STAR WARS - The Empire strikes back - Fan made CGI VFX #1

[@Ravege98]

This is great and all, no doubt, but it also makes me appreciate how good the practical effects were *44 years* ago.

[@troyc4250]

I agree 100%

[@Smenkhaare]

Makes me want to watch the Empire Strikes Back that I saw in 1980 at age 16.

[@topherbec7578]

Light and shadows are so much better on practical models.

[@m1a1hm]

I also agree. As good as this video is but being a model builder I still think models still do something better than CGI. But still a cool video.

[@Smenkhaare]

@@m1a1hm I agree... love the CGI but the model builders of 2001, Silent Running, Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi really stretched the imagination and technology to get the most out of the model shots.

[@N.SLASH.A]

Lenses. Exposure. Emulsion. I applaud your effort, but on top of what everyone has said about the practical models, there’s so much to the romantic gaze of film, this exercise does a great job of illustrating why so many of us keep coming back to the OT.

[@michaeldexter2544]

Excellent! I do have one very minor criticism, though: ion cannons don't do explosive damage; they work by disrupting a ship's electrical systems and thus disabling it. Because the captain of the stardestroyer was overconfident, he hadn't raised shields and so the ground-based ion cannon was able to disable his ship with just two shots. (You can see in the original version that the ship's systems shut down when it is hit, but that the hull isn't physically damaged.)

[@Skrubb_Lord]

Not to mention the Executor is completely missing.

[@Smenkhaare]

Excellent observation and I totally agree. See my post.

[@ThePathStrider]

I didn't think shields stopped ion cannon shots. Saying that, it takes a powerful shot to completely disable a Star Destroyer. Starship mounted ion weapons would be hard pressed to achieve the same result.

[@michaeldexter2544]

@@ThePathStrider If I recall correctly, the novelization explicitly states that the reason the ion cannon was able to disable the ISD is because the captain hadn't ordered the shields up. I don't think it has ever been explicitly addressed on-screen, but it's explained in the games (such as X-Wing) and in the Thrawn trilogy of novels that ion cannons cannot damage a ship's systems until the ship's shields are brought down or overloaded. If ion cannons bypassed shields, then even the smallest fighter could be armed with an ion cannon and it could disable even the largest ship with just a couple of shots. In such a scenario, it would be truly idiotic to build large combat-oriented ships at all, since they'd be almost instantly disabled in any combat situation.

[@HandGrenadeDivision]

I would add that the initial probe landing on the surface wouldn't produce a cloud of dust - the ground is *frozen* so you'd get clods of dirt and rock, but not dust. The snowscape is breathtaking - but the vehicles all seem to be going very slowly.

[@rikk319]

While the speed of the snow speeders and Milennium Falcon are off, the fact you did this by yourself rather than a full crew from ILM is a testament to how far CGI tech has come in 44 years. Excellent work!

[@maxcooper6554]

I love being able to see the Destroyer actually changing course to pursue the Falcon. Top notch job! MTFBWY

[@Smenkhaare]

That was good as well... plus seeing the two destroyers trying to avoid one another....

[@laffing_hwhitee]

1000%!!!

[@pspboy7]

The practical effects of Empire are still top notch for the time!

[@TerraStory225MYA]

It’s amazing that even after many decades the original effects are STILL better than what people can come up with today. Good effort though.

[@sirducksworthythe3rd842]

Disagree, fir I find this fan cg edit here better then the og effects of ig trilogy (good movies, all 9 of them plus solo and rogue one)

[@TerraStory225MYA]

@@sirducksworthythe3rd842 It's all subjective, but I can still get that "digital" feel from this. Doesn't feel real to me the way the OG film does.

[@scawmper]

I agree, although I applaud the effort & results from such a small team. Maybe it's just me, but I figured my fellow millennials would treat CGI as a quaint hobby, with all the modding & such done with computer games during our formative years. Turns out that was much more niche than I even thought it was. CGI simply isn't there yet. It's much closer than it's ever been, but the difference between a practical miniature and CG is still obvious. And, damn, those films are great. What in the hell happened?

