Sinbad – An Adventure of Swords and Sorcery – The 2000 animated film
The Indian film Sinbad: A Tale of Swords and Sorcery (original title: Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists) is a 2000 animated film that combines computer animation and motion capture technology. We can say that it was the first feature-length animated film created exclusively using motion capture. Shot at the Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles over three months in 1997, the film was produced by Pentafour Software, now known as Pentamedia Graphics.
The film's plot follows the adventures of Sinbad, a famous sailor, who discovers a mysterious island ruled by King Chandra and his daughter, Princess Serena. The princess is on a journey beyond the “Veil of Mists,” seeking the help of Sinbad and his crew as they search for the magic potion to save King Chandra from the clutches of the evil sorcerer Baraka. Their adventures with sea monsters, prehistoric bats and the underwater inhabitants of Mist Island fill this action-packed adventure film.
The film boasts a talented cast of actors, including Brendan Fraser as Sinbad, John Rhys-Davies as King Chandra, Jennifer Hale as Princess Serena, Leonard Nimoy as Baraka, and Mark Hamill as Captain of the Guard, to name a few.
The film's production required hundreds of animators in Madras, India, as well as a smaller team in Los Angeles. It was a great technical and artistic challenge, as it required the use of actors to capture the physical movements and another set for the facial movements.
Despite the challenges encountered during production, the film generated some interest, but had a modest box office take. However, its uniqueness in combining computer animation with motion capture technology set the stage for the future success of similar animated films. Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists remains a pioneering work in computer animation and motion capture.
Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists
Director: Alan Jacobs, Evan Ricks
Author: Jeff Wolverton
Production studio: Improvision Corporation, Pentafour Software
Number of episodes: Film
Country: India, United States
Genre: Animation
Duration: 82 minutes
TV Network: Not available
Release date: February 18, 2000
Other facts: “Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists” is a 2000 Indian-American animated film and is the first feature-length computer-animated film created exclusively using motion capture. The film was produced by Pentafour Software, now known as Pentamedia Graphics, and was distributed by Phaedra Cinema. The film focuses on the character of Sinbad, who discovers a mysterious island ruled by King Chandra and his daughter, Princess Serena. Serena travels beyond the “Veil of Mists” and seeks the help of Sinbad and his crew in their search for a magical potion to save King Chandra from the evil clutches of the mysterious wizard Baraka. The film was made using motion capture technology and grossed $29.245 at the box office.
