How did they shoot this fight sequence?

This is not difficult to do. I don't know what the production was back in 1995, but more than likely more than one camera was used to get the many angles. This was not one take. Modern sets have up to seven cameras in one scene, if necessary of course. There's nothing steady about a fight scene, and it shouldn't be; even though this looks like it was on some kind of crane/dolly. It's very smooth.
 
Fight choreography is very exact and specific, so this could easily be done with a single camera and a dolly. The VFX work would require a bit of effort later, but the physical shoot is pretty straightforward.
 
As what old productions used to do. Now they just use multiple cameras. Remember that scene was made back in 1995.
 
Now they just use multiple cameras. Remember that scene was made back in 1995.

Definitively? Absolutely? Without any uncertainty?

Who says that all modern fight scenes are shot with multiple angles?

Making a fight look seemless can be done with a single camera as it gives strict control over every hit, kick, flip, and impact from shot to shot. There may be a "B" and possibly a "C" camera. Plus, it often has to cover a 360ยบ field and frequently uses a dolly and/or Steadicam to rotate through the space. That makes it damn near impossible for multiple cameras not to get in each others' ways. The magic is in the editing.
 
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Remember that scene was made back in 1995.
And that's what rishi asked about. The scene shot in 1995 - not
a more recent scene.

And Al is correct. Many fight scenes today are still shot with one
camera. Sure, the big Marvel fights are shot with multiple cameras
but most Asian and lower budget American films use one camera.
"They" don't always use multiple cameras as you state. Each
production uses what is best for them. When a stedicam is used it
is almost always used alone so as not to get other cameras in the
shot as the operator moves around the fight choreography.
 
Spectre 007, the snowy mountain scene was shot with seven cameras. Depending on the scene the cameras would be needed.
 
I would guess they go through the fight many times, but they don't shoot the fight in one long sequence.
They break up the fight into shorter parts, changing the setup/angle to get the best shot.
They did that a lot for the Matrix.
And they probably shot each set of flips separately so they could get them perfect.
 
Spectre 007, the snowy mountain scene was shot with seven cameras. Depending on the scene the cameras would be needed.

Pretty much an exception.
Probably not just a choice based on the scene, but the logistics needed to shoot the scene on a snowy mountain. Any moving of the camera is a PITA is such locations.
 
Pretty easy to shoot that sequence. Shooting most fight scenes follow the same structure. Break it up into parts. Shoot a sequence from a certain angle, and then again from another if you plan on cross cutting. Shoot insert shots when necessary. The main trick is to begin your next angle with the last move or two from the previous angle.

And no, most fight scenes these days aren't shot with multiple cameras at a time. If there's a lot of movement with the cameraman, it'd just be more difficult trying to not get in the way of the other person's shot.

Now, if you plan on shooting an ACTION sequence, then yes, multiple cameras can be used. Especially if there are takes where big stunts happen, you're gonna want multiple cameras at a time so as to lessen the takes.
 
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Funny you mentioned this fight scene because in an interview the actor playing Liu Kang told the director "Hey you know can say cut right?"

It was then that the director realized you don't do all-the-way-through takes.

They used a Dolly for a lot of the wide profile shots. I think they used two cameras. If you look at the making of Mortal Kombat this is what I remember seeing. They had high production jobs and cranes.


I would say to this day, Mortal Kombat has amazing fight cinematography. Many angles, fast cuts, good glass.



Look at all the coverage in this fight scene:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3kgSfpSJmfw
 
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