2D vs. 3D
After observing a post of a fellow classmate, I have begun to realize the amount of popularity that 3D visuals have acquired over the years. 3D visuals such as those in film have pretty much completely dominated the animation film industry, one which was originally powered by 2D visuals. When we look at animated films today, we tend to think of Disney and Pixar films such as Cars and Wall-E as well as a collection of competition films by DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox with releases such as Shrek and Ice Age. One common trait of these films is their stunning Three Dimensional visuals, spectacular special effects and seamless animations. The major situation here is the slowdown of 2D film production. Films such as Aladdin and The Lion King have set unbelievable records in the industry with their unique art styles. These films did however utilize 3D in production, but mostly to give off a seamless 2D effect as opposed to the resource heavy and time consuming hand drawn approach. It wasn’t until after the release of Lilo & Stitch, one of the last memorable 2D animations, in 2002 which saw the switch in tradition. Even though CG animations broke out in demand after Toy Story set sales and visual records in 1995, the 21st century has stuffed us full of CG heavy films such as Monster’s Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Ratatouille. There is nothing wrong with the growing trend in this particular style of Rendering and Animation, but the only source of finding 2D animations are through cartoon short animation which have been converting to CG rendered visuals as well with shows like Jimmy Neutron. With numerous devices and programs powering and pushing CG visuals, it is no wonder to find these visuals being pushed I the film industry as this is what we are used to. If we all stopped playing Bungie’s Halo Trilogy to open up to a 2D version of the game, the reception to the concept may not generate good criticism and ratings, and this is the same structure used in the film industry. It’s all about generating profit, and right now companies such as Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox are generating revenue beyond belief and altering the structure now may be a bad financial move. In other words, why fix something that isn’t broken? Toy Story 3 anyone? This is in production for a 2010 release!
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I see what you're saying. I myself loved the 2D animations of the original winnie the poohs and 101 Dalmations just because you could still see the pencil work even after it was edited and produced. It gave you a feeling that a 3D film could never really pull off. Animations went from using computers and 3D graphics to compliment the 2D work to completely 3D. I'm not really complaining because I still love the artwork of the new video games and cartoons and how detailed they can be to make it feel more realistic. I just wish that sometimes they would go back to the basics and give us some more traditional 2D classics.
ReplyDeleteAs with any form of media the technology is constantly changing. It's hard to say that these 3D animations are better than the classics, but with the changing in media come newer and better ways to produce work. Every art type goes through changes like this. Painting moved through realism to pointillism, to cubism. Saying that one way is better than the other may seem harsh but that is just the natural progression of art. I think the classics, however, will always be just that, classic.
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ReplyDeleteSadly, I do miss the sort of craft that the big, animation companies use to have through their classic, 2D animation. To see the illusion of motion through so much pain and effort to get the right movement was something I could always appreciate. But now, we're spoiled by far too much of this 3D animation that we do take those classics for granted. Should the foundations of animation are forgotten, then the 3D realm will lose what charm it still has.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, there still lies hope in the land of the rising sun. There was this movie that was far more beautiful than any of those movies that simulate their lighting conditions and environmental effects.
Watch in HQ if you'd like, and witness the best 2D animation/art you've ever seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oJwDi3Rznk
I have mixed feelings about the 2D vs. 2D argument. In terms of movies, I fully embrace 3D, and hope to one day make them. Although I enjoyed the 2D Disney movies as a kid, I enjoy the fully 3D movies more now. From Kung Fu Panda to The Incredibles, I just love these types of movies. In terms of video games, however, I love 2D. To me, nothing can compare to hand-drawn 2D games such as Castlevania. At the same time, though, I can see how games are exactly like movies, or as Jess pointed out, like art. Nothing is ever constant, and 10 years from now we'll probably be debating about the quality of the next advancement.
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