There’s a lot that can be said about the filmCats, but one thing that’s absolutely clear is that the creators went all in.Catsis unlike any other film and, despite the negative overall reception, is probably worth watching just for the experience. The film is drowning in computer graphics transforming its characters into cat-people, a feat reportedly managed with no mocap whatsoever. It’s only fitting, and also hilarious, that such a CG-rich film apparently required a day-one patch before theaters could show it.
The situation is exactly what it sounds like. Theaters were informed prior to the movie’s launch that a new edit would be delivered to correct variousCG issues in the film, but otherwise leaving it materially unchanged. Apparently Universal informed theaters the day ofCats' release that it would be receiving some “improved visual effects.” It’s rather an unprecedented action, but fits with modern technology issues and the growing trend of CG studios crunching for films literally up to release date.
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For those curious what changed, a few specifics have been shared about the “patch.” Apparently there’s a scene whereJudi Dench’s normal, non-cat hands are visible. Watchers can even see her wedding ring, which film studios didn’t require her to take off. Another scene reportedly had someone in a hooded sweatshirt standing around.
The entire situation brings to mind the recentcontroversy over theSonic the Hedgehog’s CG. Fans didn’t like how Sonic looked, so the director and his team decided to have the CG for the hedgehog redone. There were reports of massive crunch at the studio, but the final product was well-received by Sonic fans. After the work was done, the entire CG team was laid off and its studio closed. Needless to say, both films prove how challenging it can be for CG studios working for Hollywood.
It’s going to be interesting going forward if cases likeCats' will become commonplace. Day one patches are hugely common in the video game industry, allowing development teams to continue working on a game all the way up to launch, or at least near enough for a patch to go through certification. If theaters are comfortable running “patched” films even if the new copy came right before the release date, there’s no reason for films not to make the most of that time. Of course,Catsis a “special” film.
Catsis in theaters now.
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