Broken Illusion

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Mytho/Duck/Fakir
Spoilers: Yes

Review: The song chosen really fits Duck's POV very well. Mytho is her ideal, her dream; but then as she comes to know him, she learns how empty he is. Of course, she is trying to fix that, but that doesn't change the fact that he can't give her anything more than what she's idolized from afar. Meanwhile, Fakir certainly "couldn't be that man I adored," yet he is there. And willing to help her, despite his own shortcomings. And despite hers.
Right, on to closer analysis! The first lyrics are great for Mytho.  I like the alignment of "brought to life" with the Swan Lake scene, as that truly is when he seems to have been brought back life, or at least as close as he can get at that time. He's kind, he's proper... The first stanza's really put together very nicely. And then we have Rue and Mytho together, with the words, "Nothing's fine, I'm torn." Really a great insight into Duck. I mean, she's not holding it against Mytho or blaming him, but she's still hurt.
The next bit, from about :52-1:08, is a good match at first. And individually, the pieces could go well. But using one long scene consistently throughout the entire 16 seconds feels like too much, especially since the rest of the video. If there were intersperses of other clips, it would be nicer. The only other time a long clip is used is near the end with the dance in the Lake of Despair, but it's interspersed with some effects to make it feel more broken up. Also, it's more dynamic than simply Duck crying into the pond/lake here. The lake scene has no words accompanying either, so the lingering scene is even further justified. At this point, though, it feels like it was just set to the side and never gotten back to.
I do like the usage of Tutu interchangeably with Duck, though, especially with Fakir restraining her a bit. It's a different context with the song, of comfort and worry rather than restraint, but it still fits nicely.
I love the bit around 1:25-29, the exchanging of Rue's and Duck's pictures in her daydream. It really shows how she knows it's futile, but she still believed in it. And how it's still extremely saddening to see it change.
"But you crawled beneath my veins/ And now I don't care" - I really like this, because it's so true. It shows both Duck's quick-to-anger side (although Fakir really doesn't help that in general), and her selflessness. She truly doesn't mind/care that Mytho's moved on from her, that she isn't his choice. But it still affects her, it still hurts her, and she can't ignore that. The bit where she's going to throw the pendant away is really poignant about this. "I'm torn." Got that right.
1:55-58 = Wow. Yes. Illusion of both Mytho and herself as Tutu. The perfect imagery, daydream, illusion. And then herself as Duck. But no... that never happened. And it's hard on her.
Yes, Fakir, you're always late. GEEZ.
Juxtaposition of her dance with Mytho as Princess Tutu, and (in a little bit) her dance with Fakir as herself, as Duck.... gaaahhhh. It's gorgeous~ It focuses on how Mytho was there, but not really, and how she wanted it so bad, but it never worked. AND THEN FAKIR. ;w; (see my notes above for how this long scene actually doesn't get monotonous)(other than, you know, being this scene)
The ending is cute~ :3 Not the perfect ending exactly, it feels a bit abrupt to just switch over to them walking away, but it's still nice.


Overall Rating: 8/10

Fakir - Devastation and Reform

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Devastation and Reform" by Relient K
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Fakir & his struggles
Spoilers: Yes

