Princess Tutu discussion

[Isuzu Inugami]

Is there any interest in a Princess Tutu thread, in the style of the old Card Captor Sakura and Kimagure Orange Road threads? I'm tempted to start one since the show seems to be regarded as more than your run-of-the-mill magical girl show, and I've just started watching and am having exhibitionistic urges to lose my Princess Tutu virginity in public. :blush: But it's no fun if no one else wants to play.

[edit: edited to a less tentative subject.]

[KomoriKiri]

I'm not exactly a voluble poster, so don't expect horribly much from me, but I would like to see such a thread.

Not sure I can follow along very well, since I'm loaning the DVDs out to a coworker, but I rewatched it not too horribly long ago.

Wraith
"Zoro... is more arrogant than god."
-- Tony Tony Chopper ("One Piece")

[EmperorBrandon]

I was thinking of doing one myself a few times before, so you can definitely count on me being around for it. :) I loved the Cardcaptor Sakura discussion threads we had.

[aleczman]

I'm planning to re-watch the whole series in the near future so I may participate in a discussion if it comes up.

[JackProton]

Wait, aren't we rushing things a little by bypassing the discussion concerning the appointment of a committee to study the feasibility of opening another thread to discuss the cute magical dancing duck? :>

Sorry, just had a flashback to an old job-related recurring nightmare. And why am I at this meeting in my pyjamas anyway? :D

[The Great Bear]

Wait, aren't we rushing things a little by bypassing the discussion concerning the appointment of a committee to study the feasibility of opening another thread to discuss the cute magical dancing duck? :>

Sorry, just had a flashback to an old job-related recurring nightmare. And why am I at this meeting in my pyjamas anyway? :D

You forgot the first step, which is to begin accepting applications to the task force that will then debate the merits of a committee to study the feasibility of opening another thread to discuss the cute magical dancing duck :P

…

On a more serious note, I'm here and ready. Let the discussion begin :)

[Lumberjack]

Wait, aren't we rushing things a little by bypassing the discussion concerning the appointment of a committee to study the feasibility of opening another thread to discuss the cute magical dancing duck? :>

Sorry, just had a flashback to an old job-related recurring nightmare. And why am I at this meeting in my pyjamas anyway? :D

You forgot the first step, which is to begin accepting applications to the task force that will then debate the merits of a committee to study the feasibility of opening another thread to discuss the cute magical dancing duck :P
Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Has this task force been approved by budgeting?

[ohtori_akio]

An Utena topic like this would also be good, though there was a recent one that discussed the movie and tv series so maybe that one could be turned into it... Does anyone else think Sailor Moon also deserves one?

[EmperorBrandon]

An Utena topic like this would also be good, though there was a recent one that discussed the movie and tv series so maybe that one could be turned into it... Does anyone else think Sailor Moon also deserves one?

Sailor Moon does deserve one eventually, though following all the way through one would need R2's (or otherwise...) for the missing episode in R and Sailor Stars. I was planning on hosting another one in the MGWU mold (like I did with Cardcaptor Sakura).

The only thing with a Princess Tutu discussion is that time would probably be ripe for one after a thinpak release (whether that is inevitable at this point, I don't know, though...). The CCS discussion was done to coincide with the boxset re-releases, in order to have a mix of old fans and new fans there. That doesn't mean I would have any problems with right now, though. :)

[aquapermanence]

Does anyone else think Sailor Moon also deserves one?

I'll be up for that once I watch the fourth season.

:D Bring on the Tutu thread!

[ohtori_akio]

Ok, the Tutu one should get started though I have forgotten a fair bit of it since I havent watched any of it for about a year... But a Sailor Moon one, I can easily start and discuss... What exactly are the requirements of starting such a thread? If someone tells me, I'll start Sailor Moon right away ;)

[The Great Bear]

But a Sailor Moon one, I can easily start and discuss... What exactly are the requirements of starting such a thread? If someone tells me, I'll start Sailor Moon right away ;)

Requirements? Just go and start the thread, if there isn't an open and recent one already on the board.

[EmperorBrandon]

Ok, the Tutu one should get started though I have forgotten a fair bit of it since I havent watched any of it for about a year... But a Sailor Moon one, I can easily start and discuss... What exactly are the requirements of starting such a thread? If someone tells me, I'll start Sailor Moon right away ;)

You can start a discussion thread on anything you want to.

I think what's being asked for here is a by-episode discussion thread that goes at a certain rate (for instance, the Cardcaptor Sakura thread was one episode a day) and a basic courtesy was to only discuss up to what had happened at the episode the topic was on. It takes at least a few posters to sustain it going on for a while, but it allows for some interesting discussion and is a neat way to rewatch a series.

[The Great Bear]

I'm tempted to start one since the show seems to be regarded as more than your run-of-the-mill magical girl show, and I've just started watching and am having exhibitionistic urges to lose my Princess Tutu virginity in public. :blush: But it's no fun if no one else wants to play.

I think sufficient interest has been recorded. Where do you want to start?

As you've only starting watching, I will avoid all spoilers.

The first several episodes are actually, in my opinion, not all that good. It looks pretty much like a typically magical girl show, with the usual quest to find stuff and return it to someone.

Or is this completely underestimating the first about five episodes or so?

[ohtori_akio]

Cool, I'll follow that setup though if I'm unable to post on a certain day, can I get another big Sailor Moon fan to start that discussion?

[EmperorBrandon]

Or is this completely underestimating the first about five episodes or so?

Well, it does seem some don't really get into the series until the second volume. For Princess Tutu, I was pretty much in love from the start, though (not always the case that my favorite is instant - Cardcaptor Sakura took until around 20's before I had really begun to appreciate the series). I particularly love ep. 5, which was in the "dance-of-the-week" phase of the series but is still one of my favorites regardless.

[The Great Bear]

Well, it does seem some don't really get into the series until the second volume. For Princess Tutu, I was pretty much in love from the start, though (not always the case that my favorite is instant - Cardcaptor Sakura took until around 20's before I had really begun to appreciate the series). I particularly love ep. 5, which was in the "dance-of-the-week" phase of the series but is still one of my favorites regardless.


Since I don't know how far Shimauma has gotten into the series, I'll just say at this point that it was past 5 that I started to really get into the show and realize that there was a lot more going on then met the eye from the beginning.

I didn't hate the first 5 episodes at all. But I did not see anything special in them yet. I'm not really a huge fan of the magical girl shows (my favorite before Tutu was Magical Project S, which is a parody of magical girl shows), so when I saw the standard formula apparently at work, I thought, "Ok. A magical girl show. With ballet. That's nice. NEXT."

I'm glad that I decided to stick with it. That was mainly due to some comments from posters around here that the show got a lot, lot better later on.

[Isuzu Inugami]

I think sufficient interest has been recorded. Where do you want to start?

I think I'll start Monday (or rather, late Sunday night), one ep per day, taking weekends off (since I tend to be nowhere near the internet on weekends... Maybe I can sneak in Saturday though, and do six eps a week.) This pace will probably have me in agony toward the end of the series. :sd:


The first several episodes are actually, in my opinion, not all that good. It looks pretty much like a typically magical girl show, with the usual quest to find stuff and return it to someone.

Or is this completely underestimating the first about five episodes or so?

I'm finding a fair bit to think about, actually, but I could be overanalyzing. At the very least, the first few are very well done typical magical girl episodes.

The only thing with a Princess Tutu discussion is that time would probably be ripe for one after a thinpak release (whether that is inevitable at this point, I don't know, though...).

Yeah... but at this point I don't think the thinpack is even solicited yet, and I don't want to wait for it to watch and comment on the show. Every time I sat down to watch an episode, I wanted to post about it.

[EmperorBrandon]

I think I'll start Monday (or rather, late Sunday night), one ep per day, taking weekends off (since I tend to be nowhere near the internet on weekends... Maybe I can sneak in Saturday though, and do six eps a week.) This pace will probably have me in agony toward the end of the series. :sd:

Sounds great. I will definitely be ready. Going at a controlled pace was very interesting on CCS, and I think it will be the same here too.

I'm finding a fair bit to think about, actually, but I could be overanalyzing. At the very least, the first few are very are well done typical magical girl episodes.

I'll have a good bit to say about all of the episodes, probably. Unlike CCS, I will be watching this one in both language tracks as each episode comes up (well, didn't really have a choice with CCS, but would like to do this with Tutu)

[Spirit Of The Stage]

I think I'll start Monday (or rather, late Sunday night), one ep per day, taking weekends off (since I tend to be nowhere near the internet on weekends... Maybe I can sneak in Saturday though, and do six eps a week.) This pace will probably have me in agony toward the end of the series. :sd:

Sounds great. I will definitely be ready. Going at a controlled pace was very interesting on CCS, and I think it will be the same here too.

I'm finding a fair bit to think about, actually, but I could be overanalyzing. At the very least, the first few are very are well done typical magical girl episodes.

I'll have a good bit to say about all of the episodes, probably. Unlike CCS, I will be watching this one in both language tracks as each episode comes up (well, didn't really have a choice with CCS, but would like to do this with Tutu)

No problems on my count, I should have really joined the CCS thread considering how long it took me to buy the series (prior to the boxsets coming out) but Tutu, easily. QUACK! :D

[The Great Bear]

I think I'll start Monday (or rather, late Sunday night), one ep per day, taking weekends off (since I tend to be nowhere near the internet on weekends... Maybe I can sneak in Saturday though, and do six eps a week.) This pace will probably have me in agony toward the end of the series. :sd:

Sounds like a plan. Okay, I think I will rewatch vol.1 this weekend to refresh my memory, though I still remember a lot about this show even though it's been a while. It was that good.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Wait, aren't we rushing things a little by bypassing the discussion concerning the appointment of a committee to study the feasibility of opening another thread to discuss the cute magical dancing duck? :>

Sorry, just had a flashback to an old job-related recurring nightmare. And why am I at this meeting in my pyjamas anyway? :D

You forgot the first step, which is to begin accepting applications to the task force that will then debate the merits of a committee to study the feasibility of opening another thread to discuss the cute magical dancing duck :P
Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Has this task force been approved by budgeting?



Err, can I get back to you on that?

[Lovely]

I don't know (or rather doubt) that I'll have anything to add to the discussions, but I'll happily read along. I've been meaning to give Princess Tutu a rewatch anyways. Heck, Princess Tutu is the partial reason I haven't been able to get into any other series lately ^^;. (The show made quite the impression on me.)


Er, one thing though, a Princess Tutu episode discussion thread may bring out "TeH Great name debate" thing again ....

[The Great Bear]

Er, one thing though, a Princess Tutu episode discussion thread may bring out "TeH Great name debate" thing again ....

So far, it has not reared its ugly head again, and I think most people here are more interested in discussing the show than rehashing the :horse: name argument.

So, let's keep it this way :)

[The Pirate Queen]

Are you asking if I need an excuse to rewatch Tutu? The answer to that is no. However, this doesn't mean that I wouldn't take one if it were available.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Er, one thing though, a Princess Tutu episode discussion thread may bring out "TeH Great name debate" thing again ....

So far, it has not reared its ugly head again, and I think most people here are more interested in discussing the show than rehashing the :horse: name argument.

So, let's keep it this way :)


I don't care whether people call her Ahiru or Duck in the discussion, or swap between them randomly; so long as we all know who we're talking about, it doesn't really matter.

[Morwen]

Oooh, good, I'm glad I just joined! I'm a huge Tutu fan, and I've been meaning to rewatch the series with the subs this time (watched it in dub the first time around). Plus, I'm hoping to introduce a friend to the series soon....soo, yeah, I'll probalby be rewatching the series like mad for a while, anyway. :)

[Isuzu Inugami]

Episode 1: The Duck and the Prince

So we start off with a fairy tale, only things have gone badly wrong--the author has died and the characters are stuck in the climactic battle, which gets kind of exhausting. So the raven (the crafty raven) manages to break out of the story, and the prince follows after, and seals the raven by taking out his heart. You know this is all Significant, and we haven't even gotten to the opening credits yet. Oh, and the author might not be dead after all....

For our second prologue, we have a duck longing to dance with the lonely-eyed ballet boy. And an ominous old man showing up to scare her--but this is all a dream (is it?), and actually Duck is a so-so student in a ballet academy. And the birds really like her. Apparently she has that dream all the time, and she's crazy for Mytho, the ballet boy; but even as a human he seems to be beyond her reach. Still, saying she'd give her life to dance a pas de deux with him seems a bit dangerous. Especially with the sinister eyes flashing when she says it.

Duck mistakes the time and shows up for class way early, when Mytho is using the room. She is so cute when she's flustered! But Mytho injures his ankle catching her when she trips, and Fakir makes his first appearance, insulting her and acting all seme toward Mytho.

So, obviously Mytho is the prince of the story; does this mean Fakir is the raven? (Black hair = raven, of course!)

Fortunately Duck has friends to cheer her up. Pike is a Fakir fan, and Lilie thinks Duck is the cutest thing--especially when being tormented. It seems Mytho already has a girlfriend named Rue.

Enter Mr. Cat, the ballet instructor. Duck (of all people) is the only one who finds it strange that he's a cat. He seems awfully vexed that his threats to make his students marry him work so well. The sorrows of middle-aged bachelor teachers!

Rue makes an appearance as well, as an elite dancer. She also has black hair, throwing my raven theory into turmoil--could she be the raven?

When Duck decides to apologize to Mytho, Pike seems to be the level-headed one, and Lilie is totally an enabler. Alas, Fakir (jerk!) heads her off, then goes on to lord over Mytho, who is awfully compliant.

Later on, Duck is again going on with the "give my life to help him" talk, which seems to summon up the creepy old man from her dream. What has she forgotten? What's with the clockwork imagery?

Apologize-to-Mytho-plan #2: I take it back, both Pike and Lilie are enablers. Anyway, the plan goes awry when Mytho flings himself from a window to catch a falling chick (and was that a raven that knocked it out of the air?). This plan of his needs some more thought. Fortunately (this is a really intersting sequence; I just don't know what to make of it. :sd: Gears! The mechanistic application of fairy tale logic?) Duck is reminded she's also Princess Tutu, and can save them both with a "Flower Waltz," a classically cheezy magical girl ability. At which point she remembers she's not Duck, she's just duck, with a magic pendant. And starts quacking. Kind of a downer ending, with her collapsing in the woods....

After all that classical music, the ending theme is a bit jarring, although I don't dislike the tune.

Basically, this episode serves to set up the world of Princess Tutu, and Duck's three-part identity... (so how did I write so much? :sd:) We haven't really established where all of this could be going.

