Gizmodo: jurassic park

The 50 Greatest Special Effects Shots In Cinema

Mark Wilson — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:45:00 EST

Not only did the Den of Geek assemble a respectable (if not a little controversial) list of the top 50 special effects shots of cinema, the site also explained the tricks behind the illusions.

Of course the well-deserving staples show up in the list (Star Wars, Tron and Jurassic Park), but there was one in particular that I didn't know about, and it may be the most convincing moment on the list.

In Total Recall, there's a brief moment when a secretary changes the colors of her nails with the tap of a wand. How did they do it? The illusion was created through rotoscoping, a layered matte animation in use since 1915.

Since you're not doing anything at work today, hit the link and enjoy the whole list. And no, there was no mention of that other effect from Total Recall in the top 50. [Den of Geek via OhGizmo!]

Scientists Clone Mouse from Damaged Frozen Cells, Mammoth, Sabertooth Next In Line

Jesus Diaz — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST

Apparently, genetic scientist Teruhiko Wakayama hasn't read Jurassic Park, as he is working to create technology to clone mammoths, sabertooth tigers, giant deers, and steppe lions from frozen genetic material. The DNA in cells subjected to permafrost gets extremely damaged, making it impossible to use for cloning. Until now, that is, because Wakayama and his team of researchers used new technology to successfully clone a healthy mouse from a carcass that was frozen for 16 years at -4 ºF. Now he's saying that a mammoth is possible, opening the door to the realization of the Pleistocene Park, a project that seeks to create a sanctuary with those animals and more in northern Siberia:

There are many technical challenges involved in resurrecting a mammoth, but we have shown that the nuclear transfer method can be used to create healthy clones, even when the animal’s cells have been damaged by permafrost-like conditions.

Actual cloned mouse and the frozen one

Kinki University biology professor Akira Iritani, a leading member of the Mammoth Creation Project and coordinator of the Pleistocene Park, must be amazed with Wakayama's words. And so am I. Because there's nothing this side of a Tyrannosaurus Rex vs Triceratops battle that I would like to see more than a sabertooth tiger pack hunting a mammoth, live in front of me (of course, then the sabertooths will realize that I'm a easier prey and will quickly shift their dinner menu). [Pink Tentacle]

A Robotic Jurassic Park Coming to Dubai

Sean Fallon — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:00:57 EST

When it comes to Dubai and attracting wealthy tourists, the word "restraint" is seldom used. Perhaps that is why it is not surprising that the locals are building a $1 billion theme park that will feature over 100 animatronic dinosaurs of 40 different species. Dubbed "Restless Planet," the park will attempt to provide an educational experience amid all of the Vegas-style spectacle. This will be done using history themed rides and robots/habitats that represent an accurate portrayal (based on current knowledge) of what life was like millions of years ago.

The robots will also be capable of interacting with guests by following them with their eyes or lunging at them as the walk by. Even though you would think that keeping the wraps on a 500,000 square foot park would be difficult, further details are scarce. However, the park is scheduled to open in late 2008 in City of Arabia, Dubai. [City of Arabia and Cosmos]