Board 8 > Jesse Ranks TV Show Intros - The Rankings

Topic List
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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 1:45:49 AM
#305:


hombad46 posted...
One intro I'd consider a snub (from my anime-centric perspective) is Yuri on Ice. I remember that one being pretty popular when it came out, and I probably would've nominated it myself had I actually watched the show.

I just checked it out. Im not sure how I feel about it yet, but the animation has a really nice quality thats oddly mesmerizing to watch.

Snake5555555555 posted...
I kind of wish I nominated Justified but it probably would've ended up around Sons of Anarchy ranking.

I actually really like the Justified intro (and the show). Its funny you mention Sons of Anarchy because when I watched that one, something about it made me think of Justified that I still cant put my finger on. But I vastly prefer the Justified intro and its theme song.
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hombad46
07/12/20 2:02:44 AM
#306:


Jesse_Custer posted...
I just checked it out. Im not sure how I feel about it yet, but the animation has a really nice quality thats oddly mesmerizing to watch

Yeah I figured it would score highly in animation and maybe uniqueness, with story as its weak point

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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 11:02:58 AM
#307:


23. Cheers - Anagram
https://youtu.be/WB0nC3BkzPk

Unique: 6.25
Story: 5
Music: 9.25
Animation: N/A
Personal: 7.5
Average: 7

I confess Im puzzled by Anagrams statement that he nominated this intro as a joke. Its actually really good!

Anyway, I found it interesting to go back and watch this intro for the first time in many years. As the song lyrics make clear, its all about escaping from the stress and turmoil of the real world to a place where you can be at ease among friends. Of course, the world has gotten considerably more complicated and difficult than it was when this show aired. So this intro evokes an even greater sense of comfort and escapism than it did before. Really, couldnt we all use a Cheers of our own right about now? Actually thats pretty much why I came back to this board after a long hiatus, but Im getting off topic now.

In my view, this is a magical theme song. Theres simply no other way to describe it. From those opening piano notes, it just seems special. And it makes you feel like youre part of the crowd hanging out at Cheers just listening to it.

The intro is a bit more innovative than it might at first appear. Most interesting to me is the way the picture seamlessly transforms from the then modern day with cars driving by in live action to an old timey drawing of the bar. Then after having traveled back in time in a manner of speaking, were treated to a series of drawings and photographs of people having a grand time just living their lives. No pictures of the actual cast, but the types of people you might find frequenting the bar over the years. And although it was a daring choice to go with still pictures, this is a rare instance where it works without ever getting dull, perhaps because the images have so much of a sense of life to them.

That takes me into the story. You wouldnt think theres much here. On the surface, its just a show about a bar. But each of the pictures has a story to tell if you stop to really look at them as the intro encourages us to do, and they remind us theres meaning in even the little moments that pass us by. The sense of camaraderie of the people sharing drinks together, the genuine expressions on their faces, thats the story. And I think its a refreshing story, now more than ever.
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Anagram
07/12/20 11:45:09 AM
#308:


And Im dropped.

Still shocked Cheers is by far my highest.

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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 12:04:54 PM
#309:


While on the subject of the Cheers intro, I feel compelled to post this:

https://youtu.be/-EwwJnJPs8A
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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 12:46:23 PM
#310:


22. Bojack Horseman (season 1) - StartTheMachine
https://youtu.be/rQvIR1oL1vE

Unique: 7.5
Story: 6.75
Music: 8
Animation: 6.5
Personal: 6.5
Average: 7.05

I think it goes without saying this intro stands out as unique, and not just because of the anthropomorphic horse. Generally, when youre seeing a sequence from the perspective of a character, you see through the characters eyes, not a constant shot of the characters face like this as the scenes change. The unusual approach forces you to focus on Bojacks expression. As a result, the viewer can understand the numbness Bojack feels as he drifts through his day, with the same worn expression he woke up with. And the culmination with Bojack crashing into the pool at a party tells us even more about the character. Between what we see of Bojack and the world around him, theres a strong amount of story to this sequence, even without any explanation of the plot.

The theme song is cool and one of the more unique songs on the list. I feel like the odd instrumentation we hear at the start represents Bojacks sense of self, and all the instrumentation that builds up over the intro is the rest of the world, which dies down to return to that initial sound when hes lounging in his pool alone.

The animation looks really good, with excellent lighting effects and a nice attention to detail in the backgrounds. The design for Bojacks face is a bit simplistic, but Im sure thats intentional.

Overall, its a strong intro that gives you a feel for the dark and offbeat tone of the show.
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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 3:16:04 PM
#311:


21. Cowboy Bebop - hombad46
https://youtu.be/EL-D9LrFJd4

Unique: 7.75
Story: 4.5
Music: 9
Animation: 7.75
Personal: 7.25
Average: 7.25

Im sorry to have to take out this intro just before the top 20, hombad. This intro is phenomenal, and it feels like it deserves to rank higher. But weve reached the point of the list where everything is so good that its tough for me to drop anything.

Id say this intro is mainly style over substance, but when the presentation is this great, thats hardly a criticism. The animation looks really nice, and although it vaguely reminds me of Bond intros, its in a class of its own. Although theres not a ton of details to the artwork, theres a high level of artistry to the graceful movement of silhouettes and the graphical layout.

While the visuals are fantastic, the theme song is even better. If you had to define the word cool for an alien species that knows nothing of our language, you could play them this song. And this is one of those intros where the music doesnt simply sound great, but is also perfectly synchronized with the visuals. For instance, the way guns are fired in time with the rhythm, and every single scene transition. The theme song also creates a sense of exhilaration with the lyrical introduction 3, 2, 1, lets jam.

The one factor that holds this intro back is Story. I wouldnt say theres no story here, as you do get a feel for the tone of the show and the intro alludes to the suave nature of the hero. But its tough to figure out much about the story from the imagery in the sequence or to understand the nature of the world in the show. Regardless, as I mentioned earlier, the lack of much in the way of story doesnt really matter. And this is one of those intros you can watch over and over without it ever getting stale.
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hombad46
07/12/20 3:18:10 PM
#312:


Awww, I'm out. Oh well.

Jesse_Custer posted...
Im sorry to have to take out this intro just before the top 20, hombad. This intro is phenomenal, and it feels like it deserves to rank higher. But weve reached the point of the list where everything is so good that its tough for me to drop anything.

Yeah, looking forward to the rest

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"That's Engarde hairflip metal detector tier btw"
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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 3:26:12 PM
#313:


Heres the top 20. Feel free to make revised predictions!

Hbthebattle (1):
Gravity Falls
https://youtu.be/X2DUpDxFJyg

Murphiroth (1):
Castlevania
https://youtu.be/yy_FWdbnvM0

Johnbobb (1):
Paranoia Agent
https://youtu.be/0nttSKBJ38k

Great_Paul (2):
Attack on Titan (season 2)
https://youtu.be/LKP-vZvjbh8
Flight of the Conchords (season 1)
https://youtu.be/ALEQDC-NjoU

Pirateking2000 (1):
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders (OP2)
https://youtu.be/odH6449XmKA

Snake5555555555 (2):
Outcast
https://youtu.be/pM-_xO-5RoM
The X-Files
https://youtu.be/Vpqffgak7To

Player_0 (3):
Game of Thrones (season 1)
https://youtu.be/s7L2PVdrb_8
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
https://youtu.be/opRmXt3hhAw
Dexter
https://youtu.be/QhGMGjs3DSs

Xeybozn (1):
Batman: The Animated Series
https://youtu.be/-XJ3HJXxDwc

RyoCaliente (2):
Batman Beyond
https://youtu.be/sMXjtvMAFlI
Marvels Jessica Jones
https://youtu.be/kmUQAZ7K3co

CybrMonkey (1):
The Expanse
https://youtu.be/5Y4wuVfV5G4

Pokewars (2):
Black Sails
https://youtu.be/XFTcA4QLHw0
True Detective (season 1)
https://youtu.be/FxXRkqXfhYM

bryans7 (1):
Daredevil
https://youtu.be/KFYFh8w4758

Eddv (1):
The Drew Carey Show (5 O Clock World)
https://youtu.be/L3wMesI8aiw

StartThe Machine (1):
The Wonder Years
https://youtu.be/-Ob59hsRaFU
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paulg235
07/12/20 3:31:30 PM
#314:


Wasn't expecting any of my noms to get past around 30 since I wasn't really nominating them for an attempt at 1st. True Blood and Mirai Nikki were probably the closest to "trying to get a high rank". Was kinda surprised Thunderbirds lasted as long as it did especially given the scoring method you implemented, but I wanted to nominate something 50+ years back and it was between this and Captain Scarlet (which probably would've done much better now that I think about it). Spooks of Bottle Bay was something I nominated since I figured no one here would've been familiar with the show, plus rewatching the intro after so many years surprised me by how decent the music actually was since it had been so long. Nominated Home Improvement as I was somewhat surprised someone else hadn't already.

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Sadly, there are no second chances in the Guru, azuarc doesn't need one.
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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 5:56:41 PM
#315:


Nobody wants to attempt predictions? Thats ok, I probably wouldnt be able to guess either.

20. Batman Beyond - RyoCaliente
https://youtu.be/sMXjtvMAFlI

Unique: 7.75
Story: 6.5
Music: 6.5
Animation: 6.25
Personal: 9.25
Average: 7.25

Not only has this intro held up extremely well over time, but it remarkably seems even more relevant today than it did when it originally aired. Seeing those words flash across the screen. Apathy. Greed. Corruption. Those words could easily apply in 2020.

Although some of the imagery on the intro has no meaning if you havent seen the show, the sequence effectively tells you what the world of this show is like. Its a bleak future in need of a hero, whos represented with words like hope and courage. We also get a hint that despite the obviously dark tone of the intro, our hero is young, as evidenced by all the kids dancing. And although its not entirely clear from the intro if you dont recognize old Bruce Wayne, you can tell hes watching everything unfold. Thats a pretty strong amount of story for a kids cartoon, and without having to resort to any narration.

The intro is also way more novel than your typical kids cartoon, with unusual visual distortions and constantly shifting thematic imagery. In fact, its actually surprising when you consider how much the visuals change in style throughout the sequence that it all ties together so well as a cohesive whole.

The animation is at times very impressive, most notably the cool visual effect of the main characters shadow shifting to become Batman. The only reason I didnt go higher on the Animation score is some of the character designs are a bit simplistic. Also, the theme song goes quite well with the visuals and really enhances the darker tone theyre going for compared to most superhero cartoons.

Its a great intro overall and one of my personal favorites.
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Great_Paul
07/12/20 5:57:59 PM
#316:


My new prediction is Batman Animated Series

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Bear Bro
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RyoCaliente
07/12/20 6:11:47 PM
#317:


Wow, I didn't expect JJ to make it further than BB. I love that intro and while I'm 'biased', I prefer it to the Batman TAS intro, so I'm a little sad to see it losing out to that one.

Like you said, I think it perfectly encapsulates the show. It first shows everything Terry/Batman fight against, and then all the things they fight for. I like how Bruce is constantly portrayed as somewhat threatening, almost like he could be some kind of villain on the show. But it makes sense; imagine being Batman all your life. You'd be a hard person.

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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 6:14:01 PM
#318:


RyoCaliente posted...
I like how Bruce is constantly portrayed as somewhat threatening, almost like he could be some kind of villain on the show.

I actually had the same thought. If you knew nothing about the show, the intro almost makes Bruce look like the bad guy watching Batman from his lair. And I think its interesting the way they portrayed him in such an ambiguous manner.
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bryans7
07/12/20 6:28:03 PM
#319:


I already guessed a few before and all but one got done already so B:TAS is it.

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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 7:44:41 PM
#320:


19. The Drew Carey Show (5 O Clock World) - Eddv
https://youtu.be/L3wMesI8aiw

Unique: 7.5
Story: 7.75
Music: 8
Animation: N/A
Personal: 6
Average: 7.3125

In my view, this intro is far better than the other Drew Carey intro on the list. They both have a similar choreographed style, but this one actually felt like it could be a scene from a musical.

Theres a definite story here in the way the main character routinely goes through the rhythm of his mundane work day, trying to find some joy wherever he can get it, even in the small pleasure of a doughnut that he cant seem to get (as an aside, that scene in the car was tough to watch in the age of social distancing). Then at work, he casts aside the checks hes routinely giving out to dance with a woman he clearly adores, until hes forced back into reality by a co-worker he clearly detests. So we learn plenty about the main character, all through music and dance, which is much more interesting than narration or a bunch of clips.

Another reason this intro works so well is clearly the theme song by The Vogues. Its got a great sound that allows the actors to play off through the sequence. And theres not even a moment of the intro where the music isnt tied directly to what youre seeing on screen. The lyrics also nicely enhance the story being told, such as in the shelter of her arms, everythings okay she talks and the world goes slipping away. When you cant even imagine any other song being used for a sequence like in this instance, you know they chose well.
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Eddv
07/12/20 7:53:51 PM
#321:


AN excellent review of that opening.


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Board 8's Voice of Reason
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Jesse_Custer
07/12/20 11:08:10 PM
#322:


18. The X-Files - Snake5555555555
https://youtu.be/Vpqffgak7To

Unique: 7.25
Story: 6.25
Music: 8.5
Animation: N/A
Personal: 7.25
Average: 7.3125

This one brought back some memories. In fact, just hearing the opening synthesizer notes leading into the whistling evokes such a powerful sense of nostalgia for days long gone. Its a rare theme song that can linger like that in a part of your brain for many years without you even having realized it. In fact, the song is iconic the first time you hear it, and conveys exactly the kind of eerie tone this intro needed.

The basic structure of this intro is actually fairly conventional, with an initial title screen, followed by the names of the two main cast members shown beside their IDs. But virtually everything else about the intro stands out as unique, even by todays standards, from that freaky distorted head to the white silhouette falling into the giant hand. And while this easily could have come across as just a random series of weird images, the intro does a good job of presenting everything in a way that seems cohesive.

The story is a little unclear beyond two FBI agents investigating the paranormal, along with a vague statement about a government coverup. But the strong sense of atmosphere boosts the score in that factor. Theres also got to be some intended meaning, albeit open to interpretation, to that person falling into the giant hand near the end, perhaps to suggest some powerful actor is controlling everything. Or maybe its just a cool image and Im overanalyzing it, but it certainly comes across as meaningful.

I suspect this intro will still feel iconic decades from now.
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 12:08:24 AM
#323:


17. Flight of the Conchords (season 1) - Great_Paul
https://youtu.be/ALEQDC-NjoU

Unique: 6.75
Story: 5.5
Music: 7.75
Animation: N/A
Personal: 9.25
Average: 7.3125

At first glance, it might seem like I went overboard on the Unique score for this one. But the unusual blending of the mundane and the fantastic is what makes this intro special. For instance, the way the characters are just casually sitting at a table eating, while the salt and pepper shakers come to life with dance (and its not a Pixar movie). I actually thought about scoring this intro on Animation because of stuff like that, but decided against it because this really isnt an animated intro. But the point is the line between reality and fantasy is very cleverly blurred throughout this intro.

Theres also more story here than it might initially appear. We see the way music is the characters lives, with them rocking back and forth to the rhythm. We also see the way they play a gig at the aquarium as people walk by without even noticing them, suggesting that despite their passion for music, they arent particularly successful at it. I also like the way that lack of success doesnt stop them from dreaming big as reflected by the whale swimming out into the air.

Obviously the music is an essential part of this sequence, which is perfectly timed to coincide with the movements of the characters and the objects around them. Of course, as anyone whos seen this fantastic show knows, Bret and Jemaine are capable of making songs a lot more fun and interesting than this. But the theme song works well in the context of this intro and I always enjoy it.

And Id say this is the perfect intro for this show, which I wish they would bring back some day.
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scarletspeed7
07/13/20 12:18:10 AM
#324:


Imagine a world where Flight of the Conchords just opens with "Who Wants to Rock the Party"

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"It is too easy being monsters. Let us try to be human." ~Victor Frankenstein, Penny Dreadful
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Cavedweller2000
07/13/20 3:29:17 AM
#325:


I want to rock the party!

---
Well done to azuarc for finishing 67 places above me in the 2020 GOTD Guru Contest!
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 11:12:27 AM
#326:


16. Outcast - Snake5555555555
https://youtu.be/pM-_xO-5RoM

Unique: 8.75
Story: 6.25
Music: 7.25
Animation: N/A
Personal: 7.5
Average: 7.4375

I like it when horror is able to be scary without resorting to jump scares, monsters, or gore, but just atmosphere alone. And this intro does that extremely well, giving the viewer the constant feeling there is something horrible lurking just beneath the surface of the mostly mundane imagery. I also like the wildly imaginative camera angles that let the viewer know something is amiss, such as the upside-down shot of the town. In fact, I couldnt even tell what I was looking at initially with the camera aimed at the sky until it panned down to the village, which I thought was really cool.

The creepiest part for me was seeing that ominous blackness (starting at about 0:55) slithering back through the narrow crack behind the door. The expectation that visual creates as to what is lurking behind the door is more unsettling than any monster they could have shown. And thats the brilliance of atmospheric horror like this, forcing the viewers mind to fill in the blanks.

