In 1990, AutoDesk shipped out their very first 3D Computer animation product, 3D Studio. Created for AutoDesk, 3D Studio has now raised over the past four years to the top position in PC based 3D computer animation software. Now they make software such as 3D studio max R4. Retail price for this program is around \\$2,000- $3,000.
Disney and Pixar announced in 1991 a contract to create the first full computer animated length movie, called "Toy Story," within a few years. This project came as a fulfillment to those early NYIT'ers who had the vision of producing a feature length movie. Pixar's animation group, with the accomplishment of their popular Listerine, Lifesavers and Tropicana commercials, had the self-reliance that they could pull off the project on schedule and on budget.
In 1991"Terminator 2" was released and set the new standard for CGI special effects. The T-1000 robot in T2 was alternated between the actor Robert Patrick and a modeled 3D computer animated version of Patrick. Not only were the graphics real looking, but also the most impressing thing was that the effects were produced on time and under budget!
Parts of "Beauty and the Beast" were done in 3D programs. Disney did things in the movie that they couldn't of possibly have done without computers. Numerous scenes had 3D animated objects, however they were flat shaded with bright colors so they would intermingle in with the hand-drawn characters. The ballroom part was a ballroom dance in a life like ballroom complete with a 3D generated crystal chandelier and 158 individual light sources to imitate candles.
