GeekSugar

Behind the Scenes at ILM: The Making of Indiana Jones

GeekSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:00:40 -0700

It's been 19 years since we last saw Indiana Jones - who just so happens to be one of my favorite heroes in film - so I was stoked to see the latest installment to hit the big screen. However, I'm even more excited to take home my own copy of the film tonight to add to my collection. Not only to relive the adventure, but to see the extras that come with the DVD!

During my visit to the ILM studios, I was not only treated to some juicy behind the scenes info on the making of Iron Man, but also got the inside scoop on the making of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. We chatted with Visual Effects Supervisor Pablo Helman and Art Director Christian Alzmann here in San Francisco a few weeks ago, and talked about the challenges of movie making, and how visual effects really enhance film. To see what they offered up, just read more.

Scenes for the film were shot in Hawaii, Russia, Brazil, and New Mexico.
Although there were a lot of special effects used in the blockbuster, Pablo Helman (Visual Effects Supervisor) wanted to use real landscapes and location shots whenever possible - usually he used at least 50 percent of actual footage, with the rest being visual effects.

The nuclear bomb scene in the first half of the film was shot using miniature models - the entire town was scaled down, except for the one house Indy ran into to hide from the bomb.
The chase scene through the jungle contained a huge number of visual effects. The road they were driving on was in Hawaii, but the cliffs were pieced in from shots they took in Brazil.
The attacking ants were programmed with artificial intelligence, so the animators didn't have to animate every single ant's path.
To get the special effects right for the Maccupiccu scenes, a photographer was sent on location to photograph the landscape for three days. Later, animators and visual effects designers could match the light, contours, and backgrounds to the photos, since the Maccupiccu scenes were shot on a set.
Interesting, but obvious: George Lucas prefers working with special effects, whereas Steven Spielberg likes to work with actual film and footage.

Will you be getting your copy of the DVD today? You know where I'll be after work!

Indiana Jones Coming on DVD Tomorrow!

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:00:22 -0700

Sugar staffers around the office are stoked for the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull release on DVD tomorrow. Why? Two words: Shia LaBeouf. Yes, some of us have a total "Teen Beat" crush on the superstar, and his role in the film only perpetuates that bad boy image that most girls fall for. We're all suckers - admit it, you are too. Whether you're stoked for some Jones because of the story, or the cast, I've got my hands on some exclusive pics for you to feast on until you get your own copy of the movie tomorrow. Check them out in this slideshow, and stay tuned for more geeky-behind-the-scenes details on the special effects that went into the film tomorrow!

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Play Indiana Jones Online!

GeekSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:07:23 -0800

It seems all geeks love Indiana Jones. Maybe it's his fly hat, maybe it's his guy-next-door yet heroic persona, and maybe it's just because he's a professor of archeology and an adventurer (read: Geek God). Combine that collective love for Jones with Legos and you get an awesome Lego Indiana Jones Adventure, a free (and fun!) flash game I can't get enough of this week. The game takes you on a journey from America to a Peruvian temple. You "play" a Lego Indiana figure and search for treasure and avoid the perils of the jungle.

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2008 Video Game Preview: Part III

GeekSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:00:25 -0800

We are in the home stretch for our three part series giving you a taste of the coolest games scheduled to drop in the next 12 months. In this final installment, it's all about size. One game making a move from a tiny touch screen to a roomier home, a huge silver screen box office buster downsizing to something more modest, a series with an extra large following that will surely grab even more attention, and a little known charmer that just might make it big. Check out parts I and II if you haven't already, and keep your eyes peeled each month for new releases so you can get your game on all year long! Mario Kart Wii
What's better than racing classic Mario Kart style? With a Wii wheel, of course! The new Wii edition offers the usual online multi-player action but now you can race motorcycles! Will Princess Peach ride side saddle? Find out in early 2008 on the Wii.

Need more? Of course you do so read more

Indiana Jones
Seriously realistic graphics from LucasArts is sure to make this game visually stunning. The only setback is that it's been in production for so long, I doubt that newly coined super star Shia will make a cameo. But there's always hope, right? Look for Indy this year on the silver screen and in your home on the PS3 or Xbox 360.

Little Big Planet
Customization is the name of this game where you make your own characters, levels, and surroundings. Swap customized games online for seriously endless options for gameplay. Plus it's so cute, you really won't be able to resist. Stealing your heart this winter on the PS3.

Grand Theft Auto IV
The joys of Grand Theft Auto return for hot wiring, car jacking, crash inducing action with Niko Bellic. GTA developer Rockstar, promises a brilliant online experience and almost zero load times. We'll hold them to that! Check it out this Spring on your PS3 or Xbox 360.