Review: This is an excellent choice of song for Fakir, not only for its lyrics but for its energy. It's bursting at the seams, but yet still stays within rhythm, even when it shifts tone. It's a beautiful fit.
I'm also really impressed with the introduction. While the opening music to the song is immediately high energy, and maintains it fairly readily, it's difficult to get video to do the same. It's possible to not do so and still have it fit well, but this creator managed to get consistent cuts in a timely manner for nearly the entire intro, which is a crazy accomplishment! Not only because of the timing involved, but the fact that pretty much all the clips are different yet all very pertinent. The one drawback is that with such speed involved, it's kind-of hard to be able to recognize all of the clips, even after numerous watchings, but that doesn't really diminish the effect of it.
As it gets to the first chorus, I realize that yeah, Fakir does create a lot of problems. He's not the only one that's causing problems, and he does have plenty of other problems besetting him, but his anger and 'protection' do more damage than help as Mytho's getting his heart back. So yeah, destroying everything I love is a pretty apt description for Fakir in the first season. And then he gives himself that label/mantra in the second season, so again, it fits really well~ (Ok so he gives himself that label from the very beginning [aka his parents/Mytho] but it's less subverted in the second season.)
From 1:04-1:14 ish though, I'm a bit confused. It looks good, but I'm not seeing the correlation between lyrics and video that the rest of the video maintains. I can make a slight connection at how he's trying to restart/'reconstruct' his thoughts about Tutu, but... that's all I can gather. :/
The following epicness with the Ghost Knight is great, though. It really captures the essence of the song and Fakir's fears all together very nicely!
The following bit regards Fakir realizing that it's probably not the safest plan for him to go after this 'story,' but he will anyway, with zeal. Which he entirely does. And the usage of Fakir and Kraehe's first fight with the sword is a pretty good choice. It's arranged well, and is a good story reference point because this is where Fakir decides that the story's moving and he's going to do something about it. I personally think that it would have been good to use the ice lake swordfight bits here too, as that's when Fakir decides to go suicidal with his intensity, even against the story. But the clips chosen also go well with the next bit with windows and Kraehe.
Speaking of which, that was very well chosen! Kraehe and Duck are both problems for Fakir, annoyances that he can't be bothered to deal with but he has to. Even though both of them are kind-of essential to everything happening.
Also, I love the phrase "I feel like I was born/ for devastaion and reform/" paired with Fakir's fight with evil!Mytho. That has got to eat at Fakir afterwards. He's been spending his whole life doing what exactly? Protecting the Prince. And what's happened now? The Prince is evil. Crap. Can't protect him from himself.
And then... Duck... no comment needed. ;w;
*sigh* I love the interlude bit. Paired with Fakir's journey with the tree is perfect. Gives me chills and a slightly constricted throat every time~ (especially at the "failure is a blessing in disguise" part, as he falls to his possible death. And so many other failures, like being unable to protect the Prince, or defeat the Crow, or simply survive, or.... Gaaahhh.) And then, finally, the 'reconstruction' of his heart is fulfilled as he comes back to Tutu's voice, to Duck. He's finally been able to recognize that yes, he's had problems, but that doesn't mean he can't go through more and succeed.
The following build-up with being forced to write by Drosselmeyer is great. It's appropriately tense, because both the audience and Fakir are all "NOOOOOOOO" but there's nothing to be done, and then BAM! With the musical halt, comes a stop to the tragedy. (or at least realization thereof and then implementation)
The following craziness about near the end is beautifully put. Fakir's realized his complex about himself, and that he needs to move past it, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. He still has problems protecting, implementing, ensuring safety. But he keeps trying.
And the rewind is a great way to end it. Reminding him that he has so much more than "what I had when I first started."
The very end, though, with the flashes between their dances (with both Duck and Tutu), I'm left a little confused. It looks great, and the timing is wonderful. But... what's the connection? If it's still the flashback, then when he was talking to her as Tutu it was still a strong emotion, and it wasn't the same as the acceptance when they were dancing in the Lake of Despair. But I don't think that it's a big enough disparity to make the appropriate sentiment that the rest of the flashbacks have been. It would have been better to use the Sleeping Beauty scene, I think, or something else showing how much things have changed.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Fakir's Hand of Sorrow

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Hand of Sorrow" by Within Temptation
Lyrics: azlyrics (also at the end of the Youtube description)
Theme: AU-ish: Fakir & the Ghost Knight; Retelling the Ghost Knight story with Fakir in the Ghost Knight's role, and Tutu/Duck as his lover
Spoilers: Yes

