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

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