Exclusive: Apes Film Shows Raw vs. Final Footage

Creating lifelike intelligent primates for the Planet of the Apes franchise involves a complex process, and fans can now get an in-depth look at it with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Directed by Wes Ball, this latest installment, set 300 years after 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes, will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on August 27. This release includes a unique feature: "Inside the Lens: The Raw Cut", a split-screen version of the film that showcases the raw performance-capture footage alongside the final version. This is the first time an entire film has been presented this way.

The special feature displays unfinished VFX and demonstrates how actors use motion capture to portray apes, with optional audio commentary from the director, editor Dan Zimmerman, and VFX supervisor Erik Winquist. An exclusive clip from Entertainment Weekly shows a scene where young chimpanzee hunter Noa (played by Owen Teague) confronts the ruthless leader Proximus Caesar (played by Kevin Durand), while human character Nova (real name Mae, portrayed by Freya Allen) watches in shock.

Wes Ball explains that during post-production, which involved over 1,500 VFX shots, they frequently compared the VFX progress with the original footage to ensure accuracy. He was fascinated by the work of WetaFX and thought sharing this behind-the-scenes experience would be exciting for fans who love the filmmaking process. The studio supported his idea, and the main challenge was incorporating this additional version onto the discs without compromising quality.

Ball acknowledges that while this feature may not appeal to everyone, it offers a rare glimpse into the cutting edge of modern cinema for those interested in VFX. He was inspired by the DVD documentaries from his youth and wanted to provide a similar experience for today’s audience, celebrating the extraordinary work of the VFX team and the dedication of the actors.

The director believes that many people misunderstand how visual effects are created, thinking it's just about software or computer buttons. In reality, it involves a blend of talent, artistry, and collaboration. Ball feels that working on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has been a significant learning experience, deepening his understanding of both technology and storytelling.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is now available on Digital and Hulu, with the 4K Blu-ray releasing on August 27.