Review: ... That intro. Gives. Me. Chills. The narrator usage is glorious, the layering with the song's intro is fantastic, and the clip usage is perfect! I don't know what more you could want from an intro, other than the fact that the narration's background music bleeds through the tiniest bit in places, but that is negligible. You don't even notice it until you've seen it at least 3-4 times or more. (at least that's how it was with me... XD' )
First off, this song in and of itself is perfect for this idea, for Fakir. I mean, he never questions 'why am I the Knight?' or 'should I even protect this Prince?' - he just does it, instinctively, resolutely. To the exclusion of pretty much all else, at least at first. It's not hard to see him sticking to that, either. But neither does he entirely understand what all he can do, what is within his powers, even once understanding that he is a story-spinner. He is still a protector of Mytho, and that dictates his life. And the fact that he loves Tutu/Duck is very controversial to his protector role of the Prince.
Getting back to specific video content, the first round of the chorus is wonderfully chosen, with Fakir reading 'The Prince & The Raven' and the sacrifices involved there. Quite portending. And then Rue as a possible "noble" and Ms. Edel as "wise" augments the confusion that grows with Mytho's stay in this world. I really love the usage of the book/play during "but the oath made him stay", along with Fakir's fears being manifest. It's a very powerful usage of the clip, and symoblistic of the horrors Fakir is afraid to commit under the Prince, but must do (in this universe; and hey, maybe raven!Mytho is the Prince he's serving).
And.... and the second intro to the chorus... "He prayed for both but was denied." That. That. *serious face* I audibly gasp each time I watch it. Ok, maybe not every single time, but it's happened repeatedly. Even when I know it's coming. But it's just so... so powerful! The set up of the clips is fantastic, and it truly seems as though he's had to do something so horrible... And it's gorgeous symbolism how when the 'act' is committed, Fakir isn't himself anymore but simply 'the Knight'. That is all he is, all he can be in that moment. Because if he were anything else he would die.
And then! Following that tragedy, he does realize what the heck he's done! And is (rightfully) devastated! I love the usage of raven!Mytho and Uzura as the "noble" & "wise" here, it's wonderfully crafted. The dark Prince is crazed, angry, totally in the wrong, but still technically "noble;" meanwhile Uzura is a small child, and doesn't understand everything, but her tears at what's happened show her to truly be "wise."
"Will all our sins be justified?"
I don't know, Fakir, will they??
Man, this repetition is poignant, and so relevant... and beautiful. And... anxiety-inducing. XD'
And then, we have Fakir apologizing to both the Prince and Duck/Tutu (mostly her)... in a heartrendingly sad showing of his devotion to both. The transition to mostly addressing Duck/Tutu is great, and the Ghost Knight with Tutu with the words "though you'll not see that it is me" is just... gaaaahh my hearstriiiiingss.....
And chaos. And the attack again. Despite its absolutely horrible meaning, I love the sequences where Fakir is attacking Tutu, because they are arranged so gosh-darn well!! It looks totally believable. They're amazing.
The later portions are just as great. I haven't had time to make as much meaning out of all the word/clip symbolism, but it seems important that the bookkeper and Drosselmeyer are seen as "noble" and "wise" here, because both of them are quite adamant that death be an overarching theme in things... And then Fakir takes the dagger/letter opener... In the description, it's to be seen as a suicide, which although he stabs his hand, it could've been poisoned or something... And it's not hard to accept in lieu of all the crazy happenings.
The last bit I do really like the arrangement of - Tutu/Duck and Fakir finding one another past death. My only quibble is that the video quality seems to diminish at the end here for some reason, not the clips' usage but the actual video footage. It's a bit dimmer... and sometimes over-glare-y. It's not long enough to detract from the overall awesome of the video, but it's a bit of a distraction.
My only main quibble with this, other than that ending bit, is the quality of the video overall, but I don't know if that's because of my internet service or not. Whenever I start it anew, sometimes I have to make it large and then smaller to readjust the focus, and it is a bit choppy/lagging at times. Double-clicking it a few times usually fixes it, or refreshing the page, but it makes me sad that there's not a higher-quality version of this epicness.
But yes. I love this video, and it's really well done. I'm very happy that I found this video, and get to watch it again and again~

Overall Review: FF 10/10

Part of Your World

All you who love stories, gather round....

Song: "Part of Your World" (The Little Mermaid) by Disney
Lyrics: stlyrics
Theme: Duck wishing to be a girl
 Spoilers: Yes

Review: This is a great concept, and albeit I've not seen a lot of adaptions of this song, I think this one was rather well done! It's cute and sincere, and the visual and audio work together well.
The point of view of Duck mainly as a duck is nice to see. Erm, maybe that sounds weird. It's usual for everyone to accept that she's a duck, but it's not usual to see that as a focus, or at least done nicely as here. I mean... *sigh* Her longing to be a human girl, whether Tutu or not, is really palpable in this video. And it's so her. It's beautiful~ and kind-of sad at the same time ;w;
I also really like how the emphasis is on dancing itself, on simply being a human to dance, to be a part of a group. While Mytho is a main part of that, he's not the focus. He is a part. And she gets so close! The pendant, everything... the video clips work very well with matching the emotions and inquisitive nature of the words.
Especially as you near the end of the first song, around 1:40-ish. The hopelessness... ;_; It's very well partnered. It grips your heart, as it should.
Then the transition to the second song is done really well! Both clip-wise and audio-wise. And it's gorgeous how Fakir is the one who shows her that she has become part of that world, she has earned the right to be human, to have friends like him and dance. And that he will make sure she stays part of the world, his world.
I will say that as it ended, the video clips of Duck & Fakir got a bit much... I don't know - they were good to use for the sentiment, but they were piled a bit too close together, too quickly, and it felt like they were just putting them in for the fact that Duck & Fakir were shown together. While that's not bad, for one thing the scenes used are very poignant, and they lose a bit of that when just put together. Secondly, they didn't have the same effort behind them as the rest of the video. So on its own, the end may have been an average montage-type thing, but with everything else before it, it's just rather disappointing and a bit confusing.
I will say it is a cute video. It's not heart-wrenching or anything, but it does touch you in a delicate way that makes you feel warm afterwards. I really like the majority of the video, and it's fun to watch and make the comparison. But the ending throws things off a bit.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Hero

