Hi. My name is Dianapinions and I’m an Animusic-aholic. I require regular fixes of this audiovisual concoction to nudge my neurotransmitters, stabilize my serotonin, and enhance my endorphins. When I joined Epinions, my first goal was to review the first Animusic DVD. Yes, I had fallen hard for these computer generated, breathtaking visuals perfectly synchronized to memorable music. My friends and family know that I am always eager to watch and listen to Animusic over and over again. I go into a happy trance when my senses and synapses are experiencing Animusic. I admit that I am hopelessly hooked. Thus, it was with giddy anticipation that I obtained Animusic 2. My mind raced with the possibilities: Would it be as good? Would the ecstasy continue?

An overview of the Animusic 2 experience:
Each one of the nine tracks is a unique visual experience, a treat for the eyes. Imaginative computer-generated musical instruments that are both realistic appearing, yet a complete fantasy. Environments that might include motorized tracks in a giant factory, highways coursing above a cityscape, architectural wonders springing up unexpectedly from ancient ruins or a soothing wood-paneled room bursting with guitar music. The Animusic 2 experience includes several figures that I will call “robots”. These musical instruments have humanoid features and move in some almost human ways. These robots are a new Animusic feature.

And then, there is the music. Compared to Animusic 1, the computer generated music here is a bit more techno sounding, with fast-paced repetitive tunes. Maybe even a touch avant-garde, at times. However, one piece is composed of gorgeous guitar music. I like most of the music, but the melodies don’t seem to stick in my brain the same way as the Animusic 1 music did.

An overview of each piece, with ~~~tildes~~~:

~~~1. Starship Groove:
Five humanoid robots appear on a starship. They play drums and various percussion instruments, synchronized to some very cool music with a repetitive, catchy beat. Lots of synchronized flashing lights on the starship complete the effect.

~~~2. Pogo Sticks:
This piece is pure FUN! The piece commences with three Guitar-guys and two Drum-set-guys, all bouncing up and down on Pogo-stick bases. They take off together on a journey above and through a city. They appear to be having a great time together as they bounce their way around. Midway through the piece, two Xylophone-ladies join the guys and they continue on their merry way. The music here is fast-paced, zany and bubbly, for the most part. However, whenever the troupe of pogo-stick-bouncing-musical instruments heads into a dark tunnel, the music suddenly takes on a slow, darker tone. Then, the moment they emerge back into the daylight, the upbeat music resumes. Delightful stuff!

~~~3. Resonant Chamber:
This piece is very different from the others, musically, as it features beautiful, and romantic, guitar music almost exclusively. The visual scene is fascinating. Enjoy the views of the science-fictiony guitar-like instrument with multiple necks that are strummed by various high-tech robotic claws. The “guitar” has a deep base, and the addition of several “sails” gives the impression of a large ship, perhaps a pirate ship. The setting is a wood-paneled den. Lots of wood and romantic music make this a rich and satisfying experience.

~~~4. Cathedral Pictures:
This is the first Animusic track to feature some music written by others. How can I describe the scene here? We are in the center of an enormous, cavernous cathedral. Organs and horns blast out Mussorgsky’s “Promenade”. At the conclusion of that piece, metallic arms take over the music and make use of an enormous spiral of xylophone and piano keys to blast into a rock piece, followed by some fast-paced hi-jinx music reminiscent of a slap-stick comedy. Then back to the classical music. The alternating genres continue, and conclude with a dramatic, surprising climax of canon fire. A truly impressive piece.

~~~5. Pipe Dream 2:
Building on the wonderful Pipe Dream sequence in Animusic 1, we once again have the extraordinary shooting of metallic ball bearings out of pipes, completing their trajectory paths, and landing on various chimes, drums and keys, all perfectly timed to the rat-a- tat-tat, or ding-ding-ding of the music. This is fast-paced and exciting. We have spinning cymbals, a motorized xylophone. Fast moving camera angles. I just love this one! It's a virtual amusement park of sights, sounds and action.

~~~6. Fiber Bundles:
As the name implies, we have a sort of colorful laser show here accompanied by some ok techno music. Not my favorite piece.

~~~7. Gyro Drums:
The piece opens dramatically with a robotic dude enclosed in a large metallic cage containing numerous drums. The cage is floating out in space somewhere. Upon closer inspection, Robotic Dude is really just a couple of arms. The arms are playing the various drums. Care to guess the accompanying music? If you said “Drums”, you would be correct! A fan of the drums would love this piece. Eventually, our lonely, caged drummer guy is joined by a few other drummer-arms, and they make some very enjoyable percussion.

~~~8. Heavy Lights:
We begin in the middle of a mountain range, in an architectural wonder that reminds me somewhat of Mayan ruins. Various high-tech tubes of colorful lights stream across the ruins and giant teardrop shaped light flashes descend from the main monument. Have I confused you adequately? What can I say? This scene is very difficult to describe! It's visually interesting, but not my favorite.

My reaction:

Animusic 1 was love and addiction at first sight (first hearing?). Animusic 2 was a different experience. In fact, I was a bit disappointed the first time I heard it. After several viewings, it has now grown on me, and I am a fan. The visuals are still stunning and a load of fun. I am still in awe of the technology that creates this stuff. I am not quite as much of a fan of the music in this one; it’s more of a techno sound, and less of a soft rock sound, but it is still upbeat and fun. Animusic is at it again!

In case I have not made it abundantly clear:
I love Animusic!

Anyone not familiar with Animusic could go to the Animusic.com website and check out the free sample videos. Enjoy and rock on!


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Oh No! I think I'd better go watch it again. I'm getting the shakes .....

NOTE TO PARENTS: Although it states below that this video is appropriate "up to age 4", this video is truly appropriate and appreciated by those of ALL ages. Epinions does not seem to give me an option to write "suitable for all ages".

Even MORE Animusic:
Links to the original Animusic and the Animusic website:
Animusic

Animusic.com











Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4