Of course, the creepy atmosphere doesnt come simply from the visuals, but also the excellent score from Atticus Ross, who I know from his always great work with Trent Reznor. Its about as far from a catchy theme song as you can get, but the music adds so much to set the tone here.

The intro suffers a bit in the Story factor due to its necessarily vague nature. We get nothing more than hints of the premise, although the upside-down perspective suggests the show is about defying expectations. Also, the feeling of constant tension is so strong that the intro leaves you with a sense of story, even if you dont understand what you saw. So thats enough for a decent score in that factor.

This is a brilliant sequence that understands perhaps the most important functions of the intro are to lead the viewer into the world of the show and set the tone.
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Snake5555555555
07/13/20 11:31:24 AM
#327:


Really glad you liked that one! I was worried it was almost too slow-paced but that agonizing scrutiny & attention to detail just makes things so tense and really primes you for the show.

---
The dead are not quiet in Hill House.
https://imgur.com/LAzHE1a - https://imgur.com/a/dwC3Dfu
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Mega Mana
07/13/20 12:27:54 PM
#328:


If I knew longform intro was going to be so high...

Re-nom Cleveland Rocks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKDjis1fg8E

---
"In my headcanon, some staffer saw Trump pull out his phone and start typing so they just Terry Tate Office Linebacker'd him out of his shoes." - FFD
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 12:38:50 PM
#329:


Mega Mana posted...
If I knew longform intro was going to be so high...

Re-nom Cleveland Rocks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKDjis1fg8E

Id never seen this version of the intro before. And I do like it more than the shorter version (I thought the part where he smashes open the glass in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just to get a new pair of glasses was particularly amusing), but I still strongly prefer the other Drew Carey intro. Even in the long version of Cleveland Rocks, the focus is primarily on the city and its famous spots, whereas in 5 O Clock World, the emphasis is on characterization, such as the way we see his escapist fantasy at work. You can even see that distinction in the theme songs for each intro. One is focused on Cleveland, the other on the characters struggle to make it through the work day.
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Mega Mana
07/13/20 12:46:15 PM
#330:


Jesse_Custer posted...
Id never seen this version of the intro before. And I do like it more than the shorter version (I thought the part where he smashes open the glass in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just to get a new pair of glasses was particularly amusing), but I still strongly prefer the other Drew Carey intro. Even in the long version of Cleveland Rocks, the focus is primarily on the city and its famous spots, whereas in 5 O Clock World, the emphasis is on characterization, such as the way we see his escapist fantasy at work. You can even see that distinction in the theme songs for each intro. One is focused on Cleveland, the other on the characters struggle to make it through the work day.

For me

Five O'Clock Long > Cleveland Rocks Short > Cleveland Rocks Long > Five O'Clock Short > Moon Over Parma

---
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 3:36:30 PM
#331:


15. The Expanse - CybrMonkey
https://youtu.be/5Y4wuVfV5G4

Unique: 8.25
Story: 5.75
Music: 8.25
Animation: 8.25
Personal: 7
Average: 7.5

It took me a few watches to really understand whats going on here, but theres a lot more to this intro than it might at first appear. The intro seems to be telling the backstory of humanitys future, with the melting of the polar ice caps and humanity settling Mars. It is a vision of Earth outliving its usefulness and humanity having to reach to the stars for its next phase.

The intro has a sense of artistry, which is something you hardly ever see in science fiction. This comes across in no small part from the operatic theme song, which has a lovely sound (and feels like something Id expect to hear during the intro to a Civilization game).

But its not just the music that lends a sense of artistry to the sequence, its also the dazzling visuals. Virtually every portion of the intro looks great, but my favorite parts have to be that amazing effect of all the rapid lines starting at around 0:20 and again at 0:42. Another nice touch is the face of the astronaut gazing out into space near the end, which gives the sequence a more personal touch.

This is a fantastic intro that makes me curious to check out the show.
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 4:55:44 PM
#332:


14. The Wonder Years - StartTheMachine
https://youtu.be/-Ob59hsRaFU

Unique: 6.75
Story: 7.25
Music: 9
Animation: N/A
Personal: 7.5
Average: 7.625

From the opening lyrics sung by Joe Cocker, its obvious this is an intro with a lot of emotional weight. While you know on an intellectual level youre watching simulated home movies with actors, its all portrayed in such a sincere way that its easy to forget and let yourself believe youre watching the real thing. And oddly enough, thats what makes this intro so unique. It doesnt look Iike the intro to a TV show, it looks like real life.

