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Death Parade ep4

I found Decim's group hug more amusing than I probably should have, given the gravity of the situation. It also surprises me that this is not a noitamina show.
 
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Decided to go through what anime I own alphabetically since there's loads I've yet to watch and loads I want to re-watch!

Angel Beats : Complete (re-watch)
Aria the Scarlet Ammo : Episode 1 (re-watch)

Skipped Arakawa Under the Bridge since I've been watching that with my sister when she has time.
 
Boogiepop Phantom (Episode 1 to 6)

Hopefully I'm putting this in the correct place :p
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So I finally started this show after much excitement and anticipation and I’m really glad that I did. The show thus far has been a joy to watch and has left me wanting more. Seeing as I’m at the halfway point I thought that I’d wrap up for today and write up a bit in regards to my feelings on the show so far (which are super positive if you couldn’t tell!). I’m not sure if the show is popular or well known around here, so I’d be happy if I get some other people to check this out by the time I’m done with it.
The show itself is a mystery drama or sorts with heavy use of both horror and supernatural elements that accumulates into something truly psychological.
The show in general…
Okay as always I tend to split up my feelings on each element of the show so I’ll be starting with the general gist of the show. The best way to describe the show would be…that it feels like a grown up, anime take on the Goosebumps type of formula. Each episode has its own little story to tell but everything intertwines by the end of each episode as everything falls into place. Make no mistake; everything is a part of a much grander arc here. The premises are super, creepy (legitimately so) and some parts downright chilling in imagery. But no matter how creepy each episode is, you end up with this huge grin on your face as everything falls into place by the end of each episode and the credits roll by (with that super catchy ending theme!). The show is really cool like that.
The show is varied however, as it works hard to keep its audience engaged. Episode 6 for example was creepy, but left me with some tears in my eyes by the end. The show can be pretty real at times and its pacing can be masterful. The show deals with all sorts of proposition and plays with all sorts of ideas. Deranged stalkers, serial killers and other crazy people lurk in this story. Overall I’m really enjoying the story and the way in which it’s told. This is no one trick pony.
Music
The music in this show is fantastic. Really, the creators of the show did a terrific job of manipulating sound in order to construct this eerie atmosphere that keeps you engaged. It’s super effective and makes for a unique and intimate experience. Silent moments are followed by ambient sounds and heavy breathing and such sounds all accumulating into something unnatural and truly riveting. The intro music is 10/10 amazing, and the end of each episode is met by the ending theme which leaves a massive smile on my face as the credits scroll by. These will be on my music player for a long time, as will the whole soundtrack.
Overall, the audio is utilized to a degree that enhances the show and each episode and is something I truly admire. Think Lain, and think Texhnolyze when trying to visualize the soundtrack for this show. With the sound director being Mr.Tsuruoka, it’s no surprise really. Incredible job all round on the audio.
Carrying on with the theme of audio and sound, I thought that I’d take some time to praise the voice acting. The voices are super compelling and the actors really sell what they are saying. The voices don’t sound too typical and the cast is diverse.
Visuals
The visuals encompass the designs, cinematography and such. Overall so far I love what I’m seeing. The show has the grainy look throughout which makes for a look that can only be described as a washed out VHS. This mixed with the use of muted, dull colours makes for an image that looks funnily enough fresh and something that pops off the screen. It really sells the tone of the show and adds to the atmosphere. For a show that is muted in looks, it so happens that the show is also very stylish and cool in its appearance.
The character design is a big positive for me. Everyone looks simple and realistic enough whilst still managing to stand out and just looking super appealing. That’s pretty hard to achieve in my opinion so the character designers should be commended as such. No crazy colours and such in their hair, everyone is pretty much wearing the same school uniforms and yet they all look distinct. Huge plus for me. It really works to create this cohesive, believable world.
Overall
I’m really enjoying this show a lot. Kind of sad I’m already half way through it, but I look forward to seeing how it ends. The show is creepy, and interesting. The music is done really well, as is the voice acting and the visuals are a delight. Everything works together to create this cohesive vision that the director should be proud of. Thoughts on episode 7 to 12 (end) tomorrow.
As a side note, first of all if anyone likes my thoughts on the shows that I watch I’m super grateful but I’d also like feedback if people don’t like the format. As I try to avoid episode specifies and spoilers they might all sound a bit the same. If people prefer episode specifics or each episode being discussed separately, let me know.
 
