Princess Scott Culture 12.14.2022 21:Dec PM EST

#EntertainmentTech 5 Things You Didn't Know About the 1973 Film ‘Westworld,’ the First Movie to Feature CGI

Computer Generated Imagery or CGI makes movies interesting. It takes movies to a whole new different level and gives us a totally one-of-a-kind experience when viewing. Do you know that the first movie to use CGI is a 1973 film entitled "Westworld"?

The film "Westworld" is the movie that started it all. There are a couple of scenes in the film where the audiences are able to look through the eyes of Gunslinger, an evil robot.

While the CGI back then wasn't much compared to today, it's still impressive considering that there wasn't much technology available in 1973. Moreover, the creators of the film didn't really have a model to follow. Therefore, they just made their own using a 1970s scanner.

Here are five things you didn't know about "Westworld," the first movie to feature CGI.

1. The CGI in 'Westworld' Drew Inspiration from Mars Photos

Surprisingly, the film drew inspiration from the Mars photographs that were taken by the Mars Mariner that flyby on the red planet in the mid-1960s, according to Vox.

John Whitney, the designer and artist of the film, saw the Mariner photos. He thought the distinctive appearance of the Mars photos was a good template for the computer vision of a robot character in "Westworld." Moreover, they are also good technical models.

2. 'Westworld' was Succeeded by 'Futureworld'

A film called "Futureworld" succeeded "Westworld" in 1976, as per Mental Floss. The sequel brought together the original team. However, this time, a few talented newcomers were invited to join the team.

"Futureworld" is the second installment in the "Westworld franchise. It was directed by Richard T. Heffron, while Mayo Simon and George Schenck wrote the screenplay. The film tried to take the plot in a different direction from "Westworld." However, unlike the first film, this second film was not well received by US critics.

3. 'Westworld' is the First Film to Use Digital Image Processing

The original "Westworld" movie that was made in 1973 was the first feature film to include digitally processed sequences. The sequences involving gunslinger were altered to appear pixelated for 2 minutes and 31 seconds. It involves a process of separating the color layers of each 70-millimeter film frame.

This is a breakthrough in the movie-making industry. It not only introduces a new technique in making films, but it also integrates technology in movie-making.

4. 'Beyond Westworld' is the Third Film in the 'Westworld' Franchise

In 1980, there was another attempt to revive the "Westworld" franchise. A show called "Beyond Westworld" was created, taking from where "Futureworld" had left off.

Michael Crichton, the director of the first film, directed this TV series. The story revolves around Security Chief John Moore of the Delos Corporation, who has to stop the evil scientist Simon Quaid from using robots in Delos to try to dominate the world.

5. Quentin Tarantino and Arnold Schwarzenegger Could Have Rebooted 'Westworld'

In 2002, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed on to produce and star in a reboot of "Westworld." However, Schwarzenegger never took over the role because he became the Governor of California. Likewise, the award-winning director Quentin Tarantino was asked to reboot the movie, but he passed.