Tom's anime pick- Voices of a Distant Star

[thomas7g]

If you haven't seen this already, you are in for a treat. Voices of a Distant Star is not your typical cartoon. Its more a like a poem/video. That's the best way I can think of too describe it. Its not for everyone. Its like experimental independent films. If you want traditional action and adventure you are looking in the wrong place. What Voices is is gorgeous animation tied around a very sweet touching short story.

The crux of the story is two young kids, a boy and a girl, who don't have time to sort out their feelings for each other before they are seperated. And they are forced to keep in contact by phone messages. The world is consumed by its first contact with hostile extraterrestrials.

This is a totally different kind of animation than what you are probably used to. Most every frame has gorgeous backgrounds. Its beautiful just to watch. Some of the character could be drawn better, but its easy to overlook that. Infact what is really amazing is that this entire film was drawn by ONE MAN at home with his Apple Macintosh G4 400!!! And it looks like a whole company did it!

Its an incredible piece of work. And it shows just what one man can do against the Powers That Be when they are entrenched in their own bureacracy.

Give it a rental at least!

:D :thumbsup:

[Gemini1999]

Give it a rental at least!

Tom -

I'm beginning to think that the Anime forum is OUR forum! I did rent "Voices of a Distant Star" when it showed up at my local Blockbuster early this year. The animation is terrific, the story beautiful - you are right, it's like a love poem on DVD! It's kind of short (shorter than I would like), but it's worth a look. I plan on buying this one at some point, but haven't gotten round to it yet...!

Best,
Bryan

P.S. - I love your taste in anime!

[thomas7g]

Thanks Bryan!

We are kinda having a forum for two. Which is too bad since this is such a great genre. Its just typecast by pokemon and dragonball Z!

:D

Oh I heard good news relating to this. The guy who did this anime, Makoto Shintai, got backing to do another film - "Beyond the Clouds, The Promised Place". The animation looks up to Voices standards. Actually a little better technically with more emphasis on character movement. I think he can afford helpers now.

:D

[jonahlee]

Yes I was really impressed with this anime. Especially since it is the creation of one man, and in the original version even he and his girlfriend did the voices, which is included on the DVD.

[Gemini1999]

I was cruising eBay for a nice bargain price on a copy of the DVD for Voices of a Distant Star today, when I happened upon something. I found out that there is soundtrack for "Voices"!

Voices of A Distant Star Soundtrack - AL8207 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1345&item=5914585658&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

I can't remember what the music is like, but was pleased to know that such a short anime feature would be worthy of a soundtrack album. I'll have to watch the film again when I get it and see if the soundtrack is my kind of music.

Just thought you should know - in case you didn't already...

Bryan

[thomas7g]

I really love the music in this anime. I'm not surprised there is a soundtrack out for it. Japan has alot of anime record albums wthat we never hear of.

I really loved this one. :D

[thomas7g]

Oh! And I;m glad we got someone besides you and me to post here!

Good to hear from ya Jonah!