Xam'd: Lost Memories
In a surprising turn of events, Sony Computer Entertainment, Aniplex and BONES have collaborated to present the first PSN Exclusive animation series. Xam'd: Lost Memories is currently only available on the North American Playstation Network Video Store, at 2.99 USD for a Standard Definition rental, and 3.99 USD for a High Definition rental. Both rentals are valid for two weeks from the point of purchase, but will expire 24 hours from the moment you start playing the file. Since I'm a huge fan of BONES, I went ahead and rented the first episode in HD. Clocking at 1.5 gig, the 24 minute 1080p episode with 5.1 sound is possible the best digital rental that I have ever seen in terms of pure quality. Too bad it only lasts for a day.
Episode 1: Xam'd at the dawn of war
Right from the start, the influence that Eureka Seven has on the series is extremely clear. The show spots several different cultures and design directions, but all the characters have the "look" that E7 popularized, even though Yoshida has nothing to do with this. The characters which have more eastern-influenced clothing and vehicles remind me a lot of classic Ghibli designs from Nausicaa and Laputa, while the more modernized city state looks lifted right out of E7 with a touch of RahXephon's Tokyo Jupiter.
The animation is extremely attractive, especially in HD. The high production values definitely make the experience feel more like a theatrical or OVA feature, with the only thing giving it away as a series being the pace. Like all BONES series, this show takes its time. There is breathing space to introduce the characters and the worldview, easing the viewer into a new somewhat alien world which looks just close enough to our own to be familiar, but different enough to intrigue.
The first episode is light on action, so those looking for a killer opening action sequence will be disappointed. Instead it features a lot of very awesome subtle character motion animation, again invoking the Ghibli feeling. Even at its leisurely pace, the episode seem to go by really quickly, leaving the viewer wanting more. The cliffhanger at the end of the episode sets the show up for the first major action sequence in the next episode, so I guess that's a pretty good hook to get everyone to rent the next one too. :)
Enjoy the screens, and sorry for the crappy quality since they came off my digicam. >_<
Here's the "to be continued" screen:
For those tracking credits and staff members, here's the animation directing and keyframe staff for the episode:
Episode 1: Xam'd at the dawn of war
Right from the start, the influence that Eureka Seven has on the series is extremely clear. The show spots several different cultures and design directions, but all the characters have the "look" that E7 popularized, even though Yoshida has nothing to do with this. The characters which have more eastern-influenced clothing and vehicles remind me a lot of classic Ghibli designs from Nausicaa and Laputa, while the more modernized city state looks lifted right out of E7 with a touch of RahXephon's Tokyo Jupiter.
The animation is extremely attractive, especially in HD. The high production values definitely make the experience feel more like a theatrical or OVA feature, with the only thing giving it away as a series being the pace. Like all BONES series, this show takes its time. There is breathing space to introduce the characters and the worldview, easing the viewer into a new somewhat alien world which looks just close enough to our own to be familiar, but different enough to intrigue.
The first episode is light on action, so those looking for a killer opening action sequence will be disappointed. Instead it features a lot of very awesome subtle character motion animation, again invoking the Ghibli feeling. Even at its leisurely pace, the episode seem to go by really quickly, leaving the viewer wanting more. The cliffhanger at the end of the episode sets the show up for the first major action sequence in the next episode, so I guess that's a pretty good hook to get everyone to rent the next one too. :)
Enjoy the screens, and sorry for the crappy quality since they came off my digicam. >_<
Here's the "to be continued" screen:
For those tracking credits and staff members, here's the animation directing and keyframe staff for the episode:
