Review of Summer Invention University: The story of the men who couldn't become Edison

Review of Summer Invention University: The story of the men who couldn't become Edison

The appeal and evaluation of "Summer Invention University: The Men Who Couldn't Become Edison"

Introduction

"Summer Invention University: The Men Who Couldn't Become Edison" was broadcast as a nine-episode TV anime series on Fuji TV in 2001. This original anime series depicts the dreams and passion of scientists on the theme of "useless, wasteful inventions" from 100 years ago. In modern society, science and technology that prioritizes profit is mainstream, but this work offers a perspective that reevaluates the joy and dreams of invention, which is the polar opposite.

story

■ Story

Summer Invention University About 100 years ago, while Thomas Edison, the inventor of the century, was active, many scientists were working on "useless and pointless inventions." Of course, none of these inventions were put to practical use, but they were all full of fantastic dreams. In this day and age when profit takes precedence and science and technology continue to develop, we may need to reexamine the research of these people who single-mindedly pursued their dreams.

Commentary

■Explanation

This is a program that allows not only children but also adults to experience the joy of coming up with ideas.

The program will introduce many of these "useless inventions" in a university lecture style.
The program is fully CG. In a lecture room, Professor Xavier, a CG character who loves unusual inventions, is lecturing to 50 CG students (Nickel and Schaer), about unusual inventions from 100 years ago.
Professor Xavier has a set theme for each class, and by showing the students the video, he explains the greatness of "creativity". However, the students always ask questions that are off the mark. Professor Xavier's worries continue...

The CG characters Professor Xavier and his student Nickel Schaer were recorded in real time using the award-winning "Cyber ​​Bunraku" system from Fuji Television's CG production department. The VTR portion is a 2D CG animation made in the style of newsreel footage.

In addition to projects linked to the program, we are also considering projects that are unique to the Internet for our website.

cast

■Cast

・Professor Xavier/Tetsuo Sakaguchi ・Sharice/Moyu Arishima ・Nickel/Moyu Arishima

Main Characters

■ Main Characters

Professor Xavier

Petri dish

·nickel

Appeal of the work

The greatest appeal of "Summer Invention University: The Men Who Couldn't Become Edison" is its unique concept. By taking up "useless, wasteful inventions" from 100 years ago, it offers a perspective that could be seen as a kind of rebellion against modern society, where the development of science and technology takes precedence over profit. This work reevaluates the joy of invention and the pursuit of dreams, and conveys to viewers the importance of "ideas."

Another notable feature is the use of full CG video in the presentation of the lecture style. The scene in which Professor Xavier lectures in front of 50 CG character students is visually very fresh and has the power to draw the viewer in. Furthermore, the video introducing the contents of the lecture uses 2D CG animation in the style of news footage, creating a unique atmosphere that combines nostalgia and newness.

The character settings are also fascinating. Professor Xavier is a passionate character who loves unusual inventions, and viewers can feel the joy of invention through his lectures. Meanwhile, students Nickel and Charle provide humorous elements and entertain viewers by repeatedly asking irrelevant questions. The interactions between these characters make the tone of the entire work light and fun.

evaluation

"Summer Invention University: The Men Who Couldn't Become Edison" has been highly praised by viewers. It has been especially praised for its critical perspective on modern society, where the development of science and technology takes precedence over profit, and for its attitude of reevaluating the joy of invention. In addition, the production using full CG images and the humorous exchanges between the characters have also been well received by viewers.

However, some viewers have criticized the short broadcast period of only nine episodes and the inconsistency of the content. With only nine episodes, it may be difficult to delve deeply into the theme of the work and provide a story that satisfies viewers. In addition, some viewers have commented that the work lacks unity as a whole because the theme is different for each episode.

Recommendation

"Summer Invention University: The Men Who Couldn't Become Edison" is recommended for those who are interested in the development of science and technology and the joy of invention. It is also recommended for those who are interested in animation using full CG images and those who enjoy humorous character interactions. Furthermore, this work will provide a valuable perspective for those looking for a critical perspective on modern society.

This work conveys to viewers the importance of ideas, and offers a kind of rebellious viewpoint against modern society, where the development of science and technology takes precedence over profit. Viewers will be able to experience the joy of invention through Professor Xavier's lecture, laugh at the humorous exchanges between Nickel and Petri dish, and ponder the theme of the work.

Supplementary Information

"Summer Invention University: The Men Who Couldn't Become Edison" was produced using the "Cyber ​​Bunraku" system created by Fuji Television's CG production department. This system is capable of recording CG characters in real time, and has won many awards. In addition to projects linked to the program, the website also offers projects that are unique to the Internet. These projects are an important element in helping viewers understand and enjoy the work more deeply.

Furthermore, the film offers new perspectives to viewers by offering a critical viewpoint on modern society, where the development of science and technology takes precedence over profit. Viewers will be able to experience the joy of invention through Professor Xavier's lectures, laugh at the humorous exchanges between Nickel and Petri dish, and ponder the film's theme.

Conclusion

"Summer Invention University: The Men Who Couldn't Become Edison" is recommended for those who are interested in the development of science and technology and the joy of inventing. The production using full CG images and the humorous interactions between the characters are also attractive elements, and it conveys to the viewer the importance of "ideas" while providing a critical perspective on modern society. Through this work, viewers will be able to experience the joy of inventing and think deeply about the theme of the work.

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