overlaying animated gifs on static image

[anthony]

This is a topic that is being updated in IM example, but the core examples are present.
See IM Examples, Animation Modifications,
http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/animations/#bgnds

I am programing in new multi-image alpha composition (-layers) methods that will allow you to not only use a static source image (AKA -draw 'image' method), but also static destiniation, and composition of pairs of image (shuffle and compose two image sequences).

In the mean time the next release of IM should have my weekends update, -layers OptimizeTransparency as a basic compression optiomization technique for GIF images. This includes a new -compose ChangeMask alpha composition method (still to be exampled).