[EmperorBrandon]

Ok, time to get started. :) Relevant credits for episode one (I will be doing this with each episode to introduce episode specific staff and any new members of the cast)

Episode 1: The Duck and the Prince
Script Writer - Michiko Yokoto
Storyboard - Junichi Sato
Episode Director - Junichi Sato, Matsuo Asami (assistant)
Animation Director - Akemi Kobayashi

Main cast
Duck - Nanae Katoh/Luci Christian
Mytho - Naoki Yanagi/Jay Hickman
Fakir - Takahiro Sakurai/Chris Patton

Supporting cast
Narration - Kyoko Kishida/Jennie Welch
Drosselmeyer - Noboru Mitani/Marty Fleck
Pike - Sachi Matsumoto/Cynthia Martinez
Lilie - Yuri Shiratori/Sasha Paysinger
Mr. Cat - Yasunori Matsumoto/TJP

Episodic cast
(none)


For our second prologue, we have a duck longing to dance with the lonely-eyed ballet boy. And an ominous old man showing up to scare her--but this is all a dream (is it?), and actually Duck is a so-so student in a ballet academy. And the birds really like her. Apparently she has that dream all the time, and she's crazy for Mytho, the ballet boy; but even as a human he seems to be beyond her reach. Still, saying she'd give her life to dance a pas de deux with him seems a bit dangerous. Especially with the sinister eyes flashing when she says it.

"Giving her life" seems to be the cue for those pair of sinister eyes, not once, but twice. Drosselmeyer is definitely quite interesting, and also downright freaky. His voice (in either version) fits well with the kind of eccentric old man who devote his life to stories, quite possibly one of the most unique undead characters in anime. I have got quite a lot of opinions on him, but more to say on that at a more convenient time later.

I just love the first scene, the dream, and the immediate followup with Duck getting swamped by the birds and then humming a tune on her way to school. One thing I love about the characters (very similar to Ikuko Itoh's previous work in Magic User's Club) are the variety of interesting facial expressions they're given. Just so cute. Later examples come from when Duck is interacting with her two friends and later on in the episode when she lets out her first "quack" as Princess Tutu.

Speaking of Duck's friends, I'll have a good bit to say on them later. Lilie struck me at first in the mold as a kind of evil Tomoyo-type character, thinking the main character is adorable, but of course when she's being miserable. Kind of a sadistic pleasure, it seems. Yuri Shiratori, her VA, notes some things in this regard in one of the inserts (may discuss in more detail later, as an important episode for the "friends" comes up). There is not much to note about Pike right now in that she is kind of a foil to Lilie, wanting to encourage Duck and generally seems to have a more purehearted, tomboyish demeanor than the devious, girly Lilie. Again, there will definitely be more to note with her later.

One more note to say in this post, but I love how the first little dance sequence turns out. Protecting the hero from a deadly fall with lots of pretty flowers (kind of reminds me of a CCS episode)... and then Mytho pulling the chick out of his shirt was just cool. The music is always used to really good effect, too.

[The Great Bear]

So, now you see how the basics are laid out.

As EB is providing the detailed credits and what not, I will limit myself to color commentary and occasional comments.

Enter Mr. Cat, the ballet instructor. Duck (of all people) is the only one who finds it strange that he's a cat. He seems awfully vexed that his threats to make his students marry him work so well. The sorrows of middle-aged bachelor teachers!

Without spoiling anything, you will continue to encounter anthropomorphic animals as the series progresses. And no one will apparently find it odd that they are there. But, we can discuss this in more detail later.

does this mean Fakir is the raven? (Black hair = raven, of course!)
Rue makes an appearance as well, as an elite dancer. She also has black hair, throwing my raven theory into turmoil--could she be the raven?

Don't worry about the identity of The Raven just yet. It will be revealed in due course.

Pike and Lilie are wonderful bits of comic relief thrown in throughout the show.

Oh, and pay attention to the narration. It may have everything and/or absolutely nothing to do with each episode ;)

[Morwen]

^_^ Great start to the topic!

I really like the little prologues they have at the beginning of each episode. That sketchy quality given to the art...I'm not sure exactly what they were trying to say (if anything) with that style, but it's always really interesting. Also, as far as I can remember, we never see any people in those prologues...everyone represented by a symbol (like the sword symbolizing the prince, and the pocket watch symbolising Drosselmeyer).

Nice catch on Fakir and Rue both having black hair. When I first watched the series, I didn't catch on the possibilities of who was the Raven until a few more episodes. You're paying good attention! You might be able to figure out things quicker than I did. ^_^
As for the Raven, I won't spoil anything, but I will tell you that when I started watching the series, once I caught on, I became pretty sure that Fakir was the raven. Of course, there were other possibilities, too: That one of the two was the Raven and the other a servant, or that both were servants, etc...there's a lot of possibilities and questions, and at this point, very few answers.

I have to head to class now. ^^; I'll see if I can post some more later. Again, great start to the discussion thread!!

[Isuzu Inugami]

One thing I love about the characters (very similar to Ikuko Itoh's previous work in Magic User's Club) are the variety of interesting facial expressions they're given. Just so cute.

Yes, the comical expressiveness of the characters makes them a lot of fun--one of the things anime can do very well, and get away with.

Later examples come from when Duck is interacting with her two friends and later on in the episode when she lets out her first "quack" as Princess Tutu.

Funny and cute, but also a bit worrying as she claps her hands over her mouth to stop another one coming out.

Lilie struck me at first in the mold as a kind of evil Tomoyo

Ha! That does seem like her. How long until the video camera comes out?

One more note to say in this post, but I love how the first little dance sequence turns out. Protecting the hero from a deadly fall with lots of pretty flowers (kind of reminds me of a CCS episode)... and then Mytho pulling the chick out of his shirt was just cool.

It's sort of over the top, but the whole fact that they've worked ballet into the sequence makes it work perfectly.

Don't worry about the identity of The Raven just yet. It will be revealed in due course.

Ah, but I get my entertainment from getting paranoid about every black haired character. And in the end the Raven will turn out to be dyeing his or her hair green or something.

[The Great Bear]

Don't worry about the identity of The Raven just yet. It will be revealed in due course.

Ah, but I get my entertainment from getting paranoid about every black haired character. And in the end the Raven will turn out to be dyeing his or her hair green or something.

Oh, I didn't say to stop guessing or getting paranoid, as you prefer; just don't worry about it ;)

You have merely started what will turn out to be a very interesting journey. And pay close attention to the little details, even in the early episodes. They may (or may not) reappear.
…
Yeah, I'm basically going to be throwing out cryptic and unhelpful comments until we get into about, say, episodes 5-7. Then you may suddenly have a lot of questions and comments. But don't rush to get there. Take your time and enjoy the ambience.

[EmperorBrandon]

Ha! That does seem like her. How long until the video camera comes out?


I don't know what time period Tutu is suppose to be set (sort of a medieval, fairy tale setting I guess), but it does seem to avoid any "anachronisms" of that sort, at least as far as I can remember (maybe something from the modern era does turn up and I'm mistaken :sd: ). I wonder if Lilie would enjoy videotaping Ahiru's blunders, though? :P

I suppose partly the connection came to mind because Lilie has the same VA as Hatoko from Angelic Layer (in both the Japanese and English version!), so that kind of makes me think of Tomoyo by proxy.

[LimePie]

"Flower Waltz," a classically cheezy magical girl ability.

I believe this is the only time in the entire series where we get a named ability. Why did they do so only once, rather than all the time or not at all?

[Spirit Of The Stage]

Ha! That does seem like her. How long until the video camera comes out?


I don't know what time period Tutu is suppose to be set (sort of a medieval, fairy tale setting I guess), but it does seem to avoid any "anachronisms" of that sort, at least as far as I can remember (maybe something from the modern era does turn up and I'm mistaken :sd: ). I wonder if Lilie would enjoy videotaping Ahiru's blunders, though? :P


She'll be just using one piece of dialogue throughout watching that, and it would be 'HOW CUTTTTEEE!' :D

Anyway, the facial expressions were something picked up, which I agree with wholeheartedly (Duck's first witnessing of Myoto and her babbling a good example.), and the first ep quiet use of the classical music, and the slow progression from duck, to girl to ballet superheroine was an example of a progression of a series, that would start off humourous but later...

Other points:

Fakir: First impression? Total ass - and yes, the Raven affect was in full flow for me here thinking Fakir was with Myoto as the princess - his apparent coddling of him did no favours...

Myoto: Obviously led as a man with no emotions, and the end with Tutu and the baby chick was a good sign of things to come. Still, the window scene...^_^

Rue: Didn't think much of her at first watching - she seemed destined as a friend/rival but I was wondering if anything would change...

Pike/Lille - Lille is hilarious. She someone keeps the same joke in ep1 and it's funny every time. Would I get tired of it?

Neko-sensei/Mr. Cat; :) A running gag 3 times in the ep that had the crew at Amecon in stitches. And this was in English. :sd:

Overall, the first ep showed me a new side of a version of a magical girl series, incorporating ballet with classical music - the first episode intrigued me with it's humour and I was wondering where they would go with it...let's see what they do... :P

[The Great Bear]

Ha! That does seem like her. How long until the video camera comes out?


I don't know what time period Tutu is suppose to be set (sort of a medieval, fairy tale setting I guess), but it does seem to avoid any "anachronisms" of that sort, at least as far as I can remember (maybe something from the modern era does turn up and I'm mistaken :sd: ). I wonder if Lilie would enjoy videotaping Ahiru's blunders, though? :P

Judging by the architecture of the city, which goes from medieval up to I would say 18th-19th century, combined with the ballet and the music used, I would put the time setting sometime during the Romantic era, so early 19th century. I do remember, unless I am completely imagining this, an old fashioned phongraph showing up at some point. I may need to do some spot checking, so don't take this as confirmed.

But it can't really be medieval, simply because ballet (see Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballet) ) did not evolve until around the end of the 16th century, and then became much more advanced, sophisticated, and French by the 17th.

Still, it is a completely fairy tale setting, so strict chronology doesn't really apply.

[EmperorBrandon]

Heh, I knew I was probably throwing something out there. I should know better than that, being a history major. :sd: Hehe... but good points, Great Bear. Certainly not 20th century was mainly what I was thinking there...

[Morwen]

Actually, I've been thinking it was around the turn of the 20th century, because of an episode mid-way through the first season (episode 6, I want to say?). In it, we see a theater with electricity. The first time a theater installed electric lighting in 1881 (http://www.northern.edu/wild/LiteDes/ldhist.htm)! It became the standard about 1890 or so. So, if I was forced to give a date (as I was once in an RP...XD), I would say Princess Tutu was talking place at something like 1895-1900.
Although some of the fashions--particularly the girl's fashions--seems even more modern with that...so it COULD be that the town is trapped at about the same period as Drosselmeyer's time, while the world around them could be...our world. Maybe?

I think it's not really supposed to be definitive, though...*shrug*

[Mahlernut]

I feel compelled to throw in my two cents...in the form of a list of the music from each episode! Wooo for things that are probably tiresome for everyone except me! :D

The music in the first ep was a little heavy on the Tchaikovsky for me, and kept me from getting into the show right away. Now I love it, but it was a little off-putting at the time. I was envisioning a show where all the music was from Tchaikovsky ballets...and despaired!

First off, the stuff that's used too often to reference, or isn't a straight use of a piece of classical music:

Morning Grace – OP
ending is adapted from:
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
No.13 - “Waltz of the Flowers�

Eyecatch
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act I, No.2 - March

Ahiru’s song - Episode I melody from:
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act I - Overture

Edel’s organ-grinder
Delibes, Léo
Copelia
Act II, Scene 1 - "Music of the Automotons�

School clock
Delibes, Léo
Copelia
Act II, Scene 2 - "Waltz of the Hours�

Neko-sensei’s Marriage Threat
Mendelssohn, Felix Bartholdy
Incidental music to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream� No.9 - “Wedding March�

Ahiru’s BGM tracks
variations on:
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act I - Overture

And now for the music from Episode I, subtitled:
Der Nußknacker： Blumenwalzer (『クルミ割り人形ã€�より「花ã�®ãƒ¯ãƒ«ã ƒ„ã€�)

Scene at the Lake
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act II, No.14, Variation II – “Dance of the Sugar Plum Faerie�

In the Girls’ Dorm at Kiken Academy/Ahiru feeds the birds
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act I - Overture

Mytho’s dance
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act II, No.14, Variation II – “Dance of the Sugar Plum Faerie�

Rue and the Advanced Class dance
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Swan Lake
Act I, No.2 – Valse-Intrada

Mytho falls, Tutu’s awakening
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act II, No.13 – “Waltz of the Flowers�

Back to being a duck
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act I - Overture

Next-episode preview
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Swan Lake Act IV, No.28

[EmperorBrandon]

Actually, I've been thinking it was around the turn of the 20th century, because of an episode mid-way through the first season (episode 6, I want to say?). In it, we see a theater with electricity. The first time a theater installed electric lighting in 1881 (http://www.northern.edu/wild/LiteDes/ldhist.htm)! It became the standard about 1890 or so. So, if I was forced to give a date (as I was once in an RP...XD), I would say Princess Tutu was talking place at something like 1895-1900.
Although some of the fashions--particularly the girl's fashions--seems even more modern with that...so it COULD be that the town is trapped at about the same period as Drosselmeyer's time, while the world around them could be...our world. Maybe?

I think it's not really supposed to be definitive, though...*shrug*

Heh, good points. It's interesting to think about these things...

[Morwen]

I feel compelled to throw in my two cents...in the form of a list of the music from each episode! Wooo for things that are probably tiresome for everyone except me! :D


Tiresome, are you kidding?? NO WAY! XD I've been trying to find a list like this for AGES. This will be SO helpful to me, I've been hoping to collect recordings of all of the music used in the series through iTunes or CDs and make a playlist out of it.

[DKL]

I kinda wish someone had the idea to sub the titles of all the different songs when they play throughout each episode...

...

The would've been like the best idea for an extra ever...

Damn... wish I put aside some time to jump into this discussion...

[sabs]

Heh, I joined the Anime on DVD forums just for this discussion. I'm such a dork. xD

Anyway, hey there. I'll probably put in some form of discussion your next episode - even though I've rewatched my DVDs about ten times - because right now I'm a little busy. But yes, I'm an absolute fanatic: Sabs-chan, and would love to have a Princess Tutu discussion. <3

[The Great Bear]

Actually, I've been thinking it was around the turn of the 20th century, because of an episode mid-way through the first season (episode 6, I want to say?). In it, we see a theater with electricity. The first time a theater installed electric lighting in 1881 (http://www.northern.edu/wild/LiteDes/ldhist.htm)! It became the standard about 1890 or so. So, if I was forced to give a date (as I was once in an RP...XD), I would say Princess Tutu was talking place at something like 1895-1900.
Although some of the fashions--particularly the girl's fashions--seems even more modern with that...so it COULD be that the town is trapped at about the same period as Drosselmeyer's time, while the world around them could be...our world. Maybe?

I think it's not really supposed to be definitive, though...*shrug*

Good point about the theatre. I guess I was trying to limit myself to the early episodes while thinking about it (since we're only on 1 :sd: ), but you're right. This would put it more around the turn of the century (19/20th).

But in the end, it's really a timeless "fairy tale" world. After all, think about [sorry Shimauma and other newcomers, but you'll not want to read this spoiler--mainly because it won't really make any sense to you now]
Later on when we meet Fakir's father. His shop and the way he dresses (and Fakir's, um, old "girlfriend") are definitely from a much earlier time than late 19th-early 20th. Also, think about Femio, with his dash, flair, and horse, for that matter.

Technologically, it certainly goes up to the early 20th. But it does not really feel like it belongs to that time period.

