I think it's bull to complain about computers and actors on blue screens having their performances effected if you didn't realize what the effect was until watching this video. If you know CG is in play and you think that automatically means it's crap, you're a cranky dinosaur.
Of course there is BAD cg work-- just like there's bad miniature work, bad compositing, and bad puppetry throughout the history of cinema. ANY effect is intended to be invisible. When you watch a movie, the goal is for you to buy everything you see. There is CG in almost every movie that goes unnoticed because it's an effect of something that exists in the real world. When you see a scout walker or x-Wing, or something else that doesn't exist in the real world, and it's a movie made in the last decade you know it's CG. It could be the best effect in the world, but knowing it's CG for some people automatically means it's bad.
R1's effects are amazing. And, btw, done mostly by ILM, the very company who invented all the techniques no longer used. They know their job-- to be invisible, so they are going to constantly evolve with technology and techniques. Obviously it's not as technically groundbreaking or nerd-sexy. A hundred people in front of computers isn't as fun as watching a bunch dudes in a warehouse invent miniature blue screen compositing, but everything done today was built on their backs. One led to another. There was certainly a time when CG was not up to snuff, and the argument for practical effects was more valid-- like why the hell is Lucas using CG Clonetroopers instead of just dudes in suits in AOTC...
All that said, I'm no CG apologist. I personally think every effect has its strength, and the best productions employ a mix of techniques. Look at Aliens. The xenomorphs are a combination of performers in suits, puppetry, and miniatures and they hold up way better than the all cg-aliens of the later films-- even Covenant.
Using the right FX for the effect should be the goal. That said, not every film has the time or money to do that.
If I watch a movie and the CGI comes across as weak, thats just as bad as poor physical effects. Rogue One did an amazing job with their CGI, physical props and morphing the two together. I knew the tropical world was cgi but didnt know the background in the smaller shots was all computer. That was some good stuff. So thumbs up on the making of vid.
The only time in R1 that I thought 'fake' was when Tarkin and Leigh spoke. That is the last hurdle in CGI..realistic facial expressions. Which is strange as Captain America and the Curious Case of Bengerman Buttons did it flawlessly.
Agree 1000% on Aliens holding up better than another Alien film.