'Jurassic Park:' The Evolution Of A Raptor Suit

Stan Winston School has released a video showing how the Raptor suits were developed and created for Steven Spielberg's 1993 classic Jurassic Park. While the movie will be remembered for its innovation and inclusion of computer generated visual effects, only 4 minutes of the 14 minutes of the film featuring dinosaurs were entirely created using CG.

The rest was a mix of animatronics and "man in suit" puppets. Notably, the raptors were created using a man in a suit puppeteering the head. All of the tests were videotaped and have been compiled into this video showing how the raptor effect evolved before making it into the final film. Hit the jump to see Stan Winston's Jurassic Park raptor suit evolution video, narrated by John Rosengrant, which reveals the magic behind this amazing practical effect.

Official Description:

Stan Winston Studio created multiple raptors for JURASSIC PARK, including full-size cable-controlled puppets, half-puppets, insert legs and men-in-suits. This exclusive "Making of" video, narrated by raptor suit performer, 25-year SWS supervisor & co-founder of Legacy Effects, John Rosengrant, walks you through the evolution of JURASSIC PARK's raptor suits, from first foam fabricated "garbage bag test" to the finished suits that you see in the final film.

And now is a good time to share one of my favorite behind the scenes shots. This one shows effects artist John Rosengrant (who narrates and is featured in the above video) working in a raptor half-suit for Jurassic Park III.