Swan Bows & Arrows

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "The Crimson Bow and Arrow" (Guren no Yumiya) by Linked Horizon
Lyrics: (Jap. & Eng.) animelyrics
Theme: Series trailer/Attack on Titan mimic
Spoilers: No

Review: First off, I have to say that I've never seen Attack on Titan nor even the opening, so I cannot give any feedback on how well that particular comparison was accomplished. If anyone else has and can give feedback, I'd love to hear how well it worked. Because everything else about this is already barking awesome.
Since I first saw this video, I thought it was an epic promotional trailer for Princess Tutu, and I still think it fits that category. There aren't any spoilers because of the rapidity of the clips and tone (despite blatant use ending episodes' stuff), but the speed doesn't overwhelm you to the point of discomfort - it just blows your mind and lets you consider the pieces. XD
The opening is beautiful, jumps right into the heat of things (I mean you see the Raven!), and yet takes you back to the beginning. The sequence 'recapping' how the Prince lost his heart is excellently placed and executed. Even without knowing what's happened, you can easily guess. And then Princess Tutu is shown as the radiant swan maiden, establishing her as a central character. And then there's Fakir, shown in hesitancy and donning the cloak. Such ambiguity, uncertainty; so very fitting~ The heart shard with the claw is an excellent presentation as well, and the musical break at that point is gripping!
And then, suddenly characters! All over the place! But they seem to fit together fantastically! The montage is put together splendidly, and is enough to get you very intrigued but not enough to give anything away. And Drosselmeyer, smiling while he oversees everything. Great.
I really love the use of the sword fight scenes as well, especially put so close together! It's exciting, for both newcomers and regular fans, and brings up so many parallels that might have been missed if you know the show already.
And then the ending. Just enough solidity to give you your feet back underneath you, but you're still wobbling by the time it's over. The entire video just kind-of slams you with awesome, and then hands you the pieces back at the end so you can contemplate on your experience.
And then even looking over the lyrics (in translation), the words work excellently. It's more of an abstract interpretation to fit well, but it doesn't take a whole lot of effort for that. And then, of course, just listening to the Japanese in general I find gorgeous~
One of the most impressive things I find about this video, other than the epic use of music and clips, is how it shares so very much without giving anything at all away! I mean, not even Kraehe is revealed, even though she's seen fairly frequently! It's fantastic!!
I would definitely recommend using this video as one of the introductory videos to get others interested, although giving the disclaimer that the series doesn't have as much action in it as this video would suggest. It's all in there, but spread out over more than just a minute and a half. XD And, of course, just watching it for its epicness is always an option!

Overall Rating: 10/10

(note: I've been absent because real life sometimes demands more of me than I anticipated. Or at least I expect more of me than I should. Sometimes both. <w<' )

L'Assasymphonie

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "L'Assasymphonie" (or "The Assassinate Symphony") by Mozart L'Opera Rock
Lyrics: (orig and transl) lyrictranslate
Theme: Autor (and jealousy)
Spoilers: No (lack of context if it's not already known)