[puchiko2]

Hi all! Like Sabs-Chan, i've also joined to hopefully discuss Princess Tutu as you guys watch more and more episodes ^_^ hope you all don't mind when i pop in and out! *peeks from the shadows, hehe!*

[bctaris]

I feel compelled to throw in my two cents...in the form of a list of the music from each episode! Wooo for things that are probably tiresome for everyone except me! :D

Thanks for the cataloging effort, Mahlernut.

Goody, maybe you can confirm as we tick down the episodes whether or not there was any Stravinsky. He was the only ballet master that I would have liked to have heard that I didn't notice a single piece from the whole show. Of course, the music is kept pretty firmly in the Romantic period (hence Tchaikovsky...) but there is a little and very fitting post-Romanticism/modernism by a notable Stravinsky contemporary by the end. Which I'll talk about at that point, I guess.

[Helschadenfreude]

I regret not watching past 12 episodes now... but that was all that was there at the Acen convention that I went to.... more like a random person had it, and I crashed their viewing session...

[mangaka-chan]

Hello

I'm dropping in after seeing someone on the Princess Tutu LJ say there will be an episode-by-episode discussion here. :blush: :sd: I have to admit though, I watched Princess Tutu backwards so I actually have a pretty different first impression of the characters than most people here. :sd:

Regarding the time period and anachronism of the anime, I had been wondering about that too. Recently when Ikuko Itoh (creator of PT) came to Austin, TX for an event, someone was able to ask her this question for me. This might not make sense to people who haven't watched most of the series, but I will quote wmchichiri from the PT LJ community who provided the transcription of Itoh-sensei's answer: Itoh-sensei's answer was...
One reason was to emphasize the surreality of the town caught in a fairy tale. Another was to highlight the theme of change and character development within the overall story.

[Mahlernut]

Sadly, Stravinsky's music never shows up. Which is unfortunate, as a few of his pieces (mild spoilers, if you know the music)
like the Firebird, Petrouchka (definitely this one), or Jeux de cartes would've been perfect. Satie, Ravel, and the composer you were referring to are the most modern folks they ended up including. But I'll definitely keep posting the episode musical line-up as we go along :)

[Isuzu Inugami]

Episode 2: Heart Shard

"Chapter of the Egg" by the way, which I take to suggest Duck is still learning to be Princess Tutu. Or is still in a state of innocence. And why am I boldfacing everyone's name? That gets tiring! You're on your own now, folks! :P

This episode sets up and runs on pretty much standard magical girl story format, in which Duck has to collect heart shards to restore the Prince.

The intro is pretty much the same as before, although I think the detail that only the prince has the forbidden power to take out his heart to seal the raven is new. Also, we learn shards of his heart are scattered about, and that fiction and reality intermingle here--which probably explains Mr. Cat....

Picking up from before, Duck is a duck. The duck's-eye view here is cute, but Drosselmeyer is not cute! At last we get his name now. He sets Duck back up as a girl (but when she acts like a duck--how do ducks act, anyway?--she reverts to being one.) And he sets up her basic mission of collecting heart shards for the Prince. He's so damn disturbing, though... As magical girl support staff/managers go, he ain't no Luna!

The episode's title card has "Schwanensee: Scene Finale"... is that Swan Lake? Is this the musical theme of the episode?

-The town's name is Gold Crown Town.

-New character Edel shows up, and seems to know all about Duck. She also delivers clothes, and clues Duck in to the concept of nudity. Heh! Duck thinks too much and confuses herself about her situation, and Edel talks about stories--about how cruel it is for a story not to end. As magical girl support staff go, she is Tuxedo Mask. :P

-Apologize-to-Mytho-Plan #3 goes off without a hitch, although Duck freaks out trying to make small talk. She's saved by the appearance of Anteaterina... once again, Duck is the only person surprised by these animal characters.

-Mytho sure is easygoing. He lets Anteaterina (she's rather bold!) talk herself into being his girlfriend. Duck is totally shocked, and this leads into a hilarious bit of Duck trying to head off Rue from encountering them.

-What a fanservicey episode! Actually, I like that Duck's clothes don't transform with her--very cute when she's carrying them around as a duck.

-Anteaterina carries Mytho around! And Rue doesn't care about this, but tell's Duck she's a good person.

-Fakir tells Mytho he's a terrible guy because he doesn't understand other people's feelings, but it's fine like this. (Make up your mind! Heh, what game are you playing at, Fakir?)

-Anteaterina challenges Rue for her place in the special class, via pas de deux--her trump card is Mytho. Pike and Lilie are eating all this up!

-Anteaterina can't win because she has no joy in her dancing. Also, is she taking the male lead dance role? Visually, the whole sequence is just wonderfully abusurdist.

Rue picks Duck for her partner (because she's a "good person?") Duck's not so bad a dancer, once she lets go of her nervousness. Or... "It's like she wasn't Duck" Pike and Lilie say. Was that a bit of Princess Tutu coming out?

Later, Anteaterina is depressed and violent, at which point Duck witnesses a manifestation of one of the Prince's heart shards comforting her. Which is the cue for Princess Tutu to dance away her problems and recover the heart shard--straightforward magical girl stuff. Although this heart shard is the feeling of bitter disappointment--seems kind of weird to triumphantly return it to Mytho... is he going to thank her for this feeling? Afterwards, Fakir seems to know something is going on.

And poor Duck is relegated to the probationary class! Unjust!

[bctaris]

Sadly, Stravinsky's music never shows up. Which is unfortunate, as a few of his pieces (mild spoilers, if you know the music)
like the Firebird, Petrouchka (definitely this one), or Jeux de cartes

Ah, well. That's what I thought. And yes, I thought a couple of those would have been natural themes in the story somewhere. Maybe Sato/Itoh aren't fans.

But it's nice either way for them to give anime fans a similar education Chuck Jones and Carl Stalling provided with Looney Tunes. ;)

[mangaka-chan]

The episode's title card has "Schwanensee: Scene Finale"... is that Swan Lake? Is this the musical theme of the episode?


Yup. The title card contains the name of the episode theme song, which is usually music from a famous ballet. In this case, as you said, it's the Final Scene from Swan Lake. :)

[bctaris]

-What a fanservicey episode! Actually, I like that Duck's clothes don't transform with her--very cute when she's carrying them around as a duck.


Ikuko Itoh trademark, I think. That's what made Magic Users Club so unique, where transforming into a magical girl meant actually having to change clothes. :)

Duck's cute pratfalls and general absurdity are more fun trademarks. An Itoh fan from MUC, I was sold on this series with this episode. Though she never loses her innocence, it's fascinating to see how this behavior ebbs and flows through the series.

[puchiko2]

I really enjoy reading your insights and what you pick up! You're definitely someone who's picking up a lot of the details that'll be important later! Keep it up, i love reading! XD

Also, i never thought of it that way... the thought that 'Princess Tutu' was shining through Ahiru's dancing with Rue back there. Thats an interesting insight!

[EmperorBrandon]

Episode 2: Heart Shard
Script Writer - Michiko Yokote
Storyboard - Shogo Koumoto
Episode Director - Shogo Koumoto, Matsuo Asami (assistant)
Animation Director - Nobuto Akada

Main cast
Rue - Nana Mizuki/Jessica Boone

Supporting cast
Edel - Akiko Hiramatsu/Christine Auten

Episode cast
Anteaterina - Akemi Kanda/Tiffany Grant


He's so damn disturbing, though... As magical girl support staff/managers go, he ain't no Luna!

Definitely quite disturbing indeed. I like the few moments near the beginning here where he shows up all of the sudden and frightens Duck. Just interesting to watch her reaction (and I don't blame her either...)

As magical girl support staff go, she is Tuxedo Mask. :P

Heh, Tuxedo Mask. Never thought of that, but an interesting analogy. Edel definitely plays the mysterious support-giver role.


-Fakir tells Mytho he's a terrible guy because he doesn't understand other people's feelings, but it's fine like this. (Make up your mind! Heh, what game are you playing at, Fakir?)

I always thought the scene where Fakir was the first to clap after Rue+Duck dance was pretty cute. Fakir is a pretty minimal presence in this episode, but just wait...

Anteaterina makes for an interesting an unusual "antagonist" for this episode. Like how her tongue darts out only when she's talking, and of course watching an anteater dance is pretty fun. She's well voice-acted in either version. Akemi Kanda (who voiced the angsty Mawata in Junichi Sato's Pretear and maybe better known as Asuna Kagurazaka in Negima) is very good at the bitter, frustrated voice while still sounding like a young girl (kind of funny hearing a big anteater sound like that). I though the casting of ADV's veteran Tiffany Grant proved very interesting in the English version, and there were some scenes she nailed perfectly.

I think two scenes that stick out nicely here is the initial presentation of one of Mytho's heart shard spirits, beautifully done. Also, Tutu's final pacification of Anteaterina was quite beautiful as well, not only the music and the scenery, but I love how contrasted the voice of Tutu is compared to Duck (so elegant and soft).

[EmperorBrandon]

where transforming into a magical girl meant actually having to change clothes. :)


Quite thankfully, too. :D Heh, well, I don't consider Princess Tutu to be nearly as "fanservicey" in that regard as Magic User's Club, obviously, or at least not blatantly. Duck is still very cute, regardless.

Speaking of connections to Magic User's Club, I find it interesting that Ikuko Itoh had chosen the lead role of the series before the production had started (according to the reports of the Tutu event I read on Fan's View), from hearing her small part as Madoka in Magic User's Club. She is actually the ONLY cast member in Princess Tutu who was in MUC, interestingly enough. Her voice fits nicely though and I think Ikuko Itoh chose a great voice to represent her vision. I was prepared to be a bit scrutinize the English voice a little bit, but luckily I was greatly surprised by Luci Christian as well (ever since B-Rad first posted some preview clips around). Really great that her character has been done justice (and shows the differences between the forms, as I mentioned in my ep. 2 post above)

[EmperorBrandon]

Ahh... one more thing to note (finished up on the English watching for this episode), but with Tutu sometimes I feel tempted to check all the background characters in scenes like some of the ones in this episode. They serve no story purpose of course, but it's neat noticing the variety among, all different kinds of colors and hairstyles (and there's even some consistency there too I believe, with some like the "special class" which was also in ep. 1). Not every anime (at least in my mind) seems to afford an interesting bit of detail to background characters, or otherwise may make them a bit generic.

[Mahlernut]

Now here was a thing of unexpected beauty - the inclusion of some non-ballet music in the form of the Ravel orchestration of Mussorgsky's "Pictures" caught me by surprise with its aptness and the insight it showed on the part of the folks in charge. While the Tchaikovsky deployed in the first episode was appropriate, it wasn't exactly a stretch; but to pick out Goldenberg & Schmuyle for Arukuimi's theme, or to build the entire final confrontation around the entire stunning buildup in No. 28 from Swan Lake's last act (the release of which always brings tears to my eyes in No. 29) just blew me away completely. I think it's the fact that, throughout the series, they'd use the music so carefully that you'd almost think they'd had it composed specifically for the episode in question. And to do that with music of this caliber? Amazing.

I still wasn't totally sold on the show, though, somehow. And I kept wondering why they'd use music as intense as 28/29 from Swan Lake (great section titles, eh?) so early in the series. Little did I know...

Anyhow, here's the music from Episode 2, subtitled:
Shwanensee： Scène finale (白鳥�湖：終曲)

Decision to become Tutu
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act I - Overture

Arikuimi’s Entrance
Mussorgsky, Modest (orch. Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition
Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle

Ahiru tries to stop Rue
Mussorgsky, Modest (orch. Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition
Dance of the Unhatched Chicks

Arikuimi’s growing passion
Mussorgsky, Modest (orch. Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition
Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle

Arikuimi & Myuto’s Pas de deux
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Swan Lake
Act III, No.20 – “Hungarian Dance�

Rue & Ahiru’s Pas de deux
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Swan Lake
Act I, No.2 – Valse-Intrada

Arikuimi’s confrontation with Tutu, Arikuimi’s memories
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Swan Lake
Act IV, No.28

Tutu frees Arikuimi
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Swan Lake
Act IV, No.29

Neko-sensei sends Ahiru to the Beginner’s Class
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act II, No.12 (e) – “Dance of the Mirlitons�

Next-episode preview
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Act II, Scene 1 – “Panorama�

[The Great Bear]

As promised, a little color commentary ;)

Episode 2: Heart Shard

"Chapter of the Egg" by the way, which I take to suggest Duck is still learning to be Princess Tutu. Or is still in a state of innocence.

Might also be a sly way of telling the audience that the show has only just begun, and hasn't even hatched yet. ;)

Also, we learn shards of his heart are scattered about, and that fiction and reality intermingle here--which probably explains Mr. Cat....

Both important points, especially the second one.

Picking up from before, Duck is a duck. The duck's-eye view here is cute, but Drosselmeyer is not cute! At last we get his name now. He sets Duck back up as a girl (but when she acts like a duck--how do ducks act, anyway?--she reverts to being one.) And he sets up her basic mission of collecting heart shards for the Prince. He's so damn disturbing, though... As magical girl support staff/managers go, he ain't no Luna!

It's interesting that you would consider him support staff/manager.

-New character Edel shows up, and seems to know all about Duck. She also delivers clothes, and clues Duck in to the concept of nudity. Heh! Duck thinks too much and confuses herself about her situation, and Edel talks about stories--about how cruel it is for a story not to end. As magical girl support staff go, she is Tuxedo Mask. :P

Do pay attention to Edel. One of my favorite characters in the show actually. I like how you put it about Edel clueing Duck in on the concept of nudity. :D

-Apologize-to-Mytho-Plan #3 goes off without a hitch, although Duck freaks out trying to make small talk. She's saved by the appearance of Anteaterina... once again, Duck is the only person surprised by these animal characters.

One thing about Duck that Lilie really likes is her getting flustered. She will do this pretty often.

-Mytho sure is easygoing.

-Fakir tells Mytho he's a terrible guy because he doesn't understand other people's feelings, but it's fine like this. (Make up your mind! Heh, what game are you playing at, Fakir?)

Their behavior may seem strange now, but it will become clear why they act the way they do.

And poor Duck is relegated to the probationary class! Unjust!

Well, it's better than being married to Mr. Cat :neko:

[The Great Bear]

Ahh... one more thing to note (finished up on the English watching for this episode), but with Tutu sometimes I feel tempted to check all the background characters in scenes like some of the ones in this episode. They serve no story purpose of course, but it's neat noticing the variety among, all different kinds of colors and hairstyles (and there's even some consistency there too I believe, with some like the "special class" which was also in ep. 1). Not every anime (at least in my mind) seems to afford an interesting bit of detail to background characters, or otherwise may make them a bit generic.

I agree, this is one area where they took greater effort than many series do, as there is genuine variety in the background and lesser characters.

[The Pirate Queen]

I'm finding it really hard to comment on this, since I've seen it so many times, and don't want to spoil anything for anybody. But what I really love about the show are the layers - it works on several different levels, although that doesn't really become clear until later in the series.

[The Great Bear]

So, it's not just about the men in tights for you?

[Spirit Of The Stage]

Do pay attention to Edel. One of my favorite characters in the show actually. I like how you put it about Edel clueing Duck in on the concept of nudity.


'It's like having your feathers plucked off.' :D

This episode gets Duck into her learning of being Tutu, the true introduction to Drosselmeyer and the early beginning of the plot learning he was the deceased writer (and not people saying comments in ep 1 such as 'Oh dear, the prince is going to die...' :sd: ).

