Even though abstract animations like Quest (1) are just as entertaining as today’s movies, I found that animations with basic, simple features can also be enjoyable to watch. A good example of this kind of animation is High Fidelity (1982) (2). High Fidelity is entertaining through its simplicity. The simple designs and characters, the movements of these characters, and the story make High Fidelity one of the most unique early 3D animations.
The world and characters of High Fidelity are made of basic geometric shapes, just as in Quest, but the basic shapes create concrete rather than abstract structures. One can tell who and what a character is by the placement of the shapes. For example, there is male character because he has on a bowtie, and a female character because she is wearing a “hat”. It is also easy to tell what a character does. The man is a photographer and the woman, who holds parasols, is probably a dancer.
The simple movements of the characters should also be noted. The characters themselves are in perpetual motion, as each part of their body moves in a certain direction. The perpetual motion of their bodies helps make than look alive, as the motion of the structures in Quest.
Lastly, High Fidelity’s simple story is quite enjoyable. As I interpret it, the photographer admires the dancer, and likes her so much, that he takes pictures of her dog. Later on, the photographer sees the dancer on television. No longer able to stand it, the photographer floats over to see her, where they fall in love (and live happily ever after).
Though simple in design, characters, and story, High Fidelity is very unique and entertaining. Its simplicity helps make it one of the most unique 3D animations of the 1980s and likely became an inspiration for today’s movies.
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(1) VintageCG. Quest (1985). Online Video. 3 mins 23 secs. 16 Aug 2009.
(2) Tringri. High Fidelity (1982). Online Video. 1 min 46 secs. 14 May 2009.