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Hero" by Skillet
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Autor/Duck, Fakir/Rue
Spoilers: No

Review: This is a very interesting video, mostly for me because I'd never heard of the Autor & Duck pairing before finding this video. Now I will have to say that, even with the video, it's not really something I can see very easily. Nor is Fakir & Rue for me, but it's at least more plausible. Although that's mostly because of a personal headcannon of mine that they're actually related... But that doesn't talk for the quality of the video.
I love this song. And it's actually rather good for the series, too. For the topic of pairings, I think it fits with Fakir & Rue fairly well - both of them are desperately trying to be their own heroes, superhumans (and sometimes partially succeeding), but never are quite enough. The need another person, they need help. I really love the overlays with Fakir and the knight symbolism, how he tries to be that but he's not. The parts with the oak tree are aptly placed, too. And then Rue, who just tries everything within her power... and it's still not enough.
With Autor and Duck, I can see the saving on Duck's side a little bit, but it's not as nicely fitted. There is a bit of a nice piece near the middle where it seems Fakir's about to get onto Autor regarding Duck, but then she (or Autor?) convinces him otherwise... It took me a few times to catch it, though.
I also kind-of like the ending. I have to say kind-of, because it also confuses me. I don't really know what's happening, or being conveyed. But it's put together well enough that I still like it.
That brings me to the overall video compilation. Tis very well put together! Despite my hesitancy regarding the theme, I still enjoy this video. The timing is great, and the effects are generally used very well. There does seem to be an abundance of effects, though, like the creator was almost having too much fun with them, but it still works pretty well overall.
I enjoy this video. It puts forth some different pairings pretty well, and it makes the clips work for the song/vise versa.
Sorry, but I'm running short on time so that' all I can say!

Overall Rating: 6/10

At the Beginning

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "At the Beginning" (from Anastasia) by Donna Lewis and Richard Marx
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Fakir and Duck, Fakiru
Spoilers: Yes

Review: This song has a wonderful theme that is fantastic to see put to such great use as in this video!
At the beginning of the first chorus, there's the desires to continue with life from when Tutu/Duck was stuck in Drosselmeyer's world. "Life is a road that I wanna keep going"; no matter what you say, Drosselmeyer! I think the thing I like best is how beginnings are highlighted, and the journey through them (lyric-wise and with footage); even though they've been through a lot, and things seem to be over, there's so much more yet ahead~ <3 I also really love the bridge verse and the following chorus (about 2:04-55); it goes through their relationship so well, or at least reviews it wonderfully.
Now, I do think that the overlaying was used a bit much. It was all to good effect, and sometimes more powerfully than others, but I think points could have been made simply by putting sequences around each other, not always overtop of one another. Also, while many of the clips were used in excellent points, lyrically and musically, there were a few places that just kind-of felt like filler. (Ex: 1:40-48, 3:04-12, 1:20-27) Not that it was bad filler; but it was filler.
So overall, I really enjoy this video. It's a great song for the couple, and in fact a great song for the series in general! Beginnings, journeys, unexpected turns... And the editing is really nicely used most of the time. I'd recommend this to a fan of the couple, but I'm not sure it'd exactly convince anyone not already on the bandwagon~ :3 (although it'd do a pretty nice go at it)

Overall Rating: 8/10

Still Doll

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Still Doll" (Vampire Knight ending theme) by Wakeshima Kanon & Mana
Lyrics: animelyrics  (also in Youtube description)
Theme: Kraehe/Rue and Duck and their love of Mytho (mainly how it causes problems)
Spoilers: No

Review: This is a really pretty video, and the song has just enough elegance and off-kilter-ness/creepiness to fit both Rue's and Duck's situations.
I love the opening with the fairytale pieces, monocromicity with the pointed cello and violin accents... Really fits well. And then the chimes come in with the girls~ Fantastic alignment!
I really like that the creator interspersed both girls throughout, but there were times when I thought maybe there could have been more focus on just one of them, like for an entire verse or something. It would have felt more composed/coherent, I believe. Still flows nice as is, though.
The lyrics go rather nicely, "my heart is torn and bleeding/ I mend it but/ the memories pierce the openings." But while this fits both girls, Rue and her memories of Kraehe (or Tutu), Tutu/Duck and her memories of the curse and her being a duck, the lack of focus on a single point kind-of detracts from the awesomeness.
I will say that I really like the violin going all crazy when Rue's accepting herself as Kraehe. Also, as it gets into the last verse, the song talks about how "I can't sing songs of love anymore," which coincides with Kraehe crying and Tutu falling. Then the poignant "Still you do not answer..." while they both cry out. The ending with Rue doing her Macabre Dance is beautiful, as well.
I feel I have to say that this piece as a whole lacks coherency, though. Even if you're not watching it for the lyrics, or don't care how those match, it seems to not quite hold together. It's beautiful, and very nice to watch, but I feel like it could've been more.