[@robertdouble559]

Better than amateurs TBH. this is far from pro standard. A valiant effort, but miles of ready for the big (or small) screen.

[@robertdouble559]

@@scawmper CGI is very good when done by true professionals, and I hazard a guess that you would not have a clue what's CG and what's not in the best of the best movies. Shit CG is shit. Great is virtually invisible.

[@christopherrobin4619]

Beautiful work... really beautiful.. but ION cannons don't work that way. They are like emp pluses. They take out electronics but leave the ships undamaged. Quite different form standard blasters.

[@brantleyrobbins7188]

Dude your animation is top notch! I swear I wish Disney would give all these talented KZbinrs money to make Star Wars content.

[@stu3379]

Impressive, most impressive. Granted, that the CGI isn't as polished as it could be, BUT given that the original was accomplished by how many dozens of people, if not hundreds, over an innumerable amount of man hours, and this person now has the tools to complete it from their own home computer. How far we have come technology wise. Simply amazing!

[@crimsonorc]

Excellent work all round. The modelling work is great. However, I would say that the Snowspeeders and Falcon need to move a little faster. The Speeder search and Falcon exit from the hangar in particular.

[@charlessaint7926]

Vader's watching all of this from the bridge. "Huh. Neat."

[@UnclePengy]

Vader needs a cup with a straw, and make slurping sounds.

[@mortarmopp3919]

Can't say I saw anything particularly different or better than the actual movie.

[@Rikrik1138]

Idk, the snowspeeder flight was much more mountainous and looked cooler.

[@Smenkhaare]

@@Rikrik1138 The snow speeders were a lot more realistic and less janky looking. They fit the frame better. Also the TIE fighters in the long Empire ship highlights were in actual proportion to on another.

[@Smenkhaare]

Yes totally agree... no more huge TIE fighter flying over the bridge of the Star Destroyer... yest the Snow Speeders were slower... but a lot less janky.

[@lchambers56]

Everything looks great with the exception of the probe droid sequence. Keep up the good work!

[@roro515_video]

I said the same thing. The Probot scene isn’t “bad” it’s just different.

[@discreetfire]

Super great job! Keep going. To think that a handful or maybe even one person can do all this work when it took an entire army of experts back in the 80's. Great fan art THANK YOU!

[@honkeykong9563]

I love these videos but 4:27 was a missed opportunity to improve on the original spectacular shot of The Falcon roaring away to safety as Luke takes notice and can see that his friends have made it off the Planet.

[@scott21113]

Excellent! Amazing recreation of iconic moments

[@charranjitsingh6742]

Absolutely fantastic love watching this film with new scenes

[@acebrandon3522]

Miss the good ole days of superb cinema.

[@Chris_Thorndyke]

At least we have Sonic.

[@Da_Smudger]

​@@Chris_Thorndyke bullshit I would rather watch the Garfield movie

[@Yxalitis]

We still have it, there have always been bad movies, and good movies, we just remember the good ones more.

[@johnvrolijk2582]

They were more innovating to make scènes happen instead of go for vfx for everything. And they actually took the time for good story telling. Now everything needs to be fastpaced otherwise its boring or something.

[@RoverIAC]

Well done. I was having trouble picking original shots from recreations. shot at 2:56 has a bit of a jitter, maybe needs some motion blur or just a re-render. 3:20 shot of bridge looks great but maybe needs some 'space-mud' texturing on the surface. Great stuff, I'm looking forward to part 2.

[@parkerpshebnisky1051]

Your effects work look more clean and polished than most movies of the past 4 years!👍👍

[@roro515_video]

This is beautiful work!!! The only thing that looked noticeably off was the Probot rising out of the crater. Everything else looks like it was pulled directly from the film. I’m in awe!

[@SprocketListLiveUK]

That was fun to watch! I’m exhausted just thinking about how much work was involved to make it match the film. Well done.

[@leospencer2077]

Amazing! l'm love this movie about all Star Wars movies or series.