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Lego Indiana Jones DS Review: So Addictive!

GeekSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:30:38 -0700

I've been playing Lego Indiana Jones non stop for the past week - in the car, on the train, and every spare second I have at home. It's really that addicting, and that much fun! When I first heard about the Lego series of games, I laughed it off thinking it couldn't really hold my attention. But after playing Lego Star Wars on the GameCube at a pal's house, I was hooked! It's a game that's not too hard, not too easy, and totally worth picking up.

In this puzzle game, you play as Dr. Jones, making your way through the jungles of South America to the mountains of India, collecting goodies and beating your adversaries in each movie themed section. To learn more about this game, see some screen shots and to find out what my favorite console is to play it on, just .

From the start of this game, you'll have characters that you switch back and forth between to help you along the way, like playing as Indy to whip swing across a river of lava, and then switching to Short Round to squeeze through a tight entryway. How does the Lego theme come into play you ask? Well, Indiana can build platforms, bridges, and other helpful things out of Legos once he finds a hidden pile. And besides, seeing Indiana as a Lego man is pretty funny, especially when his head pops off!

Although you can choose between a number of consoles to play Lego Indiana Jones, playing on the DS is particularly fun. The magic of the DS comes alive while playing, and all of its features are utilized: you can use the microphone to blow out candles, blow up rafts to cross streams, and use the touch screen to activate your tools along the way. The graphics are surprisingly good, and I could see everything I needed to see without squinting. Plus, replay value is high with this title, since you'll never be able to find all the hidden treasures in your first try.

Overall, I think Lego Indiana Jones is a great game to play anytime, anywhere; and the $30 I spent for the DS version was the best money I've spent in a long time! What's more, the Lego fun won't stop here. There's a Lego Batman coming in September - surely to be added to the top of your Fall game wish lists!

Lego Indiana Jones is out now! Pick it up online.

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Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures

kristyrk — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:56:14 -0700

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Indiana Jones Lego Game

Angelica — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:01:45 -0800

Too much fun!

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Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes First Impressions

GeekSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:35:12 -0700

I got to meet up with my pals from Lucas during E3 yesterday, and they walked me through their Star Wars themed title. A classic battle between good and evil (is there any other kind?), you battle your way through levels wielding your Light Saber and powers of the Force. But this game isn't based on the classic Star Wars franchise - it takes off after season one of the hugely popular animated series on the Cartoon Network, Clone Wars.

Not only does the game look like a ton of fun for experienced gamers and newcomers alike (since the main action involves button mashing and aiming your joystick), but it keeps things fresh by adding in a few new features. To find out what they are, just read more.

If you're familiar with the other Star Wars games (or even if you aren't), then you'll love the added features that come with Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes. You'll be able to jump on various enemies and take them over, using them against their own kind in a move called "Droid Jacking." Not only is this really fun, but you'll earn achievements as well. Another cool feature you'll find familiar is the "Drop in, Drop Out" co-op play we saw in Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones. Your friends can pick up a controller and jump in, then leave at any point they want. Cool for those fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants types.

And finally, to keep things interesting, Lucas Arts has added some fun mini games (like shoot-em up, which has you mowing down enemies for points) within the levels. The good news is you won't have to exit your current game, so it's not a hassle to participate. Due out in September, Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes will be released on the Wii, DS, PSP, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC platforms.

Now Your Legos Can Rock: Harmonix Plans Lego Rock Band

GeekSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:05:06 -0700

It goes without saying that I'm a big fan of Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Lips, anything that has me and my friends rocking out together. And since it seems that no one is immune from the karaoke bug, Harmonix is taking its cue from previous Lego branded video games and will be bringing us Lego Rock Band for your musical pleasure this Winter.

I loved Lego Indiana Jones on my DS, so it's gonna be pretty freakin' hilarious to see the little Lego guys shredding to tunes like "Song 2," "Kung Foo Fighting," "The Final Countdown," and Pink's "So What," which have all been confirmed as launch title songs. Although the game will be aimed at the younger set, I'm pretty stoked to see if this game turns up under my Christmas tree . . . and I'm a grown adult.

Microsoft Announces Three New Xbox 360 Bundles

GeekSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:30:39 -0700

Gaming bundles are the best. Why? Because you usually get a console with a couple games at a fraction of the price you would have paid if you purchased them all separately.

If you need a new Xbox 360, Microsoft has just unveiled three new Xbox 360 bundles that offer Lego Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda with the Pro and Elite bundles, and Sega Superstar Tennis with the Arcade version. No word on pricing or where you can pick these bundles up just yet.