One of the special features that I found interesting on the National Treasure DVD (2-Disc Collector's Edition) was the Opening Scene Animatic. It was narrated by Director Jon Turteltaub.
An animatic is produced by an animator who recreates a part or a scene of a script in animations. It is an animated storyboard so the director can see whether not camera angles would work or the scenes in the script would function without changes. It also determines what special effects will be used in the film.
In this animatic, the goal was to have the entire animation consist of one continuous piece of footage. The goal almost panned out, but one cut was necessary. Several visual effects transitions were used to quicken the pace of the story sequence. The spacious locations and the sudden change in time period was chosen for this sequence and therefore, illusionistic transitions had to be employed. For example, the action would focus on an object for the end of one location/timeperiod and the beginning of another such as the moon, a torch, a ring, a fast-moving chariot, or a stone wall.
Utilizing animatics is a great way to develop the narrative of a story and work out any gliches in framing or camera movement as well as special effects.
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