Overall Rating: 6/10

Requiem for a Swan (AU)

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Sorrow" (from Resident Evil 4) by Misao Senbogi and Shusaku Uchiyama
Theme: AU where Duck is a girl granted Tutu's form by Drosselemeyer, Kraehe wins Mytho, Fakir fulfills the knight's role (as per Drosselmeyer), and Duck sinks into Despair (full summary in Youtube description)
Spoilers: No

Review:This is a rather intriguing AU. The clips are arranged well, and the music fits the simplicity of the story with elegance. The climax with Rue and the music was very nicely pulled off~ Background music has a way of helping stories, it seems.
It got a little bit bland when the underground lake scene seemed to just be put in as it was, but from a fanfiction POV it makes sense. It just felt a little repetitive to be watching most of it again.
I did like the little extra pieces that changed things up a bit, more so in the second half. More effort seemed to have been put in these.
But I will say that Fakir's part just felt like a random flourish to include him in the plot. Maybe that was all he was meant to do, but it still felt rather... pointless. Yes, I would be mortified if he truly hadn't survived, as was Tutu/Duck was. But for this particular AU, there was not enough buildup to merit such feeling. The story says she just happened to find him after getting attacked by crows, and they decided to fight Kraehe together for the Prince. Yes, she would be horrified that he got attacked and killed on principle, but that's it. Maybe I'm making a bigger deal of it than needs to be, but Fakir's part in this story/video is really unnecessary.
The last bit was rather nicely put together, but I wish there had been a little more 'explanation' time in the clips. Tutu is just one moment watching Kraehe taking over Mytho's heart and soul, the next Duck is on a bridge with Drosselmeyer. It's just a bit sudden.
Overall, it's a nice idea, and rather nice music. It gets a bit droll over time, though, mostly because of the repetition of the dance off scene and the music. If it had been just one or the other I might not have been bothered nearly as much, but together it's a bit much.

Overall Rating: FF 5/10

Memories

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Memories" by Within Temptation
Lyrics: metrolyrics
Theme: Post-series story video: Fakir trying to bring Duck/Tutu back. Youtube description has full 'story' (tis short)
Spoilers: Yes

Review: First off, beautiful song choice. And with the little mini-fic/explanation, it fits wonderfully! (and the story is very plausible, too!)
Ok, brief overview of story: Duck gets killed post-series, and Fakir feels horrible. He writes about her, his memories rousing his muse. Then, Tutu awakens in a story, and as she looks around, remembers Fakir and everything that's happened. She worries about Fakir, and Fakir senses it. Fakir then proclaims his love; she hears him, and combined they have enough power to bring her through the 4th wall to him! (similar to the first time, but he's given her life again this round) (and the creator's description is nicer)
One, it's a rather clever idea that tells a future story while still using canon footage. Two, it is told very effectively. Even before I completely understood the fiction, I saw the video (I know, bad person for not reading the description first) and loved it. Greater understanding just increases that love~
Onwards now! The beginning of the entire video is evocative; the sadness and regret are practically palpable. The scenes chosen for Fakir's memories of Duck/Tutu make sense, and fit well with the tone of the music. I like the POV witch with the second verse, and the scenes chosen are put together just as well as the first ones. The parallel of "silent tears" between Fakir and Duck/Tutu is quite nice too. And then... the pair of them, calling out to each other... It's just fantastic.
Effects-wise, I really like the black & white use for memories vs color for present, although there are a few times I wasn't entirely sure if it stuck with that. It wasn't horribly distracting, though, or even something I noticed until numerous re-watches later. The timing is pretty good, and nothing feels overdone or rushed.
This isn't an analysis video, nor does it delve too much into what occurred in the series. But it's not supposed to. It's a story after the ending, reliving bits and pieces from the original but not dwelling on them excessively. It's a beautiful little piece that I really enjoy, although a bit in a different way than many Tutu videos. The story nature fits well with its source. Interestingly enough, I see this more as a fanfiction than a typical AMV, and so I feel like the rating is in a different category. (kind-of like the dark AU video earlier) So while I feel I can only rate this a 10, I also feel its a different level of 10 than the previous video (A Raven's Pride). It has something to do with the fanfiction-ness...
Hm. Alright; from now on, AU videos or ones more like fanfiction than commentary or more typical AMVs will have a different rating system. Still 1-10, but with FF in front of it. My reviews for those will be more focused on the story they tell than the video effects/portrayal, but that will still be a major component of how it is rated. That's how it's supposed to come across, after all.
And if I'm just being randomly persnikity and nonsensical, let me know. I want to actually be helpful, not just have annoying text distracting you from the video.

