Iceman - Shining Collection (Oh! My Goddess)

OLink: video information (animemusicvideos.org)
Author: VicBond007

Let's see... correct me if I am wrong but this AMV looks like a massive SPOILER, so beware ;]. However, for the sake of the review I think I sacrificed my pleasure of watching Oh! My Goddess Movie over this clip. And as far as I recall the first OVA, it seems it wasn't that bad decision.

You should notice that this author has already been featured on AMV VVeekend, with the amazing Kiddy Grade piece. But today's video is far more... extreme ;]. Starting off with the stunning idea of a dubbed introduction by the author's friend, Kara Dennison - and in Japanese! Followed by the extremely attractive beginning, and all filled up with the speeded up frame rate. And I'm telling you, this increased pace does make a difference - a quite positive difference, which especially at certain moments you may notice.

Around the middle, a peaceful interlude is inserted, and particular frames of young Belldandy are the cutest thing ever. And then it blows to the finish in a quite awesome, apocalyptic way ;] - but you'd probably feel it more if you saw the anime. Which I didn't, but still I consider this one of my favourite clips.

The thing is that at first I really wasn't sure. I didn't find any sense in the scenes and stuff, especially the motorbike race. I still don't, but what I have found was an eye-candy editing and good background music. Which by the way, seems to be the first Japanese lyrics theme in here. Maybe if I understood this language better the video would make more sense. But as I said, it may matter at first, but not later on when it gets more and more amazing, although technically you are watching the same clip. Now that's some awesome achievement for an AMV.

BTW: Look back at the comments of the recent Ergo Proxy clip - actual authors visit this blog, sweet ;]

Gimmik - Booga (Paranoia Agent)

OLink: video information (animemusicvideos.org)
Author: deafeuphoria

Let's get paranoic, shall we? This piece was actually dug out by Muz, thanks man for that trippy thing. But it's a hell of a strange AMV to talk about x]. Well, the fact is if you haven't seen the anime, you will lose around 50% of the appeal of this clip. Or insanity rather. However, with the amount of psychedelic stuff here it should still be enough to get you like 'wtf'. I mean, damn, what did the author smoke?

The soundtrack is awesome here. It's so smooth at the moments, and so harsh at others, it hurts. And these children laughs, from some reason these giggles are always creepy. Like when they use them in movies, they usually end up in some sick psychological thrillers x]. On the other hand, the music alone is kind of calm. It's the trippy editing that gives it new meaning and turns it to a bit of a brainwasher.

And editing is really nice. Nothing flashy or amazing. Rather delicate but rough at the same time. Perfectly synchronized with the beat, although it may be hard to notice with the low frame rate of the flash video. And as I said, it's indeed psychedelic. I wonder if it is because humans find rapid movements eye-catching, but there's something hypnotic in the way the characters and objects move back and forth like a vinyl on a DJs turntable. Moreover, I found a nice 'feature' to all this disturbance of the flow - when the calm part enters in the middle of the AMV, I get really relieved, feeling calm and cool...

And to be honest, at first I didn't like this clip. It was technically good and everything, but I couldn't stand the beginning, especially the frog and the sound. But now, with each watch, I like it more and more. This as well could be because humans tend to like things more when they know them - that's why radio stations mostly play 'golden hits' - not so old that you forgot them, but not so new that you wouldn't know them. But it also could be that this AMV needs to be explored a bit. And get you hypnotized...

Zager and Evans - In the Year 2525 (Various Anime)

OLink: video information (animemusicvideos.org)
Author: Janzki

Under that very complicated title I present you one of the more deep and serious music videos. The problem is there's not so much I can say about it. It reminds me of something I said once already during a review - this clip is a conclusion to a series of perfect choices. Respect for the author.

First perfect element, the idea of the AMV itself, is quite genius. It comes directly from the second perfect element - the choice of music theme. Third, which probably took the most effort, is the choice of scenes. They exactly resemble the lyrics, moreover, they've got a soft, 'Ghibli' feeling that perfectly fit the pace of the Zager and Evans song. Delicate transitions and fades of the year number make a great finishing touch.

It's one of these music videos that have a great impact on the viewers not by flashes and bangs, but a solid, art-ish approach. I don't know if you, but I have a certain feeling of the extent of our universe and the meaningless length of my life. What is the value of even one hundred years of life when you think of the thousands years humanity has been occupying Earth, and the upcoming thousands it still will? What will be all the current hi-tech toys worth in 50 years? Think of the VCR, or a CD Walkman. What is the value of any current arguments and wars?

Thus, think globally. Don't live in the moment. Remember the past. Look into the future. That's the message I spotted in that AMV. And what do you see in it?

Slipknot - Before I Forget (Tenjou Tenge)

OLink: video information (animemusicvideos.org)
Author: Sayan Video Studio, Darius GQ, RatKiller

Listen! The hardcore sh*t continues also this weekend, with this amazing, fast paced beat'em up music video. I would lie if I said I don't like Tenjou Tenge. In fact, this is one of my favourite titles, both as an anime and manga. There should be no sense in this liking, as some may say the plot is kind of typical, the characters are shallow everywhere except their chests, the superhuman strength is ridiculous and the pseudo-martial art strikes and poses are lame.

However! that's just the cover of this book. Underneath you can find a complex mystery, personal conflicts and tragic outcomes. All wrapped in perfect Oh!Great curves - his lineart is just too sexy. Now, let's get to the point - it is difficult to create a good Tenjou Tenge AMV. Usually people choose and arrange the scenes in the way that emphasises that mentioned lameness. And on top of it, they use some crappy music themes. Well, sorry TenTen haters, but today's piece is just not the case.

It may be my twisted taste, but this clip has got some serious attitude. Moreover, Slipknot ain't some sweet boys band either - they got proper scream. The authors managed to rip the cover off of that book and grab the delicious, dark pages stained with characters blood. They didn't only focus on the kicks and punches, but also on the more human side, the eyes, the thoughts and the tragedy of the characters. Everything is presented in a flow of one of the most balanced effects I have ever seen - nice lip syncing, awesome colour overlays, and the best of it - the striped design, sometimes broken into pieces. And ends with a punch too ;].

The ending titles are another matter, like a clip inside a clip. Nice touch. Interesting thing though, I can listen to Fort Minor without the AMV, however the Slipknot theme doesn't work without watching the video - that's another proof of how well made it is.

PS. I don't know if you noticed, but Flash has problems handling these fast paced AMVs. Where possible, try to watch the original material, you should notice some positive differences x]. Tomorrow we shall calm down, so Flash can keep up with us. Stay tuned.