The Lost World: Jurassic Park
“Return to JURASSIC PARK: Finding The Lost World” Featurette
Before Jurassic World: Dominion stomps its way into theaters this summer, be sure to check out the first Jurassic movie with dinosaurs invading the mainland. After the worldwide success of Jurassic Park in 1993, it was only natural for a sequel to be commissioned. Who better to helm such a project than the original director himself, Steven Spielberg? Returning to join Spielberg on The Lost World: Jurassic Park were some familiar faces, especially Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm. Coming along for the ride were franchise newcomers Julianne Moore as Dr. Sarah Harding and Vince Vaughn as Nick Van Owen. With the cast and crew found, it was soon time to find the lost world itself. If you’re looking to discover more about the second instalment of the Jurassic series, be sure to sink your teeth into the featurette, “Return to JURASSIC PARK: Finding The Lost World” in our “Extras’ section.
Before roaring to life on the big screen, The Lost World: Jurassic Park started off as nothing more than an idea. After taking a two-year hiatus from filmmaking after directing two movies simultaneously back in 1993, Spielberg began to set his eyes on his next big blockbuster – a continuation of Jurassic Park. However, the famed director did not want it to be a rushed project or something he was forced to do. Rather, Spielberg says, “I never split any hairs about do I want to make a sequel to Jurassic Park? Of course, I wanted to make a sequel to Jurassic Park. It was just ‘when.’”
As you’ll see in this behind-the-scenes feature, a lot must be considered when taking on an endeavor as massive as The Lost World: Jurassic Park. One of the most important aspects to decide on during the pre-production stage is the general plot of the film. Since this was the sequel to one of the biggest releases of all time, it made sense that the Jurassic Park team wanted to up the ante with the next adventure.
You may not know this, but the first idea Spielberg had was centered around finding the shaving cream canister filled with dinosaur embryos that Dennis Nedry, the traitorous computer programmer, dropped in the water. However, Spielberg later decided to follow the plot that Michael Crichton, author of Jurassic Park, established in the second Jurassic novel.
With the story set in stone, The Lost World: Jurassic Park team began working on the overall look and feel of the film. When you compare the first Jurassic Park to this one, you can tell that The Lost World: Jurassic Park was made to be darker and grittier than its predecessor. This style was deliberately chosen so that the filmmaking team could mimic the aesthetic of a classic film noir. The beautifully lit landscapes of Isla Nublar, therefore, had to be replaced by eerie jungles and foggy fields. Alongside these unlighted environments, the crew also looked to creating a much more ferocious and menacing presence for the dinosaurs.
During this The Lost World: Jurassic Park featurette, Randal M. Dutra, the film's dinosaur motion supervisor, gives his approach to further demonizing these famed predators. Dutra says, “By the time the second one rolled around, I knew exactly what I wanted to see in these creatures. And, it was an agility, a quickness of movement, an intelligence, and a warm-bloodedness.” When you’re watching The Lost World: Jurassic Park, you’ll see just how animalistic the dinosaurs have become. For example, the raptors are silent and tactful when taking down their prey in the famous tall grass scene. All you can see is the grass starting to move, and before you know it, someone has disappeared. From the last time we saw them back in Jurassic Park, these beasts have certainly evolved to become a lot more vicious and horrifying.
There truly is a whole new world to explore in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. It takes what you love about the original and heightens the excitement and awe by several notches. This is the reason why the sequel’s popularity since its initial release in theaters has never gone extinct. Luckily, you can continue to find out more about the making of The Lost World: Jurassic Park when you buy the movie on DVD, Digital, or Blu-rayTM*.
*Bonus features are only available at select digital retailers. Check the retailer for details.
Like this article? Read more about the making of The Lost World: Jurassic Park here: