Autobahn (1979)
A pioneering 12-minute animated short visualizing Kraftwerk's iconic electronic track through groundbreaking experimental animation techniques.
Autobahn - Movie Information
- Original Title: Autobahn
- Release Year: 1979
- Directed by: John Halas, Roger Mainwood
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music, Animation
- Runtime: 12m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1979 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: Autopista (ES)
- Production Companies: Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Films, Educational Film Center
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Autobahn - Plot
An animated visual interpretation of the song "Autobahn," by German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk. A fast-paced experimental film which proved to be a groundbreaking combination of electronic and manual animation. One of the first films produced specifically for video disk.
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Autobahn - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Halas
- Roger Mainwood
Writers
- Roger Mainwood
- John Halas
Autobahn - FAQs
What is Autobahn (1979) about?
Autobahn (1979) is a 12-minute animated short film that offers a visual interpretation of Kraftwerk's landmark electronic track of the same name. Directed by John Halas and Roger Mainwood, it blends electronic and manual animation techniques in an experimental style, and was among the first films produced specifically for video disc.
Who directed the animated short Autobahn (1979)?
Autobahn (1979) was co-directed by John Halas and Roger Mainwood, produced through Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Films and the Educational Film Center. John Halas was a pioneering British animation figure, and this project represented an innovative fusion of electronic music and experimental animation.
Is Autobahn (1979) based on a real song?
Yes. Autobahn (1979) is directly based on the 1974 title track from Kraftwerk's landmark album Autobahn. The song, composed by Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider, and Emil Schult, is a pioneering work of electronic music, and the film serves as an animated visual companion to that iconic composition.
Where can I watch Autobahn (1979)?
Streaming availability for Autobahn (1979) varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any rental, purchase, or streaming platforms carrying the film, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability across multiple services in your area.
What makes Autobahn (1979) historically significant?
Autobahn (1979) holds a notable place in animation and media history as one of the first films produced specifically for video disc. Its pioneering combination of electronic music visualization with experimental manual and electronic animation techniques made it a landmark short at the intersection of music and moving image art.
How long is the animated film Autobahn (1979)?
Autobahn (1979) has a runtime of approximately 12 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief duration, it is recognized as a significant experimental work that brought together electronic music and innovative animation in a format designed for the emerging video disc medium.
Who composed the music for Autobahn (1979)?
The music for Autobahn (1979) is the original Kraftwerk composition, credited to Emil Schult, Ralf Hütter, and Florian Schneider. The track, originally released in 1974, is one of the most influential pieces in electronic music history and forms the entire sonic foundation of the animated film.
What are similar films to Autobahn (1979)?
Viewers who enjoy Autobahn (1979) may also appreciate other experimental and music-driven short films such as Nocturne (2017), Daybreak Express (1957), Minamo (2003), and After the Rain (2018). These works share a focus on visual rhythm, abstract imagery, and the interplay between sound and animation.
More About Autobahn
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