Review: This. All of this. *gestures* YES.
I have to admit that this was the first time I heard this song, and I LOVE the song, so there is a wee bit of bias. BUT it and the video together are just fantastical, and that's what I'm commenting on here. I will endeavor to say what I can about this amazingtastical video, but again today I am limited on the amount of time I have, so I'll get going!
First off: That intro. Beautiful setup. It's a bit questionable in the first few seconds, but it just draws you in and within 20 seconds you have the entire premise of the tone, feelings, characters, etc. It's gorgeous.
The interspersing of talking and such with Autor's stalking is great. Really sets a 'hold-it-in-yet-ready-to-burst' feel, and the music/talking draws you in. And his utter joy at Fakir's frustrations... Throughout the video! Always gives me chills. Alwaaayyysss. And looking up the lyrics just makes it more epic! "I dedicate my nights/ to the assasymphony/ To requiems/ killing by frustration/... I confess I curse/ all those who love each other." Interspersed with the happy faces of all who are enamored with Fakir, or at least are fans... Mraaahh. Fantastical.
Then the next verse. Drosselmeyer. Even if you don't know the words, it's obvious that he's taunting Autor. A lot. And it gets to Autor. And then, he throws water on the pedigree chart, which he pretty much reveres for the connections it shows with Drosselmeyer. The words give even more light on this: "I deny/ the fatal heresy/ Which gnaws at my soul/" Immediately following, his confrontation with the bookstore owner is "I want to be reborn/ To be reborn." O___o Goodness symbolism and overlapping! I just... wow. That's epic.
And then.......... There's the... assassination of Fakir. ._. Yes. It is beautifully exemplified, the watch-checking is just like Autor, and... and... *spaz*
Then. Theeeen there's Drossy again. Muttering and being the voice in the back of Autor's head. But it's also Autor muttering to himself. And the lyrics are analogies with music, and very well done! How things seem wrong, off... Perhaps the scene with Fakir resisting Autor is a flashback or something.
Becuase then! Then we get to a part where Autor is rescuing Fakir~! Like he had second thoughts about the assassination! Or, since we see writing, perhaps Autor wrote something that actually changed things so that Fakir would live...? I don't even know.
BUT THEN. He leads Fakir into the place, and he's got crows waiting for him!! Like another assassination! Or attack or something!
But then, after a while, even though Fakir collapses, Autor lets Duck in to see him... Perhaps he's not entirely dead, just really beat up because Autor wanted revenge/to take out anger on him in some fashion. Or... maybe he didn't make it...? I can't tell. Both are crazy and awesome and just-
And then Drossylmeyer. It has to end with him. Laughing. *wide-eyed-serious-face*

Ok, so when I get frantic, especially about things I enjoy, I type more. But really. And real quick, as if the video in and of itself weren't enough, the effects/clip usage was FAN-BARKING-TASTICAL. Really. The color changes made connections yet were still slightly confusing, but in a good way that makes me want to sit down and watch it repeatedly to figure out what the meaning was or if I'm missing a deeper portion. And how everything led to one another... and just... Grah. I love this. A lot.
<3
(and just for future reference, most every one of the videos that this creator puts up is of similar quality. Those will probably get similar rants of awesome.)

Overall Rating: FF 10/10 (and normal 10/10 too, I'd think)

A Raven's Pride

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Need To Be Proud" by Echo Image
Lyrics: lyricsmania and more fully on the amv.org page
Theme: Rue/Kraehe character profile
Awards: Drama category winner at AnimeNEXT 2008, Best Character Profile in Anime Weekend Atlanta 14's Expo (2008), finalist at Japan Expo International 2008,  finalist at Otakon 2008
Spoilers: Yes (mild)

Review: Gives me chills to watch this, and it's always so entrancing! The slightly ominous yet dramatic feel really matches well with Rue.
The lyrics also match beautifully, and the accentuation of Rue's POV through the clips is excellently done. Before the words even start, you know that Rue is angry with Tutu for changing things, for changing her Prince. Then lyrics begin telling how her world is crumbling around her, how she can't seem to do anything about it, how things are beyond her control. And then there's the reminder: "Need to be proud of what you are." She is reminded who she is, what she is: the Raven's daughter. And she can change things to her advantage, take back her Prince. But even then, even once accepting her role as the villain, she is powerless to stop her Prince from changing, from growing distant from her. Despite her eventual recognition that she had done wrong things, and her wish to fix them all, "shadows drags her/ to another black place." Learning of her past only makes things more complicated, and she questions herself mercilessly. But overall, her main concerns remain the same: being a prima ballerina, lover of the Prince, who will do anything for him, and will never stop loving him.
I have to say, I really love the brief flashes of Drosselmeyer at the end, too. Just throws in another level of questioning that I find fun~ (also, it's nice to see a video that doesn't feel the need to end with the iconic kiss or any sort of 'resolution' that's out of context for the video. Not that the ending scenes can't be used appropriately, but there are times when it feels simply thrown in for an 'end.')
The effects for this video are used stunningly. The amount of flashing and quick clips, if thought about out of context, seems like it would be a bit much - but within the video, it is beautiful. It flows wonderfully, makes epic accents, and doesn't make you feel like you can't keep up.
This is a gorgeous video, and an excellent profile of Rue/Kraehe. It's one you can watch numerous times and still find new things of interest. I'm really happy that this was shared online, because it's truly a great video.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Carol of the Bells

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: Carol of the Bells (piano version) - EDIT: likely the version by George Winston (as per the creator)
Theme: dance throughout the series/series teaser
Spoilers: No (no context given)

