Animusic - A Computer Animation Video Album (Special Edition)

Director: Wayne Lytle
Studio: Animusic
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Watching Animusic is like being mesmerized by the world's most elaborate Rube Goldberg devices: You're so astonished by their ingenuity that you can't look away. This "computer animation video album" is the brainchild of Wayne Lytle, a progressive-rock keyboardist and 1988 graduate of Cornell University's Program of Computer Graphics. Modifying techniques originally applied to the visualization of scientific data, Lytle partnered with graphic artist and 3D modeler Dave Crognale to create elaborate virtual stage sets and imaginary musical instruments that are driven via MIDI interface to virtually "play" the music that Lytle has composed for them. "The music drives the instruments," explains Lytle in his engaging DVD commentary, "and not the other way around." Using proprietary software called MIDImotion, Lytle and Crognale have invented self-playing musical instruments that exist in a magical realm of musical and mathematical precision, perfectly synchronized to the kind of fully-synthesized prog-rock that Lytle obviously enjoys (and if you're a fan of Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman, you will, too). It's the kind of audiovisual bombast that appeals to some more than others (and there's something oddly impersonal about removing humans from the performance of music), but Animusic is so intricately clever that anyone can be captivated by the meticulous novelty of these beautifully engineered musical marvels.

Customer Reviews:

Animusic 2 can't touch Animusic 1.......2007-07-05

I looked forward with great anticipation to the second release of Animusic (I've had great enjoyment from the first DVD) and was somewhat disappointed in this new DVD. The use of similar animations from the first release (Pogo Sticks, Pipe Dream 2) and the lack of more "new" techniques contributed to the bland feeling I had when I viewed the DVD. I was excited by the first piece (Starship Groove) and impressed with the sonics of the disc but that beginning was the only highlight of the program, in my opinion.

I like it.......2007-07-03

As with regular CDs, there are some songs I like and others I'm not as impressed with. After having it for a few weeks, I have no regrets.

Even more creative and imaginative than the first one........2007-05-07

The folks at Animusic outdid theirselves with this follow up to the first volume. This collection of clips cover sophisticated and inspirational vibes all the way to being so creatively out of the box that it's mindblowing. Pipe Dream was also revisited with a new rendition that is wildy imaginative. The special features are excellent, and this makes great viewing for anywhere you want to stun, wow, entertain, or help unlock creative juices for meetings, presentations, and brainstorming sessions.

Animusic 2.......2007-04-10

In my opinion, this video is as good as the first one I bought for my six year old grandson. He loves the "robot" look of the animated musicians and the catchy music is fun to listen to, too.

Encore!.......2007-04-10

Sequels are rough.

We want more of something we loved. And yet we want it to be different and to reflect growth.

In this case, those who craved something beyond the first Animusic album would want new, engaging MIDI music and special effects programmed to illustrate it. What we get are songs which are (openly or not so openly) derivative of the first album, and graphics which extend the reach of the concepts created for the first volume. It actually works pretty well, but if the viewer expects "breakthrough" experiences, as was the case with the first album, he is bound for some disappointment.

Overall, it made me want to see Animusic 3. Now, if someone would just tell me where to find it...

P.S. - I really liked the robots - reminded me of the "Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots" when I was a kid.

Animusic - A Computer Animation Video Album (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

I like it
Animusic - A Computer Animation Video Album (Special Edition)
A Very Positive Musical Experience!
Watching it even a third time lets you pick up more
Animusic - Technically great, musically so-so

Animusic - A Computer Animation Video Album (Special Edition)
Director: Wayne Lytle
Manufacturer: Animusic
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Animusic 2 - A New Computer Animation Video Album
Blue Man Group - The Complex Rock Tour Live
Stomp Out Loud
Illuminated Manuscripts
Caught Between Worlds - A Computer Animation Vision

ASIN: B0001WNL26
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Amazon.com

Watching Animusic is like being mesmerized by the world's most elaborate Rube Goldberg devices: You're so astonished by their ingenuity that you can't look away. This "computer animation video album" is the brainchild of Wayne Lytle, a progressive-rock keyboardist and 1988 graduate of Cornell University's Program of Computer Graphics. Modifying techniques originally applied to the visualization of scientific data, Lytle partnered with graphic artist and 3D modeler Dave Crognale to create elaborate virtual stage sets and imaginary musical instruments that are driven via MIDI interface to virtually "play" the music that Lytle has composed for them. "The music drives the instruments," explains Lytle in his engaging DVD commentary, "and not the other way around." Using proprietary software called MIDImotion™, Lytle and Crognale have invented self-playing musical instruments that exist in a magical realm of musical and mathematical precision, perfectly synchronized to the kind of fully-synthesized prog-rock that Lytle obviously enjoys (and if you're a fan of Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman, you will, too). It's the kind of audiovisual bombast that appeals to some more than others (and there's something oddly impersonal about removing humans from the performance of music), but Animusic is so intricately clever that anyone can be captivated by the meticulous novelty of these beautifully engineered musical marvels.

Customer Reviews:

I like it.......2007-07-03

Just like CDs, some songs I like others I don't. My grandson (8 months old) likes the drum sequences.

