Thanks Rodney, excellent points! You bring up some very good things that I have been reading about.
I have found in watching all the 3d animated movies over the years the ones that take the extra time to light the scenes are the ones I love. Sure the story captures you but when you go back and watch them again, the technical aspect of the scene pull you further into the story and lighting has a huge part.
Here is a shot with some issues.
The first is AO, the second is fastAO and the third is a generic shot. What is causing the light around the arms?
Steve