History of 3D Computer Animation

In this article, I will tell you a little bit about the history of 3D computer animation. This is one subject that I really enjoy since cartoons and 3D animation are very often related.

I remember the first time I saw Toy Story in 1995. I was impressed by the technology and couldn't wait to see another 3D computer generated movie. 

Well today, it seems like these movies are parts of the cinematic culture. And the quality is getting better and better (want some names? Nemo, Ratatouille, The incredibles, Monsters inc and so much more!).

But where did it all started?

The first use of 3D in a movie is probably the one we could saw in Futureworld in 1976. And Star Wars fans, you will be trill to notice that the original movie was also one of the first to use 3D wireframes (for the plans of the Death Star).

One of the first movie to really immerse the viewers in a 3D universe is without a doubt, Tron in 1982. I remember being really impress by this movie (I was 10).

The first computer animated character that really stunned the audience was certainly the T-1000 from Terminator 2. The movie didn't have many sequences with the super liquid villain, but they were all memorable!

Of course, another major breakthrough was Jurassic Park. OK, it might not be a cartoon animated movie like Toy Story but this movie really was a turning point in the history of 3D animation in general.

Since then, not a major action or sci-fi movie doesn't have a couple of shots involving 3D special effects of some sorts. Now, the trend might go with movies like Beowulf (2007) or even Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005). 

This kind of movies are still a little costly to produce but they really give the director all the freedom to create a new world!

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