Animusic - A Computer Animation Video Album (Special Edition).......2007-05-12

Wonderfully done and very visual. Music is upbeat and very good. Makes you wonder if this is truly animation or real instruments. Was able to draw my 19 year old out of his room to watch and listen. Fantatic graphics and excellant music.

A Very Positive Musical Experience!.......2007-05-11

Not only does this DVD contain so many great musical tracks, with accompaning video. But, it also has special features that make the Animusic experience even more special. This album has become a family favorite, at my home, because of the cross-generational appeal...

Watching it even a third time lets you pick up more.......2007-05-09

I first heard of Animusic when the music video Pipe Dream was included with the ATI Radeon 9700 series graphics card. I was blown away by the very concept of music-driven animation. Unlike other computer generated animation music videos where scenes are composed to go along with the music, or the music is mixed in to fill in the audial gap that animation leaves, Animusic is a state-of-the-art synthesis of art and science. With the very pulse of the music driving the on-screen characters to play their instruments, you almost get the feeling of real musicians given mechanical form performing for you. And like true music, even if you stare at a single instrument through an entire performance, the illusion is complete because no note goes unplayed. Listening to the bass guitar played by Mr. Stick (on the front of the case), you can see him strike each and every note perfectly, even applying vibrato, and the strings vibrate as well. All in all, this is an excellent piece of computer animation and would be a welcome addition to any DVD collection. And while you're at it, go have a look at Animusic 2 - A New Computer Animation Video Album.

Animusic - Technically great, musically so-so.......2007-05-07

The graphics for this disc and the follow-on delight the eye. Animated drum sticks, guitars, marimbas etc. play themselves with right-on motion and timing. But the original music sounds all the same after a couple of tracks. A novelty good for one or a few plays and then destined to take up room in your collection.

Animusic- A Computer Animation Video Album

Average customer rating:

WOW, was I pleasantly surprised!
GREAT DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
way cool!!!
Animation Teacher loves this
Whoo! Animusic rocks the house!

Animusic- A Computer Animation Video Album

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Animusic - A Computer Animation Video Album (Special Edition)
Animusic 2 - A New Computer Animation Video Album
Animusic 1 & 2 - Computer animation video albums (both DVDs)
Animusic
Blue Man Group - The Complex Rock Tour Live

ASIN: B00005U8UR

Description

Animusic draws you into its reality like no place you have ever been. You encounter new dimensions of sight and sound as you experience seven unique visual concerts. From the robotic laser-precision of "Future Retro" and rapid-fire ball bearings of "Pipe Dream" to the serene acoustic beauty of "Aqua Harp", each animation is an intricate melding of music and visuals.

Using custom developed, cutting-edge software technology, director Wayne Lytle invents self-playing graphical instruments, perfectly synchronized to the digitally created soundtrack. Glimpse into the future of music entertainment...and discover what everyone is talking about!

Customer Reviews:

WOW, was I pleasantly surprised!.......2006-01-05

I've always enjoyed The Mind's Eye videos, immensely. My daughter (4 years old) also has become fascinated with these videos. I purchased Animusic hoping for something similarly entertaining, and WOW! was I pleasantly surprised (my daughter was, too!) I have a musical background having played in many orchestras, and I also love new age type music. I have often imagined how musical sounds might be visualized, and this video does an amazing job of handing this impression to the listener/viewer on a silver platter. The synchronization is truly amazing and the music is not only soothing, but entertaining when visualized. The descriptions of the created pieces, given in a separate narration and provided by the creator, is very informative and gives refreshing insight into why things were made and presented the way we see them, and what some of it all means. I can't recommend this video highly enough, and I can't wait for more of the same to be produced!

GREAT DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-07-10

I like the DVD. Here are the songs I like from best to bad.
Pipe Dream
Future Retro
Stick Figures
Drum Machine
Harmonic Voltage
Acoustic Curves
Aqua Harp

way cool!!!.......2004-06-10

REALLY cool!!! seamlessly done animation...very neat. never seen anything quite like it before.

Animation Teacher loves this.......2004-04-15

I teach a computer animation class and my students love this. What a great inspiration for them.

Whoo! Animusic rocks the house!.......2004-02-26

"Animusic" stunned me the first time I had seen it! I kept seeing the "Future Retro" being shown over and over on TV along with the "Aqua Harp". I was amazed. My favorite music video on this DVD is "Stick Figures." There is the bass guitar with arms playing itself as you see on the front cover. It makes an awesome sound. As Wayne Lytle said in the commentary on this DVD, at first you might laugh and then say "Wow, that's pretty neat." He also said that some people called that "Mr. Bass Man." It's more than neat! It rocks all the way baby. Such neat details in all instruments. The instruments play themselves with such unbelievable realism. Neat colors, lighting, score, rhythm, and syncopation all the way! Here is how I rank the music videos with 1 being the best:
1. Stick Figures
2. Future Retro
3. Drum Machine
4. Pipe Dream
5. Acoustic Curves
6. Aqua Harp
7. Harmonic Voltage
If you agree with me or not on my choices you will agree they are all splendiferously superb! I reccommed this to anybody who loves computer animation and music, and to the people who don't and see what they think! This needs more recognition. Thank goodness for Animusic!

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