This intro is a great example of how you can tell a story without any kind of narration or exposition. We see the characters engaging in their normal lives in situations that show us the personality of Kevin, his family, and his friends. And we feel like were a part of his small world as we watch the intro.

And although I alluded to it already, Ill add that the theme song is fantastic. Its also astonishing to hear a cover of a Beatles song thats actually better than the original, which doesnt happen very often.

This intro is deservedly a classic that has stood the test of time.
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 7:27:44 PM
#333:


13. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey - Player_0
https://youtu.be/opRmXt3hhAw

Unique: 8.5
Story: 5.25
Music: 8.75
Animation: 7.5
Personal: 8.5
Average: 7.7

Im a sucker for anything pertaining to space, so it was a given Id like this intro. But objectively this is a brilliant sequence.

A lot of imagination went into designing this intro which highlights the overlapping appearance of things in nature you wouldnt normally think to associate. For instance, a dandelion seed transitions into a satellite floating through space so seamlessly you could miss it if you blink.

While theres only so much story a show of this nature could convey, the sequence reveals a narrative of how all things in the universe are interconnected, from the spiral shaped galaxy to the shell on the beach discovered by a child. The intro reminds us that we are all a part of something greater, but that theres also something special and beautiful about each of us. This perhaps comes across best with the fantastic visual effect of the hole displaying space that transforms into a human eye near the start. In fact, the visuals are so good in this intro that its tough to know where the CGI ends and the actual photography begins.

Finally, the musical score that accompanies the visuals sounds beautiful and lends a sense of wonder. Maybe its the space connection, but I cant help but think this would have made a perfect theme song for some Star Trek series.

Anyway, this was a really cool nomination I wasnt expecting to see, and I greatly enjoyed this one.
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 10:17:06 PM
#334:


12. Gravity Falls - Hbthebattle
https://youtu.be/X2DUpDxFJyg

Unique: 6.25
Story: 7
Music: 8.75
Animation: 7
Personal: 10
Average: 7.8

From the moment we see the aesthetic depiction of clouds rapidly passing over the ominous giant lumberjack at the start, its clear this is not an ordinary cartoon intro. Portions of the opening that serve to introduce the main characters seem conventional. But theres a juxtaposition of an almost saccharine tone with something sinister buried just beneath the surface that helps make this sequence so novel. The intro also manages to frequently subvert expectations, such as panning out from the characters examining an enormous footprint to see they are standing within an even larger footprint.

Theres a surprising amount of story here, much more so than anyone could notice without careful attention (more on that later). We see Dipper and Mabel getting off a bus with suitcases in hand in the peculiar town of Gravity Falls, where Stan makes a dramatic appearance before them in a cloud of smoke, only to see a letter fall off the Mystery Shack behind him. And we soon see that like his Mystery Shack, Stans persona is all an act, as he shifts his eyepatch from one eye to the other. We also get a good sense of the personalities of adventurous but anxious Dipper, and his overwhelmingly cheerful sister Mabel.

But thats still just scratching the surface. As I alluded to earlier, there are secrets hidden in this intro which further enhance the story. Most intriguing is the blink and youll miss it Zodiac wheel appearing for a split second at the end, which brings the viewer into the mystery by displaying various symbols of significance to the show. Another example is the voice near the end whispering a message that can only be understood in reverse to help decipher a hidden cryptogram. I cant even think of another intro with this level of hidden depth, and its a real treat to reward those who take the time to scrutinize the sequence.

As for the theme song, its undeniably catchy, with a cheerful but sentimental vibe like someone might get from thinking back to the carefree days of their youth when every day seemed like a new adventure. And the animation looks great, with a remarkable attention to detail on lighting and other effects (such as the distortion of Dippers face as he passes the glass bottle).

This is one of those intros that holds a special place for me, to say nothing of the wonderful show (if you havent seen it yet, seriously, do yourself a favor and see what youve been missing). And it very well could have gotten first place if I had ranked the intros based solely on my personal preference.
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Great_Paul
07/13/20 10:21:18 PM
#335:


Gravity Falls is definitely up there on my list of shows to watch.

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Bear Bro
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hombad46
07/13/20 10:31:38 PM
#336:


If you have time, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the Weirdmageddon version of the intro

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"That's Engarde hairflip metal detector tier btw"
-XIII_rocks
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 11:14:44 PM
#337:


Great_Paul posted...
Gravity Falls is definitely up there on my list of shows to watch.

