Buzz
With the marvels CGI technology brings, CGI is undoubtedly the 'wizard' behind marvelous imagery. Nonetheless, CGI also poses a double-edged sword for less meticulous studios.
CGI is a computer-generated imagery technology. It's the technology that creates fictional static or dynamic images (such as 3D graphics like characters, landscapes, and sophisticated effects) using computer software. Perfected to today's standards, CGI is virtually ubiquitous.
For instance, CGI is utilized in producing anime. Anime CGI refers to films that use computer graphics to create characters, backgrounds, and their movements.
In reality, there are numerous advantages in choosing CGI over traditional animation. CGI is regarded as an optimal technology, especially in terms of production costs. It's cheaper than the 'traditional' methods of creating highly complex physical models or makeup requiring meticulousness.
Therefore, employing CGI is a way for animators to relax more (note that they still draw, but now it's on computers), but not all fans are on board with that. And perhaps more than once you've read criticisms about certain scenes of anime being based on CGI animation.
Of course, 3DCG (computer-generated 3D animation) often faces the harshest criticism. Generally, 3DCG is used without viewers even realizing, especially in rapidly changing scenarios such as battles. Specifically, instead of creating multiple frames with scene changes, just generating a 3D scene, overlaying continuous combat animation, and only focusing on camera movement within that scene is sufficient.
Despite some failures leaving viewers disappointed, there are still outstanding 3DCG works beyond expectations like Beastars, Houseki no Kuni, and Trigun Stampede. Unfortunately, this animation style experiences more failures than successes. Hence, mentioning 3DCG animation often triggers allergic reactions and headshakes of disappointment among fans.
Clip showcasing a 3DCG battle between Ranma and Shampoo - Courtesy of Twitter '@giwono0708'
However, Twitter user '@giwono0708' has recently caught everyone's attention by posting a 3DCG animation depicting a battle between Ranma and Shampoo from the Ranma 1/2 series. If observed closely, we can see the stage designed in 3DCG, while all combat scenes are CGI. The quality of the clip has left many astonished.
Here are some comments from netizens about this clip:
- Oh my, is this a 3D animated film? I can't believe it!
- Impressive!
- Is this how 3D should be used in anime? Excellent!
- The quality of the final product is truly remarkable, much better than many million-dollar productions nowadays.
- I'm impressed by the fact that the scene makes many people not realize that there's 3D animation involved. I've always believed that using 3D properly is when it can be integrated with 2D.
- More than ever, I look forward to the remake of Ranma 1/2!
