The Simpsons will return to CGI animation for Treehouse of Horror XXXI, the famed animated series’ annual Halloween episode. Having first aired in the second season back in 1990, Treehouse of Horror episodes have since become a beloved tradition for some fans.
Over the years, the Treehouse of Horror segments have been a chance for the series’ animators to toy with different approaches to the overall aesthetic of the program. Back in 1996, the Treehouse of Horror VI special utilized 3D animation for one segment called Homer Cubed, in which Homer is transplanted into an alternate dimension by accident. The episode was hugely popular at the time, as it was using technology that was only just beginning to be pioneered by the likes of Pixar. Other techniques used to help bring the famed yellow family to life have been puppetry, LEGO and even a live version that allowed fans to call in and interact with Homer. Despite all these different variations, arguably the most popular experimentation comes during each season’s Treehouse of Horror episodes. These aren’t typically ground-breaking animation forms or gimmicks, but rather, they spoof classic horror films, stories, and characters from spooky concepts, both old and new.
For this year’s Treehouse of Horror XXXI, FOX has revealed how The Simpsons will make a return to the CGI animation that they previously used in 1996. Obviously the technology has come a long way in 24 years, and although it’s no longer a novelty to see animation being done in this manner, it does offer a brand new perspective on a classic TV series. The entire episode isn’t done in CGI, however, just one segment in which Bart treats his toys badly and must deal with the consequences as a result. Judging by the images below, seeing even this much of The Simpsons in CGI is going to be a real treat.
The remainder of the episode reportedly deals with everything from the upcoming US presidential election (after all, what would a Simpsons episode be without some political laughs?), and spoofs of Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse as well as Russian Doll. It’s hard to imagine how after all these years that the series can still keep things fresh, but its continued ability to do so is exactly why The Simpsons is such a remarkable achievement. The CGI elements this time around are also something that could get Simpsons fans wondering why every episode isn’t done this way. Looking at the images of the episode, its switch to CGI arguably gives new life to the characters and environments, though some may argue that something is lost seeing the characters and Springfield animated in such flawless detail.
For those who aren’t impressed by the CGI animation in Treehouse of Horror XXXI, there’s no need to worry – it’s highly unlikely that further episodes will be animated in this manner. Even after years of the technology being used in film, it remains a pricey alternative to traditional animation, hence The Simpsons using it only for one brief segment in their Halloween episode. This will likely be a one off for the series – unless, of course, it becomes a Halloween tradition for the seasons to still to come.
Treehouse of Horror XXXI airs Sunday, October 18th.
Source: FOX