Overall Rating: FF 10/10

The Crow, The Owl And The Dove

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: 'The Crow, The Owl, and The Dove" by Nightwish
Lyrics: nightwish.com
Theme: series analogy with the song
Spoilers: Yes

Review: This was an excellent song choice. I really loved the symbolism, the song tune, and overall theme.
Kraehe, Drosselmeyer, Adel/Uzura, Tutu... wonderful matches to their associated bird. And I love that they're all 'extra' - they have things to share, to give, but Duck and Fakir need none of it. They have their own paths to create, their ways to make, without taking from anyone else. (albeit it's kind-of an incomplete metaphor, since they give to the others, and all of them are technically 'needed', but you know what, it's poetic. :3)
There were some clips where it felt like they were simply put in for singular shots of the character, rather than any other particular purpose, which was a bit at odds with other clip choices. But it wasn't a huge detriment to the video.
The effects were used quite nicely. The layering is done well, although sometimes it felt like a bit much for the scene/clip/context. Other times, you really had to look hard for the layering, and it was almost distracting, but still worked well enough.
Overall this was a great video, although there were some places not necessarily rough, but could have been better. I think it's a great montage put together for the series with the song~

Overall Rating: 8/10

Speck of Hope

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Duck tribute
Spoilers: Yes

Review: This is a nice video, and the song chosen is really a great song for Duck.
There are some parts that are paired up with the lyrics quite nicely. One such place is when Duck is dancing Sleeping Beauty: "Sometimes my tries, are outside the lines." Immediately follows her dance with Rue, talking about not making mistakes, which Rue is quite adamant about for herself. (interestingly enough, she tells Duck not to worry about making mistakes in context...) But Duck is not like that, as the next clip exemplifies as she falls out of her bed (again). There are also some really nice flowing sequences when the chorus comes up. I like the use of Mytho with the lines "Reaching for something in the distance," as Duck reaches for the ideal of the Prince.
That said, I feel like the clips could have been used more effectively overall. For example, I really would have liked to see some incorporation of Princess Tutu dancing with the different heart shards/individuals needing help. I feel like that would have been a nice way to show Duck sharing the advice the song is giving her/using to describe her. Also, sometimes I felt like some clips were allowed to continue on for a while simply because they happened to be going already. Not 'exactly' filler, but close enough.
This video did not use very many 'effects.' That isn't necessarily a bad thing, and with the flow of the clips it still went rather smoothly. But I feel like there were more opportunities to make statements that weren't taken advantage of. Perhaps with more variety/better use of clips, as mentioned earlier, it would have been better with the few effects used.
I still rather like this video, and it has a nice connection with Duck. So while it's not amazingtastical, it's a nice thing to watch.

Overall Rating: 6/10

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

Call of the Sirens: Dark AU

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Siren" by Theatre of Tragedy
Lyrics: songmeanings (there are some 'translations' in the comments on the page)
Theme: Alternate storyline of Princess Tutu: Rue and Duck are written as sirens by Drosselmeyer, and lure Mytho and Fakir to their fates through dance as Kraehe and Tutu, against their own wills. (creator description in Youtube description)
Spoilers: Yes (mild)

Review: This is a very intriguing story that is shared quite effectively! As an alternate universe, it is portrayed excellently. I like how the song's words just flow into its music, aiding to weave the story yet still being mysterious and almost indistinguishable. The almost waltz-like tempo mixed with a ballad of sorts contributes nicely to both the dance and fairytale elements.
Rue and Duck are written into crow/raven and swan sirens by Drosselmeyer. The girls aren't aware of their natures at first, but eventually find out; however, they fail to overcome their author.  Mytho and Fakir are haunted by Kraehe and Tutu in their dreams, eventually pushing the 'real' counterparts away in their obsession. The girls want to fight against their written nature, but find it impossible to do so, and lose the ones they love. (meahwhile Drosselmeyer sits back and laughs... fine, have your tragedy!)
While the overall idea of can't-fight-the-author is the same as the series, the character roles are slightly different, as are the execution and final result. These are shown very elegantly with the clips. It can be difficult to properly put forth an AU via a video, especially when the words/lyrics are such a small part of the experience. The lyrics do go well, don't get me wrong, words-wise and as part of the song - but they are rather difficult to understand, not only because of the melodic voices but because they're in some form of old English. It's beautiful, but the meaning behind them is conveyed through the clips used more than the words themselves. And that was done very well.
My only quibble with it is the length of the song at such a slow tempo. It is gorgeous song, but when paired with video, 6 minutes is a long time with no climax. Now there are visual climaxes, in the storyline given, but you kind-of have to be aware to catch them.
I really love that the theme of this AU keeps in mind the original author-character dynamic, as well as takes advantage of fairytales. The clips used are very well chosen and placed, and I get entranced whenever I watch it. I keep thinking that the effect isn't really that great, but then I watch it and become fascinated once again. Maybe this video has more in common with sirens than I thought~

