Reflection

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Reflection" (from Mulan) sung by Lea Salonga
Lyrics: metrolyrics
Theme: Rue/Kraehe Tribute
Spoilers: Yes

Review:  First of all, props for song choice. I've loved this song since... well, I can't really remember when exactly, but in all its forms this song has resonated with me, and it is a perfect song choice for Rue. It really is a wonderful look into herself, her thoughts, her fears. And it fits with her.
That we begin with a view of Rue as Kraehe, reflected in Mytho's eyes, is great, and very telling. Not only is this a time when she is not who she thought she always was, in front of her beloved Prince, but she is realizing it. She realizes that her own self is not who she expected, who she wanted. She is forced to look, though, despite her hesitancy and worries.
I thought it was clever to use the 'wedding' scene with the lyrics about a bride, with her forcing Mytho back to her. The following scene with her as a child similarly fits nicely. The next few bits are done well, too; there's plenty of fearful moments for her later in the series to pull from, and the chosen pieces are good. (the little ballerina bit from 0:19-21 did kind-of feel like filler though)
I will say that the brief flash of 'recognition/sight' from 0:31-34, doesn't quite fit. The next line talks about her being herself, but the flash is of Mytho's hand/arm. Given the ample video to pull from if lyric matching was as important as the rest of the video seems to suggest, then this was not the best choice. It's slightly distracting.
I really like the interlude of Rue and Mytho dancing after the festival, though, especially with the lyrics about her being herself.
However, there are times when it would be good to not follow the lyrics so closely. 0:39-42 is a good example. It fits the lyrics, in a way, but so literally and ironically, I actually find it rather humorous. XD And that would be fine! If this were that type of video. But the rest of it is so serious and sincere, that this brief burst of humor makes me unsure if I should be laughing at it, even though I can't see it any other way. So that kind-of breaks the mood a bit.
Although, the immediately following bit with Kraehe is good - a question of Rue's identity faced with the overbearing presence of Kraehe. The next while does a very nice job showing the uncertainty of Rue/Kraehe, her frustration, her fear. It's interesting that Kraehe is who is defined as her true self, although really from Rue's view that is true. I love the bit at 1:15-18. Juxtaposition of cool and composed Kraehe against a wavering and wobbly Rue, in the Giselle episode. One, the allusion to the episode at that time, "though I've tried" [to hide who I am] is fantastic, because that's really when Rue starts to realize that maybe she isn't all she thought she was. She's starting seeing through her own self-deception, at least a little. And also the fact that the hiding is a futile effort. She's wobbling on her certainty of self, and she is going to fall, no matter how hard she tries not to. It's rather heartbreaking, actually. ;w;
And then we have adorable little Rue, crying out to be accepted... And possibly her visions for what she wants for her future, who she believes she really and truly is! A princess for her Prince!
And then, the Depths of Despair as she concedes to herself that it will never be..... ;_;
But then we get an awesome look at what she truly becomes, her true self inside, a ballerina princess with her prince! <3 ... Although with the ending feeling, it's more like another hopeless dream that won't come to be... ;w;
That is one thing. That ending clarity is rather rough, so I'm not sure exactly what the ending feeling was supposed to be - heartrendingly hopeless, or beautifully fulfilling? Still not entirely sure. :/
Quality-wise, the video was very nicely done. Most of the clips chosen were done quite well, and they flowed fairly well throughout the video. There were no effects really, that I could see, and while that didn't take away from the video, I do feel like at least a few smoother transitions would have added something more.
Overall, I really like this video. However, I don't feel like it's anything crazy-specialtacular. With a little bit more refining, perhaps, and getting rid of that ambiguity regarding atmosphere, I think it could be a better video. Mostly that scene with the Raven exploding. Because as humorous as I still find it, it doesn't fit the video's tone.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

A Raven's Pride

All you who love stories, gather round...

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

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

Overall Rating: 10/10

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

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