Unsettling VFX Challenges Haunt Renowned 90s PBS Animation Show Even After 25 Years
Revisiting the '90s Animated PBS Show, Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Unveiling the Impact of Animation Quality on VFX Artists, 25 Years Later
Article Overview
VFX artists on Corridor Crew's "Animators React" series react to Jay Jay the Jet Plane, finding the show to be creepy.
The animators have concerns about the technology being used as they feel it takes away the artistic expression in the show.
Although the storyline and content of animated properties will always hold utmost importance, the quality of animation is also significant as it influences how well the audience engages with the story.
VFX artists give their reaction to the unsettling animation in Jay Jay the Jet Plane, a children's show from the 90s that aired on PBS. The show, which premiered in 1994 and ran for four seasons, follows the adventures of a plane and his friends. Although a revival called The New Adventures of Jay Jay the Jet Plane has been confirmed to be in development and a trailer was released last summer, the show has not yet premiered.
On a recent episode of Corridor Crew's "Animators React" series, Niko Pueringer and Wren Weichman are joined by veteran animator Alex Snow to analyze various animated shows and movies, both new and old. The animators' response to Jay Jay the Jet Plane stands out as one of the more humorous segments in the video, as they point out issues with how the planes' movements are portrayed. Niko suggests that the jerky motion of the airplanes suggests that the animation was captured from live mouse movements. See more comments from the animators below.
Alex: “This is a good example of, like, the bare minimum.”
Wren: “This is really creeping me out. What are we watching? Is this for kids?
Niko commented that they use the mouse to click and drag in order to change the head, and then record the motion, giving it a certain feel.
Alex expressed their opinion, finding it strange and feeling that relying too much on the tool can result in a loss of creativity, the director's vision, or the artist's touch, ultimately leading to more works like this.
How Much Does Animation Quality Matter?
Is a good story enough?
Pixar, the renowned studio behind popular films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, and WALL-E, firmly believes in the motto "story is king." This means that, regardless of how visually stunning the animation may be, it is the story that gives it purpose and an enduring impact on audiences. This philosophy has undoubtedly contributed to Pixar's reputation as one of the top animation studios in the industry.
While the motto "story is king" is commendable, it is important to acknowledge that most Pixar movies are also visually impressive. It is difficult to determine whether films like Toy Story or Finding Nemo would have achieved the same success if the animation had been less technologically advanced. A contrasting example can be seen in Jay Jay the Jet Plane, where the animation style is visibly distracting and somewhat unsettling by modern standards. However, it remains uncertain how the show was received upon its release, particularly among its intended audience.
Jay Jay the Jet Plane had a four-season run, suggesting that it was not a complete failure. However, compared to a production like a Pixar movie, the show seems to have been relatively inexpensive to produce. The importance of animation quality ultimately depends on the response and personal preferences of each audience member. If the series managed to entertain children for a few hours, it most likely achieved its intended goal. Nevertheless, by today's standards, Jay Jay the Jet Plane falls short in many aspects.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I grew up watching classic animated shows like Jay Jay the Jet Plane, so it was interesting to see the VFX artists' perspective on the show's animation quality. While I enjoyed the show as a child, I can understand why the animators found it unsettling. The jerky movements of the planes and the lack of fluidity in the animation definitely take away from the artistic expression of the show.
However, I think it's important to consider the context in which Jay Jay the Jet Plane was created. In the 1990s, computer animation was still in its early stages, and the technology available to animators was limited. Despite these limitations, I think the creators of Jay Jay the Jet Plane did a great job of creating a visually appealing and entertaining show. While the animation may not hold up to today's standards, I still have fond memories of watching the show and I think it's a classic that deserves to be remembered.
