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In Voices of a Distant Star, Makoto Shinkai proved that a single, talented artist using contemporary computer technology can create a film that approaches studio quality. Anime: Concept to Reality attempts to do the same thing, but falls short. The disc offers two short, highly derivative sci-fi films by Terrence Walker, followed by the sort of how-I-did-it interviews usually reserved for far more accomplished artists. As the films were made in the U.S., they don’t really qualify as anime, nor does Walker explain the animation process in ways that teach viewers much of anything. Aspiring filmmakers can learn more about how anime films are really made from Animation Runner Kurumi. The mystery is why TokyoPop bothered to issue an elaborate and deceptively titled showcase for someone whose work barely rises above the student level. Caveat emptor. (Rated 13 and older: mild profanity, violence, brief nudity) –Charles Solomon
Product Description
Concept to reality combines two animated features with a comprehensive how-to section for consumers interested in creating their own anime. Anime: Concept to Reality introduces the exciting world of do-it-yourself computer animation. It includes two animated short features, “Understanding Chaos” and “Shadowskin” and also includes a 20 minute “How-To” segment which will show viewers how they can create their own Anime from start to finish, including character design, 3D imaging and rendering, voice over and music creation, and editing. All with equipment and software that is affordable and easy to use.
5.0 out of 5 stars
VERY EDUCATIONAL!!!
I love this DVD. I was inspired to buy this product by first buying Terrence Walker’s “Anigen Bundle” from his website [...].
4.0 out of 5 stars
Production in focus
Its good to watch a Professional talk about how he/she goes about producing their animation from the concept to the final end product and also tools and methods that were…
I bought this DVD, assuming that it would teach me exactly how to make anime. How wrong I was! The first two parts of it are two ‘short’ films made by Terrence Walker. Sure, it looks amazing for just one person, but it definatly could have been better. The animation is pretty choppy, and it’s not even anime! It’s like a low-tech, poorly rendered episode of Maxx Steel. Oh, and as for the ‘affordable software?’ It tells you to go download some demo version of software that is around $1,500.00! The tips for making it? Non existant. He basically just talks about how he did it. I would not recommend this to anyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stop Hatin’, Walker’s work is pure innovation!
Charles Solomon’s editorial criticism is more misleading than his recommendations. I bought Concept to Reality, in addition to those suggested by Solomon, to ensure that if…
Terrence Walker, creator of the Tokyo Pop comic World Of Hartz, originally started out doing his own independent anime-styled animation. This collects his short feature, Understanding Chaos, which is like Armitage III meets Total Recal, and the first episode of his series, Shadowskin, about a fugitive in a cybersuit who is on the run from an evil orginization. The DVD also tells a little about how he creates each feature. The animation is a little basic compared to even some other indpendent CGI animation, but still available at an affordable price.
As the owner, operator of a one-woman studio, I had the pleasure of seeing Terrence’s work last year when I ordered both shorts from his website. I am deeply interested in what other small studios are doing and capable of doing. No, Terrence’s work doesn’t look or sound like Disney, Pixar, or Miyazaki, but was it supposed to? His work is outstanding, inspiring, and a real technical breakthrough BECAUSE HE IS ONE PERSON DOING WHAT THE CORPORATE STUDIO’S TAKE 500 TO 1,000 PEOPLE TO DO. Jeffrey Lew’s “Killer Bean” didn’t look or sound like ‘Shrek’ or ‘Monsters Inc.’ either. But the work of both these men breaks new ground and I, for one, am thankful. I salute Mr. Walker and StudioArtFX on bringing originality, courage, and persistence to the task of one-person/one computer animation production. I am pleased and proud to be amoung such talented people.
C.M. Ralph
Owner, Digital Backlot Studio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Anyone can be a critic – I say, “TERRENCE ROCKS!”
As the owner, operator of a one-woman studio, I had the pleasure of seeing Terrence’s work last year when I ordered both shorts from his website.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Indie Anime Perfection!
Man, this dude shows you everything. I thought he was going to have the hook up, but he’s doing it on normal computers with Lightwave 3D and other programs anyone can get.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Incredible!
I think a lot of people have little idea what anime really is. On the net it seems you get the ludest otaku who think that if it isn’t fresh from Japan it must be bad.
1.0 out of 5 stars
WORST DVD EVER
This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen.Even worse than Robotech!The “anime episodes” are poorly voice acted and have an even worse storyline!
1.0 out of 5 stars
Worst DVD ever
This is a waste of money.The expressions in the anime episodes are horrible,it has the worst story lines ever.I am ashamed to say I bought it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A work I have been waiting for!
Anime: Concept to Reality is a production that TOKYOPOP should have pride in. Afterall, with the yearly Rising Stars of Manga contests as well as original manga titles coming soon…