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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

link(s) : the uncanny valley - lectures

I stumbled across this 7-part series of mini-lectures on the nature
and aspects of the 'uncanny valley,' that dip in acceptance of
androids and virtual representations just short of complete life-like
portrayal.

Presented in easily-digestible, 2-3 minute chunks.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Part 7

Friday, April 11, 2008

link(s): Pixar, Studio 4°C, ghibli

There's been a bit of backlog of items I've wanted to post, so I'm going to roll them all into one large entry.

First off, Disney-Pixar has released their slate of upcoming movies, along with an announcement of 3D enhanced releases.

On the Pixar side we have : 'WALL-E', 'UP', 'TOY STORY 3', 'NEWT' and the theatrical re-releases of TOY STORYs 1 and 2.
( for a good summary - and potential spoilers - for each, see : AICN )

WALL-E looks cute, endearing and filled with the usual Pixar-standard level of rendering

Up - honestly, when I first read the plot synopsis I wasn't sold on the story; but when I realized there was a potential for Jules Verne-style/steam punk adventures I started thinking, "this just got a 100x better"

Toy Story - All I'll say about this is : "There can be only one"

Ghibli! Miyazaki!
News of another film from Studio Ghibli is always like finding just one more of your favorite cookie when you thought the box was empty. The latest,Gake no ue no Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea), is nearing completion.

Production notes and other information on the release can be found on the Studio Ghibli site.


Studio 4°C


'Genius Party - 5 impacts/5 directors'
( site )

One of the great studios that contributed to the Animtrix, Studio 4°C has a new compilation of conceptual animation. I love the rough, stylized pieces. It almost makes me hopeful for 'Gotham Knight.' I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one. I'll be the first to say that I'm hoping to be proved wrong.