Posted in October 29, 2009 ¬ 11:57 pmh.adminNo Comments »
Technology and star power have contributed to the animation phenomenon, and animation—a genre that has its roots in children’s entertainment—is now more widespread and widely respected than ever before.
Animated films have been a part of our culture for just over 100 years. In 1906, a newspaper cartoonist named J. Stuart Blackton released the first fully animated film, “Humorous Phases of Funny Faces.” Since then, animation has used drawings and illustrations to entertain and delight many generations of viewers.
In the past decade, the animated film industry has seen a number of exciting changes. Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) is increasingly used, as well as using individual cells drawn by animators. Animated film budgets are also much higher than they once were. As a result, animated films are now receiving greater recognition and are not simply relegated to being kids’ films. Animation studios and their work are also garnering more attention because high-profile actors are doing voiceovers as opposed to relatively unknown actors.
During the first 90 years of animation and animated films, each cell of a film was drawn by animators. Any of the classic animated films by Disney, including “Snow White” or “Aladdin,” used this method. Hand drawn animation is still used in tandem with Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). But, like everything else in our culture, animated films are advancing technologically, with CGI animation used for special effects. In 1995, “Toy Story” became the first feature-length animated film to use CGI.
Technology has raised the status of animated films, but star power has helped as well. When Disney’s “Aladdin” was released in 1992, it was one of the first feature-length animated films to feature the voice of a famous actor—Robin Williams as the Genie. Three years later, with the release of “Toy Story” viewers enjoyed being entertained by Tim Allen and Tom Hanks. This led to the phenomenon of other high-profile actors being cast in feature-length animated films.
Perhaps because they are making use of advanced technology and established actors, animated films are also more critically recognized than ever before. In 2002, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences added the Best Animated Film category to the Oscar awards. “Shrek” was the first to win the award. But, this category came after a long wait by animation studios to have animation recognized as an artistically valid medium of filmmaking. Before the award was introduced, “Beauty and the Beast” was the only feature-length animated film to be nominated for Best Picture.
The addition of this category to the Academy Awards Ceremony in 2002 had an affect on animation overall and increased interest in the medium. As animated feature films rise in popularity, animation has become more accepted and can now be found in a wider range of television commercials and even films not in the animated category such as Richard Linklater’s “A Scanner Darkly.”
The movement extends even beyond Hollywood; advertisers, web designers and marketing firms are now using animation due to its wide appeal with audiences. It is not unheard of for a branding agency to have an in-house animation studio to take advantage of this popular medium.
From the movie screen to your computer screen, animation is becoming more prevalent. Technology and star power have contributed to the animation phenomenon, and animation—a genre that has its roots in children’s entertainment—is now more widespread and widely respected than ever before.
Yoshi Mini Sized Kimmidoll Collection Doll Figurine. A modern interpretation of traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls, these beautifully crafted dolls are tokens of love and good wishes. Measuring 2.5 inches tall and 1.5 inches in diameter the Yoshi Minidoll brings wishes of good luck to whoever it is gifted to. A great gift for that special someone!…
The third season of this computer-animated series stumbles to a conclusion in these last four episodes. Despite the numerous writing credits, each episode juxtaposes long stretches of filler, where nothing really happens, with periods of frenzied but difficult-to-follow action. In “Showdown” archvillain Megabyte, who sounds like George Sanders as Shere Kahn in Disney’s The Jungle Book, prepares to…
Created by the prestigious Studio Deen (YOU’RE UNDER ARREST FRUITS BASKET) the magical-girl anime series FULL MOON O SAGAHITE follows the exploits of Mitsuki Koyama a talented young woman who yearns for a singing career but discovers she has a terminal illness that gives her only a year to achieve her goal. Helped by her friendly “Spirits of Death” Meroko and Takuto Mitsuki sets out on the road to…
Smith Micro ANIME STUDIO 5 Anime Studio, the fun, quick and affordable 2D animation software solution, includes everything aspiring artists and hobbyists need to create quality cartoons, movies, anime and cut out animations from start to finish. Anime Studio simplifies the animation process, empowering artists to design their projects faster and easier than ever before Design Your Own Characters …
Posted in October 19, 2009 ¬ 7:24 pmh.adminNo Comments »
Popular Anime/Manga for a New Viewer/Reader?
What are some popular Anime and Manga for a new viewer/reader? I am not looking for any certain genre, but I am not interested in anything excessively violent or sexually themed. I will research anything mentioned, but I would rather invest time and money into names that are more easily obtainable from both neighborhood and online stores.
Try these (they are rather old but still popular)
Detective Conan – quite witty
Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X) – well it’s about samurai, so swordplay and slashing are standard, well presented (especially the manga)
Naruto – maybe too violent for you
Crayon Shin-chan – silly
Hajime no Ippou, on martial arts
Glass Mask / Gurasu no Kamen – well… soap opera
Jigoku Sensei Nube, exorcism
SailorMoon – girlish, I just put it in
Samurai Champloo – just added, a friend’s suggestion and turned out to be quite good
then there are these, which are recommended with mixed feelings
Fruit Basket
Ouran High School
History of Strongest Desciple Ken-ichi
Mahou Sensei Negima
Bleach
Blade of the Immortal
Death Note
Blood+
Manga is the hot in today’s comic-book market and this book shows how to re-create the popular Japanese drawing style in 40 basic lessons. 128 pages, 210 b&w illustrations and 90 color illustrations!…
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AN CAFE and Maru Music and An Cafe are proud to announce the release GOKU-TAMA ROCK CAFE. This is the latest album from the Harajuku-kei band AN CAFE. Their name comes from the shortened version of…
Kakashi-sensei takes Squad Seven on what should be an ordinary C-level mission: escorting Suien, the young leader of the Village Hidden in the Waterfall, home to assume his duties. But Kakashi gets called home to attend an important meeting, leaving Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura to complete the job. As soon has he leaves, a group of rogue ninjas attack the Village: They want the Hero’s Water, which ca…
Samurai Jack reproduction poster print Pop Culture Graphics, Inc is Amazon’s largest source for movie and TV show memorabilia, poster and more: Offering tens of thousands of items to choose from. We also offer a full selection of framed posters.. Customer satisfaction is always guaranteed when you buy from Pop Culture Graphics,Inc…
Seven Samurai reproduction Approx. Size: 11 x 17 Inches – 28cm x 44cm Italian Style A mini poster print Pop Culture Graphics, Inc is Amazon’s largest source for movie and TV show memorabilia, posters and more: Offering tens of thousands of items to choose from. We also offer a full selection of framed posters.. Customer satisfaction is always guaranteed when you buy from Pop Culture Graphics,Inc…
