How Many Dinosaurs Were in Jurassic Park and Why Were There Not More?

An Overview of the Diorama in Jurassic Park

Of the 15 dinosaurs featured in the film Jurassic Park, the question often arises: why were there not more? This can be attributed to various factors, including the limitations of technology and budget. The movie centers around a collection of 15 diverse and genetically resurrected dinosaurs, bringing the wonders of the prehistoric era to the modern world of Isla Nublar.

The Original Plan

According to the official source, Dr. Henry Wu and the park owner, John Hammond, originally intended to feature 16 species of dinosaurs in the park. The list includes Brachiosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Proceratosaurus, Gallimimus, Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor, Compsognathus, Stegosaurus, Metriacanthosaurus, Triceratops, Baryonyx, Parasaurolophus, Herrerasaurus, Segisaurus, Corythosaurus, Pteranodon, and Troodon. However, due to the constraints of available technology and budget, only a handful of these made it to the final film.

Species Featured in the First Film

The actual dinosaurs featured in the film were:

Tyrannosaurus Velociraptor Triceratops Gallimimus Dilophosaurus Brachiosaurus Parasaurolophus

Additionally, other species, such as a Corythosaurus, a Segisaurus, and a Compsognathus, were present but not visibly featured. The Pteranodon and Apatosaurus were also part of the plan but were ultimately not included in the film.

The CGI and Real Approaches

To achieve the visual effects for the dinosaurs, the filmmakers employed a mix of live action, high-tech animatronics, and computer-generated imagery (CGI). This approach required significant budget and resources. For instance, the Parasaurolophus seen in the film was entirely CGI and only appears at a great distance, while the others (including the famous Dilophosaurus and T-Rex) were a combination of animatronics, puppets, and actors in costumes.

Even a single Brachiosaurus needed a considerable budget to be both convincingly realistic and placeable in the scene. The same level of detail and cost was necessary for the other animatronic dinosaurs. The T-Rex needed extensive setup for its scenes, while the Dilophosaurus required special equipment for its venom pouch and neck strike.

The Limitations of Budget and Technology

The budgetary constraints of producing a film of Jurassic Park's scale and ambition meant that the number of dinosaurs featured had to be carefully managed. Additionally, the limitations of CGI technology at the time limited the number and types of dinosaurs that could realistically be brought to life. The Velociraptors, for instance, had to be scaled down to fit a more practical acting range, hence the scenes with multiple raptors were kept to a minimum.

In a meta sense, the film's narrative also plays into this limitation. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that unauthorized breeding has led to unforeseen consequences, with numerous Velociraptors lurking in the shadows. In the novel, the situation is even more dire, with references to dozens of raptors, suggesting a much higher population than what was initially introduced in the film.

A Final Word on the Dinosaur Count

While the film Jurassic Park ultimately featured 15 dinosaurs, this number was a result of the complex interplay of budget, technological limitations, and narrative requirements. The inclusion of CGI and the use of animatronics and actors in costumes allowed for a blend of realism and spectacle, but ultimately meant that only a select few could take center stage. Nevertheless, the film has left a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to fascinate audiences with its blend of science fiction and prehistoric spectacle.