Is it that hard to believe Duck can't dance?! Poor Duck - sure, she was working with Rue but she had her own abilities then (maybe mixed with Tutu?) and yet Mr. Cat still sends her to the preliminary class! I got the feeling here that Mr. Cat is beginning to make Duck his real victim (cats and birds don't mix...unless they're marriage potential apparently... :sd: )

The interlude with Duck quacking away trying to warn Rue of the Myoto/Anteaterinna partnership was my favourite moment - QUACK! :D

Ah yes, the plot thickens. At this point, I could see the magical girl type show with the heart shard plot - for some reason though I felt this was going to be a LOT different...I was going to get through this and see if I was right...

O.K, another ep of Tutu down...it's a hard job but someone's gotta do it... :D

[Isuzu Inugami]

As promised, a little color commentary ;)

Episode 2: Heart Shard

"Chapter of the Egg" by the way, which I take to suggest Duck is still learning to be Princess Tutu. Or is still in a state of innocence.

Might also be a sly way of telling the audience that the show has only just begun, and hasn't even hatched yet. ;)

Oh, good observation!


It's interesting that you would consider him support staff/manager.

Well, Drosselmeyer is the one who sets her up as a magical girl, making him more or less analagous to Luna, Yuuno, Ryo-Oh-Ki (or maybe Tsunami), etc. etc. etc. Only with him, it feels more like a deal with the devil....

I like how you put it about Edel clueing Duck in on the concept of nudity. :D

Duck turned very red!

And poor Duck is relegated to the probationary class! Unjust!

Well, it's better than being married to Mr. Cat :neko:

Poor Mr. Cat--even here your marriage threat makes people recoil! :P

[Isuzu Inugami]

Rue picks Duck for her partner (because she's a "good person?")

OR was she showing up Anteaterina? "You need Mytho to even compete, but I can win with this clumsy girl for a partner!" What kind of person is Rue? I don't really know yet. She was very blunt telling Anteaterina it was impossible for her to dance like Rue--but in a way that's just being honest and trying to save Anteaterina from going down the wrong path.

[puchiko2]

Ah yes, the plot thickens. At this point, I could see the magical girl type show with the heart shard plot - for some reason though I felt this was going to be a LOT different...I was going to get through this and see if I was right...


It seems like that at first doesn't it? *tragedy!* hang in there though, like mentioned before, the layers peal ^_^

[The Pirate Queen]

So, it's not just about the men in tights for you?

It's always about the men in tights for me.

[EmperorBrandon]

The interlude with Duck quacking away trying to warn Rue of the Myoto/Anteaterinna partnership was my favourite moment - QUACK! :D


Heh, during a few parts there I can't help but be reminded of the outtakes. There were quite a few there, and pretty funny. :)



Well, Drosselmeyer is the one who sets her up as a magical girl, making him more or less analagous to Luna, Yuuno, Ryo-Oh-Ki (or maybe Tsunami), etc. etc. etc. Only with him, it feels more like a deal with the devil....


Yeah, deal with the devil sounds about right. Probably more like Ramia then any of them, though he has different motives. He's pretty obsessed with his own goals, not worrying about the feelings of the girl he helped transform.

[Morwen]

Shimauma, you keep amazing me with how well you pick up on the little details. It took me several episodes to notice the things you were noticing, particularly the "deal with the devil" feel of Drosselmeyer.

For some reason, I never took Edel's comment as trying to teach Duck about nudity--I always thought she was saying that even as a girl, Duck's body looked "duck-like", as if it wasn't as detailed as it would be on a typical girl. :sd: Come to think of it, though, it probably is the other thing, and the lack of detail is just typical undetailed anime nudity...

Anteaterita is a pretty bizarre character...in fact, she's one of the most bizarre in the entire series, I think. She kind of threw me off when I first saw this episode, but she's grown on me.

I've always thought it's pretty unusual that Fakir is the first to clap after Rue and Duck's dance. I've never been able to figure out what he's thinking--is he friends enough with her that he supports her? Is he hoping Mytho would go back to Rue? Or was he genuinely impressed with Rue and/or Duck?

Oh, BTW, something I forgot to mention last episode--There's many reasons for the clock motif used with Drosselmeyer (most I can't say without spoiling), but one of them is that in The Nutcracker, a character named Drosselmeyer appears on a grandfather clock, starting the protagonist's journey through a dream-like world in the ballet.
I love Drosselmeyer's character so much, partially because as a child I was facinated with the Drosselmeyer character in the ballet. Although the two are a bit different.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Shimauma, you keep amazing me with how well you pick up on the little details. It took me several episodes to notice the things you were noticing, particularly the "deal with the devil" feel of Drosselmeyer.

To be fair, this is my second time through the first disc. But after that everything will be fresh.


Anteaterita is a pretty bizarre character...in fact, she's one of the most bizarre in the entire series, I think. She kind of threw me off when I first saw this episode, but she's grown on me.

She does grow on you! I just love the bit where she's carrying off Mytho and he's still reading his book obliviously.

I've always thought it's pretty unusual that Fakir is the first to clap after Rue and Duck's dance. I've never been able to figure out what he's thinking--is he friends enough with her that he supports her? Is he hoping Mytho would go back to Rue? Or was he genuinely impressed with Rue and/or Duck?

That's something I don't quite know what to make of either. It is intersting that he does it, though.


I love Drosselmeyer's character so much, partially because as a child I was facinated with the Drosselmeyer character in the ballet. Although the two are a bit different.

Hmmm... I read the E.T.A. Hoffman story that the Nutcracker was based on, but it's been so long I don't really remember Drosselmeyer from it. Actually, Hoffman is intersting in relation to Tutu in that he was himself a writer of fairy/fantasy tales and a respected German romantic composer. He also had a fascination with the idea of automatons fashioned to look like people--more clockwork imagery?

[Morwen]

To be fair, this is my second time through the first disc. But after that everything will be fresh.

Ahhh, I see. Still, you're very observant, which is going to help out when you watch the show. ^_^



She does grow on you! I just love the bit where she's carrying off Mytho and he's still reading his book obliviously.

I agree, that's a GREAT scene. Poor Mytho has no idea what's going on, too.



Hmmm... I read the E.T.A. Hoffman story that the Nutcracker was based on, but it's been so long I don't really remember Drosselmeyer from it. Actually, Hoffman is intersting in relation to Tutu in that he was himself a writer of fairy/fantasy tales and a respected German romantic composer. He also had a fascination with the idea of automatons fashioned to look like people--more clockwork imagery?

I've never had a chance to read the original story, sadly. I think my library doesn't have a copy. Maybe I can get my local bookstore to track one down...
As for the automatons...I didn't know about Hoffman's love for them, but that might explain the imagery there...that also might explain another element (that I can't say without spoiling you ^^; ).

[The Great Bear]

What kind of person is Rue? I don't really know yet.

That really is the question, isn't it? I don't want to spoil anything, at all, but I will say this: her choice of Duck as her partner is more than fortuitous. It does actually say something about her, but something that will take a while to be realized.

[The Great Bear]

Oh, BTW, something I forgot to mention last episode--There's many reasons for the clock motif used with Drosselmeyer (most I can't say without spoiling), but one of them is that in The Nutcracker, a character named Drosselmeyer appears on a grandfather clock, starting the protagonist's journey through a dream-like world in the ballet.
I love Drosselmeyer's character so much, partially because as a child I was facinated with the Drosselmeyer character in the ballet. Although the two are a bit different.

Thanks for that little tidbit. I didn't know that Drosselmeyer is a character from a ballet. That actually adds something to the mix.

[Mahlernut]

Thanks for that little tidbit. I didn't know that Drosselmeyer is a character from a ballet. That actually adds something to the mix.


And for another little bit of fun? The music that plays over the title-card during in and out of the commercial break is Drosselmeyer's music from ballet.

[The Great Bear]

Thanks for that little tidbit. I didn't know that Drosselmeyer is a character from a ballet. That actually adds something to the mix.


And for another little bit of fun? The music that plays over the title-card during in and out of the commercial break is Drosselmeyer's music from ballet.

Ah. A nice touch.

And I forgot to mention it before, but thanks for providing the musical breakdowns for each episode.

[Helschadenfreude]

It's interesting that you would consider him support staff/manager.

Well, Drosselmeyer is the one who sets her up as a magical girl, making him more or less analagous to Luna, Yuuno, Ryo-Oh-Ki (or maybe Tsunami), etc. etc. etc. Only with him, it feels more like a deal with the devil....



When Drosselmeyer shows up, I was like :( that guy is actually really scary... it's such in contrast to the whimsical setting... The interest is unnatural I say.. but I guess that's the point. He's not interested in characters...

I never drew that parallel with Sailor Moon before, but it does make a sort of sense.

This is making me want to grab the series now. :sigh:

[Isuzu Inugami]

Episode 3: The Princess's Vow
Today's musical theme: Dornröschen: Panorama (This one I don't know :sd: )

New details from the intro: the Prince doesn't remember his acts of bravery, and his heart shards are drawn to people who already have voids in their hearts (implying they don't create problems, they just enhance them.) Also, they may set some people's stories awry.

-Cute start! Pike is trying to help train Duck out of the probationary class, and Lilie thinks she's being too hard on the poor girl. Pike is the responsible one! Anyway, this leads into Duck telling about dreaming the Prince/Raven story, and the girls recognize it from a book... by Drosselmeyer... that doesn't have an end... because Drosselmeyer died ages ago. This throws Tutu for a bit of a loop.

-Duck observes that Mytho is handsome because he came out of a story. I... guess that makes sense....

-Fakir seems irritated that Mytho wandered off without telling him, and angry when Duck says she saw him with Rue. Is there a rivalry between Fakir and Rue over Mytho? I thought they might be allies....

-Fakir is dismissive whne Duck brings up the Prince/Raven story. She's happy because she thinks she knows something he doesn't, even though he acts all high and mighty. (I think he just has a poker face!)

-Duck plays hooky takes a break, thinking to warn Mytho and Rue that Fakir is looking for them, then wondering if she should. Instead, she runs into Edel, explains her worries more or less incoherently, and gets some differently incoherent advice in return. :P Wind? Trees? Fire?

-Anyway, Duck finds and spies on Rue and Mytho in a supposedly romantic moment... but his professions of love are flat and lifeless. Rue claims thirst, pours out the drink he offers, and sends him off to get another. She's playing around with him, but seems almost bored with it.

-Duck bumps into Mytho just as she's fantasizing love confessions from him, and starts babbling, totally flustered. So cute!

-Mytho admits he "probably" loves Rue, but he doesn't actually understand the feeling of love, and Fakir and Rue are the only ones who will tell him what to do. He seems kind of grateful for that. He doesn't seem to care about being accidentally scratched by a bush. Duck's reaction seems weird to him, because Fakir and Rue don't make that kind of fuss.

-Duck runs off to find water that's up to Rue's standards (as percieved by Duck!) and Mytho follows--they end up at Ebine's restaurant in the woods, and Duck's necklace reacts to Ebine, who is very eager to have a customer. Ebine looks very intense. I like how her eyes flash when Duck's stomach growls.

-Meanwhile, Rue is disturbed when Fakir finds her and stops bickering with her long enough to tell her Mytho mentioned "feeling". They go looking for him, thinking he's on his own.

-At the restaurant, the food is unnaturally cold, and Duck figures out they're being fattened up to be a later course. Mytho is oblivious to anything unusual, even when Duck spells it out with the story of Hansel and Gretel.

-Duck gets kicked out for not being able to eat any more, and with a little commentary from Drosselmeyer (This story has gone awry... and "a pure heart is a heavy burden."), Princess Tutu comes to the rescue. DANCE FIGHT! The imagery is all over the place for this one... Mytho wrapped in vines, and Tutu and Ebine on flying boats.... Ebine's story is rather sad, and this heart shard is lonliness. Another negative emotion for Mytho! But this time he thanks Tutu for it, which really gets to her.

-Rue and Fakir recover Mytho, who mentions Princess Tutu as Duck listens in. It turns out Princess Tutu is also from a story, and not one with a happy fate! Duck is pretty shocked and confused.

Okay, so this episode came out of Hansel and Gretel, only Hansel and Gretel is this story gone awry, and what's really supposed to happen is the recipes are supposed to be a sort of lifeline that allow Ebine to pass through lonliness into strength. The heart shard actually did comfort her, but it blocked the process.

The "Princess's Vow" of the title is to protect the Prince, even if she can never confess her love for him?

[EmperorBrandon]

Episode 3: The Princess's Vow
Script Writer - Michiko Yokote
Storyboard - Kiyoko Sayama
Episode Director - Matsuo Asami
Animation Director - Itsuko Takeda

Episode cast
Ebine - Rie Ishizuka/Kelly Manison

Starting off with the usual episode credits, but no discussion from yet. I'll have to wait until after my classes tomorrow before I can watch.

[bctaris]

Oh, BTW, something I forgot to mention last episode--There's many reasons for the clock motif used with Drosselmeyer (most I can't say without spoiling), but one of them is that in The Nutcracker, a character named Drosselmeyer appears on a grandfather clock, starting the protagonist's journey through a dream-like world in the ballet.
I love Drosselmeyer's character so much, partially because as a child I was facinated with the Drosselmeyer character in the ballet. Although the two are a bit different.

Thanks for that little tidbit. I didn't know that Drosselmeyer is a character from a ballet. That actually adds something to the mix.


Having been obsessed with The Nutcracker ballet when I was younger and having read Hoffman's book two or three times over the years, that was the first detail of the show that really piqued my interest. The book is worth reading, actually. It's certainly part of the central canon for Princess Tutu, certainly for its characteristic as a fairy tale enhanced (in the public mind) by ballet. And of course its characters.

Drosselmeyer in Princess Tutu isn't too dissimilar from the enigmatic figure he is in Hoffman's original story at first glance. He's a clockmaker godfather of a girl, Marie, who he's given the Nutcracker toy in such a way as to fulfill a chain of events he's also somewhat intertwined with. His story of the Nutcracker's origins is the central part of the book. (The plot summary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nutcracker_and_the_Mouse_King) on Wikipedia should fill you in on the details if you don't want to read the book.) Ikuko Itoh's Drosselmeyer is certainly a different sort of puzzle piece in the tale of Princess Tutu, but his early role in the story leaves the same impression as he does in the first part of Hoffman's story: a strange and possibly conniving old man, with something up his sleeve.

[Astrobright68]

that's what i always kinda thought...i figured she was miffed that anteaterina was trying to show her up, so she was pretty much saying "i'm so awesome, i can make the clumsiest girl in class look good." or something. XD

btw, i also came from the tutu livejournal and joined so i can talk in this discussion! ^_^ the insights are amazing...

[Astrobright68]

I've always thought it's pretty unusual that Fakir is the first to clap after Rue and Duck's dance. I've never been able to figure out what he's thinking--is he friends enough with her that he supports her? Is he hoping Mytho would go back to Rue? Or was he genuinely impressed with Rue and/or Duck?

that part always drives me crazy...WHY did he start clapping?? i will nver know; it just boggles the mind...

