Absolutely STUNNING site

Without a doubt the most compelling, engaging, and overwhelmingly beautiful website I've ever seen:

http://www.ashesandsnow.org

I'm not generally a big fan of Flash-based websites, but this one just knocked my socks off. IMO, this site elevates websites to a whole new level. It showcases photgraphic works of art, but the site is a work of art in and of itself. I found it so engrossing; over two hours went by from the time I entered the site to the time I looked up at a clock!

Ironically, no credit is made for the site design. I have no idea who is responsible for this masterpiece!

Well, I would agree with you but... Im using a PC that has flash installed.... but guess what, because I havn't got the latest flash heres what I see..

They failed basic flash 101.

Users never have the latest flash so you should always design for older flash players. Such as flash 5. It hasnt got all the features of the latest flash but it enables more people to see the site.

I dont think its a masterpiece either :P just a _mc file playing in the middle.

http://www.lightmaker.co.uk/

Checkout their portfolio they design flash masterpieces

I like Flash (although I seem to be in the minority these days), but that seems a bit daft to me. I wasn't that impressed with the .swf movie.
The imagery was nice but seemed pointless. Also I didn't understand why they hadn't used Flash more:-

On the splash page, the user is given the option to use Flash Player 8 or a simplified version. You can use Flash to detect which players are installed so that could either be dealt with automatically within the swf file, or visitors could be directed to download the correct player.

That Lightmaker site is very good, Syph'.

Agreed
I didn't think it was that impressive

For the real hi end check out

Bionic Systems™
One of the best visual sites I've ever seen

http://www.hires.net
Fatastic Designers
Recommend
Donnie Darko and Massive Attack

Ugh, I didn't understand what the site was there for. Is it a photography site?

very good site the music is real make u feel >>> requires good bandwith for flash site

I just saw a bit of it...and yes, the site is stunning. But no matter how awesome, if it takes toooo looooonnnngggg to load even with high speed....they've lost me...and I'm gone.!

Well my computer played it fast and loaded it quickly as well and that was on the choice to the left that said advanced or something ( the one for high-end users) Although I found the sight unimpressive as well and didn't know the point of it. The best describing word I can think of for it is Good Job to who ever made it lol.

Yeah, not only did I not understand it... I didn't think it was that special...

A bit poo if I'm honest.

Sorry I didn't respond sooner, since I think you guys are missing "the good stuff" on this site. As for "the point"...As for the site, you have to click on "Enhanced Experience" (it says right there on the first page that you need Flash 8) then click "Explore". The content is all photographic, and the photos are incredible, but I also found the navigation to be unique and engaging... As you move your cursor around, thumbnails are displayed as mouse trails. Click a thumbnail and that image loads. Move the cursor to display other thumbnails and click one that looks interesting, etc. Maybe it's old hat or "poo" to some of you, but I've never seen anything like it. It captivated me for longer than any other website in recent memory.

As for long load times/slow response times, I didn't find it to be slow. (I didn't think my broadband connection was anything special, but maybe it's better than I thought.)

Surely the 'point' is not having to write a separate explanation of it(?).

=====

And as for frankieb233'sBionic Systems & Trade?
Black.
Eventually you figure out there may be some hidden text (also in black) and reveal it, only to find a) it's uninteresting and quite pointless hiding it, and b) the only apparent link to enter the "portfolio" to view their other work, doesn't work.
I hate site designer sites were the navigation doesn't work.

Hires.net
I did like the preloader.
Didn't like the subsequent interface, particularly when I found one of the links didn't damn well work!