19 replies
1d
This channel is amazing. If anyone has any recommendations for more stuff like it, do share!
17 replies
1d
Captain D produces some of the most impressive technical content out there, wrapped in subtle and not-so-subtle zingers, and breathtakingly illustrated. Decomposing a frame into its brightness channel, rotating it, and collapsing the columns to make a waveform graph? Mind completely blown.
The debunk videos are his major stock in trade, but I personally love (and discovered him through) the explainers about frame rate and shutter speed, color spaces, interlacing, and other details of the video art.
And of course, his mindbogglingly detailed exploration of Flight of the Navigator -- if you've seen the film, make some time tonight and watch it.
10 replies
23h58m
I have never watched the movie, only heard about it in CD‘s video. I have watched his documentation at least six or seven times now. It is that good.
5 replies
22h46m
Oh, it's worth a watch. The intro sequence (no spoilers, but when you get to the dog scene, you'll know what I mean) is just great, and there's a handful of classic lines I quote to this day. (Sarah Jessica Parker and the Coke question! No VFX needed, it's solid gold on its own merit.)
I honestly don't know how the film holds up today, especially from the eyes of a grown-up watching it for the first time. The overall narrative may or may not earn its keep, I guess. But all those VFX shots were in service of a larger story, and if nothing else I think you'll appreciate them more in context.
4 replies
21h47m
Flight of the Navigator wasn’t a good movie then or now. It is an excellent focus for childlike wonder, however.
1 replies
19h53m
Somehow that puts me in mind of Explorers (1985).
0 replies
4h23m
the alien comedy monolog was hilarious to me as a kid, but I haven't watched Explorers in probably about 30 years.
0 replies
11h28m
It’s enjoyable, but the writers basically had a really good idea for the start of a movie and then no idea of how it should develop from there.
0 replies
5h13m
Seems fair.
I recall Paul Rubens, jokes about Twisted Sister, morphing spaceships, time travel, Fort Lauderdale Florida (which seemed impossibly alien to this midwesterner), and a lot of pop culture references.
3 replies
19h24m
I watched it and will recommend. It's on HighSeasflix.
2 replies
8h42m
HighSeasflix
i searched for HighSeasflix and got 0 results, is that just your way of talking about torrenting?
0 replies
6h53m
Arrr me hearty
0 replies
5h46m
Only seaworthy ways of browsing the internet can be used to find it.
0 replies
6h5m
0 replies
6h17m
I can barely watch his videos because for some reason I find his humor really irritating.
0 replies
1d
It was more of a demo reel pitching himself to direct a sequel. Give him the job!
0 replies
20h49m
Maybe the speed of sound was particularly fast that day
0 replies
5h5m
I wore that VHS out as a ~four year old. Haven't thought about that movie in decades. Thanks for the recommendation.
0 replies
1d
You should also watch his similar documetary on Back to the Future. :chefs_kiss:
10 replies
17h29m
How did you all discover Captain Disillusion?
For me, someone on Mastodon linked it maybe a year ago. I've watched at least half the videos back and became a Patreon for a while. I can't believe I never heard anyone talk about the channel before or since -- until this HN post. I've shared it with some friends but nobody knew it. People here seem to be familiar, though, so I am curious how you discovered this gem of a creator
0 replies
8h30m
Blender Conference Keynote he gave a couple if years ago.
0 replies
4h1m
I was reading about VHS captures and the argument on whether to deinterlace, and realized I could explain how interlacing works from a signal-on-the-wire perspective but not how it actually affects the picture.
I went searching for videos that explained it, and found Captain D's video which was so much better than everything else, like just breathtakingly done, and funny, and I watched it like 3 times to let everything sink in.
I probably watched a few other videos on the topic from other creators, but they weren't remarkable enough to hook me and make me gorge myself on their other stuff.
0 replies
15h37m
I think my one of my adult kids that was interested in video production pointed him out to me quite a few years ago. What is amazing is that you can see his comedic schtick was already in his earliest videos from 16 years ago
0 replies
10h10m
Never even heard of him before this post. Subscribed now!
0 replies
16h38m
First I ever hear of the guy and I'm an immediate fan
0 replies
17h22m
Been following for so many years, I can't remember anymore. I watch a lot of VFX related content, it could have been in my feed because of that. He's had so many viral videos, it could have been totally unrelated to my personal feed.
If it wasn't on my homepage 10+ years ago, it was likely Reddit. Been a huge fan since.
He's somewhat in the same mental collection for me as the old Corridor Digital videos.
0 replies
11h43m
IIRC I discovered it via some random HN comment a few years ago. Binge-watched everything he made back then. I'm happy to hear he's making videos again, I'll catch up as soon as I have a spare moment.
0 replies
14h47m
At Factorio office. Rseding was working nearby and seemed to always have these weird videos playing. "Why is that guy chromed?" I asked. "That's just how his face is", or something, was the response. I was curious so went and found them for myself. Was not disappointed.
0 replies
4h48m
When he was a guest on Corridor Crew channel.
0 replies
4h3m
I think for me it was r/videos on Reddit.
6 replies
1d
Wasn't this posted 3 days ago?
4 replies
23h56m
I submitted it ten days ago, it got no comments or upvotes, so submitting it again is totally fine. Only submissions with some attention make something a dupe.
3 replies
23h34m
I'm not saying it's a dupe. I was referring to the fact that the HN timestamp says it was posted 3 days ago yet the comments are only 10 minutes old yet I remember reading the comments days ago.
I was wondering if I had gone insane or if there is some bug with HN.
Not complaining about this being a dupe at all.
For the record, I have nothing against you reposting it, but I am weirded out when the timestamps don't match my memory.
0 replies
22h1m
This has also left me confused with timestamps that make no sense based on my memory. I thought I was going crazy recently because I was trying to find a way to make sense of things with the expectation that the timestamps couldn't magically change!
0 replies
16h34m
Sometimes "very interesting stuff" gets resubmitted by the HN gods for a second try and it messes up the timestamp too, although I guess in this case it was a resubmission indeed
0 replies
23h30m
I apologize for misunderstanding you.
That time stamp effect is probably the second chance pool (https://news.ycombinator.com/pool). Those submissions get their time stamp mangled because it‘s easier for the ranking algorithm.
0 replies
1d
you should use the search function below, and let us know what you find out.
5 replies
3d10h
As always this is so much more than merely a video debunking. It’s a great piece of comedy, an insightful analysis of technology and even great commentary on the historical development both back when the video was made but also the now current state of the environment around social media creators. Absolutely amazing.
1 replies
8h40m
He makes amazing videos by placing the cameras in all wierd angels and adds so much stuff to explain a concept, that makes you think it's simple, yet you finish his videos admiring him even more...
0 replies
4h2m
The first video I saw was the tape measure trick shot debunk. I immediately subbed when I noticed he was inserting himself *into the footage he was debunking* to prove his point. I don't follow another YouTuber that has such dedication to their craft, though I'm sure they exist.
0 replies
3d5h
I was very happy to see a new video from him. It has been ages. I highly recommend the one debunking the magic trick with the card, the glass and the monkey. As you said, it’s much more than a debunk, he even went to the place where it was filmed.
0 replies
9h48m
Yes, he's a fantastic storyteller
0 replies
3d6h
CD is a true gem
4 replies
16h24m
One thing I didn't understand about the original video - why didn't they just CG in the bins instead? Why go to all the effort of CG'ing out the ball, changing the trajectory etc? It seems like it would have been easier to have him make 3 random kicks then add some bins in where they landed. But, maybe there's something obvious I'm missing.
2 replies
15h46m
Because they would then have to camera track the whole clip to place the bins, and also make sure the bins stay in the correct positions when they reappear and disappear out of frame. In contrast, they only need to camera track the few frames when he does the kick. The quick movement of the ball also makes it harder to spot CGI errors IMO. Whereas if you have to fake the bins, you also have to deal with camera zoom, exposure changes, etc. that happen throughout the clip.
0 replies
15h14m
"Whereas if you have to fake the bins, you also have to deal with camera zoom, exposure changes, etc. that happen throughout the clip."
Oooh true, that makes sense. Cheers!
0 replies
44m
The quick movement of the ball also makes it harder to spot CGI errors IMO. Whereas if you have to fake the bins, you also have to deal with camera zoom, exposure changes, etc. that happen throughout the clip.
