WORLD OF TOMORROW by DON HERTZFELDT

[@theeskrungly]

> Ask confusing question to an adult > Do a little wiggle > Refuse to elaborate

[@dawierdkid]

Okay.

[@bebble985]

5:05

[@Psyda]

"Can I do other- But... Going a'round 'things'?" I think it was basically "Can I do other things aside from going around other things?" She wanted to know if the future had other things to do either than orbit the vast empty space watching stuff.

[@Kokoamaya935]

"Live well and live broadly. You are alive and living now. Now is the envy of all of the dead." I genuinely think this quote changed my life

[@RinLockhart]

And Emily's response. "Okay."

[@lolasparks3053]

Mine too. I wrote it down and carry the note in my wallet.

[@YoungSummer]

Me too 😭❤️

[@pinhead7943]

it was my senior quote in high school

[@eve_______]

Point is, idk if author meant it or didn’t but I found it extremely ironic. The point of this quote is it is made by future Emily, the one without a soul, purpose and thus life, by taking life seriously we devoid ourselves from it. So no, live the way you intend just be wary of future and its implications. At least it is valid in the world of tomorrow, unlike how it is there, in real life the quote is applicable and is generally an obvious remark you can leave for a fellow mortal.

[@cartoonjohnstudios]

“You are alive and living now. Now is the envy of all of the dead.” I won’t lie; this line has seriously kept me going when I was especially depressed and borderline suicidal.

[@turtleanton6539]

😮yes😊

[@JustSomeGuyWithAMug]

Ha, if only I could be dead right now, I'm envious of the peace of death

[@BunchaNothin]

Not to be a downer, but the dead don't envy. One could say that death is the absence of everything, including envy and suffering. But I try not to think about this, because I struggle with the desire to live as well. I live with the hope that I'm wrong about the world.

[@jonathana.1802]

I think there's alot of dead people alive (in a spiritual sens). Just like Future Emily lost her mind, many people loss their health to dementia or head issue only to become shells of their former selves.

[@eyescreamcake]

The thing about being depressed and feeling like everything is meaningless is that feeling depressed and feeling like everything is meaningless is itself meaningless.

[@TheJackster-tl8oi]

When she was saying “I’m walking with mommy!” I started to tear up. There something innately personal about the memories one has of their childhood, even if they’re universal amongst most people.

[@derp4428]

I lost my mother a few weeks ago. I'm in my forties and I thought I had used up my tear reserves already - just watched this for the first time tonight, and that exact part made me dissolve into a sobbing garden sprinkler all over my keyboard ........

[@TheJackster-tl8oi]

@@derp4428 I’m sorry for your loss man, I lost my pops when I was 16. Perhaps that’s why stuff like this video is so inherently impactful to us. This art definitely captures the sense of beauty that lies in the transience of life.

[@derp4428]

@@TheJackster-tl8oi thank you for your kind words. And I definitely agree these things changes us when they happen. Before I lost my dad more than 20 years ago, nothing really affected me emotionally and especially not sad stuff. Back then I couldn't relate to it, now is a whole different ballgame ...

[@TheJackster-tl8oi]

@@derp4428 tragedy is a terrible thing, but sometimes it can make us approach life with a smile and an open heart, where we once were pensive and cautious. I hope your relationship with your mother and father is one you can look back and smile on.

[@SilverlightShinnin]

​@@derp4428i wish much love to you and yours ❤

[@bloodreddragons4626]

"I do not have the mental or emotional capacity to deal with his loss. But sometimes, I sit in a chair late at night and quietly feel very bad. When the night is at its most quiet, I can hear death. I am very proud of my sadness because it means I am more alive." God idk why this hits me so hard but it really does.

[@jean-ir6iz]

this literally resonates with the quote of "Grief comes in different ways" and i kind of dig it

[@JackJack-gl8vd]

Wow

[@DoomspiralDaydreams]

Was mildly amused by this video until this line came on, at which point I started crying out of nowhere and had to pause it for several minutes. Hit me like a goddamn truck.

[@turtleanton6539]

It does

[@jaykoerner]

"i no longer fall in love with rocks"

[@Umbra16]

I always tear up when the line, “I no longer fall in love with rocks,” is delivered.

[@katie-ampersand]

She says it like something that used to bring her joy no longer does. Like she laments no longer falling in love with rocks

[@Umbra16]

@@katie-ampersand And it’s heartbreaking.

[@subzu2733]

@@Umbra16 why like I honestly don't get it

[@katie-ampersand]

@@subzu2733 Think of, like, your favorite song, or your favorite movie. Or maybe of someone you really love. Just think of something/someone that really makes you happy Now imagine that one day, you become entirely disinterested in that person or that object

[@subzu2733]

@@katie-ampersand oh yep I get it now that hurts lol

[@garjo7131]

Not everyday when an artist posts an absolute masterpiece of cinema on their KZbin channel for free, but today happens to be one of those days.

