control technology in The Empire Strikes Back, the development of computer animation (showcased in the groundbreaking 1993 film Jurassic Park), the pinnacle of performance capture techniques, as executed in 2009's Avatar, as well as advancements in hydraulics and robotics employed in practical, in-camera effects. In 2014 Shay retired as publisher, handing the reins to his son, Gregg – who took over ownership in 2016. As larger, better-funded magazines folded, Cinefex – once described in Hollywood Reporter as ‘a niche survivor’ – expanded from quarterly to bimonthly publication beginning in 2016. In its February 2021 issue, Cinefex announced its final issue of the magazine after 40 years of publications. Gregg Shay, the magazine's publisher, cited the effects of COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for the magazine to officially end and discontinue its publication. Reception In 2001, twenty years after the original publication of Cinefex, Ramin Zahed of Variety praised the magazine, writing that it "is one of the few places where you can turn to when you’re desperate for the right information about special effects credits." See also List of film periodicals References External links fxguide story and podcast interview with Don Shay Bimonthly magazines published in the United States Film magazines published in the United States Quarterly magazines published in the United States Magazines established in 1980 Magazines published in California Magazines disestablished in 2021