印象派 (Impressionism) "BEAM!"

Japanese pop band 印象派 (roughly translated to Impressionism) have been on my radar since early last year after stumbling on the track Endless Summer, pushing me into the depths of Space Shower Music's fantastic lineup of Japanese musical artists. 印象派's new track BEAM! is a pleasant trip on the ears, but the accompanied music video is ridiculous in all the right ways. 

With a set of awesome visual effects, BEAM! takes you on a wild trip between two feuding sets of animal-human-things as they battle for world supremacy. If animal-human-things don't instantly tickle your interest maybe the idea of of animal-human-things firing lasers will. 

The music video is incredible well done, and the mixture of neon colors on a black-and-white world mesh extremely well, creating fast-past action akin to Edgar Wright's take on Scott Pilgrim. Even if you're not a fan of Jpop you should find something you'll enjoy.

Shelter

Carl Burton's animated short "Shelter" is nothing short of a bizarre mind trip into a trippy wooden world. Starting out as a simple attic on a dark, rainy night evolves into gravity-defying Alice in Wonderland-esque tunnel and maze. It's a short that is heavy on visuals, and lacking in story. But it's so beautiful executed that it's hypnotizing to watch. The use of the soft, warm light and rain audios are particular relaxing.

Movie Magic : 2011 Edition

This cool in depth look features a 2011 year in review for the special effects work for some of the 'best' movies of last year. This behind the scenes featurette showcases some of the coolest FX set pieces and techniques from a plethora of movies, both practical and digital. The Rango virtual immersion tablet was by far one of the coolest new tools I've seen for immersing voice actors and helping them deliver an even better performance.

Behind The Scenes Of Hellboy 1 & 2

I recently stumbled onto this making of video featuring the extensive work done on the prosthetics, robotics and makeup FX that went into creating some of the incredible creatures in the first Hellboy. I can't get enough of this stuff, and I honestly wish that the FX studios would release these types of videos a little more frequently instead of keeping all the footage internal...Nonetheless, some truly inspiring, amazing work by hundreds of hard working FX artists and technicians. Check out the Hellboy 2 FX reel, featuring Guillermo Del Toro himself getting all hands on after the break!