Through clever camera angles, props, and training, the production team played with perception to exaggerate the mastiffs’ size for dramatic effect. Without giving too much away, they used techniques to alter the audience’s sense of scale to make those lovable beasts seem more gigantic on screen than they truly were.
Rest assured, the canine stars were not actually as massive in real life as they appeared. The creative film crew used clever illusions to build tension and make the intimidating dogs look even more imposing.
Their ingenious tricks enhanced the storytelling by making the audience feel small like the kids when facing the seemingly giant hounds. While it may have looked like movie magic, the dogs’ larger-than-life presence was an effect achieved through smart directing choices, not special effects.