20 Iconic Movie Scenes We Had No Clue Were Made On Miniature Sets
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Perspective is everything, and that applies to movies, too. While you might've thought you watched footage of hauntingly beautiful castles and mountains, or even the exquisite work of CGI artists, it's not uncommon that spectacular scenes are actually miniature sets. The magic of Hollywood is surreal, and we're here to show you the most impressive miniature movie sets of all time.
1. Harry Potter
Even though there are eight Harry Potter films, there's just one enormous miniature (what an oxymoron) of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The model of the magical school, which spans 50 feet across, was inspired by both Durham Cathedral and Alnwick Castle. The Hogwarts model is so intricate that it has hinged doors and little replica owls settled in the owlery. Say hi to Hedwig!
2. King Kong
Though there are several King Kong films — 10 American versions and two Japanese versions, to be exact — it's the original 1933 King Kong that went down in history for its revolutionary effects, which included a number of miniatures. Not only were there miniature New York City skyscrapers, but special effects designer Willis O'Brien also made numerous puppets of the giant gorilla himself. Scenes involving Kong terrorizing Manhattan were then filmed in stop-motion.
3. Alien
Ridley Scott's 1979 anxiety-inducing space nightmare Alien has been praised for its hyper-realistic practical effects (we all remember the chest-burster scene). But aside from alien Xenomorph XX121, the space tug itself, the Nostromo was really a remarkable miniature designed by artist and "frustrated engineer" Ron Cobb. Brian Johnson and the visual effects team built the ship to be eleven-by-seven feet and over 500 pounds!
4. Titanic
I'll never let go, Jack. James Cameron and Dream Quest Images used several "miniature" models in 1997's romantic drama Titanic, including a 1/8-scale replica of the notorious ship’s stern coming out of the black water. The biggest miniature of the entirety of the Titanic ship was built at 1/20 scale and a whopping 45 feet in length!
