Spring Break
Your next stop: the Polar Express
By: Dan Curlik
Issue date: 11/5/04 Section: Entertainment
Originally published: 11/4/04 at 9:41 PM EST
Last update: 11/4/04 at 9:43 PM EST
Originally published: 11/4/04 at 9:41 PM EST
Last update: 11/4/04 at 9:43 PM EST
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The beauty of the animation does not stop at the environment though, the characters as well have a very unique look to them. Created through a new method of animating known as "performance capture." In a nutshell, through this method the entire film is recorded as the actors act out the entire film. This leads to the characters having a much more realistic look to them then normal CGI, and also made several of the scenes in the film mirror the pictures in the book quite nicely. Combining these realistic looking characters, with the amazing camera work of Zemeckis truly gives The Polar Express a feel of realism.
Unfortunately, this animation style is not without its flaws. At times the expressions on the characters seem flat, especially that of the little boy. However, this is easily offset by the fantastic voice acting of Hanks and others that make certain the audience knows the underlying emotions of the characters.
Bringing together all of the visual elements of the film are the beautiful musical score by Glen Ballard and Alan Sillvestri. The score includes some traditional songs redone, such as "Silver Bells" and "White Christmas" as well as a fantastic song from Josh Groban titled "Believe."
The true beauty of The Polar Express though will not be witnessed in your typical theater. As if doing the entire film in motion capture wasn't ground-breaking enough, the film will open November 10 in both regular format, as well as IMAX 3D. Unfortunately the 3D version has not been shown yet so all that can be made are assumptions. However, seeing as how wonderful the film look on a standard size, 2D screen watching it in IMAX 3D will be simply amazing.
Overall The Polar Express is looking to be one of the best Christmas films of the year, providing entertainment the entire family can enjoy, while at the same time giving a wonderful message of belief and joy in Christmas that children, and even some adults, will take from the theater. Remember this next time you sit at home and put on Earnest Saves Christmas, or the next marathon of A Christmas Story; The Polar Express is both a new and innovative film in the Christmas genre.......?
Rating: 4 triangles
Unfortunately, this animation style is not without its flaws. At times the expressions on the characters seem flat, especially that of the little boy. However, this is easily offset by the fantastic voice acting of Hanks and others that make certain the audience knows the underlying emotions of the characters.
Bringing together all of the visual elements of the film are the beautiful musical score by Glen Ballard and Alan Sillvestri. The score includes some traditional songs redone, such as "Silver Bells" and "White Christmas" as well as a fantastic song from Josh Groban titled "Believe."
The true beauty of The Polar Express though will not be witnessed in your typical theater. As if doing the entire film in motion capture wasn't ground-breaking enough, the film will open November 10 in both regular format, as well as IMAX 3D. Unfortunately the 3D version has not been shown yet so all that can be made are assumptions. However, seeing as how wonderful the film look on a standard size, 2D screen watching it in IMAX 3D will be simply amazing.
Overall The Polar Express is looking to be one of the best Christmas films of the year, providing entertainment the entire family can enjoy, while at the same time giving a wonderful message of belief and joy in Christmas that children, and even some adults, will take from the theater. Remember this next time you sit at home and put on Earnest Saves Christmas, or the next marathon of A Christmas Story; The Polar Express is both a new and innovative film in the Christmas genre.......?
Rating: 4 triangles