Way back in the day, Michael Crichton's Rising Sun, it talks about primitive video editing (when some people are editing the video scene of a crime). Looking at security camera footage over a period of time is monotonous, but harder too is also editing the audio. You could stare at the screen and still easily overlook a glitch, but a hard cut/slice in the audio will catch your notice even when only minimal attention is being paid.
0 replies
15h53m
Changing ball trajectories accurately is hard but you are editing something in motion that is visible only for a few seconds, is in air, and will mostly be viewed through a bad screen. Adding in cg bins on the other hand, you need Beckham to do 3 kicks that land where the shot is looking, but more importantly have to get those cans tracked perfectly for the entire duration of the shot as they are always visible. I believe that is a much harder to pull off.
3 replies
2d5h
Captain Disillusion is a must-watch. Also his assistant Adam is quite a useful guy.
2 replies
1d
Alan, and he gets sent to talks sometimes, those are great to watch.
0 replies
4h50m
He did one with Corridor Crew a few years ago - https://youtu.be/C8WyU9fAUTs
0 replies
23h48m
One of my favourite talks: https://youtu.be/1qSTcxt2t74
3 replies
23h5m
Beckham is known for his precision in kicking. It's his whole thing.
Beckham actually did hit the trash cans in practice kicks; this happened on a public beach and there were plenty of fans hanging around watching it happen.
That being said, it would have required an alteration of the laws of physics to land a soccer ball in the trash can as the diameter of the opening of most beach trash cans of that style in the LA area is smaller than the diameter of a soccer ball. (There are several styles of trash cans on LA area beaches. Several of them have capped/shielded openings; some of their are just uncapped basic cylinders, and others are cylinders with lids and narrow openings. The purpose of the caps/narrow openings is to limit the ability of wildlife like seagulls from getting at the trash. Generally, the uncapped basic trash cans are limited to more popular beaches where the trash cans will be emptied daily.)
1 replies
21h2m
is there any behind the scenes footage?
0 replies
18h43m
No, because they stupidly pretended it was real.
0 replies
3h30m
No sure why you are downvoted. I can easily see Beckham hitting a 3 of them in a row with some practice shots. Fairly big targets. Getting ball into the can is impossible (he would have to try a lot of time, 3x in a row probably statistically impossible).
1 replies
19h0m
One thing this man brings to our attention as software developers is that at least in this department, software has reached a level of complexity that it takes a lifetime of study to master it as a user.
I know it's not the only subspecialty that has such an in depth consideration to UX but it's worth mentioning.
0 replies
16h47m
Since we're on the subject of overcomplicated software, VFX, and youtube personalities, you might be amused by some SavannahXYZ stuff, ex:
"Welcome to 3D Software" parody song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWY7fsXwh24
"Spooky Scary Skeletons" parody song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT3L8fQKvmM
"Stop using [ZBrush] Dynamesh" short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w4fVwfcYQvs
1 replies
9h9m
Similar thing with Nike commercial starring Ronaldinho bouncing the ball from the crossbar: https://youtu.be/qRWnDBN5MgQ?si=mdEYS9X9FwkwOkmj&t=90
To his credit, preparing for the shooting Ronaldinho allegedly managed to do that twice in a row for real.
0 replies
40m
That was like the video of Steph Curry just casually throwing up five full court shots in a row from near the tunnel. In a press conference after a game he said "I'm humbled that people think I'd actually be capable of that, but yeah, there was some help in the process..." and then added "but I did make two myself!"
0 replies
1d
The crossover with Beakman's World in all but name was amazing.
0 replies
20h35m
This is great debugging
0 replies
5h50m
Yuestor
0 replies
19h37m
/complete side note, but it came to me after watching this specific video the other day.
When seeing the ads for the new Crow on Reddit (showing up a lot in my feed), with the tagline: "Keep The Promise, Break Everything Else"
In my mind I hear this variation on the CD quote:
"Love With Your Heart: Use Violence For Everything Else"
0 replies
7h56m
I don’t need to debunk it, the acting and script are terrible.
0 replies
1d
Captain D puts more effort into his throw-away gags than many personalities put into their whole video.
Always worth the watch.
0 replies
3h18m
If you want to learn how to make better fake videos, you might want to start with "You Suck at Photoshop"
0 replies
11h36m
What caught my eye was that in 2011 they couldn't shoot it in 6K stabilized and crop for motion afterwards. But there were already 4K cameras at the time, and with zooming they should be able to capture at least the critical time window of Beckham kicking the ball / landing stabilized for easier post-processing.
