YouTube Channel Review
Over a decade ago, David R.B., the visionary behind the YouTube channel Squared Media, embarked on a creative journey that would captivate audiences with his Minecraft animations. Initially released as episodic content, these animations have evolved into grand cinematic experiences, weaving together recurring characters and intricate plotlines, all set against a backdrop of epic battles.
The channel’s long-form content has garnered impressive viewership, with its standout video, “Animation Life,” racking up an astounding 250 million views. Other notable entries include “Song of War,” a two-hour series that has attracted 64 million views, and “Worlds Apart,” a 45-minute feature that has reached 41 million views. It’s not surprising that many children who are fans of Minecraft have likely encountered the engaging offerings of Squared Media.
Note: Squared Media was recommended for review by a reader of Plugged In. If you have a YouTube channel you’d like us to explore, feel free to reach out at letters@pluggedin.com or connect with us via Facebook or Instagram.
POSITIVE CONTENT
The channel is a treasure trove of skillfully crafted animations, each featuring unique storylines and meticulously detailed fight scenes. The animation quality has consistently improved over the years, showcasing the dedication and artistry that David R.B. pours into each project. Viewers will find that the narratives are easy to follow, even in the absence of dialogue, as themes of sacrifice and the battle against evil resonate throughout.
In addition to entertainment, R.B. offers five insightful tutorials that guide aspiring animators through the use of Blender, his software of choice. These tutorials provide a valuable introduction to the animation process, covering scene creation, animation techniques, and lighting, making it accessible for those eager to embark on their own animation journey.
CONTENT CONCERNS
While the animations are visually stunning, they do contain frequent violence. Although blood is minimal—appearing only as the occasional pixel—characters face perilous situations, including stabbings and other forms of demise. Notably, one scene depicts the tragic death of a man’s pet wolf.
The narratives also incorporate magical elements typical of the Minecraft universe. Characters engage in potion-drinking, confront illusionists, and battle necromancers. One particularly dark character drains a villager’s life force to empower his Totem of Undying, while another is ominously referred to as the “angel of death.”
In one series, a guard is portrayed in a disoriented state after consuming a mysterious brew, adding to the channel’s darker themes. It is worth noting that the oldest series on the channel, a Halo animation, does contain some language, including the s-word, “d–n,” and “h—,” which is not present in the Minecraft content.
CHANNEL SUMMARY
Squared Media delivers engaging narratives set within the Minecraft realm. Parents should be aware that while the content includes elements of violence, death, and darker themes, it remains largely devoid of graphic bloodshed, aligning more closely with the action found in shows like Ninjago. Although the older Halo series features some mild language, the Minecraft animations maintain a cleaner standard, making them suitable for a younger audience.