[Mahlernut]

This episode (and the next) end up being my two least favorite of the series. There's still plenty of good stuff, but there just wasn't anything terribly special going on. If the show hadn't tightened the screws so quickly, I probably would've lost interest, sadly. Best musical addition here is the inclusion of the "Aquarium" movement from the Saint-Saëns "Carnival." Once again, such an inspired use of music that (in original conception) had nothing to do with the mood it's used to convey in the show. How did they do that? Inclusion of the Schumann Arabesque was a beautiful touch as well, though it's sadly not repeated.

Anyhow, here's the music from episode 3, subtitled Dornröschen： Panorama (çœ*ã‚Šã�®æ£®ã�®ç¾Žå¥³ï¼š パノラマ)

Talking about Ahiru’s dream
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act II, No.14, Variation II – “Dance of the Sugar Plum Faerie�

The Prince & the Raven
Saint-Saëns, Camille
Carnival of the Animals
Aquarium

Mytho & Rue in the shade of a tree
Schumann, Robert
Arabesque in C for piano (Op.18)

Ebine’s restaurant
Bizet, Georges
Carmen
Habanera (orch. arr. of Act I – “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle�)

Dinner at Ebine’s restaurant
Borodin, Alexander
Prince Igor
Act II – “Polovtsian Dance�

Tutu frees Ebine
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Act II, Scene 1 – “Panorama�

Mytho, Rue, and Fakir talk about Tutu
Saint-Saëns, Camille
Carnival of the Animals
Aquarium

Next-episode preview
Adam, Adolphe
Giselle
Act II – “Scene of the Wilis�

[The Great Bear]

Since EB has class, I will step in with the first comments. I actually just took the time this morning to rewatch 3-5.

Episode 3: The Princess's Vow
Today's musical theme: Dornröschen: Panorama (This one I don't know :sd: )

New details from the intro: the Prince doesn't remember his acts of bravery, and his heart shards are drawn to people who already have voids in their hearts (implying they don't create problems, they just enhance them.) Also, they may set some people's stories awry.

Yep. The intros for this and the next episode are directly related to the Prince and the Raven.

-Cute start! Pike is trying to help train Duck out of the probationary class, and Lilie thinks she's being too hard on the poor girl. Pike is the responsible one! Anyway, this leads into Duck telling about dreaming the Prince/Raven story, and the girls recognize it from a book... by Drosselmeyer... that doesn't have an end... because Drosselmeyer died ages ago. This throws Tutu for a bit of a loop.

Now Duck begins to learn herself about the story that the characters come from.

-Duck observes that Mytho is handsome because he came out of a story. I... guess that makes sense....

Yeah, I'm not really sure how to take that either. :sd:

-Fakir seems irritated that Mytho wandered off without telling him, and angry when Duck says she saw him with Rue. Is there a rivalry between Fakir and Rue over Mytho? I thought they might be allies....

I really want to comment but I won't. But watch closely how they act with each other, as you have been doing.

-Fakir is dismissive when Duck brings up the Prince/Raven story. She's happy because she thinks she knows something he doesn't, even though he acts all high and mighty. (I think he just has a poker face!)

All I will say is that you have a discerning eye. ;)

[The Great Bear]

Part II, as my original post was so long, the quote bracket broke :sd:

-Duck plays hooky takes a break, thinking to warn Mytho and Rue that Fakir is looking for them, then wondering if she should. Instead, she runs into Edel, explains her worries more or less incoherently, and gets some differently incoherent advice in return. :P Wind? Trees? Fire?

As I said before, pay attention to what Edel says, though be warned that it is couched in utterly cryptic near-gibberish at times.

-Anyway, Duck finds and spies on Rue and Mytho in a supposedly romantic moment... but his professions of love are flat and lifeless. Rue claims thirst, pours out the drink he offers, and sends him off to get another. She's playing around with him, but seems almost bored with it.

Is she playing with him, or is she testing him? ;)

-Duck bumps into Mytho just as she's fantasizing love confessions from him, and starts babbling, totally flustered. So cute!

That really was one of the funniest and cutest scenes, wasn't it?

-Mytho admits he "probably" loves Rue, but he doesn't actually understand the feeling of love, and Fakir and Rue are the only ones who will tell him what to do. He seems kind of grateful for that. He doesn't seem to care about being accidentally scratched by a bush. Duck's reaction seems weird to him, because Fakir and Rue don't make that kind of fuss.

Duck's faces were priceless in this scene.

-Duck runs off to find water that's up to Rue's standards (as percieved by Duck!) and Mytho follows--they end up at Ebine's restaurant in the woods……Ebine's story is rather sad, and this heart shard is loneliness. Another negative emotion for Mytho! But this time he thanks Tutu for it, which really gets to her.

And so Mytho seems to be gaining a will of his own, at least to the extent that he would like his heart returned to him.

-Rue and Fakir recover Mytho, who mentions Princess Tutu as Duck listens in. It turns out Princess Tutu is also from a story, and not one with a happy fate! Duck is pretty shocked and confused.

Unrequited love is a theme that will be returned to again.

The "Princess's Vow" of the title is to protect the Prince, even if she can never confess her love for him?

That's how I see it as well.

[Isuzu Inugami]

When Drosselmeyer shows up, I was like :( that guy is actually really scary...

Anyone with that many circles in his eyes is someone to be wary of!

I never drew that parallel with Sailor Moon before, but it does make a sort of sense.


I was kind of joking around, but Tutu is working off a fairly common magical girl framework, at least so far.

[Mahlernut]

Episode 3: The Princess's Vow
Today's musical theme: Dornröschen: Panorama (This one I don't know :sd: )


Minor aside - Dornröschen is Sleeping Beauty, and the Panorama is an instrumental interlude in the ballet.

[Isuzu Inugami]

I really want to comment but I won't. But watch closely how they act with each other, as you have been doing.

It's clear they both know the situation with Mytho, and may have some part in it themselves. And they're clueing in pretty quickly that Mytho is starting to change.

Fakir seems like Mytho's keeper, where Rue seems to do what she likes, an interloper who Fakir tolerates--has to tolerate? Maybe there's not much he can do about her. If they're allies, they seem to be allies of convenience, with no love lost between them.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

This episode I didn't have much to say on, as at this point, it solidified being a magical show with a bit of a twist _ Duck's little trip to the Gingerbread Ho...I mean Ebine's house was a lot of fun - it was also the episode that made me fall in love with Jessica Boone's voice as Rue - the dub cast I have to mention at this point were impressing me greatly...

BTW, to everyone with all the facts and figures, you people are absolutely brilliant - I did music back in school (played both the piano and euphonium) and it's given me a great flashback to all the musical scores I used to do - every time I hear a classic theme I remember some scene from Tutu, so it's great that people are doing hard work to find this information. Great stuff!

[EmperorBrandon]

-Fakir seems irritated that Mytho wandered off without telling him, and angry when Duck says she saw him with Rue. Is there a rivalry between Fakir and Rue over Mytho? I thought they might be allies....

I really want to comment but I won't. But watch closely how they act with each other, as you have been doing.

-Fakir is dismissive when Duck brings up the Prince/Raven story. She's happy because she thinks she knows something he doesn't, even though he acts all high and mighty. (I think he just has a poker face!)

All I will say is that you have a discerning eye. ;)

Indeed, indeed. Won't say anything more, there, but this talk (particularly Fakir's...erm... "possessiveness" over Mytho) is definitely reminding me of some great Chris Patton outtakes. Makes sure to watch them after finishing the volume. :)

[mangaka-chan]

Indeed, indeed. Won't say anything more, there, but this talk (particularly Fakir's...erm... "possessiveness" over Mytho) is definitely reminding me of some great Chris Patton outtakes. Makes sure to watch them after finishing the volume. :)


The voice actor's commentaries are definitely worth listening to, especially those on the first and last DVDs. If you don't mind the pure crack combo that is Chris Patton and Luci Christian, by all means watch it! It'll give you a whole different impression of the actors compared to just listening to their voices for the characters on the dub. :D

[puchiko2]

that's what i always kinda thought...i figured she was miffed that anteaterina was trying to show her up, so she was pretty much saying "i'm so awesome, i can make the clumsiest girl in class look good." or something. XD

aha! i like that idea! i never saw it that way, but you're probably right, given her attitude later on ^^

[Morwen]

Okay, I finally got around to replying today...I haven't had a chance to rewatch episode 3 this time (been super-busy), so I'll be a little sketchy, but I think I can remember most of it...

I'm going to be lazy and not use quotes, but hopefully what I'm talking about will be clear enough. ^^;

Re: From story = Good looks? -- I *think* what Duck means is that he's so good looking--"perfect"--that he HAS to be from a story. He's got a sort of etherial quality to his looks--the white hair and golden eyes, the eyelashes, etc. So I think he's probably just 'too perfect' to be something that came about from random assigning of DNA, to Duck he's probably dream-like.

Re: Not really liking this episode -- I agree, this episode is one of the weaker ones. There's not really anything at this point that shows how deep and unique Princess Tutu really is. Luckily...when I was watchinng...I was getting it for free on Anime Network On Demand, so I decided to keep going. Glad I did. ^_^

(It's nice to see some of the folks from the Princess Tutu LJ group here! Hi all! XD
Puchiko, slightly OT, but what's your avatar? is it Fakir from the manga?)

[puchiko2]

(It's nice to see some of the folks from the Princess Tutu LJ group here! Hi all! XD
Puchiko, slightly OT, but what's your avatar? is it Fakir from the manga?)

Yes it is! Good eye! XD on that note, i do not recommend the manga at all compared to the anime, for so many reasons! The manga was made after the anime production, for a little idea on how it works.

On the topic of this episode, i'd have to agree with the fact that this episode isn't merely as good as the ones to come, but it is still important to watch for some of the little details put in (like how Hansel and Gretel has been thrown in, Drosselmeyer info, etc etc)

And for a silly random bit... how much does this -> O.O remind you of drosselmeyer? hehe!

Can't wait for you guys to watch more ^^!

[sabs]

I think the visual effects of this episode were oustanding. When Pique and Lillie are explaining Drosselmeyer's death, the music and the darkness really give a creepy, sadistic feel to Drosselmeyer's ever developing character. These same sort of shadowy frames come out while Ebine's asking her 'ghost husband' - if you will - which would taste better. All of these visual goodies really bring out some wonderful, intriguing qualities of Princess Tutu that make it all the more suspenseful.

There are also some interesting, small little quotes that I think really brought the episode's plot out: Edel's fire/wind/tree riddle, the Rue/Fakir interaction that slowly changes and seems to move over time, and then Mytho's lifelessness throughout the episode that really make for some obliviously cute scenes.
I love the scene where Ahiru vows to help the prince. It's a very lovely, determined event in the series that really puts Princess Tutu together. Completes the whole anime, you know?

Another point of this episode - probably the entire series - that I love is the backgrounds. If you take a close look at the different backgrounds of several shots, you can see a lot of time was spent carefully on them. There's almost a water-color, artistic texture to them that gives Princess Tutu such a fairy-tale essence. For instance, the scenes in Ebine's restaurant and Rue/Mytho at the park. Very pretty. <3

After the Rue/Mytho park fiasco, I thought the facial expressions and quotes of Ahiru's dreamy Mytho confession were adorable.
"Oh! I love taking walks! And you love Rue, right?"
Oh, what the heck am I saying?
I also thought Mytho's head-tilt at Ahiru's funny expression was purely adorable. <3 It made me fangirl Mytho for a second.

Another thing I love about this series is how much emotion is displayed - even in the first three episodes! The part where Ebine cries after her and Tutu's dance nearly shattered my heart. Even the supporting characters that only appear for an episode are characters that you can really connect with and display so much tenderness. You really have to hand it to Itoh for putting together such a wonderful cast of supporting characters - and Tutu's drama hasn't even started yet. -thumbs up-

Other than that, I've got a couple of slight questions/problems about this episode.

1) I'm confused why Ahiru made such a flustered reasction when Rue poured out the glass of juice. Was she surprised? Wondering why Rue would do that? Thinking this might cause Mytho/Rue to head in her direction? That part was kind of uncertain. :/

2) The sign on Ebine's house said, "Geoffnet." Curiousity asks if that's German for "restaurant", maybe? :o

3) And I'm still trying to figure out where Fakir's spontaneously appearing horse comes from. And his breadcrumbs - but that comes later.



Indeed, indeed. Won't say anything more, there, but this talk (particularly Fakir's...erm... "possessiveness" over Mytho) is definitely reminding me of some great Chris Patton outtakes. Makes sure to watch them after finishing the volume. :)

Well, I would start ranting on about how awesome Chris Patton is and all the blooper hilarity, but for the sake of not spoiling anything...I'll just giggle. Tee. xD

Re: Not really liking this episode -- I agree, this episode is one of the weaker ones. There's not really anything at this point that shows how deep and unique Princess Tutu really is. Luckily...when I was watchinng...I was getting it for free on Anime Network On Demand, so I decided to keep going. Glad I did. ^_^

(It's nice to see some of the folks from the Princess Tutu LJ group here! Hi all! XD)

Well, the first five or so episodes of Princess Tutu are pretty slow-moving and a basic...erm...plot set-up for the rest of the series. If you think about it, there would be no way of walking into episode 13 and having an idea of what was going on. Without the first five episodes, Princess Tutu wouldn't be Princess Tutu, and yet they are pretty lethargic and boring compared to season 2/etc.

I first watched Princess Tutu on Anime Network, too. xD Ironically, I started watching it around episode 7, so I didn't actually get to the first episodes until I went on YouTube (and I just said there would be no way of walking into later episodes of Princess Tutu and know what would be going on). BD

Ah, I'm from the Princess Tutu LJ community too (that's how I heard about this), but I'm pretty much a lurker. xD Only comment every now and then, because I can never get a fanfiction done and I'm positively terrible at Tutu drawings (except one...have to scan it sometime).

[The Great Bear]

Indeed, indeed. Won't say anything more, there, but this talk (particularly Fakir's...erm... "possessiveness" over Mytho) is definitely reminding me of some great Chris Patton outtakes. Makes sure to watch them after finishing the volume. :)

Yes, I rewatched the outtakes as well. A couple of the ones he had had me rolling with laughter :D

[Morwen]

1) I'm confused why Ahiru made such a flustered reasction when Rue poured out the glass of juice. Was she surprised? Wondering why Rue would do that? Thinking this might cause Mytho/Rue to head in her direction? That part was kind of uncertain. :/
I think she's just surprised that Rue would throw out perfectly good juice/lemonade like that. Or maybe (this is how I first took it), she saw it as Rue possibly rejecting Mytho's first offer, and she's surprised that Rue would be so...picky? snobby? Along those lines.



