Animusic (2001 Video) User Reviews

Brilliant trip into an almost real world of music

[ratrent · 10/10 · 27 December 2004]

Like many others, I first saw one of the segments of this DVD as a short on PBS. The scene depicted a musical "instrument" consisting of steel balls fired out of tubes and landing on piano wires, drums, moving xylophone bars, etc., bouncing off, and landing in cups to be recycled.

For most of the first time I saw this, I was awestruck that anyone could build such a precision machine. Well, April Fools on me. They can't (of course). But it's that real.

The other scenes show equally beautiful, though less plausible, instruments, playing gorgeous rock/classical fusion music.

Worth a look.

An Earful of Musical Entertainment with a Visual Menagerie of Realistic Animation

[Doramius1 · 10/10 · 8 November 2005]

I'm normally a huge movie fan yet was drawn to this music video, like many others, by seeing PipeDreams on PBS years ago. I didn't know a formal video had been produced or had been available. I was walking through a computer wholesale store and notice it playing on the monitors. I immediately stopped what I was doing and stood watching it. After the segment played it displayed the website of its production. I checked out the website and found out there were more segments and checked out the clips. I finally decided to loosen up my grip on the wallet and purchase the DVD. I am so glad I did. It is an excellent addition to any collection. My son also finds it interesting and it'll calm and entrance him. One of the best short time babysitters for a preschooler I could ever think of. I also use it as a background piece when I have company over or my wife has little group sales parties. I'm now anxiously awaiting the release of Animusic 2 which should be available for sale later this month.

Unquestionably an educational tool of multi-dimensions

[franlorin · 10/10 · 17 September 2006]

yes, it's very entertaining (and for some, quite stunning), somewhat similar to the classic "mind's eye" video of about 15-20 years ago

but it's also quite different, because its educational value is quite large, encompassing music, technology, and creativity, in general, (at least)

absolutely a must-see for those who are musically, technologically, or generally creatively inclined

it is very interested to watch the intricacies of animated mechanical motion that match sounds in rhythm, even though particular music is played (or some similar corresponding time-related feature)

also, the term "spoiler" does not apply to this video and its relatives

Excellent if you love instrumentals

[irnmdn · 10/10 · 27 July 2006]

If you have a mind that envisions light with sound, you will love this DVD! It's not only computer animation, but it is computer animation to the exact sound that's being played!

Amazing work, I look forward to their next release! This is more than a mere gathering of clever animations. The works featured in Animusic are the first step toward an entire new entertainment field. The technological innovations accomplished with this are very impressive.

What they've done here takes our Mind's Eye 'video album' concept a big step farther, combining music and animation in such an integrated and dynamic manner.

I LOVE the imagination that was put into creating the various instruments – the rendering is GREAT . . . and I TOTALLY enjoy the music.

Very Clever, But Very Short

[ccthemovieman-1 · 6/10 · 31 August 2007]

This is very different.....instrumental music with a "computer" band. It's almost too difficult to explain, because this is so different than most things you might have ever watched. The instruments play themselves as if they were alive. Sometimes you see objects, like small balls, flying around hitting drums or keyboards to produce the notes.

It's very colorful and the music is decent. My favorite scenes were "Pipe Dreams" mainly because of the clever visuals; "Acoustic curves" because of the music. On the negative side, I thought there was too much emphasis on drums which made some spots become a bit tedious. My real complaint was that I rented this after reading reviews of it elsewhere. Included was the fact this was 75 minutes long. In truth, it is only 33 minutes! IMDb has it right. Had I known that, I probably would have selected something else.

There is a short bonus feature: Beyond the Walls, in 3-D, but we don't get 3-D glasses so it isn't a big deal to watch,...but would have been.

Beautiful!

[jack-260 · 10/10 · 18 June 2007]

Years ago, I happened across an experimental piece of musical video animation titled "More Bells and Whistles" and was quite taken with its novelty. I searched to no avail for an original "Bells and Whistles".