[@UAintDeletingThis1]

Wiggle wiggle wiggle

[@fieldfilms]

Today, I am one of the lucky ten thousand.

[@garjo7131]

@@AJNoon Thank you for telling me this. I don't think I realized there was a distinction.

[@myobmyob9558]

@@fieldfilms unexpected XKCD in the wild. Nice.

[@clumsiii]

i was happy to pay for it then, now happy to spam it to my friends now. TRIANGLE

[@DEKKERACT]

“Sometimes I sit by myself at night and quietly feel very bad” Damn I felt that

[@Marchoupi]

I did to, here..have a virtual hug

[@DEKKERACT]

@@Marchoupi thanks :)

[@blucat4]

Sometimes?

[@TurnToPageX]

Hardcore same

[@benjaminandersen1097]

"i am very proud of my sadness, because it means that i am more alive."

[@wallywalrus2]

1 hour = 4 years 24 hours = 96 years 1 week = 672 years Grandpa is only getting the "latest films and books" every 672 years.

[@player_566-1]

Damn

[@evangonzalez2245]

I'd imagine that there's more than 700 years worth of content being churned out each week, so don't feel too bad for him 😉

[@chopstickingstylus]

The way how the Emily Clone softly breaks her voice after saying “goodbye” to her is such a small detail but it makes all the more impactful.

[@sparkstudies1675]

yes i noticed it too

[@Funnispigs]

15:12

[@JacobGeller]

Oh cool, the best sci-fi work of our time.

[@GillfigGarstang]

You have impeccable taste as always :)

[@spicymozarella1501]

Thanks for bringing this masterpiece to my attention. Love your vids

[@cleibarnhart]

Hell yeah Jacob!!!!

[@MK-zj8sc]

blade runner 2049 begs to differ. But this is a close second

[@weinercolada]

oh hi jacob

[@ScrimmyBingus42]

Emily prime's ignorance to the weird events happening around her is simultaneously hilarious, horrific, and adorable.

[@MetalBansheeX]

Same with infants here πwπ

[@declanfraney6372]

and beautiful!

[@longwlenguyen4214]

Tbf Emily Prime here only a little girl so made sense she ignorance of what’s happening (you know like an actual toddler) and asked confusing questions to her clone since her clone may reminded her of her mom. Funny enough Emily was voice by Don niece when he play with her and let her do her own thing while he wrote story around her imagination.

[@fiyum333]

i think she's supposed to be the audience perspective

[@vitoc8454]

This makes it a wholesome and bittersweet version of Skinamarink (2022), the horror movie where the sole protagonist is a child like Emily

[@JPR3D]

"But the robots were too expensive to remove. To this day, they are still in perpetual movement across the sunlight. With no more work to do, no more tasks to accomplish, still living in constant fear of death, and occasionally sending us depressed poetry." Absolutely sublime.

[@davidconway6874]

I get Douglas Adams vibes from that.

[@koshermal]

This infinite existentialism reminds me of something I read many years ago. two conscious minds stuck forever in the eternity of the universe. I can't remember the story, but the idea of 'being' forever, lonely, felt familiar here.

[@markdickson308]

I think it’s an Isaac Asimov story, about two immortal minds remembering what it is like to be human.

[@scribblemeeps]

I remember watching this when I was little! I never realized how masterful this was

[@TheEdwardNigma]

@@markdickson308 Do you know the name of the story? Can't find it.

[@TehSkullKid]

"Did you miss me?" ".......yes." "You missed it. I saw it. You missed it." The little times where Emily Prime says something simple that accidentally leads to a profound thought. They just make this.

[@thecharredremain]

Her little “okay.” To the advice at the end lol brilliant

[@CopyCaden00]

Teared up when she said "I missed something deeper." "Did you miss me?" "Yes." Emily prime can't comprehend how wise of a question she's just proposed but it rings true. Something about it made me teary.

[@alexanderlin1001]

Oh god....!!! You just blown my mind. Also I didn't comprehend that.

[@squidy.tea-png8343]

You just fucking opened my eyes and now im here crying...

[@natsariat430]

Hay carajo...

[@KOrgan0414]

“I am very proud of my sadness, because it means I am more alive.” God that gives me chills, makes me tear up. Just wonderful.

[@comradeScallion]

that line never fails to make me cry

[@boisnberry24]

I no longer fall in love with rocks.

[@MikeCrain]

"I no longer fall in love with rocks." immediately after is the saddest part of that because it means she actually isn't more alive, that's just her lying to herself.

[@jaredf6205]

I don’t get that. My sadness sucks, it’s not exhilarating or whatever “alive” is supposed to mean.

[@thefinestsake1660]

Cheers

[@bridgetspector6703]

Don will just casually drop one on the most profound, funny, and heartfelt pieces of art for free in the form of a 16 minute video, and I will always be grateful for that

[@thetruesoml2118]

I never would have thought the statement "I no longer fall in love with rocks" could be so profound and deep.