Overall Rating: 9/10

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

Don't Cry Out

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Don't Cry Out" by Shiny Toy Guns
Lyrics: metrolyrics
Theme: Duck/Mytho/Rue
Spoilers: Yes

Review: I am fascinated with this song, and it really fits the 'main' struggle between Rue and Duck over Mytho nicely~ (I say 'main' because that's the way it's supposedly/perceived to be, even by the characters at times, but there are waaaay more and deeper things going on than that. But I won't get into that now~)
The opening is a great segue for the show's fairytale setting and the modern tone of the music. The lyrics really speak for both Duck and Rue, as the clips show. I find it really intriguing that the first line is so accurate: "I don't get you." Duck doesn't know what is wrong with Mytho, but she can sense that something is missing. And she wants to help. Then there's the second verse concerning pretending. Both Duck and Rue are guilty of this; Duck wants to believe that she can dance with Mytho, help him without problems, and Rue thinks that Mytho will always be hers and hers alone without any hindrances. While Duck engages in this rather naively, she recognizes that it's a bit out there but still want to believe anyway. With Rue, she is acutely aware that her pretending is just that, but she still fights it every step of the way.
The editing is done really very well. Accents are mostly on time, which is saying a lot for this music, and the clips used for them are relevant. Overlays are used very appropriately, and there aren't too many other effects except for the accents. Nothing distracts from the video, and it all builds together very nicely.
The most poignant part I think was around 2:35-3:20. I know the scenes in and of themselves are also pretty amazing, so that helps, but they are placed wonderfully. With all the crazy action and back-and-forth that's been going on, and constant music with a heavy beat, the dramatic silence is perfectly accented by Rue's lonely despair. And then the yell with her rescue(r) is great~
The ending is also fairly emotionally charged, but it throws me off a bit. It could be read as Duck  'losing' to Rue for Mytho, and smiling because she's alright with that. But still, the emotional charge of that particular scene overpowers the 'ending' given to the video and leaves me almost on a cliffhanger. Maybe it's just me, because in context of the video it's perfectly fine - but I can't separate that scene from the anime's context enough to leave it alone at that collapse and be happy. (although if that was the point, then they were successful)
Also, while the boy's part of "Don't cry out/Cease fire" is a constant part, as is Mytho, the only place I really saw the two meld well together was during the yelling around 2:51-3:10. I know the focus of the video was more on Rue and Duck, but I feel like Mytho could have gotten more interaction. He is paired with them repeatedly and effectively when making points about the girls, but things don't generally seem to match up as well with him by himself as they do with the girls except at that one part. So I would have liked to see a bit more work with that.

Overall Rating: 7/10

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

Princess Tutu Presents Let Me Be Your Wings

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Let Me Be Your Wings" & the Reprise (from the movie Thumbelina), sung by Jodi Benson (Thumbelina), Gary Imhoff (Prince Cornelius), and Gino Conforti (Jacquimo)
Lyrics: stlyrics
Theme: Duck & Fakir cast as Thumbelina & Cornelius
Spoilers: Yes

Review: Note 1: I'm a sap. I love this video. It makes me smile so much, and fills my heart with warmth!
Note 2: The lyrics won't be true to all of the video because the video uses bits and pieces from different points in the movie.
I will say that this patching together is part of what makes this video so wonderful and unique, though! We start off with Thumbelina's dedication to her lost love, melancholic and heartfelt. Fakir appropriately 'dies'. Then we skip to Jacquimo trying to help Thumbelina find her love again, but she's in such denial that she has to be convinced. And then Cornelius (Fakir) steps into the light and makes her soooo happy! (and Fakiru shippers get a marriage proposal)
And it doesn't even end there! It continues with them singing to each other, promising to be together and give each other what they have.
I really like the symbolism that Duck gets/discovers her wings with Fakir. It's like with him, she can do anything, whether fly or simply believe. And then, of course, Fakir can conquer even death for her. (in a way)
Of course, some might say that this is casting Fakir as too assuming, powerful, that he doesn't give Duck her due as an individual. But that's looking juuuust a bit too deep. This is a fun movie casting, and any problems with the relationship are with the original movie's characters, not Fakir.
That being said, I would have liked to see a little more working with the Duck/Tutu dynamic. Duck gets her 'wings' by transforming into Tutu, but the footage throughout the video still mixes the two of them interchangeably. While I realize this was probably because of content matching easier by using both, it still would have been cool to see that developed more.
And that all aside, I just have to say how perfect it is for Femio to play Jacquimo!! XD LOVE. IT. You know he fits is so well.
This is a really sweet video that will play to your nostalgia factor if you're familiar with Thumbelina, and fulfill some Fakiru feels.
Oh, and yes, this song will be playing in your head for the rest of the day now. Your welcome. :3

