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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video we will discover everything we know about the underwater city of Waterworld, from the incredible special effects that brought the scene to life, to how the city fits into the greater Waterworld lore.
Brought to you by The Atoll, your home for Waterworld fandom.
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Deep dive VFX breakdown, and exploration of the lore, explained, video essay of the underwater city (Denver, Colorado) scene explained from the 1995 cult, science fiction, post-apocalyptic, fantasy, action film Waterworld, staring Kevin Costner, as the Mariner, and Jeanne Tripplehorn, as Helen, in a diving bell. Visual Effects by Peter Romano, Michel McAllister, Kevin Reynolds, Dean Semler, Hydroflex, McAlifx, McDonnell-Douglas, Stetson Visuals, Mark Stetson, Steve Burg, Peter Chesney, and Image Engineering. Lost media from Dateline: State of the Art. Lore come from video games (3DO, Sega Genesis, Nintendo Gameboy, SNES), comics, board game, novel, and pinball game.
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If you look closely at some of the models it appears that there apears to be shelters and even a rope bridge. Possibly one of the last holdouts of humanity on solid structures while the waters rose.
Aww, very observant! I had never noticed that!
Seeing that makes me wonder if those were the same people that were eventually evacuated to the Exxon.
It really did make sense that the underwater city was Denver (a mile above sea level) and that dry land was Mt. Everest. This film is underrated.
I know, great world building!
Impressive how much effort was put into such a brief scene. Seeing that the city was actually based on a real one also surprised me!
Yeah, it's really amazing to see how much time and craftsmanship went into making a sequence that is only about a dozen shots in all!
I remember obsessing over the underwater scenes as a 12 year old kid. This IMO was the coolest part of the Waterworld lore. THANK YOU for dissecting these scenes. Your channel is amazing. Waterworld is easily one of the best 90's dystopian films. Thank you again for taking the time to do these videos.
Absolutely! I love making these videos and I am so glad to be sharing my appreciation for this film with other fans like you! And yes, the underwater scene is a real stand-out in the film!
When I was a kid seeing this in the theaters, the underwater city broke my brain. I was already obsessed with sunken ships and planes; seeing an entire city like that activated something that hasn't gone away since, lol
Yes! It's such a memorable scene and it totally got stuck in my brain as a kid as well. Waterworld really has it's moments!
@@TheAtoll It never got a fair shake. 😔
You're welcome :) thanks for the shout out
All the thanks goes to you Cedric! You made this video happen!
I don't know why this movie got so much flack. I thought it was a pretty good flick, and really enjoyed it when it came out. I still watch it from time to time. Your videos are really great as well. I subbed!
Thanks for the sub Jimmy!
Hard to believe that it's been two months since your last upload. But it great to have you back. It always makes my day to get the notification of your next upload. Thanks so much for providing the fans with so much information of the film we love so much!! As always I look forward to more videos from you.
I think we should make a "WATERWORLD Happening" in Hawaii :) in front of the waterfall on Dryland :)
So glad you are enjoying the content! I try to give each video a sense of discovery, like we are unearthing some forgotten treasure! I love making these videos!
The amount of work and detail that went into this film amazes me. It's sad how underappreciated it is.
Can’t wait!!!
I drive by the tank they used in Houston every day. This is the first time I’ve heard it was filmed there. Thanks
I appreciate them using Denver but if that's the case then this scene takes place about 9000 feet underwater otherwise the Rockies would be clearly visible just 40 miles west as they stand at 14,000 feet. But movie magic and all that so it works haha.
Haha, that's a very good point. Some artistic liberties were taken for sure!
practical effects will always top digital edits
100%! True movie magic.
Very excited! I love these videos!
Thanks! I love making them!
Scenes like this had people talking and go deep (pun intended) about it because it was unprecedented. Today computers would take care of it. It's like a window in time where a particular kind of larger effort was put into certain scenes in certain movies, post primitive technology but also prior to profound computer power.
Totally! I love the compositing of blue screen live action and miniature backgrounds in this scene. Even though the perspective is slightly off in most shots, I find the overall effect more convincing then a full CGI shot.
