Search - Kerry Livgren :: Odyssey into the Mind's Eye

Good chase scenes

09/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"More than many other computer-animation videos, this one works because it knows what it is. Even the best computer animation cannot compete with reality for realism. (Yes, that's tautological but think about it. Think about ALL tautologies.) Lots of nice chase scenes, which are the strong suit of animation. They're always exciting; they don't require the destruction of millions in cars nor the deployment of cadres of police, and most of all they eye doesn't linger long enough on any one thing to be disturbed by banality. Great detail in computer backgrounds is just as hard to do as great detail in the subject, and a chase focuses the attention. Too, the music is just right for animation. It is properly driving when it needs to be, and it recalls no other music. I dread the day when some fool tries to set an animation to "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." Mr. Livgren was smarter. The animators also understand that virtual reality really is a mockery of reality, and concentrate on interesting images. I recall my anticipation in 1982 when MTV came out. I thought, "At last. Interesting pictures with the music." Of course we know the story of MTV: a dog's breakfast of arty or quirky shots, quite indigestible, and tiring to the eyes. This DVD however is much better. I've watched it four times. And one scene, with hammers quite pointlessly banging on steel, in a warehouse lit by light coming through slowly rotating fans, sticks in the mind. And it's funny too, something very rare in animation. If you buy one computer animation DVD, let it be this one."

Great animation, fantastic soundtrack

Dustin M. Smith | Aurora, CO | 11/24/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoyed The Mind's Eye series (Mind's Eye, Beyond, and Gate)you'll enjoy this one. More great computer animation and a fantastic soundtrack from artists Mike Oldfield and Kerry Livgren (former guitarist of rock group Kansas). No extras, I would liked to have had an onscreen menu with a index of the animation sequences. But, other than that the quality is very good."

Best of the genre

James M. McDonald | Grand Rapids, MI | 06/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The graphics are superb. The underwater chase scenes in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace are very reminiscent of the chase scenes toward the beginning of this video.If you are a Kansas fan, you'll immediately spot the style of Kerry Livren, the musical genius behind this video. Only two tracks have vocals. One is overtly Judeo/Christian expressing that only the Creator can satisfy. Livgren became a Christian before Kansas disbanded (just listen to Dust in the Wind or The Wall).The vocal track (next to the last) is the only one I don't like. The vocalist is Kerry's son, Jacob. It would be a good song if it weren't for an unecessary, irritating falsetto part that he sings. It is very badly done.If you do not like Kansas, you will not like the music. My brother first showed me this video a couple of years ago. I went out and got it myself. As soon as I am finished here I am ordering the DVD!"