Actually, they had enough time. The software was presented on the Siggraph 1999 if I got it right. A smaller database would simply not work, you need informations how the faces may look to morph in that direction. The database will probably getting bigger, not smaller.

A ship in port is safe; but that is not what ships are built for.
Sail out to sea and do new things.
-"Amazing Grace" Hopper

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