Review: I love this song, and this version is especially well chosen for this series. The focus on dance is exquisitely executed, and flows gorgeously throughout~
Ballet and instrumental music like this just go well together; Princess Tutu just goes right along with it. The piano music highlights a simplicity that the show puts forth, like a fairytale. Sweet and innocent, simple to identify. But then there are background flourishes, accents of emotion, tunes twirling together. It's a blend of all these things, so that something supposedly simple becomes intricate, complex, and even more beautiful.
The scenes chosen are never 'filler'; they all have a purpose, they all say something. One of my favorite parts is from 1:19-1:24, where parallels between Rue and Duck are just striking. There are many other dance parallels pointed out as well, such as in some of the clips before with Mytho/Rue and Fakir/Duck (1:07-1:18 specifically). I love the overlays, the poignancies with the piano's rhythm... And the beginning/ending flourishes with the shoes from the opening narrations just set it all off perfectly.
I feel like the video will probably mean more to those who have already seen the show, but this is a pretty good video to show friends who are (or will be) interested in watching. There isn't any real context given, other than a lot of ballet and that certain characters dance together at some point. While it isn't the most exciting video, and so may not be the best for those who want a flurry of action and suspense, it is a good exhibition of the beautiful dancing involved, and the amount of dedication the creators put into the show. It also shows different sides of all the characters without really attributing anything permanent to them. For those of us who have watched it all, specifics will be quick to recall and enchanting to watch again. For those who haven't, this is a great introduction to the possible intricacies awaiting~

Overall Rating:10/10

The Writer

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "The Writer" by Ellie Goulding
Lyrics: azlyrics (note: the third verse isn't in the video)
Theme: Duck and Fakir
Spoilers: Yes

Review: Ah, that first awkward dance in costume. How appropriate to start there. I really do like how the video shows the relationship's growth over time. (It doesn't give a total overview, but that's what the series itself is for. XD) But really, this video does a great job showing how at first there's tension between them, not really sexual or romantic, but more of hostility and insecurity. Then, things begin changing after that pivotal episode when Duck encounters Fakir's other side.
And then there's Fakir. Not nearly as oblivious as the guy in the lyrics, but it takes him a while to see that Duck is changing him. But they both change each other, "casting shadows." While Duck is noticing changes, she's practically more oblivious than Fakir. Nevertheless, something grows between them. Shadows are an appropriate metaphor for how things change subtly. I also really love how the lyrics mimic the give-and-take that both parties have. She asks for his help in giving her words and form, and he fulfills that for her, as long as she asks.
Interestingly enough, while she always asks for help, sometimes very directly, Duck never asks Fakir to make sure she "will be there at the end." She wants to help Mytho, and they decide how to do that in general, but she never asks him to make sure she survives, or even remembers anything; she just asks for help. It's interesting that the lyrics say "Only it's too hard to ask/ Won't you try to help me?" Surely she wanted to be there, but she couldn't just outrightly ask for it. Thankfully, Fakir understood her enough to gather that without words.
The editing with this video is gorgeous as well. When needed, there are ample accents in a timely manner. I don't notice any 'filler' clips, and everything is used poignantly. The song is a wonderful tune for this anime: consistent enough for the dance clips, classy enough for the fairytale elements, and melodic enough to embrace the characters and viewers.
This video is a wonderful illustration of the relationship between Duck and Fakir. I really love the song, and how well it works here. It's a song I don't mind getting stuck in my head, especially with these visuals. This video gets a lot of plays on my playlist, to say the least~

Overall Rating: 10/10

Nevermore

All you who love stories, gather round...

 Song: "El Tango de Roxanne" (from the movie 'Moulin Rouge!', originally by The Police) and pieces from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
Lyrics: metrolyrics and The Raven
Theme: An alternate narrative of Princess Tutu
Awards: Best in Show & Best Drama in Anime Vegas 2012 AMV contest
Spoilers: Yes

Review: This video always blows my mind, always entrances me. Every. Time. It's just so fantastically put together, seamlessly combined, and so powerful! I'm not even sure I have recognized all the levels of awesome to this, but I'll try to explain a few of them.
First off, the idea of a rivalry between Fakir and Mytho that Fakir is distraught over is very intriguing. I have seen a number of AMVs that have that kind of a theme, that Fakir is the one who wants Duck, but this video really just pulls it together. And then there's the fact that she seems to be choosing Mytho over Fakir, in front of his face without saying no to Fakir... Also possible to put forth with the show, as seen with the clips, but magnified so much with the song and lyrics!
If you have seen Moulin Rouge!, then this takes on another layer of crazy, because of the relationships of the main characters. In essence, Satine/Duck (an actress/performer) is choosing The Duke/Mytho, but not because she wants to. It is the 'best' choice, a choice made for her by others, even though her deeper feelings are for Christian/Fakir (who is a writer in the movie as well). This could be seen as Drosselmeyer convincing Duck that who she really wants is Mytho, and she should be willing to give her life to him, even if she has other ideas.
The tango was a great piece to use; not simply this particular one, but even just a tango in general. Two people dancing, showing their feelings, fighting them out between each other and themselves... And more than just the same two people. Plenty more. This is all over in Princess Tutu.
And then there's the Raven. Both the poem and in Princess Tutu. Interestingly, the fact that Kraehe, crows, and the Raven himself are kind-of used interchangeably here isn't as big a deal one would think. They are all antagonists of the relationship Fakir is trying to understand and gain with Duck/Tutu, arguing with him and goading him about the whole situation. The ominous quote, "Nevermore," just fits so perfectly. And using classic poetry? That's so very relevant? Even more awesome! (and also just realized that Fakir is writing this - the creator did some wonderful editing at some point to actually put some of the words on the papers he's writing on. More layers~)
There are layers more focused on Rue/Kraehe and Mytho (in all forms), but there are just too many things for me to delve into, if I've even found them all myself. You will want to watch this multiple times, not only for its awesomeness, but to gain new layers of understanding as well. There are so many things that you just can't catch them all in one watching, or even two. This is definitely a video you'll want to keep on hand and watch every now and them, especially when you just want a dose of epicness.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Note: Sorry about missing the past two days. Ended up working more than anticipated, and then an old injury with my arms decided to act up. XP

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Glee cast (originally by Bonnie Tyler)
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme Rue and Mytho, Rue's POV
Awards: 2nd place at Anime Oasis 2011 AMV contest
Spoilers: Yes

Review: I had never heard of this song before watching this video, so I may be somewhat biased in my evaluation. But seriously, I thought the song was made for Rue! I mean - "Once upon a time I was falling in love, / now I'm only falling apart..." Can you get more accurate? (ok, it's possible, but this is still pretty dang awesome!)
First of all, I really like how Mytho is there the entire time, an echo that repeats the same thing over and over, but she always gets different messages from it. Near the beginning, it's like he's telling her to look away while he goes after Tutu, that he doesn't need her anymore. She doesn't know what's going on, and she can't do much about it. Then, he tells her to turn and look at him in his monstrous state, the state she brought him to. She did this to him, and she can't forgive herself for it. (whether that was his intended message or not) And then at the very end, he tells her to turn around, look at him, and see that he's still there. He wants to be there for her, and he always will! He rescues her, and will never leave her alone again. And she finally recognizes that. <3
Then there's Rue. She can't control what's happening, even though she's trying so very hard. She wants to keep Mytho close to her, but he seems to be pulling farther and farther away. So she accepts her inner demon, her more powerful self, in order to try and steal him back. "Now there's only love in the dark." But it doesn't not work. She still can't keep him from thinking constantly about Tutu, from being mentally distant from her. So she ends up in tears, again and again. Then she sees what her love has done to him, and blames herself, letting herself fall into the depths of Despair inside the Raven. But Mytho/Siegfried comes for her, embraces her. She sees that he finally loves her, fully, despite everything.
(ok, maybe I went into a bit of a ramble about the series in general instead of the video itself, but it fits~!)
Ok, back to mechanics. The effects are actually used more frequently than I'd expect, but they're still very successful. The song lends itself to brief bursts of poignancy, which happens a lot with these two. The flashing with white wasn't overused, and the changing of scene/angle fit well with the tempo.
Also, the scenes picked were awesome. I mean, yes, a lot of them are awesome in and of themselves, but they are paired wonderfully with the lyrics, song atmosphere, and in context with surrounding clips. There were no abrupt changes that threw off the groove of the video, and it all fit seamlessly together.
I really love this video, and it's a great tribute to Rue and Mytho, from Rue's POV.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Fakir Will Try