I definitely think you would enjoy it. In fact, Im reasonably certain I already know who your favorite character would be.

hombad46 posted...
If you have time, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the Weirdmageddon version of the intro

Oh, I was hoping someone would mention that! The Weirdmageddon intro went way beyond the type of alternate Halloween intros you see on The Simpsons. For one thing, its meticulously faithful to the original intro down to little details such as the way 8-Ball gets startled like Dipper normally does by the skeleton of Dipper, or the way they replicate the photographs at the end, but theyre all Bill Cipher. Its also presented as such a cool surprise the way it starts like the normal intro, and then everything goes crazy out of nowhere. Even the distorted music is a really nice touch, which I believe may involve the normal theme being played backward at times. This intro was a great way to go all out with the final episodes, and in some ways, I almost prefer it to the original!
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 11:38:00 PM
#338:


11. Game of Thrones (season 1) - Player_0
https://youtu.be/s7L2PVdrb_8

Unique: 9
Story: 6.25
Music: 8
Animation: 9.25
Personal: 7
Average: 7.9

This is a wonderfully inventive way to introduce viewers to the world of the show. After diving into the map, we see structures spring up and come to life with a series of intricate moving gears. Although we never see a single character during the sequence or get a meaningful idea of the plot, the intro manages to tell a story in an unusual way, by giving its world a sense of personality, showcasing each of the important settings as if they were characters.

The meticulous animation is a treat for the eyes. But its not just the obvious pop-up book effect, its also the way they managed to capture the Dyson Sphere as the framework for the world, with that burning Sun at the center. Its honestly difficult to imagine how someone could have even conceived of such a strikingly original concept, much less put it to visuals that make sense to the viewer.

The soaring theme song works well with the visuals, particularly during the moments when the perspective is panning over the terrain. It lends an adventurous and epic tone to the sequence. However, the music never seeks to become so dominant as to overtake the emphasis on the visuals, which is clearly what defines the intro.

Its tough to imagine how they possibly could have done this intro any better. And its a testament to the quality of the top 10 that even an intro this exceptional just missed out.
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Jesse_Custer
07/13/20 11:48:10 PM
#339:


And now I present the top 10. I was pleased it worked out that almost every entry in the top 10 is from a different user. Ill wait until tomorrow to get to number 10, but as always, comments are encouraged.

Murphiroth (1):
Castlevania
https://youtu.be/yy_FWdbnvM0

Johnbobb (1):
Paranoia Agent
https://youtu.be/0nttSKBJ38k

Great_Paul (1):
Attack on Titan (season 2)
https://youtu.be/LKP-vZvjbh8

Pirateking2000 (1):
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders (OP2)
https://youtu.be/odH6449XmKA

Player_0 (1):
Dexter
https://youtu.be/QhGMGjs3DSs

Xeybozn (1):
Batman: The Animated Series
https://youtu.be/-XJ3HJXxDwc

RyoCaliente (1):
Marvels Jessica Jones
https://youtu.be/kmUQAZ7K3co

Pokewars (2):
Black Sails
https://youtu.be/XFTcA4QLHw0
True Detective (season 1)
https://youtu.be/FxXRkqXfhYM

bryans7 (1):
Daredevil
https://youtu.be/KFYFh8w4758
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bryans7
07/13/20 11:57:24 PM
#340:


I wish I had nominated Firefly.

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Pokewars
07/14/20 1:09:12 AM
#341:


Siiick two of mine made it to the top ten!

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"To be underestimated is an incredible gift." - Jack Rackham, Black Sails
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5tarscream
07/14/20 9:34:18 AM
#342:


I feel live Gravity Falls uniqueness could definitely be higher with all the hidden stuff and the fact the the hidden symbols and things change every episode. I wanted to love GF but I just absolutely can not tolerate Mabel.

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Playing: Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
Reading: The Redbreast (15)
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trdl23
07/14/20 10:00:01 AM
#343:


Oh ya go my Paranoia Agent

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E come vivo? Vivo!
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Jesse_Custer
07/14/20 10:02:11 AM
#344:


5tarscream posted...
I wanted to love GF but I just absolutely can not tolerate Mabel.

