Animation Insider
Menu
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 25th, 2010Review the anime 'Casshern Sins' (DVD Set #1). The sci-fi series works double-time to create a dreary and melancholic wasteland wrought with old school robot ultraviolence and an amnesiac lead character. However, 'Casshern Sins' is poorly written and struggles to focus on anything, much less adequately substantiate the suffering of its mopey protagonist. 'Casshern Sins' is a beautiful but very clumsy animation.
Fantasy Forgotten: 25 Years of 'The Black Cauldron'
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 25th, 2010Disney Studios' 'The Black Cauldron' (1985) originally released to theaters some two and a half decades ago. The film was the most-expensive feature of its time, languished in story development for several years, and managed to earn a PG rating for its dark imagery. The film is now up for a digitally-remastered re-release, to the answered prayers of its quiet and almost forgotten fan base.
TELETOON Retro Autumn 2010 Programming Highlights
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 23rd, 2010TELETOON Retro, home to animation ranging from decade-old to over-the-hill, will add 'Casper & Friends' to the line-up this autumn season. Returning/continuing animated series include 'Thundercats,' 'Batman: The Animated Series,' and 'The Yogi Bear Show' among others. Series synopses and schedule dates inside.
Korea Animation Tackles the Language Arts: 'Magic Hanja'
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 20th, 2010'Magic Hanja' is the story of a young adventurer who uses Chinese ideograms to cast magnificent spells over ill-intentioned beasts and demon-folk. The feature animation 'Magic Hanja' is based on a popular series of educational comics published throughout South Korea. The film is directed by Yoon Yeong-gi ('Avatar: the Last Airbender,' 'Dae Janggeum,' 'Wonderful Days'). Video trailer inside.
'Bleach' Anime Back on TV
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 20th, 2010VIZ Media's 'Bleach' returns to late night cable television with new episodes later in the month. After rescuing a dear friend from the clutches of the espada, Ichigo returns to Karakura Town to serve as guardian for the daughter of a royal family of the Soul Society. In other news, VIZ will distribute all of Season Six as a DVD Set in a few weeks.
Brown Bag Films Targets Features
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 18th, 2010Dublin, Ireland's Brown Bag Films is early into a long-term plan to co-produce their first computer animated feature film. The animation studio's managing director, recently interviewed by Irish media, unveils the company's patient tip-toe into the land of features. In the meantime, Brown Bag Films continues work on CG preschool programs 'The Octonauts' and 'Doc McStuffins.'
The Hub News: Animation Additions
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 16th, 2010Hasbro and Discovery's kid's cable channel The Hub nears launch. Animation scheduled to air include 'Dennis & Gnasher' (2009), 'The Transformers' (1984), and more, in addition to the previously announced 'G.I. Joe: Renegades' and 'The 99.' In the realm of live-action, The Hub has acquired the thoughtful classic 'The Wonder Years' (1988) as well. Partial cast lists of new programs are also available.
Pixar Animation Masterclass Heads to Vancouver
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 13th, 2010Sponsored by the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, a pair of Pixar's veteran character animator/storyboard artists will be lecturing on everything from acting in animation to storyboard composition. The event just sold out, and will be taking place in late September 2010. VanArts (Vancouver, BC) is home to degree programs in 2D character animation, digital photography, and game art.
'Tytania' Anime Space Opera Coming to DVD
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 13th, 2010In the return of a classically-modeled space opera, 'Tytania' is about a wealthy and influential family of interstellar rulers upended by a small rebel uprising. 'Tytania,' distributed by Section23 Films, focuses on the political scheming and intergalactic manhunt deep at the heart of the Tytania empire's greatest struggles.
DQE + Nick India Prepare New Animation
written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 13th, 2010A new children's TV animation, 'Keymon Ache,' is entering production soon at DQ Entertainment (India). Nickelodeon India promises to find the new program a home on its international networks in the distant future, but until then DQE adds another important, co-financed title to its burgeoning schedule of projects in production.