The History of Special Effects: Special effects existed long before cinema. Ancient theatrical productions used stage blood, pyrotechnic explosions, mirrors, trap doors, and elaborate puppets. Over the years, developments in photographic and digital technologies have allowed filmmakers to use these long-established mechanical effects and stage illusions in new and increasingly spectacular ways. While special effects may seem to dominate some films, replacing story and character with razzle-dazzle, many of the best-regarded special effects films use these effects to tell wonderful stories. Ray Harryhausen, who painstakingly used stop-motion animation to bring to life legendary monsters and figures one frame at a time, is one of many special effects technicians who have combined technical craft with human theatricality to create entertaining magic. This interactive timeline showcases some of the key moments in the history of cinematic special effects.

>> LAUNCH GAME <<

FOR FURTHER READING

Brosnan, John. Movie Magic: The Story of Special Effects in the Cinema. Plume Books: New York, 1974.

Oscar.com.

"Reel Timeline 1890–Future." Nova Online.

"Special Effects: Titanic and Beyond." Nova Online.