<p>It would be rare these days to find a film that did not in some way depend on the magic of visual effects, from the raging computer-generated dinosaurs in Steven Spielberg's<i>Jurrasic Park</i>, to the fantastical worlds of Tim Burton's <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>, and the photoreal tiger and ocean in Ang Lee's<i>Life of Pi. </i>Through interviews with 16 of the leading effects pioneers from around the world<b>(see list below)</b>, author Ian Failes explores the making of some of the most memorable film sequences ever produced, showcasing the shift from practical to digital magic with original behind-the-scenes imagery, shot breakdowns, and detailed explanations of some of the secrets behind the making of cinema's most extraordinary creations.</p><p>Visual effects artists and films discussed include: </p><p>Dennis Muren (<i>Star Wars: Episodes IV–VI; Terminator 2: Judgment Day; Jurassic Park; A.I. Artificial Intelligence; War of the Worlds</i>)</p><p>Bill Westenhofer (<i>Babe: Pig in the City; Cats &amp; Dogs; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Golden Compass; Life of Pi</i>)</p><p>Joe Letteri (<i>The Lord of the Rings</i> trilogy;<i> King Kong; Avatar; Planet of the Apes</i>;<i>The Hobbit </i>trilogy)</p><p>Rob Legato (<i>Apollo 13; Titanic; The Aviator; Hugo</i>) </p><p>Paul Franklin (<i>Pitch Black; </i>Christopher Nolan’s <i>The Dark Knight</i> trilogy<i>; Inception; Interstellar</i>)</p><p>Richard Edlund (<i>Star Wars: Episodes IV–VI; Raiders of the Lost Ark; Ghostbusters; Multiplicity</i>);</p><p>Edson Williams (<i>X-Men: The Last Stand; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; The Social Network; Captain America</i>films)</p><p>Karen Goulekas (<i>Godzilla; The Day After Tomorrow; 10,000 BC; Green Lantern</i>);</p><p>Chris Corbould (<i>Golden Eye; Die Another Day;</i> Christopher Nolan’s <i>The Dark Knight</i> trilogy;<i>Inception</i>); </p><p>Ian Hunter (<i>The X-Files; The Dark Knight; The Dark Knight Rises; Inception; Interstellar</i>)</p><p>John Rosengrant (<i>Terminator </i>films<i>;</i> <i>Jurassic Park;</i> <i>Iron Man</i> films<i>; Real Steel</i>)</p>