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "I'll Try" by Jonatha Brooke (from the movie 'Return to Neverland')
Lyrics: stlyrics
Theme: Fakir and his struggles with himself (and others somewhat)
Spoilers: Yes

Review: I loved this song since I first heard it with Peter Pan 2: Return to Neverland. In fact, since we had the DVD, I went to the special features and played the song over and over and over again while my parents were at work. (though I'm sure they heard it enough too XD) I had kind-of forgotten about it again until this video popped up. And it fits perfectly. The pacing of the song, the smoothness of the clips, the lyrics... Just everything. I'm pretty sure I cried when I first watched this video. If not the first, then at least the second time. Just... YES.
Ok, more analytically, why exactly do I love it so much?
Well, for one thing, the lyrics fit Fakir's situation to a T. He was too good to believe in stupid things like faith or trust, too mature; he knew better. The world is not that simple or kind. But he saw people who still believed. He thought them foolish. Over time, though, that changed. And so did he.
For another thing, the tune of the song goes really well with Princess Tutu as a series. The slower ballad or waltz-type songs I feel lend themselves more to the anime's atmosphere in general than a lot of the faster-pace AMVs. Why, exactly, I'm still figuring out. Perhaps it's the grace of ballet, perhaps it's the deeper emotions I feel with some of them. Either way, it works for me.
Then there's the video editing/matching. I don't even know how to best praise it. If I really need to explain, go watch it again! It's right there! Not only do the lyrics fit, but the scenes chosen illustrate much of it perfectly! And some effects are used frequently, but not overwhelmingly, and to specific purpose! Highlighting who he is thinking about or referring to, what exactly his problem is or isn't... Even the simple (ha) dance scenes fit in great! In series, dancing is his thinking time, his forget-the-world or focus-on-something time. The musings of the chorus fit wonderfully with that. And then there's the final chorus. And then there's the last few words. With a major turning point for Fakir in the clips. I just... *flaps hands* I love this.
About the only reason I think someone might not like this would be because of the style of music. I'm not going to get into people's preferences of styles, or try to assume too much, but even if you don't like the rhythm or tune, you cannot ignore the powerful message the lyrics and clips send out. It resonates beautifully, and it will hit your heart every time you watch it.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Hold Me Now

Gather round, all you who love stories...

Song:  "Hall om Mig" by Nanne Gronvall (English: "Hold Me Now")
Lyrics: lyricstranslate
Theme: Summary of the show (as the creator says)
Awards: Best Action and Best in Show at Anime Boston 2006, Best Free Form at Fanime 2006
Spoilers: Yes

Discovery: Another AMV a friend showed me to get me interested in Princess Tutu. Very, very influential in convincing me to give it a shot. Because it's just that epic.

Review: This has pretty much become the classic 'No really it's awesome!' promo video that people show their friends to get them interested in the show. And there's a reason. Despite having some huge spoilers all over the place (or maybe it's because it does), the video is gripping, and fantastic, and wonderful, and shares enough of the show's craziness to get you intrigued without scaring you away! Albeit, it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Especially if listening to songs in other languages bothers you. (not I, but that's me) But it's generally a good bet if you want to showcase the series.
Right, back to the video itself.
I've not looked up the lyrics before now, and while I will say that the song overall could apply to the series, I don't think that the translation and clips necessarily match up all the time. But what's interesting is that the tempo and lyrical nature are so epic that they go fine with the clips even if you don't know what they're saying! Or despite what sentences they may be forming! (note: nothing bad, and some of the match-ups are really awesome; just generally not as epic as the video itself)
The editing here is fantastical. There are overlaps I didn't know could happen, and as mentioned before, the matching of the tempo with the clips is simply epic~! The video clips keep up with the energy of the song without either one getting repetitive, or feeling overdone.
And otherwise... I'm not really sure what to say. There are plenty of fan cosplay performances using this song, and a number of them are quite good. (especially considering the tempo - ballet is difficult enough when you have a slower tempo!) This video is the root of that. And this video will be, if not amazingtastical for all, at least one of the main sparks of interest for getting into the show for most. That, along with the epic editing skills and catchy tune, make this a true Tutu classic.

Overall Rating: 10/10