Would you consider Lipsync to be an Effect?

[Zarxrax]

Yes, that is the true nature of visual effects... Look at movies, the best effects are those you don't notice. Frankly, people has gotten this for idea in AMVs that good effects are those you only see.
Vlad

I would like examples of what good visual effects in movies we don't notice. No matter how well it is done, stuff like explosions, bullet time, huge monsters, and space battles are instantly realized as effects.

I think maybe theres a disconnect here on the definition of "notice". I agree that effects are meant to be noticed. That IS the nature of most effects. However, (as far as films go) a good effect will pass by you without you really stopping to think "ok thats an effect". They are integrated so seamlessly that it doesn't make you notice. Even a CG character integrated in a movie can be done well enough that the audience doesnt really stop and think about it.
Bad effects on the other hand (again, as far as movies go), simply stand out and pull you out of the movie watching experience. For example, "LOL thats some guy in a monkey suit! Did they think I would fall for that?!" Or take for example these made for tv sci-fi shows with really bad CG.
Both of these types of effects are going to be noticed as effects. However, only one type should make you *actively* notice them.

[Vlad G Pohnert]

If you ever watch a lot of action movies, I bet you miss noticing hundreds of visual CG effects. I would really like to see someone point out all of the effecdts in a well done move.. Obviously in a science Fiction/ Fantasy film you can point them out as they are not real, but the point is if they look realistic or not.

Anyway, getting back to AMVs, my point is if for example you are doing a vidio and put two characters together and it look seamlss, it through the uses of effects you are doing that.. Just becasue you know those two characters were never together in an anime does not mean the effect is visible!

Vlad