1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE BEST AMERICAN ANIMATED FEATURE OF THE YEAR., March 22, 2007
This review is from: Hair High [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - France ] (DVD)
Bill Plympton should be made a national treasure. He's made quirky independent feature films for years. Now HAIR HIGH shows Plympton in his prime. The, story, design, animation, music, color, and characters in HAIR HIGH are his best yet. HAIR HIGH is funny, imaginative, and has hints of (literal) murky depths behind its candy-colored facade. It is a film that I will view more than once for the full effect.
Why on Earth this film is only available on a French DVD is a mystery to me. I would not run this for small children, but there are plenty of adults who would like this very much if it could actually be seen in the USA. College students would be inspired. This is MUCH better than anime.
Well, we can only hope that this excellent movie is one day available to a wider US audience. Til then, get an 'all zone' DVD player or use the computer. You won't regret this.
Extras include a fine interview with Plympton and the hilarious short film THE GUARD DOG.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hair High available in the US at last!!, June 26, 2010
This review is from: Hair High [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - France ] (DVD)
This film is now available through Bill Plympton's website!
I got my copy and have finally been able to watch this film. I've been a fan of Mr. Plympton's films for a long time. This film has a "cleaner" appearance due to his use of cel animation (according to DVD commentary). So, the sketchy appearance of some of his other animation doesn't show here.
I enjoyed the film. I felt that the ending didn't hit hard enough, but at least one reason for that is given in the commentary. As an independent animator, Bill Plympton has full artistic control over his films. On the one hand, this means that the artist's vision is what appears on the screen (if they can afford to present it). On the other hand, this means that some of the artist's choices might only be accessible to a limited audience. But...that's how art works.
Part of the reason I enjoy Bill Plympton's films is because most of his choices entertain me. Most of them.
Overall the story has elements that have been seen before: Kids in high school, the new kid, the thuggish popular guy, his popular girlfriend, a soda shop, the prom...what could possibly go wrong?
Well, there are the additional things that an animator can put into a film since he (or she) controls everything that appears. After all, it's drawn.
So, there's a bit of oddness involving a chicken suit in one spot; and a frog in another; and a skeleton or two.
There's a short "film within the film" that perfectly illustrates a Plympton take on a common movie plot; with elements of horror/humor blended with terrific draftsmanship.
This film is nowhere near as bizarre as Mr. Plympton's previous films; The Tune, I Married a Strange Person, and Mutant Aliens. Hair High has its moments, but nothing as far out as the other three films.
Voice talents include: Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Silverman, David Carradine, Keith Carradine, Beverly D'Angelo, Justin Long, Matt Groening, and others.
But, this is NOT mainstream animation.
My DVD has these extras: director's commentary, scene breakdown, some voiceover clips, the anicam film, a film about making the rooster costume, a film premier clip, interviews, and some trailers. There are NO animated shorts on this DVD--at least that I could find.
Overall, I'm glad I got the DVD. Everyone can get one from the website.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