I've had Boogiepop Phantom on my shelf for awhile and been meaning to watch it since i bought it but kept pushing it back lol. After reading your review of the first 6 episodes i'll definitely be watching it after i finish Aria :D
 
Last night I had a lazy day and caught up with Your Lie In April. Really, really loving that series. (Also, Tsubaki is best girl).

I also watched the latest Durarara X2 and Aldnoah.Zero, which left me less than impressed. The animation in DRRR! seemed to be all over the place.
 
Joshawott said:
Last night I had a lazy day and caught up with Your Lie In April. Really, really loving that series. (Also, Tsubaki is best girl).

Yeah Tsubaki! She's so earnest and energetic. When I ordered the OP CD it came with a card of one of the characters and I got Tsubaki. I was very pleased, she's my favourite. :D
 
DragonBlaze67 said:
I've had Boogiepop Phantom on my shelf for awhile and been meaning to watch it since i bought it but kept pushing it back lol. After reading your review of the first 6 episodes i'll definitely be watching it after i finish Aria :D

I'm glad that you enjoyed my little write-up on the first half of the series. I'm not the best writer and as such it can be hard to articulate just how awesome the show is. It's really good so please do give it a try. I'm going to watch the last half of the show (episode 7 to 12) in a short while so I'll let you know how the series progresses later today :)
 
Cowboy Bebop - Episodes 1 & 2 (Blu-ray)

This will be my fourth watch of Bebop but my first in about 6 years, I loved these first episodes and it does look gorgeous in HD.

Gundam Reconguista in G - Episode 18

It sometimes feels like there are too many factions fighting each in this show.
 
Genshiken: Episode 1
GetBackers: Episode 1
Rurouni Kenshin: Episodes 12 - 21 (Re-watch)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders Egypt Arc: Episode 4
Durarara!! x2: Episode 4
Aldnoah Zero: Episode 16
 
Over the past week or so, I've mainly been having a cleanup of things I keep putting off, watching some Aniplex sets as well as catching up with airing shows:
Akame Ga Kill - Episodes 21 - 24
Valvrave - Episodes 11 & 12
I Can't Understand What My Husband Is Saying - Episodes 1 - 13
Gurren Lagann - Episodes 17 - 22 (Sub)
Nisekoi - Episodes 1 - 10
Aldnoah.Zero - Episodes 15 & 16
Durarara x2 - Episodes 3 & 4
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure - Episodes 27 & 28
Nanatsu no Taizai - Episodes 13 - 15
Your Lie in April - Episodes 12 - 14

Now that Akame and Valvrave S1 are out of the way, next on my list is to finish off Grisaia no Kajitsu and Onimonogatari.

Joshawott said:
The animation in DRRR! seemed to be all over the place.
I noticed this as well, most notably in episodes 3 and 4. Some of it is Persona 4 The Animation level QUALITY.
 
Peach Girl - eps 1-5

It's a shame the art style on this is so butt-ugly as it's actually one of the better examples of a love-triangle rom-com I've seen. The English dub is surprisingly decent too.

Rumbling Hearts - eps 1-4

I totally wasn't ready for what this show does within the first few eps. Time skip? Girl in a coma? Love triangle? Actual sex scenes? Crikey. But yeah, I really enjoyed it.

Blood C - eps 1-8

You can sure tell Clamp had their hands all over the design of this. It looks stunning, and the violence has to be some of the bloodiest, most gruesome I've ever seen outside of stuff like Overfiend and Violence Jack. That said, the plot is absolute garbage and I'm not surprised it's rated so low by many. Also, the 'thing' that happens to the twins is disgusting, chiefly because you wish their characters had been developed better before it happens - their deaths just end up feeling cheap otherwise.
 
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