Over the last decade, the visual effects (VFX) industry has seen significant growth, fueled by the increased demand for content across both silver screens and online streaming platforms.
In Asia, there's been a dynamic shift – South Korea, China, Japan and India have made leaps and bounds in their respective VFX industries, producing high-quality work at a fraction of the cost compared to their Western counterparts.
In Asia, there's been a dynamic shift – South Korea, China, Japan and India have made leaps and bounds in their respective VFX industries, producing high-quality work at a fraction of the cost compared to their Western counterparts.
The Rise Of Asian VFX Studios
With a growing pool of talented artists, Asian VFX studios are producing visuals so immersive that they demand equal soundscapes to match. Now, more than ever, it’s time to push the boundaries of what's possible on screen.
Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ have driven the demand for visually stunning content, and Asia is contributing significantly to the pipeline. Shows like Squid Game and One Piece (the live-action version) weave VFX seamlessly into practical sets and props, thus creating a hyper-realistic effect for the viewer.
Homegrown VFX studios like South Korea’s Dexter Studios have been instrumental in this growth. As the main VFX vendor for Bong Joon-Ho’s Oscar-winning Parasite and South Korea’s first-ever high-production sci-fi movie, Space Sweepers, it proved to the world that Asia’s VFX can rival that of Hollywood.
Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ have driven the demand for visually stunning content, and Asia is contributing significantly to the pipeline. Shows like Squid Game and One Piece (the live-action version) weave VFX seamlessly into practical sets and props, thus creating a hyper-realistic effect for the viewer.
Homegrown VFX studios like South Korea’s Dexter Studios have been instrumental in this growth. As the main VFX vendor for Bong Joon-Ho’s Oscar-winning Parasite and South Korea’s first-ever high-production sci-fi movie, Space Sweepers, it proved to the world that Asia’s VFX can rival that of Hollywood.
Notable VFX-Heavy Films & Series From Asia
To truly appreciate the advancements in Asian VFX, here are some of our top picks:
Films
Space Sweepers (South Korea):
Touted as Korea's first space blockbuster, it follows a crew of space scavengers uncovering a dangerous secret. The film's stunning space sequences and detailed set designs will leave you believing that what you see is real.
Shin Ultraman (Japan):
A modern take on the classic Ultraman franchise, this film brings the iconic superhero to life with state-of-the-art VFX, featuring sleek designs and intense battles with giant monsters.
The Wandering Earth (China):
This sci-fi blockbuster envisions humanity's attempt to move Earth to a new solar system to escape a dying sun. A must-watch for its expansive interstellar visuals and realistic planetary engineering.
Warriors of Future (Hong Kong):
In this action-packed sci-fi film, a military team battles an alien plant species threatening humanity. While the plot could be more fleshed out, it’s worth watching for the intricate CGI and massive battle scenes.
RRR (India):
An epic 3-hour historical drama about two freedom fighters, RRR (Roudram Ranam Rudhiram or “Rise Roar Revolt” in English) features spectacular action sequences enhanced by VFX, blending grand storytelling with impressive visuals.
Series
Light Shop (South Korea):
An anthology series exploring human existence through a fantastical lens, each episode utilises advanced VFX to create immersive dreamscapes, while merging surreal, emotional storytelling.
Golden Kamuy (Japan):
Originally an anime series, this live-action Netflix series employs digital effects to enrich its portrayal of 19th-century Hokkaido, combining historical accuracy with dynamic action sequences.
The Gifted (Thailand):
High school students with special abilities attend a program to unleash their superhuman abilities. In this series, sophisticated VFX is used to depict powers like telekinesis, psychometry and synesthesia.
Stranger in the Dark (Singapore):
This suspenseful drama with sci-fi elements leverages VFX to create an eerie atmosphere and futuristic aesthetics, highlighting Singapore's emerging talent in tech-driven storytelling.
The Symbiosis Of Visuals & Sound
While these productions captivate with their visual brilliance, the auditory experience is equally vital. A well-designed home theatre setup ensures that every sound detail - from the subtlest whisper to the most thunderous explosion - is delivered with clarity and depth.
That’s why a high-quality home theatre system for movies can significantly enhance your viewing experience. KEF products are renowned for delivering cinematic sound for visual storytelling, ensuring that the audio complements the stunning visuals of your favourite films and series.
That’s why a high-quality home theatre system for movies can significantly enhance your viewing experience. KEF products are renowned for delivering cinematic sound for visual storytelling, ensuring that the audio complements the stunning visuals of your favourite films and series.
How KEF’s Sound Technology Works
Low, mid and high frequencies radiate from one single point, resulting in precise, accurate sound across a wider area. To achieve this, four low-frequency drivers are tightly packed around KEF’s iconic Uni-Q driver, where the mid-frequency and high-frequency share the same acoustic centre.
Unlike conventional loudspeakers where drivers interact to produce different frequencies from separate points, the Single Apparent Source eliminates interference so that the sound you get is incredibly clear, realistic and immersive.
Unlike conventional loudspeakers where drivers interact to produce different frequencies from separate points, the Single Apparent Source eliminates interference so that the sound you get is incredibly clear, realistic and immersive.
KEF products that feature this technology:
The world’s first Single Apparent Source loudspeaker. Created in 2011, it quickly became the HiFi loudspeakers for serious audiophiles.
KEF’s first wireless tower stereo system, born from Blade’s technology and combined with other signature KEF specialties.
This proprietary suite of in-house coded DSP algorithms is the mastermind behind KEF’s wireless HiFi speakers and subwoofers. Each unique MIE allows all components within the speaker or subwoofer to work in perfect harmony, elevating the overall performance for remarkable sound accuracy.
MIE executes incredibly fast calculations to analyse input signals, unlocking each product's full potential to deliver an immersive experience that surpasses expectations.
MIE executes incredibly fast calculations to analyse input signals, unlocking each product's full potential to deliver an immersive experience that surpasses expectations.
KEF products that feature this technology:
The perfect all-in-one speaker system that does all the work for you, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the sound.
Now in its second generation, this all-in-one wireless speaker system features enhanced UX elements like streaming connection, multiroom play and more.
With two 9-inch force-cancelling drivers powered by 1000w of amplification, this subwoofer brings you an ultra-dynamic listening experience with deep, impactful bass.
This 10-inch, front-firing active subwoofer delivers amazing bass extension and control, instantly elevating your music and movie experiences.
KEF’s Audio Tips: Setting Up Your Home Theatre
Maximise the potential of your setup with these tips and tricks from KEF’s audio experts.
1) Reduce the number of reflective surfaces
Sound waves reflect off of flat, smooth surfaces like glass tables or large windows. To negate this, add some heavy fabric curtains or plush carpeting around the room.
2) Find the right balance of sound absorption
If your space has minimal sound-absorbing materials, sound becomes unclear. On the other hand, too many soft furnishings deadens the sound, making it lifeless.
3) Add a subwoofer to your setup
Subwoofers aren’t just for bass – they fill out your cinematic experience with detail and texture, adding extra depth to what you’re watching on your screen. Whether for your dedicated home theater room or within a limited space, Q series home theater set-ups allow you to mix and match speakers that fit your needs. A Kube subwoofer in the size of your choice (15-inch, 12-inch, 10-inch or 8-inch) is the ultimate finishing touch.
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Find out more about our award-winning models and book a demo at your nearest KEF retailer.
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A collaborative space like no other. We host a variety of collaborative events throughout the year showcasing sound at its most immersive, including exclusive music sessions, film screenings, art exhibitions, talks, and workshops, creating a dynamic atmosphere for our visitors.
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