[@myobmyob9558]

@@thetruesoml2118 I used to live in Skid Row. I no longer fall in love with rocks.

[@r3p3ntiv3]

Wait.. that was 16 minutes?! Felt like only a few. He really outdid himself here.

[@kgpspyguy]

It's sort of funny how the limitations of a chosen medium can make you appreciate small details much more. I absolutely love the small shift of the little girls eyes when she finishes her little diatribe at 6:45 implying that she's throwing shade at future Emily for talking too much (which is something that a very young child would quickly become bored with). Absolute magic.

[@lithobreak3812]

One of the most impressive things to me is how convincingly little Emmy acts like how a real toddler would act going through this

[@sophiahughes5355]

Oh that's because they got her dialogue by following around a 3 year old girl while she played!

[@SalvinoMD]

If I remember correctly, he tried to get the girl to say specific lines and wasn't happening so he had to work around the responses. I wonder what was changed.

[@official-obama]

@@SalvinoMD it has a lid on it and you take it off

[@alphaamoeba]

I wouldnt be surprised if the “theres something in my museum !” line was completely improv and the scene was just built around it LOL

[@kyela344]

I recall watching this on Netflix when I was 15, sitting on the couch at 2am sobbing my eyes out. This was something so profound to me, I loved it so much. I loved how little stick figures could make me feel so much. Thank you for this work of art, thank you for making something that has inspired me to this day. I think this will be something I come back to every now and again, each time a different understanding. Thank you.

[@wawawawawa8009]

ME TOO

[@thermo9529]

wtf@@wawawawawa8009

[@cameroncole3655]

Gay

[@ElShermanElBarbarian]

​@@cameroncole3655 I'm happy for you.

[@maiaruizdiaz6830]

This has so many great lines but, for some reason, "did you miss me? yes" and "I no longer fall in love with rocks" break me so much. I love it.

[@lainefarris8762]

the "I no longer fall in love with rocks" to me means "I have now found human connection"

[@themoose0221]

The little single eyebrow raise when Emily 3 extracts the memory of “This is me and mommy walking” from Emily Prime. Been crying for 5 minutes.

[@ezziboo]

“A wainbow! ❤”

[@billtree52]

"you didn't see it, but I did" almost made me cry because my daughter has said almost that exact thing to me.

[@hersh23]

Fuckin hell...I somehow missed that the first time I saw this years ago. I read your comment before watching this again and was like, "Huh...I wonder what eyebrow raise the comment meant?" Then I saw it and holy fuck. Who knew those 2 seconds of animation with the eyebrow could be so gut wrenching!? 😢

[@malworks]

The way she delivers "I no longer fall in love with rocks" so softly compared to everything else. This is an amazing movie.

[@Aedalas]

It's definitely amazing but I can't help to feel like it's missing bleeding anuses, oversized spoons, and/or silly hats.

[@serasniketa9128]

the way she says “we fell in love” each time, in the same soft voice ❤😢😅❤

[@kateworm3525]

Those last 20 seconds where it seems like Emily prime didn’t make it to her correct timeline, and it dawns that all the beautiful lives ahead of her will cease to exist, never fail to make my heart jump and eyes well up with tears.

[@ninetwotenable]

You can tell it’s an amazing film because I absolutely Iaughed out loud at that moment, and probably loved this film as much as you do. The fact that it can be both 100% hilarious and 100% heart-wrenching at the same time, and so well, is amazing.

[@lainkenna]

Beautiful lives? I'm not really sure the future Emily is doin so hot buddy... the future kinda sucks and future Emily is clearly brain damaged beyond repair.

[@greenaum]

Nah, she had to arrive home, or else Emily IV (or III?) wouldn't have been born in the first place to send Prime around time. Grandfather Paradox, dude! Or great-great-clonemother paradox, same thing.

[@hithere7080]

Well that might be a good thing, the future is shown to be reaaaallllyyyy shitty

[@KevlaminTheMighty]

That tiny bit at the end made my breath catch. I guess it would have been edgy and cruel to just keep it, but honestly the emotional salvation that happens after the shock is just as valuable. Maybe more, because really it is a positive feeling among the dark themes of the story.

[@IanZWhite00]

The little Emily honestly has impeccable comedic timing I’ve never seen any film depict a child so realistically, while having them blend in so naturally with written dialogue. Making her a part of the writing process was brilliant

[@Locket.L]

It’s because it wasn’t even acting. Don just recorded a usual conversation he had with his niece and spliced voice clips together.