[@nbsmith100]

extremely impressive. the only criticism is that the snow speeders external view shots feel quite a bit slower than they do in the original clips. the millenium falcan also seems a hair slower in a couple of scenes as well. other than that it looks about spot on from what i can recall. i'd also say feel free to some artistic license to expand the scenes a bit if you feel something can be fitted in seamlessly as well (ie i f you think it can be good enough that it would go unnoticed most of the time)

[@sivispacem101]

L'excellence, comme d'habitude !

[@HalloranIllustrations]

That was totally awesome.

[@viperleader001]

I noticed that when they took out the first ISD, when that happen, they should've jumped into hyperspace, then they can announce that the first transport is away. (That is just my thinking) GOOD JOB!!!!

[@scottstallings5029]

FANTASTIC WORK!! THANK YOU 😊

[@robertobrien5709]

Even the "best" CGI still cant compete with well done real SFX using real props, real props look real when on film and viewed. Even the best CGI still looks flat and lifeless. As good as your recreation looks it still doesn't hold a candle to the original. Its nothing to do with nostalgia. When you know someone has put real effort in to making real models it also makes it more special as in wow they did this for us, they appreciate us the audience and we appreciate them.

[@Scripture-Man]

Very impressive! I would enjoy this even more if you did a shot-by-shot comparison, first the original then the CGI!

[@djsugarbear6715]

I want this whole movie now!

[@andrewweeks448]

sick move by Han/the falcon at 5:30

[@Soldier4USA2005]

This was pretty good!!!

[@rastanz]

Very cool, just a couple of observations to consider. The exterior views of the Snow Speeders seem a little slow during flight, perhaps matching the shots from within the cockpit view which are much more quicker will make them seem more fluent. 3:20 Vader was on his flagship's bridge, the Super Star Destroyer 'Executer' which is missing in your shot. 4:10 The deflector shield dome on the Star Destroyer 'Tyrant' wasn't destroyed by the Ion cannon, the blast only disrupted it's electronic systems rendering the 'Tyrant' powerless. 5:43 During the chase of the Millennium Falcon, the 'Tyrant' almost collided with both the 'Avenger' and another Star Destroyer called the 'Stalker' as all three Star Destroyers were in close proximity with each other attempting to block the Falcon from escaping. the 'Stalker' is too far away in your shot for that to happen. Otherwise they're pretty good renders.

[@ToBoldlyGo333]

amazing work dude!

[@tranzphaziktorpedo]

Ayo! Just a note to say that I wish I could do all the things that I (and other subscribers) see in the myriad of videos I see! The best I can do is to make videos of battles in Star Trek: Bridge Commander and STO! 😁 This is why I love seeing fan made CGI animations and living vicariously thru you all, the artists! 😊 Thanks for the content and the awesome work you do! Keep it up! Be safe and healthy! LLAP 🖖 😎

[@maingun07]

That's some nice work! Now you've forced my hand. I've got to finish that novel, get it published, and get the movie rights all so I can hire you to do the SFX.

[@JamesAlburyTheSkyAboveUs]

This was awesome! 😊

[@geosword6]

Appreciate the effort that went into this but for me, it just shows how practical effects and models have much more weight and realism to them - even almost half a century later. Edit: Just seen the top comment!!

[@Christmas_Joe]

This makes me realise how close practical effects are to modern CGI

[@Smenkhaare]

Good work as always... two caveats if you will. The ion cannon shots are meant to disable ships by shorting out their systems and not causing impact damage.... the strikes should wash over the Star Destroyer like the old shot. I also like the new Millennium Falcon take off shot but I did like the old shot where you see the Falcon scream across the screen and it lifted upward. Perhaps keep the transport and accompanying two X Wings taking off and have the long shot of the Falcon remain. Great work.

[@ADarkRogue]

Impressive.... most impressive...

[@SkyShazad]

ALWAYS EXCELLENT WORK

[@x-wingflyboy8177]

This is Star wars. This right here. ❤️

[@ChampionElCid]

Impressive, most impressive...

[@jsebastianfilms]

Impressive. Most Impressive.

