGI was WestWorld, in 1973. As time went on, CGI became more and more prominent in theaters. Lots of cult classics use CGI, Alien, Star Wars, Star Trek, and many others. Tron(1982) is also famous for its CGI, but was banned from the Academy Awards for "Cheating". Tron had a full 15 minute sequence of all CGI. Today, it is difficult to see a film without CGI. CGI reaches further than just the cinema though, and is used in historical recreations, medicine, and many other fields.

Signifigance

CGI allowed for the creation of many different mediums of entertainment, as well as for practical and educational use. CGI is often used in the recreation of historical landscapes, monuments, and other things. CGI is also used in the medical field, in the creation of anatomical models. Some people criticize the use of too much Computer Generated Imagery in films, but without CGI Michael Bay would be out of a job.