[@rylamistrandall6517]

"This is me and mommy walking." Reminds me of a single moment in my childhood, waayy before my long-term memory worked properly. I was walking at a mall, each of my hands were holding my father's and mother's hand. There wasn't any deeper significance, it was just a memory of me walking in the mall holding mom and dad's hands. Not even them remembers it, that's how insignificant that moment is. Yet the memory lingers within me, perhaps it was my subconscious aching to relive it, just like Emily 3rd

[@jerrygrimes8813]

Many moments to a kid are significant while the parents are oblivious to them. I have an intensely sad one from around age 3 or 4, crushingly disappointed because I'd cut a paper bird thingy wrong. It's very clear, I was to cut around it with scissors, following the line. Following. The. Line. But there was also a line up the center (for folding). Tiny me cut that line too. Mom says, "Oh, you've ruined it. Oh well.", and in my memory throws it away. I was crushed, and can feel it today. Probably she taped it up, but I don't remember. I think it's the source of my perfectionism even today, or maybe it's just an example of how I already thought. Unclear. But it's such a damn vivid memory for me. She had no recollection of it at all.

[@G.A.C_Preserve]

​@@jerrygrimes8813 all of my memory from those times are either from a perspective that aren't even my own (Third Person Perspective), Silent or just abnormal (it feels like one of those movies flashback, it's so quick but so long as the same time)

[@eggverseoffficial7976]

I remember one time when I was walking with my dad in the city at night. I have autism, which made it hard for me to learn how to talk, but I could walk. I wanted to stop and look at the pretty lights that plastered all of the bars and restaurants around us, but I couldn't communicate that to my dad yet, so I just kept stopping and my dad kept telling me to keep going. I remember feeling so invisible and unloved. That was my first memory.

[@artsyebonyrose]

I have a similar memory, walking to school holding my dad's hand and staring at the ground, crunching dry leaves

[@ConnorNolanTech]

Not everyday that you get to watch an Oscar nominated movie on KZbin

[@Ton12]

Yes

[@77DC77]

God I love that the Emily clone has a very robotic monotone voice until at 12:53 when Emily prime asks what was in the sky and the clone, who has already stated what they were, repeats it in a slightly frustrated tone, showing that she has still a shred of human emotion still in her. God what an incredible piece of art.

[@togglebott7748]

Also her drawing a goofy snake boy for no real reason lol

[@maggs131]

*dead* *bodies* lol

[@left4twenty]

There's also the subtle appreciation for the sublime beauty of the event, even though the context was so dark, the human spirit still showed the ability to see beauty

[@nkrinsky14]

Her voice also cracks when she says goodbye

[@kodachromic]

_”Dead bodies!”_ is still my favorite line from this film

[@thejesuschrist]

This is one of those thing everyone should see/experience.

[@PrismTheLoser]

Thanks, Jesus

[@johnbarry8628]

Appreciate it Jesus

[@forksupport1461]

Cheers, Jesus

[@RatoftheSupremeRodentTakeover]

So true, Jesus

[@callumblakeney7935]

Thank you Jesus bless

[@AliceP.]

This makes me think of a very short poem I read a couple of years ago and it didn't make sense to me rationally but I wouldn't forget it. It said: "We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory." Oh well.

[@glowerworm]

Very powerful quote, it definitely has the same message as this video

[@neo-pronouns]

i cry every time i get to the memory extraction. the idea of such a simple memory driving clone emily to contact emily prime because it's the one thing she can think of to bring herself comfort while faced with her imminent death... heartwrenching.

[@WardenLoveless]

And I think the implication is that this one selfish act is the reason she's been living without that memory her whole life. She took it, she's always taken it

[@vitoc8454]

There's another sci-fi short story by Ken Liu titled, "Mono No Aware" with a similarly touching memory of walking with one's parent

[@torna2508]

​@@WardenLovelessI thought she just read her memory, not stole it

[@ReverendTed]

@@torna2508 I also ascribe to the understanding that Future Emily doesn't remember it because she extracted the memory from Emily Prime before any of the clones were born. The idea that extracting a memory "takes it" also jives with the statement that they only extract memories from the dead.

[@JohnSmith-jd4qm]

@@ReverendTed "You will feel a deep longing for something you cannot quite remember" seems to confirm that she stole the memory - unless there's something else it might refer to that I missed.

[@gringuss]

whoever that kid voice actor is needs a lot more credit than she’s getting

[@captainalieth]

don't quote me on this but I read somewhere that's it's his niece and he recorded her just speaking to him.

[@pravkdey]

@@captainalieth oh didn't hear it was her speaking normally. I've heard he directed her a little but used whatever she said in the film to make it seem more natural. I love she's so damn cute

[@Omnywrench]

Yeah, apparently Don Hertzfeldt recorded his 4 year old niece playing and coloring for sever hours and wrote the script around some of her dialogue.

[@TaliaMellifera]

@@pravkdey 'wiggle, wiggle' :D

[@yourfaceisonfire]

How much credit is she currently getting?

[@Homodemon]

"Live well and live broadly. You're alive and living now. Now is the envy of all of the dead." To this day, this line makes my heart tremble. I cannot explain why.

[@TomBrazelton]

I quote this line all the time. It's very motivating.

