The Adventures of Tintin (TV series)

Production

Traditional animation techniques were used on the series. The books were closely adhered to during all stages of production, with some frames from the original albums being transposed directly to screen. In the episodes Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon, 3D animation was used for the Moon rocket - an unusual step in 1989. The rocket was animated in 3D, each frame of the animation was then printed and recopied onto celluloid and hand painted in gouache, and laid onto a painted background. The rocket seen in the title sequence is animated using 3D techniques.

Related Topics:
Destination Moon - Explorers on the Moon - 3D - Celluloid - Gouache

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Artistically, the series chose a 'constant' look, unlike the books (drawn over a course of 47 years, Hergé's style developed throughout from early works like The Blue Lotus and later ones such as Tintin and the Picaros). However, later televised episodes such as the Moon story and Tintin in America clearly demonstrate the artists' development during the course of the series. The quality of animation is good, yet it should be remembered that the series is over ten years old and produced on a television budget.

Related Topics:
The Blue Lotus - Tintin and the Picaros - Tintin in America

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Interestingly, considering the origins of the original books, the series was filmed in English, with the animation timed to fit the English soundtrack. This has raised comments from many French speaking viewers who find the French voices seem 'rushed' to fit the English timing. Purists have also complained that French should have been the first language due to Hergé's books having been written in French. They should be pleased, however, that all visuals (road signs, posters and settings) remain in French and with French wordage.

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The series is generally seen by fans as being a faithful adaptation of Hergé's books. The changes that occurred have been accepted due to the potential audience, and in some cases (most notably Tintin in America) have improved on some aspects of the original books. Some feel uncomfortable with the Canadian accent given to Tintin, but it is a small quibble for what results in a highly faithful, enjoyable adaptation of Tintin's adventures which introduced many fans to the original books, as did the Belvision episodes generations earlier.

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