Big Models, Motion Control Cameras And Optical Printing

While pondering what to title this post, and what to write right here, I became seriously nostalgic for some good old fashion visual effects. When men were men and we blew stuff up. I also realized it's been way too long since I've screened ROTJ, so if you'll excuse me, I have some movie watching to do.

Sharknado!

When I saw Iain's comment about Sharknado on Facebook, I had a stinking suspicion we would all be appreciating something like this soon. Iain, you never fail to crack me up. 

Silent, Floating Peril

I can just hear the roar of the engines when looking at this. The golden age of dirigibles must have been a sight to see, but something like this would have been even more amazing. And depending on who's side you were on, probably terrifying. I really dig these little biplanes.

Somebody Call An Exterminator!

There was a giant spider outside my front door last night, so I know exactly how these guys feel. OK, that's a bit of a stretch, but check out this MOC. A giant tentacled beast terrorizing a factory as two cool vehicles rain hell fire upon it. Just another day at the Snuggies plant.  I have to assume the blue reflections to one side are sunlight creeping in to the picture, but it's a happy accident, because it adds some great effects.

Forced Perspective

One of the staples of visual effects and trick photography, forced perspective gives the illusion of greater distance in a small space. And combining minifigures and micro scale in the same vignette is a serious crunch in space. I love the medusa hair trees.

Dennis The Menace

I confess, I've never really cared for Dennis the Menace. I was born too late for the TV show, and the comic never really resonated with me, and we just won't discuss the 1993 movie. But this MOC caught my attention. It's clean, it's fun and it's clever. Check out that slingshot, love it.

This Is Heavy

I've been waiting patiently (or not) for this, the trilogy is finally complete. Larry Lars has been sharing his amazing DeLoreans from Back To The Future as he's been building them. As a BTTF fan I've been admiring them and hoping my favorite would make an appearance. I'm happy to say it's finally here and I can show all three. 

Elvis' Flight Recorder

LEGO Certified Professional Ryan McNaught has created this deceivingly complex MOC as part of the healing process after the destruction of "Elvis", his stunning Erickson Air Crane. Last month while on display at Cairns Central a group of juveniles senselessly destroyed the $25,000 model. Vandals suck.

Taking A Second (Or Third) Look

At first glance this seems like a strait-forward, simple little vignette. But take a closer look, there is a lot of clever building going on here. This is just first class NPU (nice part use). I especially love the jukebox and the desk lamp.

Onyx

With Pacific Rim out tomorrow there's mech fever in the air. So far I haven't exactly been jonzin' to see it, but it's from one of my favorite directors, so I might have to give it a chance. In the mean time we can all oggle at this nifty MOC by ZephrChaos.  

VRCP (Variable Role Combat Platform)

This is a very clever concept, a military vehicle with five different purposes depending on which module is attached to the back. Sorta the KitchenAid mixer of modern combat. I dig the dual axel steering in the front, and the attention to details all around. Check out the use of the crates on the missile launcher to break up that big surface and imply armor, brilliant.

Myrmidon Class Missile Boat

It doesn't get much cleaner than this. Crisp photography, simple but effective lighting, expert editing, slick background and tasteful graphics. It's a sweet MOC too.  Nice work John Stephens.

P-61 Black Widow

Between Revell, balsa, LEGO and Monogram I must have built this plane ten times as a kid. But I don't think any of them were as cool as this little rendition by Brian Fitzimmons. It may not be streamline, but the chunkyness lends charm to an otherwise 100% badass aircraft.

The Exodus

I once moved across the country with a U-haul, a station wagon, two guys and two barfy dogs. We did it in two days, just in time to start production on a horrible movie. So I can only imagine what it's like to be on a colonist ship, endlessly trekking across the cosmos. Of course I also just spent three days on the Disney Dream, so if there's a movie theater or two on this baby (and all you can eat ice cream) count me in. Nice build Tim, she's lovely.

Mikasa

Mike Dung is back again with another marvelous figure. This one is Mikasa Ackerman, from Attack On Titan. I love the posable joints and the build on this one, especially the spindly limbs. They just don't seem quite enough to hold her weight, which makes her even more "anime".

Arrival In Dunholm

This offering from The Brick Time Team is quite nice. It depicts the arrival of some troops in Dunholm, as they pass the old weaving mill and the stately manor of the Strindberg family. I've never seen an elevated tudor structure before, fascinating. And that house is amazing. 

Collaborative Parade

This is a neat idea. Brother Steven, Athalus, Andhe, AK_Brickster, Angry Octopus, Eklund, Gurusql, and Daken the Bladesmith all got together to build a "virtual collaborative. Each of them built one section of this parade. Yes, the photoshop is a little rough, but I'm more captivated by the idea, I like it.
 

Mothra!

I grew up watching Toho films. Saturday mornings were always improved when a giant monster was stomping through Tokyo. There's a lot to take in on this MOC. Of course there's the brick-built details of Mothra's wings, but check out the fallen bridge, excellent. And the dual rail maser cannon (not a typo), it's a beauty.

Take Cover!

Science fiction has a long and enduring history of imagining how our alien overlords will take over our planet (at least the dystopian visions, I rather prefer the E.T. scenario). This concept, of the great walking instrument of destruction, is as old as any, and still just as disturbing. I know it's become cliche, but take a second a think about it, can you imagine just how scary this would be? This thing lumbering down the main street of your home town, a wake of destruction behind it, certain death in front of it. There, you're welcome, sleep tight.

More Minions

With Despicable Me 2 coming out recently there's been a boom in Minion builds. This one is especially nice. I have to admit I take slight offense to the pupils being drawn on the eyes (but we do really need some printed eye 1x1 round tiles LEGO, nudge nudge). The overall characters are captured excellently. You wouldn't think a slope plus a 1x1 plate would make a good mouth, but look at it, it's perfect! 

*update*  New minions added, with new eyes. They're awesome.