VFX artists break down the memorable quicksand scene in the originalJumanji. The 1995 film starring Robin Williams captured the imagination of an entire generation, with the fond nostalgia for the story leading toJumanji: Welcome to the JungleandJumanji: The Next Level, both of which were box office hits.Jumanji 4is confirmedto be in development as theJumanjifranchise continues to expand, and while the sequels have been commercially popular, they are not as beloved as the original installment.
Corridor Crewtook a close look at the originalJumanji’s quicksand scene andpraised the visual effects that made the scene convincing in 1995 and that help it still hold up decades later.
In addition to the moment where the characters first sink into the quicksand, they are impressed by how Williams' face being stuck in the floor is visually rendered, and explain the painstaking process needed to execute this. They also noted the importance of lighting in the scene. Check out their comments below:
This scene is so crazy! It’s a scene where the attic and the floor turn into quicksand.
You notice how it’s a little bit brighter than the rest of the shot because they’re having to add light to it to create the shadows.
Now he’s got a little wooden plank that’s actually rubber for him to be able to push his face through to really get that closed, sort of pressed fit.
The rotoscoping is what kind of sells the effect because someone is manually painting and basically outlining his body to give the effect that there’s a three-dimensional surface that he’s passing through. It’s manual artistry to get the effect to work.
The VFX Is Only Part Of The Reason Jumanji Remains A Beloved Film
Jumanji Has A Unique Effect On Those Who Grew Up Watching It
The quicksand scene partly captures whyJumanjiremains one ofWilliams' best moviesand whyit is still particularly cherished by the generation that grew up in the 1990s. The concept of a board game that comes to life and thrusts its players into its jungle-related perils is fascinating and feels believable through Williams' enthusiastic performance. This is on display in the quicksand scene as he plays being sucked into the floor with equally dramatic and comedic effect.
The filmfeatures an entertaining blend of adventure, comedy, and fantastical elements that made it a favorite of the 1990s and that make it still well worth watching.
Jumanjiboth intrigued and frightened younger viewerswith the dangers it presented, from the sudden threat of quicksand to a fearsome lion being released while the characters play the game. Stories that have this dual effect on young viewers have an indelible impact, much like the common childhood fear and fascination associated with seeing the Wicked Witch of the West inThe Wizard of Oz. Such an impact makes it even more compelling to revisit the film years later and experience it again through the eyes of an adult instead of the eyes of a child.
Meme culture has also helpedJumanjilive on, with Williams' bearded character, Alan, shouting,“What year is it?“after being trapped in the game for 26 years is a common meme.The filmfeatures a satisfying blend of adventure, comedy, and fantastical elementsthat made it a favorite of the 1990s and that make it still well worth watchingJumanjion Netflixdecades later. While the rest of the franchise is entertaining, none of the other installments can truly rival the original.
Jumanji
Cast
Jumanji is an action-adventure comedy film by director Joe Johnston and starring Robin Williams. Two orphan siblings move into a home occupied by the former Parrish family, whose son disappeared years ago. When the two start playing a mysterious board game known as “Jumanji,” they unknowingly release the missing Alan Parrish later, along with various other jungle-themed dangers that can only be stopped if they finish the game.
