More than any other movie in recent history, Star Wars, changed the way makers of films produced their product. It would be the “Force” that would do away with back lots for movie and now television. No more elaborate sets but 1000′s of frames of computer generated art and actors in front of a green screen. According to Wikipedia:
“Before Star Wars, special effects in films had not appreciably advanced since the 1950s. Star Wars was also important in the movement towards the use of computer initiated imagery in films. The commercial success of Star Wars created a boom in state-of-the-art special effects in the late 1970s. There was increased investment in special effects. Companies like Industrial Light & Magic and Digital Productions were created to provide them.”
So while you are standing in line for the opening of the Avengers and are amazed by the special effects, raise that Big Gulp up in respect and May the 4th Be with You
