SUMMARY
A Film Riot video explores the practical effects used in '80s and '90s films, highlighting how limitations fostered creativity. It details the complex construction of Labyrinth's helping hands sequence using puppeteers and latex, the engineering behind the Aliens Queen puppet with hydraulics and internal operators, and the massive scale of the Armageddon asteroid impact using controlled detonations. The summary also touches on Titanic's miniatures and set rigs, and Die Hard's glass-walking effects and actor reactions.
TAKEAWAYS
Filmmakers used real constraints to create inventive practical effects for films like Labyrinth and Aliens.
The Aliens Queen puppet combined hydraulics with two internal puppeteers for organic movement.
Armageddon's asteroid impact involved a 100 ft sand island and precisely timed primacord detonations.
Titanic utilized large miniatures and tilting sets, while Die Hard featured practical stunts for actors.