THE GRIMM ROM is a prototype of a larger disk-based work we hope to complete by Summer 1998. (prototype on CD-ROM, final piece for DVD-ROM)

Over the past year (and during the course of two residencies at the Experimental Television Center), we have generated approximately 20 hours of video footage. Using hand-made masks and puppets (representing all the characters) in conjunction with other props and the site-specifically built analog video patch system of ETC, we have staged scenes from the entire story. As well, a 60-minute score has been written. All of these elements have been incorporated into our live performances (see Grimm Show description).

The disk will include a "self-running" mode which will have a run-time of approximately 60 minutes. It will consist of many of the videos and animations used in the performances (pre-recorded as well as those generated live). It will also include the complete soundtrack.

There will also be a "navigable" mode which will allow the user to roll over characters and elements to trigger sounds and animations, and move the story forward at his/her own pace. It will contain text and abstract audio for the "exploration" areas, as well as random events, so each time a user enters a particular portion of the tale, surprising events will occur. These exploration areas will lead to the "performance" areas which consist of full-length full-screen/full-motion music video segments (which will also be used in the "self-running" mode).

This disk will contain several "game" areas including: "build your own ghoul", "bowling with the ghouls, using leg bones and skulls", the "3-D anvil competition" and a "3-D exploration of the castle". If a user has an Internet connection, they will be able to log on through the disk and participate in the "Grimm Thoughts" areas available at the website (see Grimm Tale description). The user will be able to choose between several languages (including English, German and Spanish) as well as access a history of the Grimm Brothers, an index and synopsis of other Grimm stories, and an archive of historical texts on the Grimm Tales.

A prototype of the DVD-ROM was premiered at Siggraph 97 - The Electric Garden

M.R.Petit 1996-1997.