[@FrahdChikun]

It gives your life meaning, that's why. It's such a powerful message.

[@wiesejay]

Okay 👌

[@animateddepression]

very Anne Sexton

[@eggofan247]

i can, and it’s because it fucking rules. hit me so hard the first time i heard it that i stopped and wrote it down

[@N0tsaved]

11:53 Emily undid her third generation clone with 3 words that any child could have uttered. To have found herself in such a spot that such a simple observation of the facts breaks her as an adult.

[@Two_Teapod]

The way emilly 3rd express herself implies that the amount of sadness in this loss is literally unreachable for her Not even unable to deal, but unreachable to process Man.

[@crustacrank]

she blinks like david did

[@transcendentalaesthetic]

"I loved him as if we were originals..." I cannot express how much this short animated film has meant to me in my life.

[@Everettalla]

The kid who voices baby emily did a great job, her voice is so cute

[@TheRach995]

Fun fact she wasnt really acting! I'm pretty sure the girl is Don's neice and most of Emily's lines are just clips from recordings of them spending time together. Its really just a kid having fun and thats why it's so perfect

[@YoutubeAskedMeToChangeThis]

@@TheRach995 Wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle.

[@daniellanglois89]

"It is easy to get lost in memories" is my absolute favorite line from this entire production. It says so much in such a simple way. I live this, and I love this.

[@MachineMistress]

I remember fondly being in film class my first year of college at Edinboro U PA, and my professor played your "Everything Will be OK". Of course being the generation that grew up with newgrounds and funnyjunk, I saw your original stuff(the rejects). I was blown away strangely when I saw your larger work. Then another professor of mine in animation played it as well to teach us the flip-page animation, the whole class was flip-page and he made us go through your stuff again. Now here I am at home, turning 30 soon and still watching your animations. Your videos spark memories that take me way back in time over the years. Funny how life works like that lol thank you for what you put out into the world, and as I comment it might not get seen but idc, I'm building a new memory right now and sharing it with my husband

[@sjnurse2281]

edinboro gaaaaaaang

[@TotallyKurtCobain]

oh my god i found another edinboro person lets goooo lets go Lancers!

[@kagitsune]

I like that. Seeing our old memelords grow up and think about the same things we are, also feels a little like clone time travel. Really adds nuance to the nostalgia wave we're experiencing.

[@redactedlogic]

I did see your coment and enjoyed your little life tour. I have never seen this and probably couldn't recognize any other work done by this artist, but I find it intriguing we both share this memory in our lives in a completely different way. I enjoyed this story and yours as wll, thank you for sharing and say hi to your hubby from a complete stranger. Peace and enjoy your future.

[@DrHotelMario]

Dropped out, but ultimately glad I had the experience of going to Edinboro as well. Doing art projects in Doucette was an especially fond memory.

[@Xeer_Oh]

"Do not lose time on daily trivialities. Do not dwell on petty detail. For all of these things melt away and drift apart within the obscure traffic of time. Live well, and live broadly. You are alive and living now. Now is the envy of all of the dead."

[@eyegloo]

what I particularly like about that moment is that it holds no objective significance, Emily clone could have easily said the opposite, to focus on the little details and not worry about what's to come. but that advice isn't necessarily advice, it's more of a birth rite passed on from Emily to Emily

[@geoffreyprecht2410]

I just watched this with my boyfriend and it prompted a long conversation about the value of living in the present and appreciating each day we're alive together. It's wonderful how art connects people and makes us think those deep thoughts. This animation is so important to me. I really need to buy Don Hertzfeld's other works if they're anywhere near as thought provoking as World of Tomorrow.

[@mythstcg]

i personally believe “it’s such a beautiful day” is his best work

[@mythstcg]

i personally believe “it’s such a beautiful day” is his best work

[@sparkstudies1675]

agreed

[@KnightJent]

It's weird to think that Emily Prime doesn't seem like she's paying attention but her future clone remembers the advice that was given. Does that mean that it's always stuck with her and did she follow her ow advice? The fact that future Emily's mission before death was to retrieve a loss memory instead of time traveling to the past to stay alive makes me wonder about the worth of immortally.

[@Pwnedef]

She explains it with David. The genetic material can only be stretched so far and only works if the clone passes itself onto the next. David died before he did it and that was the end of his bloodline.

[@sameoldsatellite]

"This is- this is me, and mommy... this is me and mommy walking... this is me and mommy walking." I'm not crying. You're crying.

[@PopStockShmock]

I was, yes.

[@Sleeper_6875]

Taking that memory from her seems absolutely horrific to me. Emily 3 in her dying days took a memory from but a child that would cause anguish to 3 generations of the same person. That feels wrong and awful and she just repeated it

[@comradeScallion]

@@Sleeper_6875 i dont think she removed it

[@wfogapgfahfnog35]

@@comradeScallion and why Emily 3 did not have that memory? Emily took it from her younger self herself and didn't get her memory back until then.

