Princess Tutu does A Very Potter Musical

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: Get Back to Hogwarts (from A Very Potter Musical) by Team Starkid
Lyrics: avpm.wikia
Theme: Princess Tutu characters cast as characters in A Very Potter Musical
Spoilers: No

Review: This makes me grin so much. XD It's totally awesome!
Ok, onwards. First off, the cast is fantastic. My favorites are probably evil!Mytho as Draco (no seriously it makes so much sense) and Femio as Cedric ("kill the spare!"). Just... yes. Brief digression involving that: Malfoy is played by a girl in the musical, and Mytho is frequently seen dancing female parts in the show. Both have that obviously-assertive-snootiness that is really over the top but then just fits. Both try to have friends, but it really doesn't work very well. And, of course, the deeper layer of 'I just want somebody to love me' in both of them. (Mytho's just more successful about it.) And then Femio as Cedric is great! Nobody knows where the heck they came from, but they make prominent entrances and manage to draw all attention towards them. Yet, both are seen as 'extras,' and despite their opinion of themselves, aren't generally desired by many around. (except Lillie/Cho Chang. Yes.They would have the most detrimental relationship but they would stick so hard to it. I enjoy that this ship exists and is pointed at here.) I was intrigued to see Autor and Duck cast as siblings, and Autor as Ron period, but it really worked out very well!
I also enjoy that Fakir was singing about getting back to school while dancing.It really fits with the whole 'I'm cool and this is gonna be totally awesome' idea. I'm not going to dwell too on the character dynamics, though, because this is more a fun-fitting-because-we-can kind of thing than a specific commentary on the characters, I think.
On to video itself. The lip-synching and general emotion alignment is fantastic. It fits so well in tons of places! Just watch it again if you need reminding of that.
I will say that I was disappointed that there were frequent cuts here and there in the song, but it is a long song (like 10 minutes or something.). Most of the cuts were fairly well done though! One that grated on me a bit was at 1:18 between Fakir/Harry and Autor/Ron, switching to Rue/Hermione. Perhaps it was because of the multiple very recent cuts, but it just feels a bit quick. I think I may have liked to see a little bit more after the announcement of Mr. Cat/Dumbledore as well, but it worked out alright.
I was a bit confused when Cho Chang's music first came on, as to who it might be. I understand that there was supposed to be confusion, but with Pike taking first stage among the group shots, I thought she might be it, or the real one since Freya came up later. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was Lillie, but I think that the group shots mixed with just Freya before would have been better.
The only other thing that bothered me, but I'm not sure how to have edited it much, would be the random bits of Kraehe we get now and again. I understand that the scenes were usually used simply for their facial expressions of the main character, but she's a bit, well, distracting. (wouldn't you say, Autor?) But really, while I do like the fact that Kraehe was referenced as Rue being "actually hot," it kind-of made her random background bits in other parts hard to ignore.
Overall though, a very entertaining video, and fantastically put together! I've watched it so many times... Part of it may be my love so for the musical, though. XD If you've not watched it, I highly recommend it, and there's even info at the end of the video~

Overall Rating: 8/10

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

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<' )

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

Never Knew Daylight Could Be So Violent

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "No Light, No Light" by Florence + The Machine
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: (good question...)
Spoilers: Yes

Review: ... I like the idea of putting this song and Princess Tutu together. I like how the clips themselves were put together and synched up with the music. But I'm afraid that's all I can really gather from this video.
There were some parts where the clips seemed to match up with the lyrics a bit, but only in literal form. Any semblance of a theme or focus was... undetectable, at least for me. The effects were nice, and the video was lined up with the song's beat and rhythm well. Occasionally the lyrics matched as well, maybe in deeper-than-literal forms if you thought about it. But... I just don't see much from this video.
I wish I had more to say, but it just leaves me feeling confused. I love the song, and I love Princess Tutu. I think they would go great together. This just isn't the way to do it.
Now, that's not to say this video is horrible. I've watched it multiple times and don't feel disturbed (in a bad way) or angry or anything. Just... confused. So I keep watching it. It's one of those 'I don't hate it, but I don't like it... what the heck is it??' things. So I try to keep investigating.
Unfortunately, all I've gathered from my studies is that this video is a good idea that didn't get the focus it needed. (which is weird because the effects suggest otherwise...)

