If you don't already read Develop magazine (a monthly for European games developers http://%7boption%7d ) get a copy of the latest issue.
There is a great tutorial article on embedding bodylanguage into character animation. Essentially to make animation support storytelling and gameplay better in games, but the tips are useful for any kind of animation. I seem to remember Christiaan Moleman/Ninja Dodo showing off WIPs on CG Talk a while ago when he was carrying out the research/project...
Anyway, well worth your time.