@MindGame: The Barber of Seville is still a wonderful, charming film that is worth the watch. It would be more representative of what the average brickfilm might have looked like in 2001, which of course indicates just how much The Gauntlet would have demolished the standards of the time.

The Gauntlet is a timeless classic and is still impressive today. I'm still amazed by the scale of the sets and the feeling created by the chase scene and music. The golem coming around the corner as the music rises has got to be one of the greatest shots in a brickfilm. I also always thought it was funny how in such a serious moment, the first thing the main character does is hurl a stick at his pursuer. This film is a true masterpiece and remains one of the first that comes to mind when I think about the best brickfilms ever.

Last edited by Penta (January 16, 2015 (11:07am))

The original composition is in the public domain, but the recording of this particular's orchestra performance is almost definitely still owned by the orchestra or recording label.

MindGame has pointed me towards a YouTube version of The Gauntlet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP3PpQtR26k

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Wow, it's been ages since I have seen this and it is still impressive, I'm actually kind of surprised I never remember those old web cameras distorting and bending the edges of things back then, but while the technology has come a long ways the animation stands the test of time.

I 100% agree, MindGame.

The Gauntlet has always been one of my favorite brickfilms. It's limited dialogue doesn't stand out, and, the film really flows. It's a great watching experience that's had me pause to look at the frame by frame several many times.

From the glow of the fire to the stillness of the drapes to the ambitious running over sand part, this brickfilm's really got it all. The intensity, just like the music, builds as time goes on, giving the film the perfect building drive for intensity.

The animation, while not technically perfect, does seem to break away from any norms or cycles, giving the characters and action a rustic, jumpy, and more realistic look. And, as mentioned above, the fact that the drapes don't move as the antagonist walks by is spectacular... Most brickfilmers, or even professional animators, would shy away from such a tasks, as, it would be so easy to bump the cloth with your hands while animating. However, that's not the case here! I don't know how Jay Silver did it, but, whatever he did, I'd love to know.

The sets, though pretty dull looking, actually benefit the film, giving it a certain "cave like" feel. The atmosphere is dark, and, this really gives the whole thing a more "thriller" edge. Our main character obviously had been imprisoned, but, for what reason? - This question seems to be just as unanswered as the large walls and giant rock creature - it's just there.

Overall, this is a great example of what a "first brickfilm" can be. It's got heart, which, a lot of films lack. It certainly is one of the greatest brickfilms ever made. - and for good reason. The Gauntlet really is a testament to how the whole is better than the sum of it's parts. Though animation, set design, and other certain elements aren't spot-on perfect, the overall experience is.

I'd love to see more brickfilmers make gems like this one!

I've never seen this classic. I'm very impressed, thanks for sharing this one. The music fits incredibly well and all the sets, VFX, lighting are really well achieved. The way in which the protagonist appears and the intervention of the giant are fabulous!

I had never seen this film until yesterday. This is wonderful. The music, the story, the animation, the fact that it does not rely on dialogue to make the story, the classic feel of it, the spectacular scale of it. Everything about it.

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This has always been one of my favorite brickfilms. I haven't watched it in a while due to YouTube removing it.

I really enjoyed viewing it again. I forgot how well Jay composed his shots. MindGame's "Citizen Kane" comparison is very accurate.

Agreed. That, along with the shot of the lionhead statue looking down on the prisoner, make the whole environment feel so dangerous and uninviting. Really, the entire atmosphere that this film creates is pretty superb.

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I hadn't seen the Gauntlet until relatively recently when I think either Walter mentioned it or I might have been just looking at Walter's favourites list.  I forgot which.

Excellent use of Hall of the Mountain King.