Overall Rating: 4/10

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

Herr Drosselmeyer's Doll

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Herr Drosselmeyer's Doll" by Abney Park
Lyrics: lyricsmania
Theme: Princess Tutu as a creation of Drosselmeyer's
Spoilers: No (although strange context if you don't know it)

Review: I'd not heard this song before, and it struck me as a very appropriate piece for Princess Tutu herself! (and really many of the characters, but especially her) Drosselmeyer would totally give the "I am the Creator" speech near the end of the song, and enjoy every second of it. The piece for his monologue was nicely chosen~
The use of the pieces with Tutu inside Drosselmeyer's world are very aptly used, as are the scenes with her solo pas de deux. I love the alignment of "Thank God the curtains fall" and Tutu's trembling leg en pointe, showing that she may not entirely be the tireless wonder he's created her to be.
That said, I can't help but be rather distracted by the intense amount of shine/glare/glow in every single clip. Sometimes it's hard to even tell what clip is being shown. Now if this is an effects choice or simply awkward quality video, I don't know, but the video would be better without it.
Other than that, the one place where Mytho is dancing with Duck in the practice room near the end kind-of confuses me as well. It just feels like filler, and if that was needed then there are plenty of other possible choices that focus on Tutu, such as during her numerous heart shard dances.
I do quite like the ending, though: just when you think she's finally broken free, nope! Right back into Drosselmeyer's clutches. Nicely dramatic~

Overall Rating: 7/10

The Book I'm Afraid To Write

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "The Book of my Life" by Sting
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Fakir & writing
Spoilers: Yes

Review: This. All of this. It's beautiful.
First of all, the combination of the clips and the tune of the song really compliment each other well. Fakir's story is portrayed in a subdued manner, and while he is quite adamant and insistent in his own way, he always does so quite calmly. It's when he starts yelling at Mytho that we realize Fakir's losing his cool. The song goes with that kind of emotional range really well.
The lyrics... I don't think I can talk enough about how awesomely the lyrics match up in the short amount of time I have today, so just go and read the lyrics. And then rewatch the video. The... I don't know how to say it; the 'complimentarity' is striking and really quite obvious. If you're feeling lazy, then make a note to do it later. It is worth it.
The timing and effects are also really nicely done here. Not a lot of effects needed with this type of song, and the overlays are used well. Everything flows really nicely, and I really like this a lot!
I will say, though, that it doesn't 'grip' me. Maybe it's the lull of the song, or something... I like Sting, and this video is expertly made. But this isn't something that I'll be daydreaming about while I do other things, or obsess over. So while I highly recommend this video, I can't quite give it a perfect rating.
Unfortunately, I've not got a lot of time to expound upon things today, so this is what I can do for now.

Overall Rating: 9/10

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

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

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

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

Cosmic Love

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Cosmic Love" by Florence + The Machine
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: Rue/Kraehe & Mytho, focus on Rue/Kraehe
Spoilers: Yes

Review: This song is wonderful, and it really just fits fantastically with this couple!
I love how it emphasizes the fact that Rue loved Mytho enough to follow him anywhere, or take him with her, as was sometimes the case in the first season. Even when he was in the darkness, no matter how deep, she stayed with him. Even if she was scared, she would never leave. This obsession sometimes frequently altered her viewpoint, so she would do awful things to ensure his safety and continuance with her. But it was always for him. (yes, with selfish desires fueling that, but she always was thinking first of him) Now, he doesn't always think of her first; actually quite frequently he doesn't (he focuses on his feelings and then getting a heart more). But she doesn't let that stop her.
The lyrical match-up is pretty good with this video. It's not always emphasized, but when it is, it's done quite well. Ex: "in the dark" = dancing with Raven!Mytho. Also, "but then [your heart] stopped, and I was in the darkness, so darkness I became" = Kraehe holding Mytho hostage, back to his doll-like state. She coos at him to smile once more, but when he can't respond, she accepts that it is probably for the better and embraces what she has turned him into. And then it segues immediately to evil!Mytho accepting a heart sacrifice, switching the perspective to Mytho becoming darkness. (although less willingly) Very nice use there, although the transition is a little abrupt.
Also: "in the shadow of your heart" = The first time, it's a reflection of Kraehe in Mytho's eyes, disappearing into shadows. The second time, she's dancing with the heart shard of Love, literally a shadow of Mytho's heart. Third time is when Mytho's angry and yelling at her in the classroom, only a shadow of his former self in some ways, of what she wanted. The last time is when Mytho's embracing her and telling her to kiss his heart before feeding it to the Raven, her shadow on the floor. (that one's not quite as straightforward, but still there)
Sometimes, it does feel like the creator is fishing for footage, though. What they used isn't bad, but doesn't have the same fluidity with the video that other clips do. Perhaps somewhat during the first chorus of 'ooo's. (Maybe I'm just being picky. :/ )
While I like the ending, I thought it felt a bit abrupt. All the angst and tension, and then suddenly it's all fixed at the end! The clips fit well, but it just felt... a bit rushed into. On closer looking, I do like that the 'wedding' scene was used before the finale's kiss, which slipped my notice for quite a while. But I still feel like it could be a bit smoother.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Blinding

