The Craft-Work and Art of the AMV, Part Five: Dancing, Delirium, and Joy
Ξ March 21st, 2012 | → 0 Comments | ∇ The Anime Annals |
In this fifth installment on Anime Music Videos we’ll trot out an assortment of clips that showcase the (relatively) unsung talents of their creators. I scoured YouTube for a few hours for the best AMVs to post here; in order to qualify both the visuals and audio need to be worthy of sharing with you, or at least according to a philosophy of goading/enticing the Viewer to seek out the anime. That’s always the idea 
So let’s go! 
It’s easy to see why the above AMV was voted best-in-show; it’s breathtaking at times. I loved seeing Yuuko (long dark hair, seen descending the “angel’s staircase”) and several gorgeous scenes from ef – a tale of melodies; what a great character and show! In fact, I just re-watched both seasons, and aside from a few pitched melodramatic moments, it was as riveting as the first time around. I knew Yuuko was special from her first appearance; so little explained at first, and then by the end of season 2… well. No words *blink blink* -Mustn’t spoil 
Also, there’s lots of Madoka material in it as well; almost hard to believe that the same studio (SHAFT) produced both shows! And, to prove another point, whatever the anime is containing those scenes of gigantic musical instruments has intrigued me; anyone know its title? If I dig it, then this AMV has served its main purpose: to get me to watch the show 
Here’s an AMV that’s light on added visual effects but heavy on Yuuko Amamiya scenes from melodies, and rather spoiler-ish at that (but not as bad as it could have been!):
The next AMV is very much like being in a dream-state; it’s quite unusual, to my eyes anyway. And ears! Nice blending of audio/visual effects. Suffice to say that it won for Best Psychedelic Video and Best Horror Video, though there’s not a hint of paisley nor the hammer of horror. Using footage from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, its “horror” is rather subtle, but effective:
Let’s return to Madoka, because AMVs have been using that surreal show’s dazzling and disturbing scenes in increasing numbers it seems, which really can’t be helped given the brilliant source material. You could predict that certainty happening from the very first episode! The show is simply a stunner, whether you’re into Magical Girls or not (and I’m not LOL). But I will watch a good, story-driven show outside of my preferences of genres, such as the Nanoha series, and for mecha Evangelion. You find lots of gems that way, by being open-minded and at least trying everything at least once
Another plus of AMVs for me has been the exposure to music I’d otherwise not listen to, such as pop (for one); I haven’t listened to radio in ages. And I *LOVE* music, so go figure (long frickin’ story anyway)! The next Madoka AMV turned me on to Florence and the Machine, whom I hadn’t yet heard (yea, I don’t get out much 
). Love this song, and the AMV is a best-of-show project entitled “Requiem”. Madoka also provides me with yet another favorite for my very-select “harem” in the person of Akemi Homura (dark hair, occasional glasses). A real hard-ass in the beginning and kind of difficult to get behind, as her back-story unfolds your admiration for her can’t help but grow. *Favorited* -Oh, wrong place, n/m
Ah Madoka… the Supreme Trolling by its promoters will live on forever in the anime annals! This is certainly NO Magical Girl Pretty Sammy! And that’s a good thing
Visually, the next AMV portrays Madoka‘s stars a little cleaner, and you’ll get a less-dizzying idea of the show’s strengths: its characters. Madoka, Homura, Kyoko, Saya and Mami are each very distinctive personalities with faults, quirks and lapses in judgment to go along with their many positive attributes; it’s easy to care about any of them, as opposed to the early parts where the opposite is true. Great character development, and not all sunshine and light!
But that little white rabbity-thing? Its name is Kyuubey, and its the Biggest Troll of All Time, certified. *I’M* not gonna spoil you, but this AMV might, not that you can tell what is real or not in this unsettling show. That’s certified too. Music is by Within Temptation:
Remember the uber-talented Nostromo from a few posts back? Well, here’s a newer video of his that didn’t get included last time and is WAY up to his usual high standards. Wanna race?
Love the detail of the animation in the above video; it’s really a necessity to watch anime in the highest quality possible for maximum enjoyment. And is there any other? Yes, but it’s not as enjoyable, so…
This is an example of not-so-high quality, but the anime doesn’t need it to shine. For the old-schoolers, a funny, happy, and snowy Azumanga Daioh presentation:
Pure Joy! Okay, the quality wasn’t that bad after all Overall, AzuDaioh is one of the funniest series I’ve watched (and I’ve watched around 300 of ‘em). Highly recommended to anime fans who are into short, fast-paced sketch humor, and won’t mind the dated animation. Actually, the animation seems perfectly appropriate! I enjoyed it so much I bought the complete set when it was first reissued; great fun
Finally, I found another first-place winner in the next upbeat AMV which utilizes the girls from K-ON!! to great effect, and it’s nice to see some Nagi love, too (the first girl we see). Go out on your feet with “Confession to the Dancefloor”:
Thanks for spending a little of your time here, and if you want to know more about AMVs, check out animemusicvideos.org, where you’ll find the best of them, and links to download. Enjoy