[@richardb620]

What a movie !

[@Borsulupu]

Really nice work. Take this as a constructive criticism : make the visible components of thé Hull of star destroyers more "dirty" with random marks. These vessels endured lots of impacts from Space débris and combustion marks from atmosphère friction. For the close plans it 's relaly essential. Perhaps a little bit more light Blur to get that "grain" . Bybthe way, thé Rear views of your modèls are great with this reactor effect, very sharp lighting. Keep on with your good work !

[@WhenSithHappens]

Excellent work!

[@BritishPaz49]

Vader was on the bridge of the dark coloured super star destroyer not on one of the small white ones.

[@ryanparker4996]

Fancy seeing you ere big lad! 😂

[@LeonardoQuintana]

Woooow amazing!!!

[@AudieHolland]

*Leave this masterpiece alone* If you wanna improve SFX, there's a dozen of lesser movies ready and waiting.

[@jameshealy5227]

Appreciate the time and effort. You did a great job. I love Ep. I - VI but bad CGI reminds I'm watching a movie so quickly.Bad practical effects always seemed more normal life and easier to laugh off.

[@acbagel]

Great job

[@JLOFlix]

Way to go! Great job!!

[@zakthewarcat3172]

that was AWESOME

[@ImHereFastPerson]

4:45 I swear the x-wing knocking into Luke’s head would’ve made for a great call back to the stormtrooper hitting his head

[@MK-kj7jl]

i like it for some parts espescially the first 3 minutes were quite execptional. after the probedroid has landed it was a little rougher. but still very good, did like it. keep on and hope part 2 is released soon.

[@platinumtaterbug]

This was awesome! Nice work. But why no Executor? Also the ion cannon does electrical damage only. It’s like an EMP. For a fan edit this is really great, but please don’t give George any ideas. The original effects are perfect.

[@rikk319]

I'm guessing he didn't have the model for the Executor--I'd assume drawing it would take a good deal longer than a standard Star Destroyer.

[@sarahcahlik0u8me]

Awesome work! looked spectacular!! for your next project, have you concerned taking on Battlestar Galactica (1978)

[@stephenfwadsworth9565]

Thank you for your amazing efforts. As you mention. They certainly did a bang-up job back then. Considering what they had to use. Does this mean, one day we might be able to watch it in 8K? Keeping my fingers crossed, that the new 'Saga', doesn't suck. Who knows it might be like versions of 'Windows'?

[@denniswhite584]

Loved it

[@bloodyirishman5758]

Nicely done rendition. I don't understand the inconsistencies with Vader, though, in his force power. Not sure which movie it was but I saw a clip where he basically grabs a launching vessel via the force, slams it to the ground and the proceeds to rip it apart. Pretty awesome. Yet in Rogue One he couldn't stop Leia's launch nor could he stop the falcon launching in this one. Reminds me of Star Treks Federation warp core/antimatter pod ejection systems. The damn things never work! Why even install them...

[@wonpak4737]

Thanks for confirming the original is the best

[@GatchamanG4]

Outstanding!!❤👍

[@mikecollins1205]

The music that plays when the speeders are looking for Han and Luke is great! Always loved it. Wish I could find the name or where to find it.

[@Outrider74]

I prefer practical F/X, but that being said, you did a very good job.

[@UnseenMenace]

Great job!

[@kjames982010]

like it, but question? why add too much fire to a probe landing? the probes are supposed to mimic asteroid impacts because of stealth reasons.

[@TalesofStories]

Looks good. There still no substitute for practical effects lighting and texturing. Digital lighting is always just a bit too perfect. The close up of the Star Destroyer bridge feels somewhat flat with the materials and shaders you're using. Good job though. I work in 3d too, so I know how much work went into this. Good stuff.

[@edcliffe2988]

Pretty cool, but the one bit I feel that I must point out is that the ion cannon is just that, an ion cannon. It's supposed to short out powered systems, not do physical damage.

