Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated Manuscripts
by John Banks

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DVD Cover Information

• Illuminated Manuscripts features a series of ever-evolving meditative, fantastical dreamscapes. Layering computer imagery over photographic scenes of temples, waterfalls, forests and doorways, Illuminated Manuscripts introduces a new experience of art that draws from film, music, nature, and organic special effects. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: MISCELLANEOUS Rating: NR Age: 824

Movie Reviews of Illuminated Manuscripts

Movie Review: Artistic Genesis of a New Genre
Summary: 5 Stars

When you enter the world of Illuminated Manuscripts, it's like opening a magical doorway. You cross a threshold where art and spirit merge into an unknown, but exciting new dimension. As your journey begins, you are carried along seductive pathways of sparkling imagination, mesmerizing meadows of sight and sound, shapeshifting images that speak in another language, at once unknown, but familiar. You are a traveler in a kaleidoscopic landscape that appears to alter with each viewing.

This DVD is more than just animated pictures to watch, or simply music you listen to, it is an otherworldly experience. Heede's musical compositions take you to places deep within yourself and creates a living nautilus chamber of sound which evokes deserts, the rustle of leaves, oceans and seas, the sigh of a sunset, bubbling waterfalls, the sweet dance of stars crossing the sky, and so much more. His music is the perfect accompaniment to experience the amazing visuals of Illuminated Manuscripts. The nature images endowed with Banks' brilliant connection to art and spirit give us glimpses into what could very well mirror the life force which animates the Universe. And you experience this creative life force paradoxically, as if you are a part of it, but also as if you're seeing it through the lens of a powerful cosmic microscope.

While I cannot begin to fathom the technological expertise of this work I am deeply appreciative that the technology is not the point nor the star of the DVD. The technology serves the intention of the artists and the spirit of Illuminated Manuscripts which is to take us through the pages of the mundane world into a magical dimension to reclaim those parts of ourselves we lose in the hustle bustle of everyday life. Like an escape into nature, this DVD is a mind cleanse; it simultaneously clears away mental clutter and inspires the psyche to soar to new heights.

The first to admit to being technologically challenged, I have no idea how this DVD was created nor could I, in all likelihood, even begin to understand that aspect of it. But as a mythologist, I do know that John Banks and Fritz Heede are Techno-Shamans and what they offer is no less than the soul journeys described by some of the shamanic visionaries of our day. John Banks has created mythic images that resonate deep in the consciousness while Fritz Heede's music illicits an ancient sound that compels you to move deeper into yourself and into all that this journey has to offer.

It would be difficult to say which piece I like more because viewing it for me is like stepping in and out of a meditation session. Each has a unique effect upon my psyche, depending upon the moment of viewing, though I must say I love Passages, the piece which started it all (see Artek Images website for related information - artekimages.com). I'm also fond of Alchemy, The Call, and the Nocturn compositions. My favorite recurring theme throughout Banks' visuals is the image of ancient temples, doorways and gateways shapeshifting in and out of natural settings. This is a lovely reminder that Earth, nature, is a holy place, a garden to replenish the storehouse of our souls and is always open to us, if we only take the time to step into it.

This DVD has three sections, Main, Ambient and Features and is very easy to travel through. The sequencing of tracks is intelligent and efficient. The pieces vary in length depending on the theme. It's a great piece to have on when guests come over. It makes for a beautiful yet stimulating background, both visually and aurally.

The Main section has about 13 pieces, with tracks five to twelve comprising a beautiful, thematically archetypal sequence called the Journey Cycle. The Ambient section has a more relaxed, meditative feel which contains new and remixed compositions. The Features section contains one of my very favorite features, the eternal loops. I enjoy having these play on my television screen as I move about my home. I especially love the waterfall. It's like bringing a beautiful piece of nature, or a magnificent art piece, inside. It's great for offsetting the city view of cars going by when I glimpse out my window.

I can't imagine anyone not adoring this DVD. Whether you love animation, great music, beautiful art, nature or meditation, you can't go wrong with Illuminated Manuscripts for yourself, and as a gift.

Summary of Illuminated Manuscripts