Regardless of your personal thoughts about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, it is hard to deny the mostly impressive use of visual effects running throughout the latest sci-fi saga entry (one notable exceptions — those Rathtar’s aren’t cutting it, JJ). Now, Industrial Light & Magic have released a VFX reel showcasing the truly insane amount of digital compositing and manipulation that went into the steely hangars and beautiful desert backdrops in the film. From manipulations of real spaces to fit the feel of the world, to entire fabrications of locations and characters, it is an eye-opening look into the world and powers of VFX.
Of particular note is the gargantuan Star Destroyer nestled at its crashing location in the deserts of Jakku, which is entirely created by ILM. The minutely detailed model — including parts not even shown in the frame — is itself an argument for the wonderful capabilities of intelligently utilized visual effects. See the full reel below, along with our discussion of the film.