One of the many interesting animated features of 2009, Dave checks out Shane Acker’s 9 on Blu-ray… 9has a fantastic voice cast, really interesting characters and exceptionally accomplished CGI.
The film is genuinely creepy in places, reminiscent ofCoraline.
Theres also aTerminatororMatrixelement to the machines taking over mankind, with nods to technology seen in those films.
Some of the creations are sinister, especially the robotic snake with the baby doll head!
It does stay on the right side of darkness, so shouldnt cause too many nightmares.
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If you look at the film deeply, it could be considered quite thought provoking.
The film doesnt ever dwell on these possibilities, nor does it preach the messages.
The DTS 5.1 soundtrack is used incredibly effectively.
Theres also picture-in-picture cast and crew commentary through the Uplay system.
There are five deleted scenes on the disc, mostly shown in storyboard or basic animatics.
Some of the scenes are alternate takes.
hey are presented in standard definition.
Its interesting to see the CGI of this short and hear Ackers and others talk about the project.
Running at just under sixteen and a half minutes, its not a bad feature.
As it is, though, it forms a fine whistle stop tour.
The Look of 9 is a thirteen minute look at the… errr… look of 9.
Arguably, this is one of the best extras on the disc.
Acting Out runs at just under five minutes.
Particularly of interest is the amount of ideas from the short that are in the final film.
Even for what they describe as rudimentary animation, the original short is exceptionally crafted.
If youve been disinterested in the CGI output of American studios before, this might just change your mind.
Film:
9is out now on Blu-ray andavailable from the Den Of Geek Store.
Rating:
3 out of 5
