The Lion Roars Again

I’ve published several blogs on specific MGM effects films in the 18 months since my blog has been operational, with special editions on such iconic Metro visual effects films as FORBIDDEN PLANET and the still amazing THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO among others. I probably love the golden era Metro Goldwyn Mayer matte art above all of the other production houses, with something of a ‘A Grade’ seal of approval always seemingly part of the deal with the matte paintings from that great studio. That’s not to say that MGM were the boldest nor ingenious when it came to pulling off magic. That honour would have to go to the incredibly resourceful and imaginative Warner Brothers Stage 5 effects department who, in my book, remain unsurpassed throughout the 30’s and 40’s (though they dropped the ball all too often in the fifties, sadly), even under the miserly penny pinching rule of studio head and founder, Jack Warner… though as usual, I digress!

I feel honoured to own a pair of original MGM Newcombe mattes from the 30’s and early 40’s respectively, and these take pride and place on my living room walls (between much of my own mediocre artwork) and I never lose a sense of engaged fascination as I look up at them and think about the illustrious ‘magic kingdom’ from whence they came. Even the old, musty smell – akin to that one would encounter when browsing the old hardcover first editions section of a long established second hand bookshop – incidentally an aroma I enjoy so much (let’s see these Apple I-Pad gimmicky things achieve that sensory delight)…

…Read the Full Article @ Matte Shot

This blog is intended as a tribute to the ingenuity of the traditional matte painter where movie magic was created entirely by hand. Some of the shots will amaze in their grandeur and epic quality while others will surprise in their ‘invisibility’ to even the sophisticated viewer. I hope this collection will serve as an appreciation of the artform and both casual visitors and those with a specialist interest may benefit, enjoy and be amazed at skills largely unknown today

NZPete

I have gone further back into the archives of Matte Shot – A Tribute to Golden Era Special FX to feature even more articles from this great site, so  I hope you enjoy this wonderful journey we’re on together.

PJ Max