ok, I'm sure we've all atleast passed by a tv station playing an old black and white sci-fi movie, or maybe it was an episode of the flying nun. In any case, I'm sure you laughed at the obvious wires, bad paint job, and horribly obvious back drop. You know what though? To some degree of certainty, I am confidant to say you are a hypocrite, and here's why:
You probably thought the hoardes of ork CGI animation in The Two Towers was awesome, or the battaleons of clone troopers fighting droids in The Clone Wars was totally rad. Well guess what, it's completely obvious that it's cgi. As much as they may try to zoom out so you cant see the detail, you can tell it for what it is. Same thing with the giant land beasts, completely obvious its CGI. So then... why aren't you laughing like you did when you saw the Starship flying overheard in a see of stars on a fishing line? Maybe it's because the story speaks for itself and you can overlook the obvious CGI, but the old sci-fi sucks like a big lemon plot wise? Unlikely, the new Star Wars is as likely for realistic character development as a thursday after-school special. The fact of the matter is you think CGI is cool cause you're told to.
It's cutting edge, innovative, never seen before, takes a lot of effort, just cool. That's what I've heard in peoples defense of CGI, and guess what, those very same descriptors could be used to describe those wires and painted backdrops in the old black and white at the time they came out. So while you're laughing at your folks for thinking the twightlight zone had great special effects, what do you think your kids will say to you when you regale them with the days of CGI?
My guess, they'll scoff at you for ever thinking a flat-vid was worth any attention.
like the Wizard of Oz? pay attention to the back grounds next time and see if you enjoy it as much. Does special effects mean a good film? What is today's hollywood trying to sell you?