VFX specialists have dissected the iconic quicksand scene from the original *Jumanji*. The 1995 movie, featuring Robin Williams, enchanted an entire generation, sparking nostalgic memories that led to the creation of *Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* and *Jumanji: The Next Level*, both of which achieved great success at the box office. With *Jumanji 4* confirmed to be in the works, the franchise’s expansion continues. However, despite the sequels’ commercial success, none have captured hearts quite like the first film.
The team at Corridor Crew delved into the quicksand scene from the original *Jumanji*, lauding the visual effects that made it believable in 1995 and which continue to impress to this day.
They were particularly taken by the sequence where the characters initially begin to sink, and how Williams’ face appears trapped in the floor. They explained the meticulous effort required to achieve this visual feat. The significance of lighting within the scene was also highlighted. Here are their observations:
“This scene is absolutely wild! It’s where the attic floor transforms into quicksand.
Notice the brightness compared to the rest of the shot; it’s due to added light to create shadows.
Williams uses a rubber plank disguised as wood to push his face through, achieving that snug, pressed appearance.
Rotoscoping enhances the effect, with someone painstakingly outlining his body to simulate a three-dimensional surface he’s moving through. It’s a testament to manual artistry in making the effect convincing.”
The Enduring Appeal of *Jumanji* Goes Beyond Its Visual Effects
The Film’s Unique Impact on Its Original Audience
The quicksand scene is emblematic of why *Jumanji* remains among Robin Williams’ most cherished films and why it holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the 1990s. The idea of a board game that springs to life, dragging its players into perilous jungle adventures, is captivating, made even more believable by Williams’ energetic portrayal. This is vividly showcased in the quicksand scene, where he masterfully blends drama and comedy as he acts being drawn into the floor.
The film combines adventure, humor, and fantasy in a way that delighted audiences in the 1990s and continues to make it worth watching today.
*Jumanji* both intrigued and frightened younger audiences with its array of dangers, from the unexpected emergence of quicksand to the release of a menacing lion during the game. Stories that simultaneously evoke fear and fascination have a lasting impact, similar to the widespread childhood trepidation and intrigue inspired by the Wicked Witch of the West in *The Wizard of Oz*. This enduring effect makes revisiting the movie years later even more compelling, allowing one to see it anew through an adult perspective.
Meme culture has also played a role in keeping *Jumanji* alive, with the scene of Williams’ bearded character, Alan, exclaiming, “What year is it?” after being trapped in the game for 26 years, becoming a popular meme. The film’s successful mix of adventure, comedy, and fantastical elements secured its place as a favorite of the 1990s, maintaining its appeal on platforms like Netflix even decades later. While the other films in the franchise provide entertainment, none can quite match the original’s charm.
Source: Corridor Crew
Jumanji
- Action
- Adventure
- Comedy
Jumanji is an action-adventure comedy film by director Joe Johnston and starring Robin Williams. Two orphan siblings move into a home occupied by the former Parrish family, whose son disappeared years ago. When the two start playing a mysterious board game known as "Jumanji," they unknowingly release the missing Alan Parrish later, along with various other jungle-themed dangers that can only be stopped if they finish the game.