But the nature of motion glitches found suggests they did actually post-process on a shaky video. They could do a better job, but then the trick worked for more than 10 years, and thus fulfilled its purpose more than enough.
0 replies
13h27m
I truly love his content. its always top notch entertainment
0 replies
21h36m
Also of interest for HN crowd: he's a enthusiast Blender user, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qSTcxt2t74&t=770s&pp=ygUYd2...
0 replies
15h19m
he really doesn't need the make up - just makes him seem like a joke. otherwise great content
For VFX breakdowns and debunkings there's also Corridor Crew: https://www.youtube.com/@CorridorCrew
Corridor Crew was great until some of their shock value videos started to get big and they decided that was a high value niche. Some of it was funny but the underlying joke got old.
They made a video glorifying killing dogs and I was absolutely done with them.
Wait, what? Glorying killing dogs? I missed this. Are we still talking about the guys who sit down on a couch and discuss VFX?
well, they make tons of different videos. to be clear, i'm a subscriber to their online streaming platform and like their casual videos a lot, so probably a bit biased.
they do make some videos which are very edgy, i guess. the bowling animation videos come to mind, where they try to be as edgy as possible. imagine a bowling ball with plane wings slamming into two towers, as an example.
but i never got the impression that they're actually disrespectful or problematic.
I suppose you're referring to this video? https://youtu.be/y3RIHnK0_NE?feature=shared&t=180
I don't see how it's glorifying killing dogs. The CGI robot is given the task of killing a CGI robotic dog, and it refuses the task and runs away with it.
Corridor Digital has always been cringe and weak for me. They try way too hard in everything but VFX skills. Kind of reminds me of really bad acting and writing mixed with passable VFX.
They use overly clickbaity thumbnails and hyperactive video editing techniques to maximize the drama. But they are technically very accomplished.
They used to be one of my favorite channels. Then they started pushing AI generated content (that was garbage) and threw the entire VFX industry under the bus. Fuck those guys.
These guys have no idea what they're talking about. I've seen them talk about things I know about and they weren't even remotely in the ball park. They have cheap reaction videos where they criticize stuff they know nothing about since they haven't ever actually worked in vfx.
Not the same vibe, but I feel similarly fascinated by Posy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSS6yAMZF78
and TodePond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4OIcwt8vcE
That TodePond link is what I hoped the internet would be as a kid. Weird people doing strange, beautiful things out of passion.
It didn’t turn out that way, of course, but it’s nice to know it’s still possible. Thanks for the link.
It doesn't have the same flair or humor, but I've found Technology Connections scratches a similar part of my brain.
Absolutely. If you like CD, you’ll like TC. Though TC’s videos trend to the longer side (approaching an hour for some), but they are a fascinating way to spend time.
Old AvE did great breakdowns and explainers of electronic tools and manufacturing and stuff while mixed with colloquialisms, stories and jokes, but it seems he went off the anti-vaxer deep end during the 'rona and got violent with his wife (or the police) while drunk, got tazed, and spent three months studying scripture.
Wow... I gave up on AvE around the time of the Canadian Truckers protests. It seemed like his videos were going more sndnmore into conspiracy BS instead of "making cool shit on the internet." Sad to hear about his further decline.
suckerpinch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c8i5SABqwU Doesn't have the same level of presentation as captain D (who does?) but he combines humour with whimsical technical achievements.
Scott Prop and Roll does great breakdowns of special effects and how various scenes of famous movies were made.
Bobby Fingers has a similar vibe, though less family friendly feel.
Someone casually doing amazing feats of technical and artistic craft, while making each video a self contained story and having throwaway jokes that are deeper and more complex than the average YouTubers entire career.
He also did a crossover episode with Adam Savage the Mythbusters dude as they are apparently mutual fans.
https://youtube.com/@bobbyfingers?si=kVZmlP13EqFiO9OO
Probably best to start at the beginning and go in without any research that might spoil surprises. Another reason to start at the beginning is that the current video is him narrating an erotic ebook that he wrote as side quest during a previous video.
i really enjoyed the 4 videos made by 'The Movie Rabbit Hole' which explores the "No CGI was used in this movie"-lie/exaggeration/misdirection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ttG90raCNo