[@LstBrth]

@@wfogapgfahfnog35 Probably due to deterioration of the mind. Remember that every time a person is cloned their bodies deteriorate. That includes the memories as well. Yet... it feels like she took it from her.

[@LeastInsaneUtsu-PFan]

I LOVE how clone Emily has the same eye-tick as clone David when she talks about how there is no “deterioration” ( 1:18 - 11:09 ) among the clones. I like to think she developed this after his death, perhaps as an unconscious way to express grief over his death, or as a way for her brain to tell herself that she isn’t the same anymore, how she is deteriorating mentally in the infinite process of cloning and talking to herself, waiting and knowing about her inevitable horrible death.

[@Marchoupi]

''I do not have the mental or emotional capacity to deal with his loss, but sometimes late at night I quietly sit in a chair and feel very bad'' OMG...this got me good it seems .. i do miss my friend

[@cap1368]

When at 11:13 future Emily says : but I loved him as though we were originals. This was so beautiful

[@mangomage33]

I love how the eyes not being fully filled in makes them look more emotional

[@coldkun_]

I remember discovering your videos over 10 years ago. here I am, 10 years later. a battle of cancer older and still crying to the things you have to say. thank you, Don.

[@chopstickingstylus]

Are you okay now?

[@coldkun_]

@@chopstickingstylus I think so!

[@maggs131]

This is an absolute masterpiece. A feast for the mind and eyes. Humor seamlessly blended into some of the deepest philosophical concepts is a region few dare to tread. Your channel may very well be the first I've ever subscribed to so many years ago with rejected and look forward to every bit you so graciously share with me. Thank you 💗

[@splaz333]

mah spoon is too big - yes yes i knew of rejected way before it came on adult swim, low quality .mpg files i still remember ah, L'Amour

[@PyroJoe1]

Spoonman, come together with you're hand. Oh save me, armed together with you're plan! Yeah wooooh!

[@Youtube.Commen-tater]

I am here, too.

[@danielmcdonnell5328]

honestly, this could fit pretty well on Love Death + Robots, it's a perfect mix of animation, humor, sci fi and thought provoking storyline.

[@cosmicwooloo]

“I do not have the mental, or emotional capacity to deal with his loss” it sounds like something a robot trying to be a human would say

[@DundG]

Or someone so detached from natural human experiences and interactions, that their own emotions are to much and confusing to handle. She fell in love with a rock, thats how detached humanity became with itself

[@extofer]

To Mr. Hertzfeldt, I watched World of Tomorrow several times in around 2015 or 16. I loved it so much. I still do. And after just watching it for the first time since then, I feel like a new appreciation for this film has been unlocked for me. I lost my mom in 2022 and it was the first time in my life I suffered such a profound loss. So when it got to the part where Emily Prime’s memory was being extracted, I *felt* it. For such fleeting moments, it’s simple memories like this that keep me comforted when I have those quiet moments of grief. Time sometimes feels like an enemy, the older I get. I’m 45 and have a four year old son, and sometimes I’m afraid I won’t have enough time with him. Sometimes I’m afraid that he didn’t make enough memories of my mom when she was alive - that he won’t remember her when he’s older. I suppose it’s something we all have to cope with at some point - feeling our own mortality. Yet I do realize I’m alive right now, and I do appreciate that I can still smile and laugh and form new memories - good, bad and mundane - despite there being a hole in the world my mom left that I can’t fill. So I try to accept the inevitability of time and to think of it as a friend and not an adversary. It’s the best I can do. And I love that there exists this perfect film you made, as it truly helped me through this very moment of grief. Thank you Don Hertzfeldt for the work you do! Also I just found out you made two more episodes and now I’m going to have to figure out how to watch them! 😂 I’m sure with time I will.

[@kevinwillems8720]

Ever since Jacob Geller did a video about you, primarily about the couch gag you did for The Simpsons, I wanted to see this. The wait was worth it, I was on the verge of tears for at least half of it, but for some reason my eyes wouldn't let me actually cry. Eccentric, brilliant, worth all the accolades and more.

[@k.b.tidwell]

Maybe you didn't have the emotional something something you needed to be able to cry.

[@kevinwillems8720]

@@k.b.tidwell something something?

[@k.b.tidwell]

@@kevinwillems8720 Something something...that one missing key ingredient.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

@@k.b.tidwell onions?

[@kevinwillems8720]

@@Emiliapocalypse I mean onions certainly help the tears along

[@thetruesoml2118]

I never thought "I no longer fall in love with rocks" would be sooooo profound with just a bit of context.

[@Brambrew]

Young children and animals have something in common: they don't have existential crises, they just enjoy being alive We should be more like them

[@cumandshit]

when I was a young child I had an existential crisis that ngl is still kinda lingering today

[@BroNapartay]

While brief, unfortunately that childlike ignorance must leave for our higher existence to manifest our consciousness to appreciate the world/s around us and take solace of the liminality of life.

