The Animation Show (Vol. 1 & 2 Boxed Set)
Compiled by Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-head) and Don Hertzfeldt (Rejected),The Animation Showbrought short films back to the big screen. Once upon a time, that's how the public got to experience them. Now, they're relegated to film fests, public television, and the internet. It's better than nothing, of course, but they used to be treated like "real movies." For those who missed these works in theaters--or to preserve the experience for posterity--this collection presents most of the first two programs (Vol. 3is on the way). The lineup includes five Academy Award nominees,Mt. Head,The Cathedral,Fifty Percent Grey,Guard Dog, andWhen the Day Breaks. A diverse array of nationalities and techniques are on display. Locations range from America to Australia, while approaches range from pen and ink to B&W; stop-motion. Highlights will vary from person to person, but notable entries include Adam Elliot's drollBrother/Cousin/Uncletrilogy, Judge's "Early Pencil Tests and Other Experiments" (including anOffice Spaceprequel), Alex Budovsky's jauntyBathtime in Clerkenwell, Peter Cornwell's fast-pacedWard 13, and Hertzfeldt's absurdistBilly's Balloon(the Oscar-nominated animator also provides a few bumpers). A labor of love for all concerned, thisAnimation Showset combines 20 films with numerous extras, like commentaries, storyboards, production galleries, a booklet of artist profiles, and a feature on the history of the animated short.--Kathleen C. Fennessy