Have you been watching The Pacific on HBO? If so you can't help but be amazed at the gorgeous opening title sequence. Sketches transition seamlessly into black and white photographs and dust from breaking charcoal shards elegantly portray shrapnel and explosions in the sand.
Below is the animatic from director Steve Fuller for Imaginary forces that won the job.
The Pacific Opening Credits from Steve Fuller on Vimeo.
You can check out the finished product here on the Imaginary Forces website.