[@tricanico]

I love how it doesn't try to be overly dramatic and still it manages to be so emotional, in a very pure manner. I'm crying but I can't say exactly why.

[@fireworksfordinner]

The way clone Emily's voice cracks when she says "goodbye" crushes me every time

[@troyriser8074]

This is one of my favorite films across all genre and kind. I've watched nearly all Hertzfeldt's works and am always struck by its honesty and find beauty in the simplicity of its forms.

[@SPAMTONGG]

FANTASTIC! [BRAVO!] Honestly, what an enjoyable experience. The idea of taking a random conversation with a kid and making, well, THIS out of it is truly imaginative! It’s good to see new things in life like this that have that fresh-content feel to it, something you don’t see really anywhere else. It was both funny and beautiful!

[@StardustLegend]

Wait the kid wasn’t scripted?????? This was just random conversation on their end??

[@SPAMTONGG]

@@StardustLegend It does seem like it! My assumption is they just had a random little conversation with a small girl, then turned it into this with imagination, artistic talent and dedication!

[@masonengel1928]

@@StardustLegend I've heard it was his niece or something that he was able to direct slightly to make the gibberness more cohesive.

[@cjbeans]

I've loved this film for years, and have showed it to practically all my friends. Thank you for releasing this on KZbin, Don.

[@alyssacervera7663]

My dad adored this masterpiece and we would watch it often! ❤

[@GSG298]

I cannot express how much this film has fundamentally shaped my very being. I saw it as a nominee when it was nominated for an Oscar and I still think about it daily. Just showed it with my boyfriend.

[@10Gpixels]

One of my all-time favorite short films. It's got that beautiful tinge of sci-fi cosmic nihilism, while countering it with the adorable optimism of a child. It's simply brilliant, and I'm so happy to see it free for all to see.

[@FoxBlocksHere]

Don Hertzfeldt is one of the best short film producers of our time.

[@LIMC]

Love this ❤️

[@OtakuUnitedStudio]

Oh hi. Another of the channels I'm subbed to, commenting on a video for a channel I'm subbed to. I guess we all like the same stuff? :3

[@mkilo9770]

Thought this was a fake account of the real account, but no, it’s the real deal

[@spicymozarella1501]

Make a video essay on this

[@lizardwizard8235]

I love this too but it makes me very sad

[@pokaay3163]

two things I really like in one place?! phew!

[@ugh5669]

weirdly this is such a perfect video for dealing with loss because it makes you understand exactly why no one can or should live forever

[@david0337]

This was INCREDIBLE. How does this not have more views? This was better than anything else that came out the last decades

[@DCode504]

Maybe my favorite movie ever, bought it on Vimeo but I'm super happy that many more people get to see it now 💗

[@ivonsmith4255]

I recall sharing "Rejected" with my animation students in New Zealand back in 1999! This one is a complete mind-melt as well but beautifully made!

[@yoshio_kyono]

I am Japanese and your work is very meaningful, thoughtful, and captures the essence of life. Your videos and your talent are amazing and I am grateful to have found you and your work.

[@derokinge]

This is too good, it’s addictive at this point. Every time I rewatch I notice a new thing, no media has done this for me in years. I will be purchasing the full blue ray set at my earliest economic convenience. I look forward to watching the next two episodes and sharing this experience with my family.

[@SoftKernel]

“Live well and live broadly. You are alive and living now. Now is the envy of all the dead.” - Emily (World of Tomorrow)

[@ManiacRacing]

This is gut wrenching, and I'm not sure why. Some of it resonates so loudly! "This is me and Mommy walking" rips my soul because I never got to walk with my mom. She died when I was a baby. But I still have the longing for those kind of normal memories other children had, I'm old now, and in the twilight of my life, and the regret and longing still burns. I long for feelings and memories I never had, Never imagined, Never loved.

[@interestedparty7523]

I hope you are well.

[@sebasstianninop]

I always come back to this. A dear no-longer friend showed it to me, and it always bring me a smile when I watch it because sometimes, I miss my friend and truth is I was such a shitty friend to my friend the only things I have left from his friendship are things like this rather lovely film.

[@sophieolson6302]

I remember watching this in high school on Netflix. I was alone in my parents house and watched it at night before bed on a whim. It made me cry and I ended up using a quote for it as my senior quote in the year book. It really should have won the Academy Award. I'm in my mid-twenties now and I still come back and re-watch every so often. I recommend it to friends. Similarly to many of the others who have commented, I genuinely believe this piece impacted my life. Aside from the story, the visuals are beautiful too. Truly a solid piece of art.

[@MCCanaryVideos]

this piece of work along with a couple of other of Don's work got me through one of my hardest periods in life I'm glad it is here now for anyone who hasn't seen it yet

[@jimswan3794]

every time I watch this I feel like there's something new that hits so deep for me. this time it was 10:12, describing and showing how Simon left alone by his lone companion and love in this planet is inconsolable in his solitary...