@@TheAtoll I agree fully, I mean the gritty texture of a real life model makes such a better impression than a computer rendered one. CGI is too clean somehow. Also the underwater action shot pays off, there's tricks to fake it like strapping actors on wires and blow wind in their hair and slow the footage down etc but Costner needed to touch dirt underwater so not an option. And the perspective is excused because light is warped in water. It wasn't just to show off cinematic tech, it offered a sense of magic and mystery to the story.
Maybe if a sequel was made (TV series I guess) and the people of the future manage to build a submarine to explore the old world underneath the surface, I can see the need for extensive computer animation.
The Mariner is a very underrated hero character and definitely deserved a sequel if not a spin-off show.
Yeah, that would have been awesome to see! I guess it's cool that we got to see hime return in the comics and stunt show though!
I never watched this movie until about 3 years ago, I thought it was so cool. Moved to Denver last year and just now realized that the shots were based on Denver. I walk right past the curved top building almost everyday
Hey that's cool Isaiah! Yeah, the film does not call a lot of attention to the fact that it's Denver they are swimming through, but once you notice it, it's definitely there!
Only just got round to checking this one out. Wow, I think it's a shame that more people don't appreciate the effort and creativity that went into the filming and set construction. I think it is so much better than they have done as much as they can without CGI also. I am a certified scuba diver with PADI but knew nothing about the astronaut facilities! and the city models by Stenson Visuals are stunning in detail.
Hey! That's really cool you a certified scuba diver!
And I agree. The amount of planing and problem solving that went into creating old school special effects is astounding! Truly masterful artist.
It so easy for modern film makes just to say "will fix it in post."
Another banger! That is some studdly filming.
Indeed!!! Underwater shoots are no joke!
17:00 You just almost gave me a struck by saying die hard, 2010 and so on happened in the same universe, lol! i'm really liking your vids so far.
Haha, I had forgotten I put all that in this video! Glad you're enjoying the channel!
I love your channel highlighting one of the most underrated dystopian films of the `90s and learning about the filming process is fascinating as an aspiring filmmaker myself!Thanks so much,my dude!:)
Wow, thank you! Glad you found the channel and are finding the content fascinating!
Fantastic video, like I said before, finding your channel and working through all your catalog of videos is great! Deep dives into niche subjects is literally the best part of this entire platform because of people like you!
Man, thanks Benjamin! Glad you're enjoying the collection of videos!
Amazing video, well done! I have loved this movie since I was a young teenager when it came out, and I have recently watched the Ulysses Cut for the first time and fell in love all over again. Now I can't stop watching videos and reading thing about it, hah. I will definitely check out all of your other videos, thank you for putting so much effort into presenting these things to us!
Hey, welcome aboard, glad you found us! Waterworld is actually a really rich and deep universe to explore!
This is what passion in moviemaking looked like. Waterworld is awesome.
Well put!
@@TheAtoll
Thanks! This is one movie that deserved a sequel. I've wondered often what the Mariner is up to these days, whether or not Helen ended up pregnant with another ichthyosapien, or what other settlements the Mariner discovered on his journey. I expected there to be larger, city-sized floating settlements, not just atolls and barter outposts. Maybe Kevin Costner will reconsider making a new movie so we can find out.
A sequel, wow, maybe someday! I guess the closest thing we have to a sequel is the live action stunt show in Hollywood.
@@TheAtoll
The Universal Studios live-action show is fun. I got to see it back in 2012. I read an article where Kevin had considered a sequel at one time but has since abandoned the idea, claiming it was too late. I don't think so. I'd still like to see the Mariner return. Children of Leviathan was a great follow-up to the movie, but everything just stopped after that.
Yes, it would be very nice to catch up with the Mariner, even if in just comic book form. Waterworld has some great lore, and it is very ripe for being expanded on!
By the way, Thank you for you subscription Elfrunner!
as i said in the other videos coments, i had no idea the city was denver, and i lived there as a kid at the time, and this was one of my favorite movies.
But him swimming by chair lifts, dosnt make sense, all that stuff is about an hours drive, or more, away from Denver. No way youre casually swimming that distance.
Haha, well, Waterworld is not without its many potholes.
You have such a good narrator voice.
Thanks Ian! I feel self conscious about my voice over, so it's really nice to hear this! Confidence building for sure.
That part is still my favorite
It's quite memorable!
@@TheAtoll It really is
Love your channel! Do you have an email that I can send fan art to? I just finished a neat Trimaran picture and I'd like to share it with you!
