Customer Reviews

Animation Unlimited: Innovative Short Films Since 1940

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, to add a detail to something mentioned by another reviewer... Only DVDs with a Region 1 encoding will play in N. America, the "Unlimited" DVD is Region 2. Most consumer DVD players will not play the disk. However, all of the home computers I have tried the disk in play it just fine.

As for the book and DVD content, if you're looking for cute Pixar style, Toy Story type shorts this will disappoint you. If you're an animation enthusiast who likes to puzzle out how someone accomplished their work, there's plenty here for you to sink your teeth into. Mostly it's non-narrative works of moving non-representational art. Pretty cool if you're prepared for it before you press "play".

Excellent book and great selection of films. But beware - the DVD is in PAL so unless you are playing it on a computer or have a DVD player that converts between NTSC/PAL, you won't be able to view it.

With over 500 images, ANIMATION UNLIMITED is a visual feast. It's also a selected survey of some of the most significant works and artists of the past and present, including some fresh new talent. For many, the book will be a source of discovery, revelation, and inspiration. With a 2-hour DVD included, it's more of a curated exhibition of innovative works rather than an exhaustive history of the art form. It leaves you wanting more - but that's a good thing. For those active in, aware of, or curious about experimental or independent animation, ANIMATION UNLIMITED is affirmation that there is another world and history of animated images as exciting and valid any other more familiar or popular genre. Each of the concise artist profiles included in the book's four sections is a mini-profile of personal commitment, unique style, technical invention, creative drive, and visionary exploration. Pure abstraction and digital forms share attention and space with traditional handmade approaches, character animation, and narrative. ANIMATION UNLIMITED should, at the very least, serve as a primer to a rich and unique form of artistic inquiry and visual expression. It opens a door to animation of unlimited possibilities.

Excellent book, with a DVD of the artists work. The book incorporates both narrative and abstract animations. I used this book and some of the examples to show my advanced animation class what is possible if one is willing to work hard and think creatively. The examples in the book and the text illustrate how animation is used as a medium for self experession.