Behind-the-Scenes Look at 'Oz the Great and Powerful' Special Effects

Very few people realize how much actual work goes into films with special effects and making sure everything is “picture perfect." Special effects artist Glen Morris, who worked on the new blockbuster hit Oz the Great and Powerful, says it's no easy task.

Morris was the movie's rotoscope and paint supervisor, as well as the supervisor for stereo/3D conversion and alignment.

He said rotoscoping is taking the frames from a filmed live action scene and transforming it into a more cartoon-animated version.

As it was in the original The Wizard of Oz, the tornado effect in the new Oz is one of the most iconic scenes in the movie.

“One of the most fun parts of making this film I would have to say is the tornado sequence,” Morris said.

Morris said he and the crew had difficulty with making the tornado as photorealistic as possible and having it meet the standards of the original tornado from The Wizard of Oz.

Oz the Great and Powerful came out March 8, and caused quite a rave among fans who loved the original film. Whitnall High School students seem enthusiastic about seeing the film and its interesting story line that goes deeper into the original movie.

“I loved the visual effects, it was some great family fun,” said student Michael Radavich, who has seen the new movie.

Morris thinks those who will see the movie will enjoy the new twist on the classic.

“I think people will," he said. "It’s very family friendly and has a lot of really amazing eye candy. It’s also a simple story and has lots of comedic moments."

Editor's note: Glen Morris is the uncle of the author of this blog post, Mariah Kotecki.