[@Sir720x2]

“I am very proud of my sadness, because it means im more alive. I no longer fall in love with rocks” This feels like a line most people would find funny-ish, but… That hit me, man.

[@vocabrealety4846]

This is simply genius. Its funny, scary, strange, happy, sad all in one. I love the silly moments.

[@proeft6252]

This is one of the most beautiful existentialist studies I’ve ever seen, flawlessly executed and now available for free on KZbin. And just when I thought the world was going to hell in a hand basket… It should be noted I paid full freight for all 3 WOT films on Vimeo but it’s so cool that anyone can experience it in a time where the world needs an Emily prime more than ever. Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle xx

[@itzeljaguar7138]

The mini panic at the end we all felt

[@BigusGhostus]

i like to think he got the child's lines by just straight up asking her the questions emily was being asked and just recording her candid responses (for the most part)

[@helloitsmrcat]

this trilogy is i think my favourite piece of art that i have ever engaged with. i love the world of tomorrow films so dearly :] thank you !!

[@ayyo-bun3534]

I had my father see this with me one night and I dont regret it. He understood in his own spiritual way that this connected us and was understanding. This movie has been the most memorable for me. Do not fret, just go with the flow. Today is still day. Do not fret the night while it is still day. And even when it's night, day will come.

[@trickyricketts]

Your work has absolutely changed my life more than once at this point. Watching “it’s such a beautiful day” wrecked me more than I can tell you. At the time my mother was dying of cancer. It ripped me open and at the same time made me feel like it was going to be ok. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@ndogg20]

@ 10:44 "... art gallery of anonymous memories" Like watching uploaded old photos and super 8 films on You Tube made by some stranger from my old neighborhood.

[@Futureofforgottten]

11:25 That’s the thing about the present Emily prime. You only appreciate it when it is past.. I just don’t know how MORE RELATABLE THIS COULD GET LIKE I CANT EVEN SAY HOW RELATABLE THIS IS WITH WORDS

[@TODAYZTOPIC]

My beautiful friend showed me this on her big screen at her parents like 6 years ago and this little movie changed my life!!

[@kcrelax3330]

The amount of creative ideas such as the idea of a clone being an art exhibit or the idea of imortality by cloning. Don Hertzfeldt, you are a gem.

[@Harshulnarang1]

I remember watching this on Vimeo during the first Covid lockdown. I cried inconsolably at “now is the envy of all of the dead”, it still brings tears to my eyes and I don’t even fully know why. Thank you for creating this masterpiece and thank you for making it available to the world!

[@alexo.4324]

I recall watching this several times until it was no longer available on Netflix. I had hoped it would land on KZbin immediately afterward, but I just kept waiting and waiting. I'm so glad it's on here now.

[@Asmallcorneroftheinternet]

Life is perhaps the most miserable existence to ever live. It is also the only one we have. We go about our days, finding happiness to give. Yet, we can never find what we truly want when our lives first began. Innocence, happiness. Perpetual piece of mind. What a time to be alive.

[@visual_Memories]

One of the most formative films of my life, and subsequent afterlives. I hope they will cherish the memories as much as I did.

[@bealns7356]

The David exhibit does seem like something an artist would do if we ever perfected and legalized human cloning, this timeline of the future is so out there yet so simultaneously convincing

[@TrunkFilms]

Cannot believe you would put this on your channel for free. Thank you for doing that to easily share such an amazing film to other people. i bought world of tomorrow 3 when it released on Vimeo for that premiere and cannot wait for your next film!!!!

[@StevenSeanGarland]

There were wonderful nominees in 2015, but how this didn't win the Oscar I'll never know

[@archievii]

Interesting how this made me think of that THIS could be a possible future. Cloning and uploading for only the affluent members of society. The digital people viewing the outside world through others view screens. Nostalgia and envy plague humanity as a world brimming with more possiblities. Is now unstable and depressing. This is very profound. Bravo Hertzfeldt. Bravo. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@armageddon7432]

i love the recurring joke of clone emily falling in love with random things

[@TheRach995]

I'm not sure why, but watching this always calms me. I suffer from OCD and am anxious much of the time, so it helps. Thanks Don, I appreciate you for making this, and for uploading this where people can easily watch it for free! Accessible art is so important

[@thatwolfyouknow8598]

This changed and maybe saved my life when I saw it for the first time. I don't know the right words that are sufficient to thank you

[@xorn69]

The first Don Hertzfeldt animation I watched was Rejected something like twenty years ago. I had since watched that animation at least a hundred times. The quirky dark humor in Rejected provided quotes that I managed to regularly recite. I didn't even know that Don had a youtube channel, and now I stumble across this masterpiece. I'm pretty sure I can now die happy and begin envying the living.

[@donovanblock5182]

It’s incredible that we can see art like this for free. You’ve been impacting our lives for decades now. Such deep thought. Thank you Don.