What film featured the first major use of computer-generated imagery (CGI)?

The film "Tron" is recognized for featuring one of the first major uses of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in cinema. Released in 1982, "Tron" was groundbreaking in its combination of live-action and CGI, creating a visually unique experience that was unprecedented at the time. The movie used computer graphics for various scenes, especially to depict the digital world and the visual effects that occurred within it, including the iconic light cycles and the overall aesthetic of the Grid. This innovative approach helped set the stage for future films to explore and integrate computer-generated effects into storytelling.

While other films like "Star Wars," "The Abyss," and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" also utilized special effects and CGI, they did so after "Tron" paved the way, and their techniques were not as heavily reliant on CGI to create a significant portion of the film's environments and visuals. "Tron" holds a significant place in film history as a pioneer in the use of CGI, influencing subsequent generations of filmmakers.