Described as one of the culminating films in Versais’ carrer, “Operation X-70″ is a fairly dark story, with minimal animation (a departure) and English voice acting featuring none other than Leonard Cohen. The story revolves around an accidental invasion of a dreamy and peaceful country named ‘Nebelux’, whereby a powerful nation developing a new combat gas, X-70, drops bombs full of the substance, which causes victims to become paralyzed and lethargic. “Operations X-70″ was the winner of the Special Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival in 1972, as well as several other festivals during the same year.

Watch “Operation X-70″ by Raoul Servais after the jump..

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It is a pleasure to see how two different artists are able to encompass a very unique style. Seeing the works of Saul Bass compared to the works of Raoul Servais is a joy and I couldn’t honestly pick a favorite. I can only imagine a project where both of these animation visionaries worked together. 1968’s “Sirene” opens with credits reminiscent to the works of Bass (or shall I say, Bass’ work was reminiscent of Servais, I don’t know), with cranes standing like prehistoric dinosaurs over a decrepit port where ships are rusting and bomb shells escape the bleakness of their environment. Speaking of, “Sirene” is actually seen as an early commentary on the manipulation and abuse of the environment throughout the modernized world.

Watch “Sirene” by Raoul Servais after the jump..

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Born in 1928, Raoul Versais was the undisputed maestro of European animation during the mid-20th century. Focusing on social commentary and striking colors, Versais’ animation work won prizes at most major Euopean international film festivals and contributed to Versais founding the first department of animation on the European continent. Even though Versais focused more on traditional painting and drawing methods, his 13 animated films will continue to be the work he is most notable for.

This first of a long line of posts featuring Raoul Versais’ work features the 1965 short “Chromophobia”, which follows an army of identical, angular characters, entering a struggles against anything bearing color.

Watch “Chromophobia” by Raoul Versais after the jump..

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I’ve gotten a few emails asking when we’re going to start posting music videos again, so I thought I’d go ahead and make an early announcement. Over the past week or so we’ve been soft launching the newest blog in our network, Tropics & Meridians. Bonus point if you catch the band reference in the title.

From now on, all of our indie music video posts will be carried on by those scurvy dogs over at Tropics & Meridians, so give them a visit or keep an eye on the footer for the latest posts from around our network.

See/Hear more: Tropics & Meridians

Line Rider, the amazing Flash application / “toy” created by Slovenian college student Boštjan Cadež as a class project is one of the internet’s fastest growing gaming crazes. By sketching out lines on a simple flash app, you can create infinite Winter wonderlands for your little character to use and abuse via his sled. Recently announced for the Nintendo DS and Wii, Line Rider is already a cult classic, which has seen players posting over 20,000 self-created videos at YouTube.

Watch the most amazing Line Rider video I’ve ever seen after the jump..

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Cute alert!

Come on, how could you possibly hate on the free hugs guy? The soundtrack is even performed by The Sick Puppies! CuteOverload alert!! Be the 8 millionth person to see the free hugs campaign video below.

A North Carolinian couple recently on holiday in Florida came home with an interesting memento. Seems they were strolling a beach looking for sea shells with friends when they came upon a large fishbone which appears to have jesus on a cross etched perfectly into the bone’s front side. Not content with this joyous message of happiness, they turned the bone over, only to find…..THE DEVIL etched into the other side. Overjoyed at their luck, the proud owners are happy to let us know that this won’t end up on eBay, though I’m sure they could easily pull 7 or 8 large for it. Go go North Carolina!

Watch the video: Couple finds fishbone with likeness of Jesus and devil