To the contestants, please send me a mail with your choice of custom title, and I'll see what I can do. Also, I'll be getting onto two reviews very shortly. The ratings therefore will likely change, but it will be interesting to see what each category scores with regards to the review guidelines. I also believe the other two judges will be posting their thoughts/comments later.
Below are the scores I've given each entry as well as a few notes per category. I tried keeping the notes brief so as to allow room for the reviews, but as per usual I failed miserably in that aspect. As you will see, my personal results for both entries were very close! I've also added in a number of positive signs, not as a replacement to a half mark, but rather to show where I felt either entries strength to be.
My Fair Princess by Lord Basse
Entertainment Value - (7+/10)
Basse once again compliments his viewers with novel value and plenty of humour, as several knights attempt to rescue a beleaguered princess. The quality of the cinematic is of a very high standard, and I enjoyed the use of music and general devices which stray away from the normal cinematic experience. There were indeed many moments where I smiled and some others where I almost laughed-out-loud, but some instances I couldn't help but check the timer as the pace of the overall cinematic seemingly started to lose momentum, before starting back up again. This is a worthy cinematic to Lord Basse's seemingly unending line of works at the Blacksmith, but unfortunately not without its short-comings.
Presentation and Flow - (8/10)
Everything did what it was supposed to, and the story, which was generally an A to B to C tale of knightly chivalry, or rather a lack thereof, was pretty straight-forward and timed very well. The overall presentation was to an almost exemplary quality.
Creativity - (8/10)
This category particularly gets extra points for its detailed background story, and there is much here that works well with the whole cinematic, as well as a few things that came as a surprise, greatly adding to the entertainment and creativity value. A little more effort though could go a long way to filling a few of the 'void' scenes.
Scene Design and Soundtrack - (8/10)
The map design was good and for the most there were many scenes that really did fit the part; I particularly enjoyed seeing how the author has improved over time with his designs, and this is no exception. In saying that, the music and use of sound effects were for me very enjoyable, and it seems the whole cinematic was designed around Bonnie Tyler's "Holding out for a Hero", which was very fitting.
Story - (8+/10)
This is a simple tale, but the author has taken great lengths to keep it funny and interesting, if only that there were a few moments that seemed to drag a little bit. A good effort, and I like how the author has used real-life actors to fill the roles in his satirical cinematic.
TOTAL SCORE = 39/50
The Last Samurai: Blood Memories by Sebastien
Entertainment Value - (8+/10)
The cinematic hastily drawn together (but not lacking in quality!) by our new SD member Sebastian is really quite exceptional, and it's obvious the author has gone to pain-staking lengths to get it done by the, what is it now, fifth extension? Never mind. The use of sound effects, scenario design and a number of mechanics made possible only through modified data files makes the viewer feel like he or she is really there. This should be watched at least a few times.
Presentation and Flow - (7/10)
To be fair, the cinematic feels slightly disjointed and there were a number of examples where I feel a little more work would have made the cinematic better polished. The transition between each scene feels like a heartbeat, a murmur in one's breath, and there seems not enough essence in between to further develop what is being seen. Still, for the most the cinematic works as it is intended and sounds and music play in-sync with the rest of the viewing.
Creativity - (8+/10)
There is plenty going on for the cinematic and each scene feels 'complete' in its own right, with more than a number of creative devices and design illusions that go a long way to proving very satisfying. The falling snow was completely new for me, and was awesome to see it falling against a black skyline and frozen landscape.
Scene Design and Soundtrack - (9+/10)
Exemplary; the map design compliments what is seen on screen and the music amplifies what the viewer is supposed to feel. The setting is believable, and feels like a 'living' world. I particularly enjoyed the use of little sounds like the drum beats, heavy breathing, and the crying to help convey atmosphere, as well as adding a little more realism to the cinematic. There were a few details that I found displeasing, but more of a personal style preference than anything.
Story - (6/10)
The lack of final polishing in this category hurts the rating. The story in itself acts more as a glimpse to the whole thing, like we're thrown into the middle to catch the last rays of a man's life, but this of course is no problem and seems more of a style aspect than anything negative. At times, the story is involving, beautifully-presented and moving, and after the cinematic ends I'm still left wondering about it. I do however wish for a more evolved ending, which would truly complete the already poignant cinematic experience. My only real issue was that a few scenes required second viewing to understand, like the scene where Testuo is having a nightmare about his wife. When I first saw that particular scene I sat back in my chair and thought to myself "wtf?" In general, promising, above average, but requiring a tad more work before it is fully realised. As it is, I feel there is perhaps a scene 'missing' somewhere in there.
TOTAL SCORE = 38/50
EDIT:
lol at Seb's comment above. [This message has been edited by Mashek (edited 02-08-2011 @ 07:20 AM).]