Animation Blog

It was way, way back in 1982 when Disney moved away from its normal routine of princess fairy tales and ventured into creating the movie Tron, which was a science fiction film which talked about computers and their vast implication. For those who have not heard of this movie, let’s just say it is well-remembered for being one of the first theatrical releases to use any form of 3D cartoon animation.

However, Tron was not all about the cartoon animation. Actually, the film only used about fifteen to twenty minutes of actual animation in the film. In hindsight, one of the more important aspects of the films was exploring the possibilities of virtual worlds.

Yes, virtual worlds. The narrative of the movie revolves around computer programs which are depicted as humans. Inside this virtual world, computer programs resemble their creators which are called the Users. Sounds familiar? Looks like an early age avatar to me.

Tron, as conceptualized by Steve Lisberger, wanted to explore what happens if video games became more than just a form of entertainment. According to Lisberger: “I realized that there were these techniques that would be very suitable for bringing video games and computer visuals to the screen. And that was the moment that the whole concept flashed across my mind.”

Virtual worlds are much more associated with the social network variety such as Second Life and Habbo Hotel. So this idea of Tron treated video games as something more than fun and games. And thankfully, that’s what we are experiencing now with commercial and free online virtual worlds.

Even in 1982, the concept had much promise in exciting the imagination of viewers. Tron was released on July 9, 1982 in 1,091 theaters grossing USD $4.8 million on its opening weekend. It went on to make $33 million in North America, moderately successful considering its $17 million budget. Perhaps it was one of the earlier films to depict avatars in a movie. Here was the movie’s cast:

– Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn/Clu
– Bruce Boxleitner as Alan Bradley/Tron
– David Warner as Ed Dillinger/Sark/Master Control Program (voice)
– Cindy Morgan as Dr. Lora Baines/Yori

Notice how the real life characters also had virtual world counterparts which were portrayed by the same actors. After almost two decades, who would have thought that an entire industry would survive on trying to provide accessories and clothes to several avatars in virtual worlds?

Tron, even with the mixed reviews it got from critics back in 1982, was able to become a visionary movie about the future of the world with virtual worlds. Now I think it is about time to refresh the memory of the new generation with Tron – because the 3D animation studio Pixar has been reported to be contacted to create a film remake or sequel of Tron. Rumors of such film have been floating around since 1999 and finally we are getting a clearer picture for a 2011 sequel/franchise reboot.

Screenwriters Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz have been commissioned to write the film script while director Joseph Kosinski is tasked to give a vision for the film. Filming of this new movie has already begun in Vancouver, British Columbia in April 2009.

Jeff Bridges will reprise his role as Kevin Flynn, while Garrett Hedlund will potray Sean Flynn. The other cast are Bruce Boxleitner, Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett, Karl Urban and John Hurt. It was also announced that electronic music duo Daft Punk will compose the score to the film.

Could this new sequel provide us with a preview of what virtual worlds may be in the next decade or so? Now that’s something to look forward to.