Released in 2004, "Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow" was a retro-Depression era sci-fi action picture that strove to capture the gee-whiz fun of "Flash Gordon," "Buck Rogers," "Captain Midnight" and similar pulp properties using the latest breakthroughs in 21st century computer technology. Written and directed by Kerry Conran, the film was shot entirely again green screen, virtually everything except the human actors being CGI. Although the film was a financial flop, it has gone on to achieve cult status and was influential in the development of such subsequent CGI-heavy films as "Sin City" and "300."

 

One of "Sky Captain's" many technological wonders was the "Manta" fighter, a literal "flying sub" that could function as a high-performance fighter in the air and a zippy torpedo-firing attack submarine underwater. The plane's propellers would shift from the front to the back of their nacelles to accommodate the change from an atmospheric to liquid environment.

 

The Mantas were flown off gigantic flying aircraft carriers under command of the British Royal Navy. Pilots wore big bubble-headed helmets and pressurized flight suits that allowed them to survive should their planes be compromised while underwater.

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