For ID4, the plane were computer modelled... whether they were ray-traced,
path-traced, or photon-traced, I do not know. But most big-time raytracing
productions (like Babylon 5) use a commercial package called Lightwave.
Although IMHO Lightwave users generally do not turn out scenes quite as
realistic as POV, it is much faster, and has somewhat better modelling
techniques available to it. It is, however, VERY expensive, and requires
an ungodly amount of power to run. With a little creativity, and some luck
besides, I think POV can turn out better stuff. (I refer you to a user known
as Taura Learfox)
                                             Just my three cents. =)
                                             Blue.

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