[@jjparavisini]

Great effort. I'm serious. I wish I could do these effects. But no, you can always tell it's CGI and not physical models. Most of the snow speeder scenes kind of needed a shadow somewhere, even if they were very soft. But again, great effort... you can tell there were many, many hours put into it.

[@richardhedderly]

Very good. It has the feel of Superman (1978) VFX. Watch that and you’ll see what I mean.

[@dale3852]

Nice touch’s.

[@ignaciorodriguez5636]

This is amazing, with better models it could be undistinguishable from the originals

[@Lord_Funk]

For a fan creation it is very good. 👍 I still think the original effects looks better, like the details on the model ships vs these digitally created ships etc, but like I said for a fan made thing it's excellent. When a fan can do this good cgi one can wonder what the big companies these days are doing with their 100's of millions in budgets and still create garbage many times. Both story wise, character development and effect wise.

[@LuisHumanoide]

omg!

[@samfromportadown]

Looks to me like the ISD head-to-head has been completely re-imagined. In the original movie one of them tries avoiding the other by pitching nose-down (before any pedant comes at me with an "ackshually", I mean nose-down relative to its previous attitude. Pitch nomenclature remains valid in space because it's relative to the vessel itself). But in this re-creation, it tries rolling out of the way. Taking a leaf out of Anakin's book. Let's try spinning, that's a good trick...

[@TheRealNormanBates]

I wish Adywan released an edit of ESB:R with grey TIEs. I don't know why, but he likes the blue look. 3:52 heh heh.. this is one of the ideas I suggested to him and he constructed: Needa should be at the _front_ of the bridge, not the side window. Ady not only corrected that mistake, but you can see a SD far off on the right closing in on Hoth.

[@miserablemozz8714]

I have to agree with what others have said about Ion cannons, there disrupt electronics, they're not missiles. Also, did the probe droid landing set the snow on fire? 😂😂

[@TheVortexPrime]

Amazing how the original still looks so much better compared to modern CGI, but then again Rogue One looked amazing and a lot of that was CGI (I think)

[@purefoldnz3070]

4:!5 the ion blasts are supposed to be blue on impact with some electricity effects.

[@BradyGeorgen]

Good attempt! Refine some color timing and your composites will look a little more natural, and remember that an ion cannon disables a ship and doesn't really blow anything up (nerd pickle on this one...) Regardless, keep up the good work!

[@lastguyminn2324]

Pretty impressive, but the panning shot of the Falcon soaring away as witnessed by Luke as he walks to his X-wing in the original looks even better than the re-creation.

[@TeddyLeppard]

Snowspeeder scenes looked good, but they looked a little slow. They need to be faster and more intense. :)

[@RonColeArt]

Practical special effects were clearly superior in this case.

[@troyc4250]

For me, New Hope and Empire are tied for #1 on my list of SW films.

[@351cleavland]

FYI - in the 2nd to last version of the script when the snow speeder pilot says "echo base this is rogue 2" a radio transmission comes in and the voice says "echo base this is rogue 2" then they giggle and hang up.. This caused the pilot to turn towards the dark side.

[@TipToe67]

Bravo!

[@rustywilson3127]

Very well done. Why no super star destroyer?

[@deanmcbeth4140]

Outstanding… but no Super Star Destroyer?

[@InDebt8]

Great work. My only issue is that Ion weapons fire blue rounds and yours were red'ish.

[@laughingcrowe22]

Why was there fire on the snow?

[@fabrizziodenegri5417]

Great!!!

[@DarthVader-1701]

Vader was on the SSD Executor and the Ion cannons don't do physical damage.

[@erikerice9068]

I thought the Ion cannon was supposed to disrupt electronics🤔

[@guysevedz3581]

Loved it, especially the damage done to the star destroyer.

[@craighicksartwork]

Except that isn't ion damage

[@guysevedz3581]

@@craighicksartwork no one but you ion nerds care

[@morganthus6323]

Snow on fire. Are you guys working for Disney? They have space on fire.

[@Gary_Hun]

4:08 - That is supposed to be an ion whatever thingamajig, disrupting power on the ship, and not Hollywood explosion bombs.