First Look @ White Album

Episode 01 - (7/10 - Above Average)

Impression:

The reason I wanted to watch this is because Hirano Aya is in it and I'm a fan of hers. So far it seems like all the other idol anime, so I'm really hoping it will become its own show. The tone is very serious and dramatic - I think this is due to the background music, which pretty unique. At first I wondered how Yuki was an idol since she was quite plain and flat. Her make-over at the end is a much better image; I hope she keeps it. Through the events at the end of the episode, we get a glimpse of her resilience. I hope she'll become a stronger herione. The director appears to be skilled. The art director is none other than Katahira Shinji, art director of Haibane Renmei. This explains why art is very diferent from the art of the manga:

Suggestive Content:

White Album is going to become a very emotional drama with serious romantic development, so expect some mature themes.

Rating:
Animation: 7/10 - (Not my favorite)

Characters: 8/10 (It looks like the creators will be serious about their development.)

Writing: 8/10

Pacing: 7/10

Enjoyment: 6/10

First Look @ Munto TV

Episode 01 - (6/10 - Good)

Impression:

I've been looking forward to this when I saw it on Anime News Network. I've wanted to see the old OVA, but couldn't get a hold of them. I can't say I'm satisfied yet with it. Please don't fail me, Kyoto Animation! The art is very siimple and there are many long shots, which disappoints me. The problem with long shots is that you've got to fill up the screen with something, and the director (Kigami Yoshiji, who also did the screenplay) didn't do a good job of this. It looks bare. Despite this, the show is very beautiful - I wanted so many screen shots! The biggest flaw in this episode is that there's very little decisive action. The writers took this time to give the history of the magical world. That's not what first episodes are for. First episodes are meant to hook the viewer. I love the main character's name, Yumemi: beautiful dream.

Suggestive Content:

We see a classroom where girls are dressing for gym, but most of them are already clothed. Some blood from the prophetess's eyes and a couple battle scenes. There's talk of magic; the magical world is rapidly losing its "life energy," which is the conflict of the show. Some emotional topics like marrying at 13.

Rating:

Animation: 7/10

Characters: 7/10

Writing: 6/10

Pacing: 3/10 (Too slow, not enough happening. The greatest downfall of this episode.)

Enjoyment: 7/10