3) And I'm still trying to figure out where Fakir's spontaneously appearing horse comes from. And his breadcrumbs - but that comes later.
I think Fakir's horse is just...his horse. (Mild spoilers for late in season 1...)
When we get to see Karon's (sp?) house, it looks like there's either a workshop or a small stable (or both) on the right side of it. If it IS a stable, probably he just keeps it there and Karon takes care of it when he's at school. I think we can probably guess that Karon's house isn't too far of a distance from the school (for example, in the Freya episode--I think it's 15 or 16?--both Duck and Fakir travel back and forth from his house to the school...and it doesn't appear that too much time at the contest has past when they do, so it's probably not a super-long distance from the school.) When Fakir couldn't find Mytho, I bet he checked his house, and when Mytho wasn't there he probably decided to ride his horse around to try to find him since he could move at a faster pace.
...Plus, I bet it makes him feel more like a knight. XD





Indeed, indeed. Won't say anything more, there, but this talk (particularly Fakir's...erm... "possessiveness" over Mytho) is definitely reminding me of some great Chris Patton outtakes. Makes sure to watch them after finishing the volume. :)

Well, I would start ranting on about how awesome Chris Patton is and all the blooper hilarity, but for the sake of not spoiling anything...I'll just giggle. Tee. xD
The bloopers are like the icing on the wonderful cake that is the DVD extras. I really wish ADV had done it for all six volumes, instead of just the first two. They're absolutely HILARIOUS. XD



(It's nice to see some of the folks from the Princess Tutu LJ group here! Hi all! XD)

Ah, I'm from the Princess Tutu LJ community too (that's how I heard about this), but I'm pretty much a lurker. xD Only comment every now and then, because I can never get a fanfiction done and I'm positively terrible at Tutu drawings (except one...have to scan it sometime).

Hee hee. I was the one that posted it up on the LJ group. ^^; When AstroBright posted about Princess Tutu's dub winning some awards here, I decided to join here and lurk around a little...and then I found this thread. Fangirled. And then I decided you guys over at the group would probably like to join in, too. ^_^
(Or as I like to think of it in my head...a friendly little invasion.)

(Oh, and Puchiko, thank you! XD I've heard that the manga isn't nearly as good as the anime (like it takes out all of the wonderful little fairy-tale stuff), but I think I'm going to break down one of these days and just get it because...well...it's Princess Tutu! ^^; I mean, besides the Uchiko cast party shirts (that I didn't get, silly me), there's really not a whole lot of merchandise for the show, and...I love my collections.)

[Spirit Of The Stage]

Indeed, indeed. Won't say anything more, there, but this talk (particularly Fakir's...erm... "possessiveness" over Mytho) is definitely reminding me of some great Chris Patton outtakes. Makes sure to watch them after finishing the volume. :)

Yes, I rewatched the outtakes as well. A couple of the ones he had had me rolling with laughter :D

Chris at his most homoerotic...:P The fact it's gets worse makes it even funnier...some of Luci's and Jess's in there as well...(QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK...OH GOD BLESS AMERICA...) are classics...

[The Great Bear]

Other than that, I've got a couple of slight questions/problems about this episode.

1) I'm confused why Ahiru made such a flustered reasction when Rue poured out the glass of juice. Was she surprised? Wondering why Rue would do that? Thinking this might cause Mytho/Rue to head in her direction? That part was kind of uncertain. :/

In general, Duck just overdoes her reactions to things. I'm not sure there's anything else to read in it, but that's just my feeling.

2) The sign on Ebine's house said, "Geoffnet." Curiousity asks if that's German for "restaurant", maybe? :o

Geöffnet :German for "Open" as in "open for business."

3) And I'm still trying to figure out where Fakir's spontaneously appearing horse comes from. And his breadcrumbs - but that comes later.

It's a fairy tale. I don't think there's any need to really worry about that :sd:

If you really do wonder though, take into account:
(And only read this if you've seen the show before)
1. Remember that Fakir is a knight, after all. A knight is going to have a horse. 2. He could have borrowed it from his father.

[Isuzu Inugami]

1) I'm confused why Ahiru made such a flustered reasction when Rue poured out the glass of juice. Was she surprised?

In general, Duck just overdoes her reactions to things. I'm not sure there's anything else to read in it, but that's just my feeling.


I thought she was flustered from spying on the love declarations. Plus then Rue asks for something to drink, but pours it out--Duck's probably surprised and thinking "What the heck's up with that?!" I mean, I was. :)

[The Great Bear]

I thought she was flustered from spying on the love declarations. Plus then Rue asks for something to drink, but pours it out--Duck's probably surprised and thinking "What the heck's up with that?!" I mean, I was. :)


I think you hit the nail on the head there. That's exactly what she's thinking. And the over the top reaction is, I think, just Duck.

[puchiko2]

(Oh, and Puchiko, thank you! XD I've heard that the manga isn't nearly as good as the anime (like it takes out all of the wonderful little fairy-tale stuff), but I think I'm going to break down one of these days and just get it because...well...it's Princess Tutu! ^^; I mean, besides the Uchiko cast party shirts (that I didn't get, silly me), there's really not a whole lot of merchandise for the show, and...I love my collections.)

Aah! you're so kind ^__^ *feels useful* yeah.. i sort of.. broke down LOL! i bought it because it was Princess Tutu ^_^;;

major differences:

her 2 friends are COMPLETELY different
Ahiru and Rue have last names
Ahiru is not a duck
Edel is um... a busty flirty model?
Drosselmeyer doesn't appear at all
Revolves pretty much completely on cutesy magical girl manga with a weak plot

Similarities:

Fakir is pretty much the same
Character designs for the 4 main characters are pretty close
Ahiru's big crush on Mytho
Neko Sensei (pretty much the only canon in the manga! LOL!)

Hope that was helpful enough without spoiling much of anything ^_^;

[EmperorBrandon]

...OH GOD BLESS AMERICA...

Heh, partly what I was thinking about in one of my ep. 2 posts. When I see that part now (even in the regular show), I always seems to think about it. :D

[puchiko2]

Oh! and sorry to double post, but i was just watching the ending sequence on the first season (i dont watch the ending music too often) and something i didn't notice before just freaked me out!

At the very end... in the reflection in of the water... i never noticed that there was a male student there!! I double taked as it gradually appeared on screen and i flipped out! (and after watching the ending, it all pieced together) those sort of breif blurry details are something i missed a lot the first time i watched the series! Just thought i'd put in something kind of interesting before you guys watch more

Who could that male student be? Mytho? Fakir? Someone else? The head's cut off! You can't see! XD

[EmperorBrandon]

Ah, I'm from the Princess Tutu LJ community too (that's how I heard about this), but I'm pretty much a lurker. xD Only comment every now and then, because I can never get a fanfiction done and I'm positively terrible at Tutu drawings (except one...have to scan it sometime).

Hee hee. I was the one that posted it up on the LJ group. ^^; When AstroBright posted about Princess Tutu's dub winning some awards here, I decided to join here and lurk around a little...and then I found this thread. Fangirled. And then I decided you guys over at the group would probably like to join in, too. ^_^
(Or as I like to think of it in my head...a friendly little invasion.)


It's great that more people are around, especially if they're Princess Tutu fans. :) I added myself to the Princess Tutu LJ group over a year ago (after I found out there some information about Ikuko Itoh's visit to Ushicon there) and have read around there a few times, but I haven't posted there.

[sabs]

1) I'm confused why Ahiru made such a flustered reasction when Rue poured out the glass of juice. Was she surprised? Wondering why Rue would do that? Thinking this might cause Mytho/Rue to head in her direction? That part was kind of uncertain. :/
I think she's just surprised that Rue would throw out perfectly good juice/lemonade like that. Or maybe (this is how I first took it), she saw it as Rue possibly rejecting Mytho's first offer, and she's surprised that Rue would be so...picky? snobby? Along those lines.



3) And I'm still trying to figure out where Fakir's spontaneously appearing horse comes from. And his breadcrumbs - but that comes later.

(deleted your spoiler button/text. Sorry. My own spoiler clickie was being a bimbo. Dx)

I think you're right about the whole lemonade/juice thing. I suppose if I were there, I would think the same thing: "Why waste such a perfectly good bottle of juice?" Though I wouldn't overreact so much, Ahiru does a pretty good job of it, so your answer rids me of confusion. :3

We got minor spoilers!
I never clearly saw Charon's/Fakir's house with a stable or an area for a horse, but I think I might look over the episodes where the house is seen as precisely as possible and see if I can spy a buildling/stable/thingie on the side of it (yes, I'm that much of a dork). I guess we can assume, however, that since (episode 8...I think...?) Charon gives Fakir the knight's equipment, he probably also has a horse somewhere. Though Princess Tutu is a fairy-tale getup, I'm still a little clueless as to how Fakir precisely shows up with it - twice. I'm assuming a horse would be difficult to keep in such a close-knit space as Kikan Town (I think?), and though your distance explanation does make sense, how'd he get it the first time, when talking to Rue?
In episode 8-ish, when Fakir returns to Charon in order to get the knight's sword, Charon says, "What, I haven't seen you since you went off to the school and this is what you have to say?" (or something like that). This means that Fakir hadn't returned to the house since entering Gold Crown Academy, we can assume, so how'd he get the horse? Did he sneak into the stable? Did he get it while Charon wasn't in?
Sorry if I'm sounding difficult with the horse matter. D:

...OH GOD BLESS AMERICA...

Those outtakes are delicious.

"AND I WANT TO SEE YOOOO..."
"...naaked."

Well, that was volume two, but still...xD

[The Pirate Queen]

Re: Not really liking this episode -- I agree, this episode is one of the weaker ones. There's not really anything at this point that shows how deep and unique Princess Tutu really is. Luckily...when I was watchinng...I was getting it for free on Anime Network On Demand, so I decided to keep going. Glad I did. ^_^


Definitely agree there. The first five episodes entertained me, but didn't really draw me in - right past these first five is where the series really hooked me, to the point where I had to run out and get the R2 DVDs, since there was no sign of an R1 license then (and, I thought, no chance at all of one - thrilled to be wrong, there!)

And so, in conclusion, QUACK!

[EmperorBrandon]

Princess Tutu is one of those rare series I got into from the very first episode. Decided to try it long before it was licensed (and "sampling" of unlicensed anime at that point was a big rarity for me then) solely because of the staff connections with Magic User's Club, which was my favorite anime ever at the time (and likely still is). Frankly I wasn't into ballet at all and was a little skeptical, but seemingly the first episode worked liked a charm and exceeded my expectations. Interested to see some didn't get in with it from the start, but I'm used to the kind of formulaic repetitiveness of magical girl series that tends to bug other people (though honestly Tutu even keeps these episodes startlingly unique, so I don't think it's much of a problem).

[Morwen]

Aah! you're so kind ^__^ *feels useful* yeah.. i sort of.. broke down LOL! i bought it because it was Princess Tutu ^_^;;

major differences: [etc]

Thank you! That's really helpful. ^^
Even if the manga is much more...generic...it has more art to use for...icons and things. XD I think that alone would make it worth it, particularly if I get it on sale at Right Stuf. Although...I'll probably set it aside for a while if there's something else I really, really want.


At the very end... in the reflection in of the water... i never noticed that there was a male student there!! I double taked as it gradually appeared on screen and i flipped out! (and after watching the ending, it all pieced together) those sort of breif blurry details are something i missed a lot the first time i watched the series! Just thought i'd put in something kind of interesting before you guys watch more

Who could that male student be? Mytho? Fakir? Someone else? The head's cut off! You can't see! XD
Minor (?) spoilers
Good catch! I didn't know about that scene until someone at the LJ community told me about it. ^^ Sadly...we never get to see his face. One of the other members asked Itoh-san at the cast party about it, and she said that she kept it purposefully vague so you could 'figure out for yourself who you think it is.' However...

MAJOR ending spoilers--don't read unless you've finished the series!!
I've heard someone else note that the way Duck's swimming is rather similar to how she's swimming in the last scene of the anime...next to the pond where Fakir is. Of course, he's not dressed in his uniform, but I think it does make you consider the possibility that it's Fakir. It really could be either one, though...
Sorry about all the spoilers for those who haven't finished the series yet. ^^;;



It's great that more people are around, especially if they're Princess Tutu fans. :) I added myself to the Princess Tutu LJ group over a year ago (after I found out there some information about Ikuko Itoh's visit to Ushicon there) and have read around there a few times, but I haven't posted there.

Yeah...a lot of it is just fanart and such, but there's some discussion every now and then. Plus, it's thrilling to just be part of a group of fans of the show (particularly since most of my own friends aren't into the show...yet! ;) ).

For those of you who haven't finished the show, though, I'd probably say wait to go to check out the group until after you've finished the series. We can be a bit spoiler happy sometimes. ^^;; (Although we DO try to warn people...)



I never clearly saw Charon's/Fakir's house with a stable or an area for a horse, but I think I might look over the episodes where the house is seen as precisely as possible and see if I can spy a buildling/stable/thingie on the side of it (yes, I'm that much of a dork). I guess we can assume, however, that since (episode 8...I think...?) Charon gives Fakir the knight's equipment, he probably also has a horse somewhere. Though Princess Tutu is a fairy-tale getup, I'm still a little clueless as to how Fakir precisely shows up with it - twice. I'm assuming a horse would be difficult to keep in such a close-knit space as Kikan Town (I think?), and though your distance explanation does make sense, how'd he get it the first time, when talking to Rue?
In episode 8-ish, when Fakir returns to Charon in order to get the knight's sword, Charon says, "What, I haven't seen you since you went off to the school and this is what you have to say?" (or something like that). This means that Fakir hadn't returned to the house since entering Gold Crown Academy, we can assume, so how'd he get the horse? Did he sneak into the stable? Did he get it while Charon wasn't in?
Sorry if I'm sounding difficult with the horse matter. D:

No!! You're not being difficult at all! Compairing opinions is how you learn new things about the show and learn to see new ways of looking at it. ^^
Minor spoilers again.
I completely forgot about Charon's line when he sees Fakir about not seeing him "since [he] left for school." Fakir doesn't seem like he'd sneak into the stable and steal his own father's horse (adoptive or not). And if it was his horse, why would he sneak it out? (unless he just was too insecure about facing Charon...) The Academy has big enough grounds that I wouldn't be *too* surprised if they had some sort of stable there...although that would make Fakir one of the few (that we know of) that actually USES the stable. XD

...OH GOD BLESS AMERICA...

Those outtakes are delicious.

"AND I WANT TO SEE YOOOO..."
"...naaked."

Well, that was volume two, but still...xD

"Waaaugh! But you're hurt, Mytho!"
"Oh no, when I lost my heart all of my pain receptors were blocked, too."
What's funny is...none of the outtakes with Jay Hickman are ever him...messing up his lines. At all. All ad libs. XD Either he just didn't flub up that much, or he wasn't as funny as the other actors when he messed up.

[EmperorBrandon]

Those clicky spoiler tags don't seem to work sometimes. If you want to hide something in black like this, use the "hide tag".

Example: (change to brackets [ ] and it will hide)
(hide)hidden message(/hide)
hidden message

Just a note in case there's problems with those other tags.

[Morwen]

Oh, good, thank you! I fixed all of the spoilers in my post--seemed like they were messing up each other.

...Of course, now half of my message looks like it's some sort of white house conspiracy, but oh well. :sd:

[Isuzu Inugami]

Episode 4: Giselle

"Unrequited love" starts off this episode's intro narration. Are we talking about the story of Princess Tutu this time? This story also is unfinished, due to Drosselmeyer's absence.

-Is that a penguin playing piano for the ballet class?!

-Duck is wondering if she'll ever be able to dance as well as Rue, which leads to some priceless emotional "support" from Pike and Lilie. Of course, she can dance that well as Princess Tutu, but is that really her?