Hello Dr. Acula! So glad you enjoying the content! I would love to see any fan art you have created! My email is chugrain@gmail.com
I'm really looking forward to seeing your take on the Mariner's notes!
Yeah! There is a lot to dig into there!
Wouldn't the nuclear-powered submarine still be radioactive? And why was it abandoned in the first place or how did it end up there.
Haha, we may never know! But doesn't it's inclusion in this scene just make you wonder how it got there? It's a great little piece of world building.
@@TheAtoll something tells me something had failed to keep the sub in working condition and or eventually the reactor does fail and the crew, officers and captain do abandon it to start life as atollers once the scuttle charges sink their dying submarine.
That sub would of had to sink there some time after Denver fully submerged. Nuclear subs can go 20 years without having to refuel.
20:44 that sunken city in the game looks a lot like the NES TMNT game. The levels where you have the defuse those bombs if ya remember the game
Oh yeah, I can totally see that!
@TheAtoll if enough of us got together on here, perhaps we can petition Kevin Costner to remake Waterworld?
Haha, oh boy. I am pretty sure Kevin Costner never wants to have anything to do with Waterworld again. I think his still pretty bitter towards this film.
I just have to say, love the content.... but, can we do something about your whistling S's?
I listen with head phones and it's actually painful....
The whistle is killing my ears.
Just a thought.
Maybe one of the foam microphone covers or something?
But definitely keep up the excellent work. 👌
Ouch, sorry about that. I have always had a whistle when I pronounce s. Its the way my front teeth physical come together. Darn. That's real get to my head now.
@@TheAtoll I don't mean to break you... and I do appreciate your work.
I just thought I'd throw it out there.
Seriously, keep it up with the great content.
@@TheAtoll Don't worry about it. It probably depends on what kind of headphones that are used and the frequency of the audio. You have a very good narration voice.
According to the model makers the submarine is leaking radiation onto the sea floor.
Aww, yes! I do remember hearing that in the in the "Sense of Scale" documentary!
Might explain all the mutations?
@@BladeOMac Very true! Or at least why we don't see and sea life living among the underwater city! Haha!
@@TheAtoll lol. Good point. I am sure the real answer is budget.
I hope they don’t remake this movie anytime soon because you know they wouldn’t place all this effort into practical effects
Yes, for sure. I lot of Waterworld's charm comes from all the effort put into those practical effect, sets, and costumes. They don't make them like they use too!
I might be crazy but…. When he shoots that parachute thing in the air allowing them to go faster, I could swear I saw a face bottom left on the parachute. Just as it opens, around 1:04 on the video.
Maybe a cgi inside joke or perhaps the first part of my comment…the crazy part lol
Haha, yeah, I kinda see it!
I've wondered for a very long time they used for dirt under the ocean in that scene. You're the best dude I appreciate the work you put into this! In such great Lore.
Thanks Michael! Glad you are enjoying the collection of videos I have made here on The Atoll!
@4:43 with what word did you use, to describe the strips of vinyl made of the bell? aiding? eighty?
"Eight inch strips of vinyl" - apologies if there is a mispronunciation there!
So waterworld and battlefield earth are in the same location ....wow
Haha! That's right!!!
@@TheAtoll and the actor that steals the tomato is in both
@@bobbyalexander1860 No kidding! The rabbit hole goes deep!
Just throwing it out there. If Denver is at 1.6 km elevation and the end of the movie reveals only the tip of Everest remains Dryland, that would suggest there's some 6 km of water above the mariner.
How is he not crushed by the pressure?
haha, yeah, there are lots of inconsistencies in water level depths in Waterworld. I think I might talk about it in more depth in the Great Deluge video, but regardless, yes, the Mariner would pop at these pressures. Is there an ability that deep sea creatures have evolved so that they can withstand these crazy pressures?
@@TheAtoll Considering the creatures that survive at those depths, but I doubt their evolved bodies would survive low pressure shallow water. Danger goes both ways.
This is one of the silly things that I mentioned in a previous comment about why a Waterworld remake would work if the silly things wasn't in the story. They mean that this mega flood made the sea levels rise by several hundereds of feet?
Haha, it makes no scenes. But sometime you got to look beyond these inaccuracies. Though, I would like to do a video on the great flood, because I think there maybe an in-universe explanation for where all this extra water came from!
