Guest Horrorshow Blogger (Home)
by Adrian Rawlings Nov 21, 2013

What do mutating aliens, zombie flash mobs, and a Samuel L. Jackson shark attack have in common? Two things: special effects and awesomeness. All kidding aside, most fans agree that gore scenes and special effects are the most appealing parts of horror movies. But it's how those scenes are produced that creates a divide amongst super fans. Today, computer generated imagery (CGI) runs rampant in Hollywood films, including horror. But that doesn't mean the use of prosthetics hasn't been slashed from the screen forever.
It's a classic age-old debate between movie fanatics, but whether you prefer the use of prosthetics or CGI for scare scenes, you have to admit that both have their merit – and for different reasons.

Prosthetics, including makeup and faux blood, score high on the shock factor scale. It's a common technique used in most of the classics and in a number of foreign horror films. Sure, the effects may not be the most realistic– sometimes even to the point of being a bit laughable. But that's what entertainment is all about!
Remember The Thing? If you're thinking of the 2011 remake, think again. Take it all the way back to the 1982 remake (the gore-less original came out in 1951), and return to the promised land of true prosthetic paradise (and a much younger version of Kurt Russell).  Exploding chests, popping eyeballs, and mutating humans attacking non-mutated humans: it's nothing short of magic. The combination of prosthetics, animatronics and stunts make it one of the most talked about films in the horror niche.

While prosthetics may be a bit more gruesome, CGI can be just as scary. The 2011 prequel to The Thing relies much more heavily on CGI, debated by some to be less effective than prosthetics for gloom and gore, but it’s entertaining nevertheless. It's CGI that produces this scene, featuring an octopus-resembling alien that erupts violently into a wall of flames. It's scary, looks pretty real, and, thankfully, no sea creatures or extra-terrestrials were harmed during the making of this film.

CGI is also arguably more convenient and cost effective, making it a good tool for mass production. It's easy to apply makeup to a handful of zombies, but when you need 5,000, it's time to call in the computers.  For example, Jerusalem might not be the first place you would guess to encounter zombies, right? But that's exactly where you'll find a horde of CGI-produced zombies scaling the walls of the city in the 2013’s World War Z. The CGI was produced using photo stills of the city, and the zombies’ motion was modeled on contortionists and performers scaling a real-life wall. The result is this terrifyingly stunning zombie pyramid scene.

So, how does the score settle out in the prosthetics vs. CGI competition? You decide - it's really up to personal preference. No matter which side of the fence you lean towards, there's usually always something chilling on the other side: dead or un-dead, real or not real.

AUTHOR: Adrian Rawlings; @adrianrawlings2

BIO: Adrian Rawlings is a TV and horror blogger. Look to him for the scoop on hit movies and TV shows, horror films, tech reviews, how-to guides, and more.

 

What they are saying about the Drive-In Horrorshow....

"10 out of 10"
- From Infernal Dreams

"Drive-In Horrorshow delivers a visual feast of blood splatter and clever storytelling."
- From Fangoria

"Drive-In Horrorshow takes the anthology and juices it fully with five unique stories that range from clever comedy to dark body horror."
- From Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense

"A well made anthology of short films."
- Zombie Movie Database

"Highly recommended for those who want to confront the monsters under the bed of their childhood. And as always find them scary."
- From I 400 Calci (translated from Italian)

"The general tone of this film struck me, because I've seen real passion for the genre."
- From Ulteriorit Precedente (translated from Italian)

"This is a high recommend from me, very entertaining and obviously done by filmmakers who love the genre. Long live the horror anthology!"
- From McBastard's Mausoleum

"Drive in Horror Show is–WITHOUT A DOUBT–the greatest horror anthology since George Romero's Creepshow"
- From Planet Fury

"I can't stop singing its praises."
- From Rogue Cinema

"If you like horror anthologies pick this one up, there's something for everyone here."
- From Deadly Indie Drive-In

"Every now and then a movie will come out that knocks you socks off and with its originality, creativity and magnetic appeal- well Drive in HorrorShow is that flick."
- From Angry Princess

"With a solid lineup of 5 stories that range from the serious to seriously goofy, Drive-In Horrorshow is the perfect film for a Friday night. Or any night for that matter."
- From Planet of Terror

"A tasty little anthology in the vein of Creepshow or Trick 'r Treat, Drive-In Horrorshow is a nifty treat of a film, well worth checking out." 
- From Radiation-Scarred Reviews

"A cut above the rest and slice of incredible independent filmmaking." 
- From Horrornews.net

"One of the most entertaining horror anthologies I have seen in a while."
- From KillingBoxx

"The horror world is a fickle beast but Drive-In Horror Show manages to walk the lines of the subgenres without missing a beat. It's appeal reaches to horror fans of all types."
-Bill Fulkerson from Outside The Cinema

"Celebrates the long-lost beauty of the drive-in theater and all its bloody glory."
- From Basement Screams

"A slick five tale anthology film that was independently made and a reminder of cool shit we used to see on late night TV when we were kids."
- From Gross Movie Reviews

"A good throw back to the late night creature feature."
- From Cinema Fromage

"Top notch effects that invoke fear and comedy at the same time.  I really really like this movie."
- Podcast at Movie Fan House

"Fantastic." 
-Podcast at Horrorstuff

Other Press:

"The horror! But that's what he seeks."
- The Boston Globe talks with the filmmakers

"What motivated you and Michael Neel to make the transition from candid interviews and political documentaries to ghoulish gore horror?"
- Pamela Torres at Punk Globe interviews DIHS producer Greg Ansin

"Wowzers! That really sounds like some good shit!"
- Arrow In The Head is psyched for the release of DIHS