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Blinding" by Florence + The Machine
Lyrics: azlyrics
Theme: lies and fairytails; focus on Rue/Kraehe and Tutu
Spoilers: Yes (minor)

Review: This song. I can't believe I never made the connection. But it's so perfect for this series! I love the relationship betwixt the lyrics and both girls, their situations... Rue tries to fool herself about her identity to keep everything the way it's supposed to be, to preserve the fairytale she's used to and wants. Tutu was never really part of the story to begin with, but tries to make a place in the fairytale. Both are delusional and eventually realize that they are just puppets in the story (figuratively and not). Rue recognizes that fairytales won't help her, and she accepts her identity in order to take what she wants. She will no longer deceive herself about trying to keep things the same - she has woken from her reverie and will attack to stake her claims in the broken fairytale. With Tutu, she sees the framework. She begins to understand that the fairytale will work its own strings, regardless of her desires. As she acknowledges this idea, she loses belief in herself or that she can make any changes for herself. The ending of a limp marionette accentuates both the loss of control Tutu feels, and the taking of control Kraehe commands. Both have had their visions of the world changed, and it affects not only their whole bodies, but their actions therein.
Note: I especially love the use of the marionette illustrations from some of the opening sequences! They are used beautifully, effectively, and poignantly.
The effects are also wonderful. Emphasis on points in the tune are aptly placed, and the lyrics emphasized in lettering are fantastic. Not only are the words themselves chosen well, but even the font fits perfectly! I really like the use of sepia, black and white, and color alternating. It's varied enough to be noticeable, and very effective, but not so much as to seem too haphazard or random. Especially balancing with the marionette illustrations, which are more or less monotone to begin with.
Honestly, the biggest disappointment for me is the fact that it's not the entire song. But it ends in such a way that if you didn't already know the song, you wouldn't know there was more to it. Definitely kudos there. But I still want more~

Note: I think this would be a pretty good intro AMV for Princess Tutu if you want to give someone something without tons of major spoilers. This captures the overall tone of the series strikingly well, and I think will create intrigue if nothing else.

Overall Rating: 9/10

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

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

Beyond

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Fairyland" by Angelzoom
Lyrics: lyricsmania
Theme: series tribute of sorts; life within a story crumbling around the characters
Awards: Best Romance/Sentimental at Anime Evolution 2007
Spoilers: Yes

1) Discovery:
One of the first Princess Tutu videos I saw, a friend showed it to me to get me interested in the series. I thought it was fantastic even before seeing the show. After dithering around and finally getting to watching it all, it'd been long enough that I'd forgotten the obvious spoilers seen in here. Going back to the video after watching the series, I love the video even more. Each time I watch it, I can't help but smile and be captivated by it.

2) Review:
I love this video a lot. The opening is beautiful. I was worried about the lettering at first, but it's just fanciful enough for a fairytale and still legible. The 'opening' is also brief enough not to encroach on the video as whole. Each time I watch this video, all of it just seems to resonate more and more, as I see the connections everywhere. First of all, the choice of song is perfect. Even if you can't understand all of the words, the tune and suggested subject matter just match up so well. Once you know the lyrics, it's even better! Second of all, the video editing is excellent. Fast-paced, but fluid. The effects aren't overdone, and give just enough pop to emphasize important points and scenes, and there are some pretty important pieces used! But not overused, even when overlapped. Actually, the overlapping is what gave the poignancy to some places. The smoothness of the music really helps even out some of the drama, or at least connect it all more smoothly, while also giving the grandeur due to such a production. I also love the fact that the video uses scenes from the pre-show mini-stories. The artwork from those bits is so lovely and stylized, and it really gets so little attention or use from in videos. In this video, it's a bit hard to see sometimes, but there are pieces used in faded background in a few important places, and then more obviously some other places. I really appreciate their use, and they are used quite well~
I will say that the ending is a tiny bit rushed, but that makes up such a small portion of the actual video that I can easily overlook it. Once Mytho/Siegfried comes to Rue, it's a bit like 'hey just wrapping things up here.' The pacing of the song tapers off a bit too much to support the pace of the clips, even if they're similarly timed as earlier sequences. But if anything, it gives you a bit of time to go through a reality check and remember 'oh, right - that was a single video that was made by a human.' XD
But I also really love how they did the credits. The piano music really fits wonderfully, and having Duck there... Just lovely~

Overall Rating: 9/10
(disclaimer: I'm not sure how good I am at rating things, especially when I haven't set up an overall standard, so ratings may get more critical as I go on with this)