-Actually, Rue may be a prodigy, but she has a way to go herself. Today she's getting fatigued staying on point. Just as she falls, Mytho thinks someone is calling. Is there a connection between them? This gets Fakir suspicious, then angry when Mytho says he thinks he's experiencing feelings (lonliness, which popped up last episode.) It still all seems rather distant with him, though. Fakir tells him he has no need of a heart; if he were to regain it... (Yes? Yes? TELL US!) Well, don't be so foolish as to want one. (ARRRGHH!)

-Duck is practicing under threat of marriage to Mr. Cat, and remembers what she heard of Princess Tutu's story, that she'll fade to a speck of light and vanish if she ever confesses her love. Duck tells herself it's just a story--that doesn't quite wash, given what she knows of Mytho--then she tells herself she just wants to restore his heart, she has no intention of confessing to him. She is so kidding herself!

-Rue is off with Mytho, telling him it's fine to be a dummy. All he needs to know is that he loves her. (So Rue and Fakir both have an interest in Mytho staying as he is. But I'm wondering if it's the same interest. In any case, I see them as allies.) Mytho, in his blunt way, tells Rue that his feelings of lonliness don't go away when he's with her. Ouch! She's surprised to hear this coming from him, too.

-Fakir suspects Rue of being responsible for Mytho's changes. She jokingly suggests Princess Tutu is the one. Well, that's a silly idea! Fakir tells Rue to stay away from Mytho, which pisses her off. (She looks very appealing when pissed off, by the way. :blush:) What was I saying about allies? They aren't comfortable ones, at any rate.

-Duck sets aside her worries, and actually finds herself enjoying her enforced ballet practice. Pike and Lilie join in--"Let's all drop down to the probationary class with Duck!" Hah! But actually Mr. Cat is impressed enough to put her in the regular class. I like how he drops down from the balcony and not only lands on his feet (of course!) but in a ballet pose!

-Duck runs into Rue as she chases after Mytho (who is still hearing someone calling him. Guess it isn't Rue.) Rue didn't see him anyway, and starts lecturing Duck since Duck broke her concentration by shouting out when she was wobbling on point. (Now Rue, if you'd really been focused, you'd have never even heard it!) Duck breaks away to hunt for Mytho, and Rue chases after her.

-This is hilarious. Rue is winded from chasing after Duck (I would think a prodigy ballerina would have more stamina....) and Duck (unconsciously?) mimics her panting, which only pisses her off more. I always love it when an "icy" character is thrown off their stride like that. After a bit she tells Duck (on the Japanese track) she shouldn't call her Rue-chan, but rather Rue-sama. Duck just can't do it--it sounds cuter as "-chan" anyway. Duck asserts that they're friends, since they've walked all this way together.

-Mytho is spotted... in a funeral procession... of ghosts! This is what's been calling to him. Edel shows up and greets Rue by name, though they've never met. Duck almost lets slip that she's a duck, and explains that Edel knows everything, so she's not a suspicious person(!) Edel directs them to Mytho by telling a story within a story. (And we get reminded this is a town where fiction and reality mingle.) The unrequited love theme is here again, along with the idea of taking a "consolation prize" since the real love can't be attained. And it looks like Mytho is tonight's consolation prize. Rue won't let it happen!

-In fact, it's Rue who recognizes the ballet being reenacted and the threat of the rosemary gift, and who leaps in (supplanting Princess Tutu!) to dance Mytho away from the ghost girl. But this is the part she wasn't up to in practice, and she falls again (this time without any interruption from Duck). Is saving Mytho something only Princess Tutu can do, or is Rue's failure just bad luck and insufficient training?

Does Drosselmeyer always herald the transformation into Princess Tutu? Does Duck hear his commentary, or is that only for us, the audience? In any case Rue, who earlier made light of Princess Tutu, is now shocked to see her in the flesh.

-Tutu empathizes with the ghost girl by telling her she too is fated never to be with the one she loves. But Tutu is okay with it, because there is more than just sorrow in her heart. So this is the heart shard for sorrow.

-I was going to say yet another negative emotion! but maybe I'm thinking of this in the wrong way--maybe I should be more Taoist and recognize them as dark "yin" emotions, rather than "negative" ones. You can't be a whole human being if you are incapable of sorrow, or lonliness, so they shouldn't be devalued.... Then again, if this pattern keeps up, Mytho is going to turn into an emotional wreck! Drosselmeyer pops up to make that point too....

-Note to Drosselmeyer: Dude, you need to stop with the "All you children who love stories come gather round, hee hee hee" business because it is seriously creeping everyone out, okay?

[EmperorBrandon]

Episode 4: Giselle
Script Writer - Chiaki Konaka
Storyboard - Shogo Koumoto
Episode Director - Osamu Sekita, Matsuo Asami
Animation Director - Kazuyuki Ikai

Episode cast
Wili Maiden - Romi Paku/Robin Terry

This is the first of a few episodes in Tutu written by Chiaki Konaka (known for being a script writer in anime such as RahXephon, The Big O, Serial Experiments Lain, Magic User's Club, Digimon Tamers and lots of other stuff), and I think it's a decently interesting episode too.

One thing to note is the appearance of Penguin-sensei, who is one of the few anthropomorphic characters who don't talk (or never hear at least). The scene with Duck dancing in a state of happiness and then her friends showing up to help out was a pretty calming scene. I like it. And else, I also really enjoyed Duck and Rue's budding friendship here. I love Rue's cutesy frustrated faces (one, which I think is from a later episode, is being used in my avatar currently)

I think in these last two episodes, we're definitely beginning to see Drosselmeyer's love for tragedy in his story. He always seems to delight in thing going awry, with that creepy laugh of his.

Ah, and I just love Fakir's voice acting, regardless of the language. He sounds superbly cruel right now, which works perfectly - but more to say in the way of praise later. One thing to note is that Takahiro Sakurai has roles in other major Junichi Sato-directed series, the Leafe Knight of Sound Sasame in Pretear (which also is the same on the English side of things with Chris Patton) and the "God of Death" in Kaleido Star, Leon Oswald. There's some interesting comparisons to make here, but once again I will save them for later (unfortunately involve spoilers from EVERYTHING, so might as well wait on that).

[Mahlernut]

Series still just wasn't clicking for me at this point, especially when they dredged up Giselle. I understand that it's somehow significant in ballet history (unusually good libretto, if I remember correctly), but the music's just...dull. Though there's a fugue, which is an interesting rarity in a compositional form that wasn't really a hot-bed of technique at the time. Anyhow, I started having images of the rest of the series just being this tired, monster/low-grade ballet of the week format.

But then again, this episode does have the truly wonderful conversation between Rue and Ahiru, so I can't complain too much ;)

「ジゼル� Giselle

The Advanced Class practices
Adams, Adolphe
Giselle
Act I, No.3 – “Entrance of Giselle� (rehearsal reduction)

Rue & Myuto
Saint-Saëns, Camille
Carnival of the Animals
Aquarium

Edel talks about stories
Adam, Adolphe
Giselle
Act II – “Entrance of the Prince and Giselle’s Apparition�

The ghost appears, Rue challenges her for Myuto’s heart
Adam, Adolphe
Giselle
Act II – “Entrance of Hilarion�

Tutu & the ghost dance
Adam, Adolphe
Giselle
Act II – “Scene and Fugue of the Wilis�

Tutu returns the shard of Myuto’s heart
Mendelssohn, Felix Bartholdy
On Wings of Song

Next-episode preview
Mussorgsky, Modest (orch. Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition
Catacombs

[EmperorBrandon]

-I was going to say yet another negative emotion! but maybe I'm thinking of this in the wrong way--maybe I should be more Taoist and recognize them as dark "yin" emotions, rather than "negative" ones. You can't be a whole human being if you are incapable of sorrow, or lonliness, so they shouldn't be devalued.... Then again, if this pattern keeps up, Mytho is going to turn into an emotional wreck! Drosselmeyer pops up to make that point too....


I think Tutu emphasizes at least once in the series that even though the emotions bring pain, they are still important to have, so maybe it does have something to do with a balance (or something to do with not enjoying pleasure if you don't have pain?). There's certainly going to be consequences, though... :)

Anyway, I believe the next one she gets (minor spoilers) is fairly positive. Not all of them are particularly negative, I think, though I suppose they are good and bad points to each.

[Morwen]

Ahhh, Giselle. While I agree with Mahlernut that the music in this episode isn't the strongest, I really, REALLY like the story of this episode. It's still fairly generic compared to later episodes, but the dark tone of this one and the sad story of the Wili Maiden was the first time that I got the feeling that this series might have more to it than the typical Magical Girl fluff...and it drove me on to continue to watch the show.

Watching the scene with Fakir and Mytho at the mirror (when Fakir reacts negatively yet again to Mytho regaining his emotions) is a bit painful, considering the way Fakir treats him so harshly. However, watching this scene after having seen the entire series...the words Fakir are saying stood out to me more than the first time I saw this episode. It made me think of something...
Of course, that's heading into spoilers, so I won't talk about it right now. But I think I might bring up this scene again when we get to episode 10 (I think that's the right episode).

Since I'm a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, it's fun to see Romi Paku do a role that's so different from Ed. (I mean, can you GET much different?) Generally I like the English and Japanese versions equally, but I really, really like Paku-san's as the Wili Maiden in this episode. Of course, I love the Wili Maiden in general. (I've been considering cosplaying her for a while now.)

Rewatching the series in Japanese is really giving me an appreciation of this version. I'm really attatched to the English dub (it was how I first saw the series, and it made me a big fan of all of the cast, particularly Luci Christian and Chris Patton), so often when I try to watch it in Japanese I end up switching back--but now that I'm getting more used to the Japanese version, I'm starting to really appreciate it, as well. Now I think I'm starting to love it as much as the English dub. (Which, of course, also means I have to resist the impulse to rewind my favorite scene and switch the language back and forth over...and over...and over...so I can hear both versions. :sd: )

[EmperorBrandon]

Since I'm a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, it's fun to see Romi Paku do a role that's so different from Ed. (I mean, can you GET much different?) Generally I like the English and Japanese versions equally, but I really, really like Paku-san's as the Wili Maiden in this episode. Of course, I love the Wili Maiden in general. (I've been considering cosplaying her for a while now.)

I think this episode was the first time I ever heard Romi Paku, to be honest. :sd: She didn't have many lines at all, but they were delivered beautifully (she doesn't sound nearly as... masculine... as many other roles I've heard from her)

And as for episode character love, I have a few favorites in Tutu. One of them is just about to come up. :)

Rewatching the series in Japanese is really giving me an appreciation of this version. I'm really attatched to the English dub (it was how I first saw the series, and it made me a big fan of all of the cast, particularly Luci Christian and Chris Patton), so often when I try to watch it in Japanese I end up switching back--but now that I'm getting more used to the Japanese version, I'm starting to really appreciate it, as well. Now I think I'm starting to love it as much as the English dub. (Which, of course, also means I have to resist the impulse to rewind my favorite scene and switch the language back and forth over...and over...and over...so I can hear both versions. :sd: )

My first viewing of the series was in Japanese, but that didn't make me any less inclined to the English version. I have been watching both, though, and love both. Tutu is one of those shows you really can't go wrong either way, I think. It means double the enjoyment in some instances, and is a pleasure I don't have with some of my other favorites like Cardcaptor Sakura and Magical Project S.

[mangaka-chan]

-Duck is wondering if she'll ever be able to dance as well as Rue, which leads to some priceless emotional "support" from Pike and Lilie. Of course, she can dance that well as Princess Tutu, but is that really her?

Good observation. :) Most magical-tranforming-girls anime don't go into the identity crisis, and if so it's usually only superficially touched upon. But in this case (slight spoiler) you've nailed something that's really important to this anime, as Ahiru/Duck's true identity and feelings will become a major issue for her to deal with later on.



-I was going to say yet another negative emotion! but maybe I'm thinking of this in the wrong way--maybe I should be more Taoist and recognize them as dark "yin" emotions, rather than "negative" ones. You can't be a whole human being if you are incapable of sorrow, or lonliness, so they shouldn't be devalued.... Then again, if this pattern keeps up, Mytho is going to turn into an emotional wreck! Drosselmeyer pops up to make that point too....


I don't think Princess Tutu would be what it is if most of the emotions returned to Mytho were positive. It has a lot to do with that saying, that "one does not know true happiness until one has experienced true saddness". I think that's what the show is trying to convey, that feelings of joy and happiness are so very precious because so much of our emotions are "negative". Not a very cheerful idea but I think it's quite poignant. :)

[Morwen]

Since I'm a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, it's fun to see Romi Paku do a role that's so different from Ed. (I mean, can you GET much different?) Generally I like the English and Japanese versions equally, but I really, really like Paku-san's as the Wili Maiden in this episode. Of course, I love the Wili Maiden in general. (I've been considering cosplaying her for a while now.)

I think this episode was the first time I ever heard Romi Paku, to be honest. :sd: She didn't have many lines at all, but they were delivered beautifully (she doesn't sound nearly as... masculine... as many other roles I've heard from her)

And as for episode character love, I have a few favorites in Tutu. One of them is just about to come up. :)
I'm not really familar with Romi Paku either, to be honest (I mean, I know Ed, but that's the only one I can think of that I've heard) but...if Edward's what her typical role sounds like, she's almost unrecongisable. I almost kind of wish the Wili Maiden had more lines so I could hear more of her performance. XD

Is the episode character you're refering to the one featured next episode? That one is one of my favorites, too. (And another character I would consider cosplaying if I didn't look yyccchhh in the color they wear.)


My first viewing of the series was in Japanese, but that didn't make me any less inclined to the English version. I have been watching both, though, and love both. Tutu is one of those shows you really can't go wrong either way, I think. It means double the enjoyment in some instances, and is a pleasure I don't have with some of my other favorites like Cardcaptor Sakura and Magical Project S.

Yeah, I'm not really sure why I put off watching it in Japanese for so long. ^^; Both versions really are excellent, and it's fun to switch back and forth and see how each actor (and the two directors) brought their own personal ideas and styles to the characters.

[The Great Bear]

Rewatching the series in Japanese is really giving me an appreciation of this version. I'm really attatched to the English dub (it was how I first saw the series, and it made me a big fan of all of the cast, particularly Luci Christian and Chris Patton), so often when I try to watch it in Japanese I end up switching back--but now that I'm getting more used to the Japanese version, I'm starting to really appreciate it, as well. Now I think I'm starting to love it as much as the English dub. (Which, of course, also means I have to resist the impulse to rewind my favorite scene and switch the language back and forth over...and over...and over...so I can hear both versions. :sd: )

I've also been rewatching this in the Japanese (having seen it all in English before), and it is interesting to see where the original vocal ranges and performances were.

I absolutely love the English dub, but the Japanese is also very good. Especially the scene with Duck and Rue, Duck mimicking Rue being out of breath.

I'm curious to see what other cameos we get in addition to Romi Paku so far.

[The Great Bear]

Episode 4: Giselle

-Is that a penguin playing piano for the ballet class?!

And why not? He's already dressed as a musician (being in a tux :P ). You'll see him again.

