Asahi Super Dry’s “Beyond Expected” Animatic: A Masterclass in Hybrid Animation In a bold move that mirrors its own “Beyond Expected” tagline, Asahi Super Dry has released a visually stunning animatic that masterfully blends 2D and 3D animation to create a surreal journey through modern Japan. This review, from an animatic production specialist’s perspective, dives into how the innovative use of Unreal Engine for 3D backgrounds and After Effects for 2D character rendering sets a new standard for commercial animation. This ambitious global campaign, the largest in the brand’s history, aims to capture the crisp, “super dry” taste of the beer by taking viewers on an unexpected tour of Tokyo. The campaign’s core message is rooted in the vibrancy and innovation of modern Jaman, a theme brilliantly executed through its unique visual style. The Power of a Hybrid Workflow: Unreal Engine and 2D Animation The animatic’s production is a compelling case study in the power of a hybrid animation workflow. The use of Unreal Engine, a real-time 3D creation tool, for the backgrounds provides a level of depth, realism, and dynamic camera movement that would be incredibly time-consuming to achieve with traditional methods.[This technology allows for the creation of immersive, cinematic environments that serve as the perfect stage for the 2D animated characters. The 2D characters, rendered in After Effects, bring a distinct artistic flair and fluidity that contrasts beautifully with the realistic 3D worlds.[10] This juxtaposition is key to the animatic’s success, creating a surreal quality that perfectly aligns with the campaign’s “show, don’t tell” strategy of dramatizing the beer’s unique taste. Key Production Highlights: Immersive Environments: The Tokyo cityscape, from bustling crossings to serene, futuristic waterfalls, is rendered with incredible detail in Unreal Engine. The engine’s real-time capabilities likely allowed the creative team to experiment with lighting, camera angles, and atmospheric effects to an unprecedented degree. Expressive Character Animation: The 2D characters are animated with a clear focus on expressive movement and style. Their designs are clean and modern, fitting the sophisticated image of the Asahi brand. The integration of these characters into the 3D space is seamless, a testament to the compositing work done in After Effects. Dynamic Pacing and Editing: The animatic moves at a brisk pace, mirroring the energy of Tokyo itself. The editing is sharp, cutting between wide, establishing shots and more intimate character moments.[14] This dynamic pacing keeps the viewer engaged and reinforces the idea of an unexpected journey.[15] Sound Design: The auditory experience is just as important as the visuals. The upbeat, modern soundtrack, combined with subtle sound effects, enhances the immersive quality of the animatic and helps to convey the refreshing and crisp nature of the beer. By highlighting the use of cutting-edge technology like Unreal Engine, the campaign appeals to a tech-savvy demographic. The focus on “modern Japan” and “Tokyo” taps into a global fascination with Japanese aesthetics and innovation. Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Commercial Animatics The Asahi Super Dry “Beyond Expected” animatic is more than just a commercial; it’s a piece of art that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in animated advertising. The strategic combination of Unreal Engine’s powerful 3D capabilities with the artistic charm of 2D animation has resulted in a visually captivating and narratively compelling experience. It successfully communicates the brand’s core message of innovation and unexpected refreshment, setting a new benchmark for quality and creativity in the industry. This animatic is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of animation and creative storytelling.