Recently, while having my son check out various films from the University of Hawaii Library, I transposed 2 digits on one of my requests and what I got was "Animusic".

Oh, Happy Day!

There is no original "Bells and Whistles", but what IS on the DVD more than satisfied my original desire for more of the same.

Yet my appetite is whetted and I look forward to "Animusic 2". So does my son, an avid percussionist.

It's amazing, but how can you exactly rate this or compare it to?

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 4 February 2008]

I only happened upon this IMDb citation by mistake, as I assumed that it was not listed on IMDb. This is because this direct to DVD production isn't really a movie or TV show and it's almost impossible to describe it adequately--you just need to see it for yourself.

This film was a project of some amazing computer programmers and musicians. Wonderful acoustic music with a modern ethereal quality was written and recorded--then set to the most amazing computer visuals. It was so well done that the first time I saw one of the segments (PBS here in Florida periodically show them as time filler), I thought perhaps the machine in the video was real. I kept staring and staring--trying to figure out what was and wasn't real! It was amazing and breathtaking.

I teach at an arts school and have used this as time filler on occasion as well. And in so many cases, these young people who watch it respond by saying that they would LOVE to one day work for the Animusic people. It truly inspired them.

By the way, if you like this, there is a second DVD--Animusic 2. It's not quite as good as the first, though a few of the segments are absolutely amazing. I'd give this second DVD a 9 (I particularly loved the Robots) and recommend you see and buy both!

Animusic is enjoyable by all.

[Phyllis1347 · 15 July 2006]

Wow! Not only do I agree with the above comments, but I am buying several Animusics for friends and family to enjoy because I want to share this mesmerizing technological treasure. The music alone is unique and pleasantly addictive, even after several viewings. Children and adults alike are highly fascinated by all the different instruments and activities going on at once in perfect harmony and flawless timing. It is a true and delightful inspiration that I recommend to anybody for a gleeful uplifting of spirits. Watching Animusic with first-timers is an ultimate satisfaction when their mouths fly open just like mine did. It keeps them very busy wondering what is going to happen next. Thanks, Animusic Team, for such a brilliant masterpiece added to my collection.

BAD

[Herb1e · 1/10 · 11 December 2018]

This movie must be for little kids because this is one of the saddest attempts to be something. What a waste of money!

Animusical Nirvana

[Nojaa · 10/10 · 16 July 2009]

I was first made aware of this DVD from a video clip on PBS. It is an excellent program, at least on the same par as the "Mind's Eye" computer animation series, with the usual technical advances in the art since "Mind's Eye" was produced.

The quality is excellent, both visually and aurally. I always thought that computer animation and music could be successfully integrated in some way, and "Animusic" is the successful result. Unlike other computer animation subjects, where the music drives or complements the action, in "Animusic," the music IS the action.

The viewer is transported to a futuristic concert where the musicians are complex, sophisticated computers and intelligent instruments, able to weave many intricate melodies and harmonies at once, playing instruments that are very futuristic -- laser-beam-controlled guitars, a four-handed drum kit, violins that seem to play themselves, string and metal harps played by flying balls, huge clockwork drum kits, high-voltage musical transformers, and other fantastic, out-of-this-world musical instruments of the sort that one might find only in a science fiction novel.

It is easy to see how one can be drawn into the different musical settings and be mesmerized by the music and the visual surroundings. In addition, this DVD has various "angles" available on each track that allow the viewer to watch a separate instrument as it is played or sits idle over the course of the selection.

This DVD is a very good starting point for those who have never before experienced computer animation firsthand. The producers have done a splendid job on "Animusic" by making the music literally come alive.

There are seven selections on this DVD: 1. Future Retro 2. Stick Figures 3. Aqua Harp 4. Drum Machine 5. Pipe Dream 6. Acoustic Curves 7. Harmonic Voltage

Each selection conveys a different mood, using unique instruments and realistic backgrounds. My personal favorites are 1, 5 and 7.

Kudos to Wayne Lytle!