@@TheAtoll Go for it
i wonder if the submarine model used was one of the ones made for *Hunt for Red October*?
Man, I have no idea. I think it came from a model builder's personal collection, but how amazing would it be if it was actually also used in that film as well!
It looks like a Los Angeles class sub.
That waterworld comic and fallout 1 have alot alike also both releasing in 1997.
Hmm, a very interesting coincidence! I didn't know that!
@@TheAtoll fallout 1 (1997) came out close to the same time as Waterworld: The Quest for Dryland (1997), so i suspect that the film influenced a fair bit of the aesthetics for the game, alongside the more obvious Mad Max:The Road Warrior influences.
@13:00 i see nothing wrong, in the idea that... the top of the tallest building in Denver reach 100feet to the surface of the ocean... in fact, from what i know of geology... there is no reason that the crust plates, could not have moved higher or lower in relation to the surface.. this could have affected other location on earth. some may have become Mariana Trench, so to speak.
Yeah totally! This is going to use this as my own head cannon to explain the inconsistencies with the sea levels in Waterworld.
The dude can swim and get what ever he wants.. I would had a cooler boat
Oh man, I am a big fan of the Trimaran, I think it's cool as is!
@The Atoll I'm not saying the trimaran wasn't badass but think about it. The guy had access to what ever he wanted. Sure he is limited by his knowledge and experience so perhaps in his shoes I wouldn't have anything better but the ability to gather gather both soul and building materials has endless possibilities.
As an example a man made an acre sized island by tying plastic bottles together. He could have started or enhanced atoll life to an extent that floating farms would be everywhere like the ancient Aztecs.
I still wish new york city would have made an appearance
Yeah, It would have definitely given us more recognizable landmarks. I'm trying to recall, has there ever been a movie that depicts New York submerged by water?
@@TheAtoll do u have a discord
@@TheAtoll do u have a discord
@@noahbriggs8347 no, but I have toyed with the idea of creating one!
@@TheAtoll dude u should
12:20 looks more like a lifering than a doughnut
Yeah totally, now that you mention it, it really does look like a life-ring. I think they might have gotten the idea of a giant torus (I think that's the right word) on a shop from Randy's Doughnuts, but put their own nautical spin on it.
@@TheAtoll I agree, a little Easter egg for themselves
but he dropped like 3 flares... that clearly lit up the whole ocean.
Creative liberties needed to be taken, otherwise it would have been a black void. I love the way this scene looks.
Filming underwater looks like a pain in the butt.
Yeah for sure! There seems to be a lot of logistics involved that aren't apparent until you start think about it, like the fact that no one can verbally communicate underwater.
Where does the Mariner keep his diving bell?
Or why does he even own one, he can breath underwater!? Haha, I recall in the book it describing him and Helen building the Diving Bell together from materials on the Trimaran.
@@TheAtoll I don’t know if I would trust a DIY diving bell built from scraps
I think the diving bell is collapsible. Maybe he had a partner at 1 time?
@@TheMrPeteChannel or perhaps it was meant to be a bouyancy system for hauling up salvage from deeper sites like the city, and its use as a diving bell was a secondary thing?
@@glitterboy2098this was essentially my thought as well, the diving bell is basically a Salvage basket, meant to hoist whatever the Mariner finds of value back up to his boat. It being transparent and able to be used as a Diving bell is just a coincidence.
Why can the protagonist breath underwater and how
He is a mutant who has evolved gills behind his ears and webbed feet
If new York appeared the skyscrapers would poke up out of the water
That sounds cool!
@The Atoll I had a dream that new York appeared the skyscrapers where poking up
@@noahbriggs8347 Fascinating dream. Were their people living in the buildings still?
@@TheAtoll no
@@TheAtoll a few had rust on them
dude it's nuke lee er
Good to know! Thank you for the correction.
It’s new clear water 💦
I'm always wondering when she goes that deep wouldn't she need decompression chamber or wouldn't she get sick I'm confused buy that part
Haha, yeah, I'm not sure.
@@TheAtoll maybe by that time people are evolving enough to not be hurt by it and just some people are evolving faster like with gills. I wonder if there's anything that talks about that in the books? Like maybe there's a special gas in there like the stuff they use in the air balloon.
If you dive & surface very slowly you'll be fine.