Death of 2D: Rush to Judgment
It amazes me, in fact, that nobody has ever done animated revisionism using CGI to date. Some might call the Scooby-Doo, and Rocky and Bullwinkle movies an accomplishment, but both were saddled by live actors to no great result (Jimmy Neutron does not count; he was created in CGI and simply carried over to feature format). Kick the fleshies out, I say, and fire up the Pentiums instead.
How much more could it cost than the breathtaking sums spent on Sinbad and Treasure Planet, losses so stunning that 2D animation has been made to walk the plank at their respective studios? In fact, I have a proposal for a certain animation studio that has the perfect project sitting right in its own vaults. Charles Solomon in his excellent book, The Disney That Never Was, reveals the details of a proposed feature starring the studios three biggest properties.
Morgans Ghost was originally scripted by Dick Creedon and Al Perkins back in October of 1936 and some 800 storyboards were developed for a film that would have starred Mickey, Donald, and Goofy in a rollicking tale of pirates, ghosts and treasure. The project eventually turned into a comic book produced by Carl Barks and Jack Hannah; only Donald survived the cut, joined by his nephews. The story, renamed Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold was published in 1942 and is one of the most sought-after collectibles in the field. Disney has already proven that it can resurrect its Big Three, and no one has really seen these timeless characters in full CGI. As long as 3D can do the job and present these characters in lieu of a LAAF, Im certainly all for it.
This piece is in no way a plea for 2D to be recognized as animations true form or a condemnation of 3D animation; it is rather a plea to stop the madness, the heady rush to judgment that one form of animation that has served us well for many decades and been the vehicle for some of the most stunning entertainment ever seen is doomed, finished and obsolete. This debate should not be cast as a fight, a competition or a manifest destiny that states one type of animation must relegate another to extinction; there should be, rather, recognition that 3D animation is simply another style and a much-welcomed variant in a proud and popular art. There need be no debate at all.
Has it really been four years since Ive joined the great people at Animation World Network? While I typically thank that illustrious staff each and every year, I would like on this anniversary to thank you, my readership. If you did not want to read my monthly columns, they would not appear here, and I am truly grateful. Your praise and debate, your consensus and disagreements, your compliments and even your digs have all been equally valuable and enjoyable for me. I look forward to providing another year of commentary and reading your responses.
Martin Dr. Toon Goodman is a longtime student and fan of animation. He lives in Anderson, Indiana.
























oOcSpD
I Agree man.
I to am really gewtting tired of 3D CGI, that to me also is A lame excuss to not make A good story and have Great Emotional Development of Relationships,Coupleships,Friendships and Deep Meanful Moments felt, we can Treasure and Carry in our Spirits and Hearts by the Charaters. like in the Days of Traditional Animation on Tv and in Theathers.
were as today People just from said said Animation Studio tell themselves, it's CGI and 3D Animated Film or Cartoon Series it will Sell Tickets and get Ratings on Tv,sell Dvds ect.
an I know this kind of thinking is what Killed Traditional Animation off, an it is this same kind of thinking that Is GOING TO QUICKLLY KILL ALL CGI in off to. you just wait an see, it is going to be sooner than you think.
I feel sick of the 3D movies.
most of them are so concerned about their fancy graphics they dump the story completely. (take even cartoon-movie Avatar. It was beautifully lame.)
I can name hardly any 3D that stayed in mind.. Umm. Ice age is probably ok. um... "Up" was half good.
That's it.
I think 2D is way better. Didn't you love works as Lion King, Looney tunes etc, etc, etc?
3D is a parody of real life.
2D is a way to tell a story.
I am still willing to use my imagination. I don't need absolutely realistic cartoons. I don't need details that I can still create in my mind. (<--emphasis on this paragraph!!)
What purpose would perfect 3d serve anyway??? Are they specially making it for lazy/dumb people? Or searching for a cheap excuse to not film real movies with a camera?
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