Customer Rating: 
Summary: Excellent and Captivating!!
Comment: I don't really care what the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-star reviewers say. Being a musician myself and a computer graphics enthusiast myself, I would say Lytle and Crognale have created an ingenious product of superior quality and state-of-the-art. I remember watching computer graphics in the early 90's on the big screens at the local discotheques, and was very impressed then. But, unlike any of the New Age composers like Patrick O'Hearn or James Reynolds or Enigma, I prefer to see these imaginary instruments synced up to the original compositions of Lytle, rather than just elaborate computer graphics with un-synced background music. It is far more interesting to watch the extreme accuracy of these imaginary instruments playing at the correct intervals which reflect the true music. In my opinion, Lytle and Crognale are music/computer geniuses, and I have definitely become a big fan of Animusic, a new innovation in music and video coupling. And, yes, of course I love Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) and Rick Wakeman (Yes) Keep up the EXCELLENT work, guys!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Another kind of music video
Comment: Yes, this is computer animation, and proud of it. But the computer is just a production tool, like an artist's brush, and the final product is what counts. That product is gorgeous, and covers a wide range of sensibilities. 'Stick Figures' features likable robotic characters. Most of the other pieces, including 'Pipe Dream' and especially 'Drum Machine' have a more industrial feel, like the offspring of symphony orchestra and an automated assembly line. 'Harmonic Voltage' takes the science fiction look even farther.
The music really makes this stand out. It's not just something to go along with the clever gadgets. The MIDI control tracks literally drive the motion just as they drive the sound - with remarkable cleverness to make sure that the cymbal or drum rotates into position just when it needs to be played. In fact, at lease one of these compositions, 'Aqua Harp,' has taken on a life of its own. A little searching at YouTube shows more than one human-played version of the very enjoyable tune.
Extras help, too. The seven shorts each offer preliminary sketches of the visual concepts and other material showing how the imagery comes together. Informative director's notes help viewers appreciate the behind-the-scenes work, and add an eighth, earlier piece to the collection. You don't need the extras to enjoy these clever and creative pieces though - all you need is a little sense of fun.
-- wiredweird
Customer Rating:
Summary: Good Clean Entertainment
Comment: Don't loan this out to your friends for their kids, you won't get it back!! My son loves this, it's a failsafe when dinner needs to be cooked or on a sick day. I can't listen to it over and over, but he sure can!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Music Teacher Standards!
Comment: Whenever I'm ill, I have my classes watch a music based video. Well, problem is, I know my students well enough to know what they WONT watch! This video captivated them. Each clipping made them want more. I think the clips should be longer for the more intricate designs, but I explain to the students that it'll make them want to watch it again and look for something they haven't noticed the last time.
As for the music, it's definitely based on "basic theories" of certain genres. But what's wrong with that? Some of the crap these kids listen to are rotting their knowledge of the classics. It's not too hard on the ears for adults, but not boring for the younger crowd.
After I play this video (takes 2 class periods) I ask them about their opinions and criticisms. It allows them to show me what they want to see more of in the future. My older student will use this lesson for a creative writing project in their homeroom and I send those papers to the creators so they know what the future generations are looking for.
I bought the 2nd DVD and wasn't as impressed. Most 3/4th graders liked it and younger. My 5th and 6th graders felt the same as me, not enough detail and imagination put into it...needed more wow-factor to make it worth their time.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Love it!
Comment: This is a great DVD. The music is great, the animation is awesome. The special features are fun, too. Great for music lovers AND computer nerds! :)
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