Introduction of the Sequel to CGI (mid-1980s to 1990s)

About the era

The 1980s saw a diverse range of film genres, as well as the rise of puppetry in films. Jim Henson brought these puppets to life in The Great Muppet Caper (1981), The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986). Late in the decade, the industry produced Neo-Noir films - a revival of film noir - and more adult-oriented R-rated films.

Moving into the 1990s, studios would spend more on special effects, digital effects, and high-cost stars. The DVD was introduced, bringing a digital revolution to home theater. Animated films, especially the 3D animation turned out by studios like Pixar and Dreamworks, enchanted audiences. Films featuring talking animals, such as Babe (1995) and Homeward Bound (1993), were also highly successful. Closing out the decade, the surreal special effects of The Matrix (1999) seemed the pinnacle of digital effect magic...but it was only the beginning.

About the model, The Multiplex

As single screen theaters began to fail in the early 1980s, theaters found it profitable to show more than one film at a time. This led to the creation of the multiplex theater, a large building that could house up to two dozen screens, and ample seating, for showing a variety of films at once.