I used different software packages! Maya for the animation/lighting/rendering and shading... 3D Studio Max for modelling and after effects for the compositing process!
that sounds so cool. i want to try to do one of these once, but i don't have any of the programs for it. could you tell me where i could find them so i could try if you don't mind. i'm sure it won't be nearly as good as yours is
I used student versions from autodesk and did this movie for my bachelor degree! But you could try the open source software called "blender"! This is a free 3d software package! But you need a lot of time learning 3d animation!