I'm not a fan off crippling Super Phones, turning of animations is one of them.
Whenever I get my new android, in this case Samsung.
1. Disable Apps that I know I will NEVER use. ChatON, Books, Games, Newstand, Bell's Navigator app, etc.
2. Turn off Touch Key Light. Not really to save battery but I find it useless and unnecessary.
3. Run Nova Launcher Prime, HD Widgets, Nox, etc.
Of course now that Google made it available. ART has helped a bit in battery life and performance. Though, some YMMV.