Overall Rating: 9/10

The Walk

Note: Yes, I'm a bit late again... I wrote for a number of hours, and that seems to have aggravated my arm injury... It's doing better now. Hopefully it stays that way~

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "The Walk" by Imogen Heap
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Rue/Duck/Mytho/Fakir & 'general angst'
Awards: 2nd place in NuitSongeur's P.T. AMV contest (also known as Night Thoughtful Productions)
Spoilers: Yes

Review: While the video seems to focus on Duck and Rue, there are moments with Fakir and Mytho near the end which are fairly obvious. And if you look hard enough, the boys also have a say in the previous clips, such as during the sword fighting scenes. And then when we get to Kraehe holding the knife above Mytho, "Don't make it harder than it already is," can go for both of them. Kraehe/Rue asking Mytho to quit beings so awful, and Mytho asking Kraehe to stop being so problematic and just do her duty. Actually, that latter part goes both ways... Interesting.
Anyway, the lyrics overall go quite well with the whole dynamics of the main 4 characters. They all have weaknesses made evident throughout the series, and try to blame them on someone, usually Tutu/Duck; even Duck herself does this. Nothing goes according to anyone's plans. Duck ends up being far more involved than she intended, Rue is losing her battle for the Prince, Fakir is having his failures (perceived or not) brought to light, and Mytho is finding out that he can have a say in his life, only to have to battle himself for that right.
Effects-wise, the video's usage is pretty effective. I really like the use of the background rhythm as an emphasis for the effects (although that is how they're supposed to be used; it's done well). There are a few times when it seems a bit overwhelming, or there isn't really enough of a glimpse for the desired effect to happen. Example: 2:22-24 there are some glimpses of what I think are Tutu, simply because of the white, but they're not long enough glimpses to be sure. Also 2:39-42 gets a bit hectic for effective comprehension. (unless the mood was hectic intentionally, which could be. Wouldn't have been my choice, though.) Now I know that the tempo and keeping up with it makes it difficult to get all the clips in that one wants or tries to. There are plenty of other times it works great, but these instances are not them.
Then, at around 4:35, after looking at Mytho and Rue under the tree for a while, the video kind-of looses its power for me. I like the happy ending in the series, of course, but after all the build-up and angst in the video, it feels a bit... anti-climactic. But the rest of the video does some pretty awesome build-up!

Overall Rating: 8/10

Erutan Sally's Song

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Sally's Song" by Danny Elfman; sung/arranged by Erutan (katethegreat19) (originally from the movie 'The Nightmare Before Christmas')
Lyrics: stlyrics
Theme: Duck/Tutu and Mytho (mostly Tutu)
Spoilers: No

Discovery: I love The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Princess Tutu. It was only a matter of time before I found a version of this I liked a lot.

Review: Sally's Song is the perfect one-sided ballad for a character like Princess Tutu/Duck, in terms of forlorn fatalism as well as a moderate waltz-like tempo. However, the while I love the original song, it doesn't quite fit with the atmosphere of Princess Tutu. But this version completely changes that. Erutan's arrangement with ethereal chimes and haunting echos just fits perfectly with this anime. It's beautiful to see them paired so well together!
The editing is great, though. The work with the clips chosen is wonderful. There's not a lot of flashiness or unneeded breaks/blinks. The simplicity of  the song and the clips themselves are left to do the communicating, with effects simply acting as enunciations.
The choices of clips varies in quality. Sometimes, it's really nice to see the lyrics and clips match up. Other times, they just don't mesh all that well. Now if the singing wasn't as obvious or central to the overall tune and tone, I think not aligning them would work better. Or even if the feeling of randomness simply happened less frequently with the current version, I would like it better. As it is, though, the video varied just a bit too much to connect as much with the song as I thought it was capable of. So while very pretty and nice, it didn't resonate with any deep chords.
I do like that the video focused on the first 'season' though (up til episode 13). Especially with the very last bit. That could have gone so many ways, but the clip chosen was very fitting for the atmosphere already established.

Overall Rating: 6/10