The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello – Animation

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Mr Epp, Mr Björn, Mr Ian, Mr Klaus, Mr Park, and posters over at the frequently interesting Clockworkers Guild LJ, have all brought The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello to my attention.  Oh – and it looks such an indulgent treat, it must be said.  Some of the recommendations say that it is unsettling, others that it is beautiful, and indeed – the two are not incompatible.

Set in a deeply Steampunk world of airships and high collars, this perfectly stylish production tells the tale of a young man with a tragic past, and an uncertain future in a land where a terrible disease ravages the populace.  Can he redeem himself in one last adventure?

For those of you fortunate enough to be perfectly half the world away from me, this short animation is being shown in selected Australian cinemas through February and March.  The DVD is available also, but is Australian and New Zealand region only – though, I hear tell that recently the British Channel 4 showed it, so perhaps there is hope for those who are not region free!

  • Where the Hell is Jasper!

    http://www.jaspermorello.com
    Look, I may as well go off on a rant now.... With over five thousand facebook SteamPunkers someone must know somebody, who knows what's up!

    Jasper Morello and the return of Claude Belgon ( The second voyage)
    Jasper Morello and the Ghost of ALTO MEA ( The third voyage)
    Jasper Morello and the Ebeneza of Gothia ( The forth voyage)

    Melbourne-based director and co-writer of The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello - Anthony Lucas, back in2005 was later reported to be working on two more shorts in January 2007, and the possibility of a feature film (Animated or live action), but all I can find is his latest little film 'My Rabit Hoppy' in May 2008 – Anyone with any more news!?
    http://www.myrabithoppy.com/
  • Laz
    Hi. I got my copy from Australia this morning. It is in fact region free or region 0, so it's coded to work on any dvd player in any country.
  • Good site. Thank you:-)
  • Good site. Thanks!
  • The Infernal Mr Adams
    Its a great movie I love it! AND hes working on more, PLUS a movie! So that should be something to look forward too :D
  • Tinkergirl
    Dear Mr Cottontal - you may find my Suggest A Link page quite handy in future

    http://www.brassgoggles.co.uk/brassgoggles/?page_id=55

    and I have to say - that\'s a most peculiar video! Thanks for bringing it to my attention, though I\'m not sure what sort of blend of surrealism and Steampunk I can do in one post. :*:
  • Finally, a great example of 3D animation. I've been looking forward to seeing this for a long time now. Thank you for the reminder!
  • I can't find a place to email you (the writer of this here blog)

    anyhow, i thought you may like this music video. http://eggtea.com/?p=312
  • Tinkergirl
    I've not posted it before, no - but it's been around the internet quite a few times before, so it's entirely possible you saw it elsewhere.
  • Oh yeah I remember seeing this a while back..did you post this once already or no? It looks amazing...almost as if Tim Burton and Edward Gorey collaborated on it.
  • Damien Wise
    I saw this short film at the Melbourne International Film Festival a couple of years ago and it was my favourite of the festival.
    Brilliant animation and artistic style, and a very, very nice story.
    It's been shown on SBS (Melbourne), too.
    Well worth tracking-down the DVD.
  • I am in love with this! The look is 100% top shelf!

    That's really saying something too, since I'm ever so picky about animation styles--especially those of the CG variety...
  • Issue #2 of Wholphin ( http://www.wholphindvd.com/index.php ) included this short movie. The independent video store in my town carries Wholphin for rent which, quite apart from this short is an amazing compilation of videos though mostly non-steam.
  • Tree
    I bought the DVD from Australia and I live in the States. The DVD has lots of nifty extras (earlier works by the same animator/illustrator/creator). It plays just fine on my DVD player, a $30 TruTech model from Target. I believe TruTech is Target's store-brand electronic line, and they've been reliable and inexpensive so far.
  • Mr Svensson
    Oooh, this looks very interesting indeed! It's a stroke of genius to use 3D computer animation to imitate the flat, twodimensional style of shadow puppetry. That way, they don't only create the right mood, but also makes it stand out against other recent animation. Thank you for the tip, I'll definately look further into this.
  • Tinkergirl
    It's true - but I'm not sure of the legality of that, I'm afraid. So, as usual - its up to each person and their conscience if they want to go down that route.

    From what I can see, the DVD looks to be AU$25, which works out about £10 or US$20, and if you're on Netflix, then it would be part of your account anyway (2 week free trial, and a $5 account for two DVDs a month at the lowest price, it seems.) Each to their own, of course.
  • Niuthon
    it seems noone noticed there is full version on youtube


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9nVQ9XBu-w
  • Tinkergirl
    Thank you, Mr/Ms Ginsburg - I'm afraid Netflix is a bit of a blind spot for me, so I'm very grateful for your link there!
  • Intolerable Ginsburg
    In case no one else has yet mentioned, this is available from Netflix on The 2005 Academy Award Short Films Collection DVD, which is also available through Amazon, I believe.
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