The film used CGI but also used a LOT of miniature models, one of which being a scale model of the Empire State Building that they blew up and composited into the film.
To save on costs and resources, they flipped and used the same footage for the moment when Russell Casse (played by Randy Quaid) flies his jet into the alien ship's primary weapon as it charges.
Comparison of the two shots clearly shows they are the same.
Source/more VFX breakdown of the film (as well as the sequel) here
by SousVideDiaper
6 Comments
That’s why you were paid highly back in the day
I watched thst ‘Corridor Crew’ episode too: their faces when they figured it out was hilarious.
Edit. Removed the link as it was already in the post.
Work smarter, not harder
It didn’t just use a lot of miniatures, it used the most miniatures. A record that isn’t likely to ever be beat.
It is a very good explosion, in fairness.
Uh-huh https://old.reddit.com/r/MovieDetails/comments/1m6kwfc/in_independence_day_1996_elements_from_the_iconic/