“The second volume of Star Wars Visions expanded the show’s reach to various studios across the globe. This new series features shorts from animation studios El Guiri (Spain), Cartoon Saloon (Ireland), Punkrobot (Chile), Aardman (United Kingdom), Studio Mir (South Korea), Studio La Cachette (France), 88 Pictures (India), D’art Shtajio (Japan), and Triggerfish (South Africa). The creators at each studio are given free rein to re-envision the ideas of Star Wars as they see fit, while receiving guidance from Lucasfilm’s executive team; further, D’art Shtajio’s short was co-produced by Lucasfilm.”
If you’re in the mood for some Star Wars international animation, you might want to give the new Star Wars Visions series a try. The nine episodes feature stories from various parts of the Lucasfilm Universe. I enjoyed all nine episodes in this second season of Star Wars Visions and my favorite was “Journey to the Dark Head” that tells the story of a committed pilot and a troubled Jedi–quite an odd couple. You’ll find the gorgeous animation in this series a real treat! GRADE: A
Here are summaries of each of the nine new episodes:
A former Sith living a peaceful life is confronted with her past when her former master finds her.
A young girl seeking relief from her days in a rural workshop discovers a legendary haunted cave with her friends. The cave’s dark call will change the trajectory of her life forever.
Two sisters, who are the last of their kind, fight for survival when Imperial forces discover them.
Young pilot Anni is forced to participate with her caring but nagging mother, of whom she is ashamed, in a reckless flight academy family competition where their relationship is tested by their old ship.
S2 E5 · Journey to the Dark Head
An optimistic mechanic/pilot and a disillusioned young Jedi join forces on an unlikely and risky mission to turn the tide of galactic warfare, but dark forces follow them on their quest.
The prima ballerina of a well-known cabaret frequented by imperials uses her unique skills to do espionage on behalf of the Rebellion, but the presence of a mysterious officer threatens to compromise her mission.
A young boy and his Force-sensitive younger sister flee their village by train. They are pursued by ruthless Imperial forces, so they seek refuge in a bustling and dangerous marketplace.
A brave young prisoner, forced by the Empire to dig the earth to extract kyber crystals, plans a risky escape for himself and his people when the Imperials abandon the workers in the mine.
An alien child, eager to sing, is brought up by a loving but strict father, who forces her to keep silent because of the disastrous effect her voice has on the crystals in some mines.
I’m not a fan of animation. I suppose the Star Wars juggernaut may reach saturation at some point, but clearly not in my lifetime.
Fred, I think Disney and Lucasfilm are smart to open their universe up to international talent. Much of the animation for this new series is stunning!
That does sound a bit more interesting than most SW projects.
Todd, the variety of animation styles with their dazzling color make STAR WARS VISIONS, CHAPTER 2 wonderful eye-candy!