She can be a bit much at times, and shes not one of my favorite characters. But I think she does bring something vital to the show as a contrast to the darker aspects. This comes across probably best in the zombie episode where Mabels karaoke is used as a weapon, and the result is some weird blend of gruesome horror with lighthearted comedy thats really unique.
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bryans7
07/14/20 10:04:25 AM
#345:


Top ten guess:

10. Daredevil
9. Paranoia Agent
8. Dexter
7. Black Sails
6. Attack on Titan (s2)
5. Marvel's Jessica Jones
4. True Detective
3. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders (OP2)
2. Castlevania
1. Batman: TAS

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Jesse_Custer
07/14/20 11:27:26 AM
#346:


10. Black Sails - Pokewars
https://youtu.be/XFTcA4QLHw0

Unique: 8.75
Story: 7
Music: 8.75
Animation: 8.5
Personal: 7.5
Average: 8.1

This is a weird one. And Im not talking about the presentation, which was extremely unusual. Its that I really liked it, but struggled to pinpoint why so I could meaningfully discuss it.

What I do know is the intro grabbed my attention from the start with a string part that sounds like some form of alien communication, immediately followed by what sounded like someone pounding a piano with their fists. The theme song that follows seems somehow elegant and tawdry at the same time. And it constantly treads the line between sounding discordant and harmonious. That might seem like a criticism, but its intended as just the opposite. Its a challenging and interesting song that never lets go once it sinks its teeth into you.

The visuals are even stranger. In fact, I wasnt sure at first if I should assign a score for Animation because it looks like a camera panning over still sculptures, but it turns out theyre all computer generated. The fact that the artwork looks so realistic that I didnt even realize I was looking at computer graphics warrants a high score for the visual beauty they managed to achieve here.

And although theres no way to derive the precise plot of the show from this intro, theres definitely some story conveyed by the unusual artwork. For instance, the skeleton with his hands on the shoulders of a beautiful woman, and the difficult to forget image of a mans hand pressed into a womans leg. Throughout the entire sequence, theres a conflicting sense of beauty and ugliness, much like the theme song that sounds like its at war with itself.

Its a fascinating intro, and I feel like I understand it at least a bit more after writing this than I did before!
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Great_Paul
07/14/20 11:30:39 AM
#347:


That works, now everybody left is down to 1.

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Bear Bro
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PrinceKaro
07/14/20 12:04:54 PM
#348:


wow lost some potential winners there right before the top 10

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https://i.imgtc.com/a6iBg1Y.jpg
Congrats to azuarc on being really good at predicting stuff
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Pokewars
07/14/20 12:09:07 PM
#349:


Epic intro to accompany a vastly underrated show.

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"To be underestimated is an incredible gift." - Jack Rackham, Black Sails
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RyoCaliente
07/14/20 12:58:01 PM
#350:


Wow, that intro reminds me a lot of the American Gods one (which I also considered nominating).

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How paralyzingly dull, boring and tedious!
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Jesse_Custer
07/14/20 1:01:22 PM
#351:


RyoCaliente posted...
Wow, that intro reminds me a lot of the American Gods one (which I also considered nominating).

I can see the similarities now that you mention it. Also, thats a really good intro, probably would have made at least top 20.
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Johnbobb
07/14/20 1:46:46 PM
#352:


man I really didn't expect to make the top 10 given how comparably early the rest of mine fell.

Gravity Falls intro is great, especially the minor things to establish character. One touch I always loved was the tiny details in the campfire sequence, where you immediately learn things about every character in the course of about 2 seconds. Wendy rolls her eyes and smiles at the jump scare. Dipper's eyes quickly look at Wendy to catch her reaction before looking back at Stan. Soos is genuinely terrified while Mabel looks like she's stifling a laugh.

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Khal Kirby, warlord of the Super Star Khalasar
PSN/Steam: CheddarBBQ https://goo.gl/Diw2hs
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Johnbobb
07/14/20 1:47:12 PM
#353:


Also surprised to see Game of Thrones just missed the top 10; that would've been my guess for #1

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Khal Kirby, warlord of the Super Star Khalasar
PSN/Steam: CheddarBBQ https://goo.gl/Diw2hs
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Jesse_Custer
07/14/20 1:51:41 PM
#354:


Johnbobb posted...
One touch I always loved was the tiny details in the campfire sequence, where you immediately learn things about every character in the course of about 2 seconds. Wendy rolls her eyes and smiles at the jump scare. Dipper's eyes quickly look at Wendy to catch her reaction before looking back at Stan. Soos is genuinely terrified while Mabel looks like she's stifling a laugh.

Thats a great observation. Somehow I never noticed that because my attention always turned to whats going on behind them. That kind of attention to detail is what I love most about Gravity Falls.
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