This 1990 Electronic Press Kit (EPK) for They Might Be Giants' album Flood promotes the band and their music through a quirky and humorous lens. It features interviews with band members John Flansburgh and John Linnell discussing their songwriting process, musical influences, and the album itself. Interspersed with these interviews are clips of music videos from the album, showcasing the band's distinctive visual style and playful aesthetic. The overall tone is lighthearted and self-aware, emphasizing the band's unique blend of catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and offbeat presentation.
The 2005 Sony Bravia advertisement, famous for its vibrant depiction of 250,000 bouncing rubber balls cascading down a San Francisco hill, was a significant cultural moment. Shot on location over several days, the ad aimed to showcase the vivid color capabilities of the new Bravia televisions. While digitally enhanced to add more balls and smooth out imperfections, the core of the ad used practical effects, relying on the natural bounce and movement of the balls. Its production involved meticulous planning, street closures, and the collaboration of numerous artists and technicians. The ad became a sensation, boosting Sony's brand and inspiring numerous imitations.
HN commenters largely discuss the effectiveness and memorability of the Bravia ad, with many recalling it vividly years later. Some analyze the technical aspects of its production, noting the lack of CGI and the challenges of shooting with 250,000 bouncy balls. Several compare it favorably to modern advertising, lamenting the perceived decline in creativity and impact. A few users question the practicality and cost of the ad, while others share anecdotes about similar projects or express skepticism about its authenticity. The overall sentiment is one of appreciation for the ad's unique and engaging approach.
This 1957 video demonstrates Walt Disney's groundbreaking multiplane camera. It showcases how the camera system, through a series of vertically stacked panes of glass holding artwork and lights, creates a sense of depth and parallax in animation. By moving the different layers at varying speeds and distances from the camera, Disney's animators achieved a more realistic and immersive three-dimensional effect, particularly noticeable in background scenes like forests and cityscapes. The video highlights the technical complexity of the camera and its impact on achieving a unique visual style, particularly in films like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Pinocchio."
The Hacker News comments on the Walt Disney multiplane camera video largely express appreciation for the ingenuity and artistry of the technique. Several commenters note how the depth and parallax achieved by the multiplane camera adds a significant level of realism and immersion compared to traditional animation. Some discuss the meticulous work involved, highlighting the challenges of synchronizing the multiple layers and the sheer amount of artwork required. A few comments mention the influence of this technique on later filmmaking, including its digital descendants in modern CGI and visual effects. Others reminisce about seeing Disney films as children and the impact the multiplane camera's visual richness had on their experience.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43490173
The Hacker News comments on the They Might Be Giants Flood EPK video largely express nostalgic appreciation for the band and the album. Several commenters reminisce about their childhood memories associated with the music and video, highlighting its quirky humor and unique style. Some discuss the band's innovative approach to promotion and their early adoption of music videos and EPKs. A few commenters analyze the video's technical aspects, such as the use of green screen and the distinct aesthetic. Others delve into the band's broader career and influence, with mentions of their children's music and other albums. Overall, the sentiment is one of fondness and admiration for They Might Be Giants' creativity and enduring appeal.
The Hacker News post linking to a They Might Be Giants Flood EPK promo video from 1990 has a modest number of comments, generating a discussion primarily focused on nostalgia and appreciation for the band. No one offers any particularly deep analysis of the video itself, instead mainly sharing personal anecdotes and expressing fondness for They Might Be Giants' unique style.
Several commenters reminisce about their experiences with the band and the Flood album specifically. One user recalls taping the video off MTV and watching it "endlessly." Another expresses strong nostalgia for the early 90s and how the video evokes that era for them. A few commenters simply state their enjoyment of They Might Be Giants' music, with one calling them "national treasures."
Some comments briefly touch on the promotional aspects of the video. One user observes the contrast between the band's somewhat awkward and low-budget presentation and their eventual mainstream success. Another notes the video's effectiveness in capturing the quirky and offbeat nature of They Might Be Giants' music.
There's a short thread discussing the band's use of the term "Dial-A-Song" and its connection to their phone line service that offered fans new music. One commenter mentions finding old recordings of these Dial-A-Song messages.
Overall, the comments reflect a positive sentiment towards They Might Be Giants and the Flood album, with a focus on personal memories and appreciation for the band's distinct style. The discussion remains relatively surface-level, lacking extensive analysis or debate, and serves primarily as a space for fans to share their nostalgic feelings.