-Actually, Rue may be a prodigy, but she has a way to go herself. … Just as she falls, Mytho thinks someone is calling. Is there a connection between them? This gets Fakir suspicious, then angry when Mytho says he thinks he's experiencing feelings … It still all seems rather distant with him, though. Fakir tells him he has no need of a heart; if he were to regain it... (Yes? Yes? TELL US!) Well, don't be so foolish as to want one. (ARRRGHH!)

-Rue is off with Mytho, telling him it's fine to be a dummy. All he needs to know is that he loves her. (So Rue and Fakir both have an interest in Mytho staying as he is. But I'm wondering if it's the same interest. In any case, I see them as allies.) Mytho, in his blunt way, tells Rue that his feelings of lonliness don't go away when he's with her. Ouch! She's surprised to hear this coming from him, too.

-Fakir suspects Rue of being responsible for Mytho's changes… What was I saying about allies? They aren't comfortable ones, at any rate.

I don't want to spoil anything, so I will limit myself to saying, just keep watching them. You're doing a very good job of cataloguing their interactions. It was very interesting how they had Mytho remark to Rue that her presence didn't end his sense of loneliness. So, what is it that he's really longing for? (To be continued…)

But actually Mr. Cat is impressed enough to put her in the regular class. I like how he drops down from the balcony and not only lands on his feet (of course!) but in a ballet pose!

That was a particularly well done little scene. Notice how they had him also go through the natural cat falling poses before he goes into ballet mode right as he lands.

-This is hilarious. Rue is winded from chasing after Duck (I would think a prodigy ballerina would have more stamina....) and Duck (unconsciously?) mimics her panting, which only pisses her off more. I always love it when an "icy" character is thrown off their stride like that. After a bit she tells Duck (on the Japanese track) she shouldn't call her Rue-chan, but rather Rue-sama. Duck just can't do it--it sounds cuter as "-chan" anyway. Duck asserts that they're friends, since they've walked all this way together.

As I said in another post, one of my favorite scenes from this episode.

-In fact, it's Rue who recognizes the ballet being reenacted and the threat of the rosemary gift, and who leaps in (supplanting Princess Tutu!) to dance Mytho away from the ghost girl. But this is the part she wasn't up to in practice, and she falls again (this time without any interruption from Duck). Is saving Mytho something only Princess Tutu can do, or is Rue's failure just bad luck and insufficient training?

I'd like to comment, but must refrain. It was interesting, nonetheless, to see Rue try to save the Prince.

Does Drosselmeyer always herald the transformation into Princess Tutu? Does Duck hear his commentary, or is that only for us, the audience?

For the moment, his commentary is just for us. Take note of the clock mechanisms, as they symbolize more than just his connection to clocks in The Nutcracker.

-Note to Drosselmeyer: Dude, you need to stop with the "All you children who love stories come gather round, hee hee hee" business because it is seriously creeping everyone out, okay?

Ah, but creepiness is part of his appeal. Frankly, the English Drosselmeyer (Marty Fleck) is much creepier than the original voice.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

This episode really started to get me into Tutu as we got the Rue/Duck friendship/rivalry/semapai-kohai/ice queen-ray of sunshine parralel - The Rue-sama vs. Rue-chan part of the track was great - whilst different in English, Luci's dragging of the word 'LAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDYYYYYYYY...Rue.' Nah, that's not gonna work, so it's Rue. :P

The ballet sequence in this episode, with Giselle and the ghosts, Rue's on pointe (and failing) and the arrival of Tutu, it was a fantastic way to introduce Tutu to Rue-chan, and I really did enjoy how the music fit here.

Oh, and Pike and Lille are hilarious as always, as is Mr.Cat (Unfortunately, it seems you've worked way too hard...SO I'M AFRAID I CAN'T HAVE YOU MEOWRY ME!!! :D ).

And at this point in the series, I had similar feelings to Fakir as I did in two other Sato series, Kaleido Star and Pretear, in reference to Layla and Hayate, two characters I really HATED........at first. That changes... :D

[puchiko2]

This episode is just so key to Rue's ever growing character in the series.

Now you can compare it the the Anteater episode, and see if her kindness was really there? XD hehe

Very good to notice how she was almost stepping in place of Princess Tutu, but falling when she tries to do so.

and how the scene ends with Mytho and Rue staring at one another as a gear encloses them. (did i mention how much each gear frame is important? XD now i did!)

Though we can all agree Drosselmeyer is keen to the idea of tragedy, maybe he just, like us, wants an interesting story? and what better way to get that than with conflict! XD

But then again... :)

Keep up the awesome work!!

[EmperorBrandon]

This episode really started to get me into Tutu as we got the Rue/Duck friendship/rivalry/semapai-kohai/ice queen-ray of sunshine parralel - The Rue-sama vs. Rue-chan part of the track was great - whilst different in English, Luci's dragging of the word 'LAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDYYYYYYYY...Rue.' Nah, that's not gonna work, so it's Rue. :P

Yeah, that kind of thing didn't work quite so well in English, I thought. Then again, bringing in honorifics or fabricating a more familiar form of address (to cover the "-chan") may have been more odd, though.

[Morwen]

I absolutely love the English dub, but the Japanese is also very good. Especially the scene with Duck and Rue, Duck mimicking Rue being out of breath.
I actually didn't even get the joke in that scene when I watched it in English. I laughed when I saw the Japanese version and realized why Rue had been so ticked off. XD



-Note to Drosselmeyer: Dude, you need to stop with the "All you children who love stories come gather round, hee hee hee" business because it is seriously creeping everyone out, okay?

Ah, but creepiness is part of his appeal. Frankly, the English Drosselmeyer (Marty Fleck) is much creepier than the original voice.
Definantely. Actually, Drosselmeyer's one of the reasons I tend to switch back to English when I listen to the Japanese version. The Japanese voice for Drosselmeyer is good, but I LOVE Marty Fleck's Drosselmeyer. The Japanese version almost sounds...feable? That's not present in the English version--Drosselmeyer's still obviously old, but Fleck's voice for him also carries a lot of power and authority--plus, you can tell that this Drosselmeyer really, REALLY enjoys seeing the characters go through suffering. It works really well. This is the only dub I've heard with Marty Fleck in it (as far as I know), but I'd love to hear more.



And at this point in the series, I had similar feelings to Fakir as I did in two other Sato series, Kaleido Star and Pretear, in reference to Layla and Hayate, two characters I really HATED........at first. That changes... :D
This episode is just so key to Rue's ever growing character in the series.
One of the many things I love about this series is how the characters grow and change throughout the series. I know I've heard (either through interviews or through the DVD extras...I forget which...^^; ) at least one of the actors for the English version note how much they really enjoyed this series because they felt really challenged as an actor.
As for Fakir and Rue, I can't comment too much because I reeeeally don't want to spoil anything...but I adore them both, and one of them became my favorite character in the series because of the changes they go through. ^^



Yeah, that kind of thing didn't work quite so well in English, I thought. Then again, bringing in honorifics or fabricating a more familiar form of address (to cover the "-chan") may have been more odd, though.
If Princess Tutu had been set in Japan, I would've said "why didn't they just use the honorifics?" But since Princess Tutu's set in Germany (or at least appears to be), it really doesn't work very well to do it that way. I don't know if there's really any better way to do it than how they did in the English version.

[EmperorBrandon]

As far as Marty Fleck goes, I agree. You definitely get the sophisticated if a bit eccentric storyteller kind of vibe with his voice.

He is going to be in ADV's upcoming release of Kurau: Phantom Memory (something I'm proud to say since I won a DVD for guessing him correctly in that title :D )


If Princess Tutu had been set in Japan, I would've said "why didn't they just use the honorifics?" But since Princess Tutu's set in Germany (or at least appears to be), it really doesn't work very well to do it that way. I don't know if there's really any better way to do it than how they did in the English version.

Yeah, honorifics would be totally out of place. Since there is written German throughout the show, I definitely take it as German-themed, and thus it would actually be assumed the characters are speaking German to each other (there is at least one part when Fakir is saying in incantation that he's actually speaking in German). Does leave me to wonder how Princess Tutu would sound in German. Looking on ANN, seems like it's licensed for France and Italy, but no mention of Germany...

[sabs]

The music choice for this episode was bland, yes, but also especially fitting at certain areas - in particular, the song paired with Rue's dancing at the beginning. Not as dramatic as some of the music for the end of season 1, but low and eerie to the point of fitting like a glove onto the storyline.

I feel sorry for poor Ahiru! D; She gets in trouble simply for trying to warn Rue! And Rue acts like it's Ahiru's fault! Gah! Letteme at 'er! (Kidding, Rue-chan. After your tidbit at the end of second season, you know I sympathize with you.)

I agree: the voice-acting for this episode was done really well. I actually liked the Japanese Mytho the best this episode: he did an excellent job. I love the way he can make Mytho seem so emotionless one moment and then so changed and understandable the next. For instance, when Mytho talks to Fakir about the loneliness he feels...so serene and dramatic at the same time! >w<
Seriously: I'm amazed at the lines the Tutu voice actors can pull off - both the English and Japanese. The Japanese Fakir does have a wonderfully sinister, grumpy voice quality. It was truly interesting hearing from the voice actors at the Tutu Event about their experiences and the difficulties of playing such unique roles.

In this episodes you can see a bit of possible FakirxMytho-ness. <3 Fakir-kun seems almost dirty sometimes with his Mytho possessiveness. >////< -explodes into goo at the possibilities-

Yeah - Mr. Cat's awesome half-spin jump was probably the coolest thing ever. I give it a ten!

And again, like last episode, there were some nice, suspenseful visual effects: namely when Edel appears out of the mist and recites her story. The shadowing there was once more sadistic and really drew you into the plotline. Utterly creepy, depressing, and horrifying at the same time. <333

The dance-off between Giselle and Rue was very lovely. And you have to give Rue some credit: she was doing pointe in her school shoes! I can't even imagine pointe in toeshoes, so in heeled dress shoes is actually quite impressive, even if she did wipe out after a few minutes.

Ohh, and the scene with Mytho/Rue in the gear is pretty. It would make a good icon. ;)

Ahiru's quotes and facial expressions were amusing in this episode, as usual, but I'm starting to believe Rue can really rival Ahiru in terms of hilarity (when her character permits it, at least). ;3
I agree, her frustrated, "WTFAHIRU?!", and "OMGLAME" expressions are priceless fun. xD

Peguin-sensei was especially interesting and noticeable. xD That reminds me that I have to get my friend a screenshot of that penguin.
(And he does look pretty cool (ending spoilers) as a human. I want that dude's sunglasses. <3)

I do have some complaints about this episode. Once more, just as many of the beginning episodes are, this one was rather slow-moving. Probably even more than the last. Some of the scenes were rather choppy, as well, like the part where Rue is dancing and the Ahiru/Lillie/Pique gang is making emotions/movements of awe. Not sure why the animators made these scenes so seperated. There were also some similar tidbits in there that share the same fate, like some of the areas in the Giselle/Ahiru dance. They were actually a little irritating, in my opinion.

In any case, can't wait for the next episode: it's one of my favorites. ^__^




I never clearly saw Charon's/Fakir's house with a stable or an area for a horse, but I think I might look over the episodes where the house is seen as precisely as possible and see if I can spy a buildling/stable/thingie on the side of it (yes, I'm that much of a dork). I guess we can assume, however, that since (episode 8...I think...?) Charon gives Fakir the knight's equipment, he probably also has a horse somewhere. Though Princess Tutu is a fairy-tale getup, I'm still a little clueless as to how Fakir precisely shows up with it - twice. I'm assuming a horse would be difficult to keep in such a close-knit space as Kikan Town (I think?), and though your distance explanation does make sense, how'd he get it the first time, when talking to Rue?
In episode 8-ish, when Fakir returns to Charon in order to get the knight's sword, Charon says, "What, I haven't seen you since you went off to the school and this is what you have to say?" (or something like that). This means that Fakir hadn't returned to the house since entering Gold Crown Academy, we can assume, so how'd he get the horse? Did he sneak into the stable? Did he get it while Charon wasn't in?
Sorry if I'm sounding difficult with the horse matter. D:

No!! You're not being difficult at all! Compairing opinions is how you learn new things about the show and learn to see new ways of looking at it. ^^
Minor spoilers again.
I completely forgot about Charon's line when he sees Fakir about not seeing him "since [he] left for school." Fakir doesn't seem like he'd sneak into the stable and steal his own father's horse (adoptive or not). And if it was his horse, why would he sneak it out? (unless he just was too insecure about facing Charon...) The Academy has big enough grounds that I wouldn't be *too* surprised if they had some sort of stable there...although that would make Fakir one of the few (that we know of) that actually USES the stable. XD

More spoilers. :3
Well, I don't have much else to say besides yeah, I guess we can just assume Fakir got the horse from Charon's house. Maybe a neighbor? Though I don't see Fakir going into town, somehow becoming friends with a resident, and then asking whenever he needs it, "Can I have your horse for a couple of hours?"

[bctaris]

Episode 4: Giselle
Script Writer - Chiaki Konaka

This is the first of a few episodes in Tutu written by Chiaki Konaka (known for being a script writer in anime such as RahXephon, The Big O, Serial Experiments Lain, Magic User's Club, Digimon Tamers and lots of other stuff), and I think it's a decently interesting episode too.

Yay, the first Konaka episode, my favorite anime writer. As with other things he's been even just an episode writer for, and particularly projects he's worked with Sato on, he adds a unique ingredient to the mix. Especially on a story with dark, layered consciousness-bending subject matter, such as a traditional fairy tale with Tutu. I think I mentioned when this came out that I noticed his signature on this episode before I knew he was the writer. Giselle was a natural vehicle for him to have, and I'm not surprised to see minor criticism of the pacing of this episode, something Konaka's writing imparts if viewers aren't attuned to his style. But I think it works quite effectively at this point in the show--far from leaving me with the assumption, as Mahlernut says, that it would be a "ballet of the week" despite its formulaic trappings, this felt like a hint and precursor of darker more complex things to come. In retrospect, it holds up.

If I wasn't sold on the show at first glance, I knew the creative staff behind it would not disappoint. They were the first reason I even looked into this.

And else, I also really enjoyed Duck and Rue's budding friendship here. I love Rue's cutesy frustrated faces (one, which I think is from a later episode, is being used in my avatar currently)

An off-kilter avatar in my style. I like it. ;)

[Isuzu Inugami]

Episode 5: On the Night of the Fire Festival

-Intro story has a happy prince without a painful past or future, who gets a comforting warmth that has elements of pain and lonliness. Kind of short and vague... is this our Prince who needs these things to become whole? It reminds me of how the heart shards are comforting to the people they settle upon.

-Rue is reading up on the Prince and the Raven story. Does she not know all about it already? Fakir seems to--and they both know Mytho comes out of that story. Fakir thinks she's the one restoring Mytho's heart. Rue laughs at him--she knows about Princess Tutu, but he doesn't have a clue.

-Pike and Lilie want to know what Duck is wearing to the Fire Festival, but Duck is shockingly ignorant about the whole thing. Duck's mind wanders, grumpy about not knowing and ends up accidentally asking Mr. Cat what it is. It seems the best dancing couple gets a golden apple prize, and perhaps is even fated to be together--apparently Mr. Cat is providing the visual illustrations here. :P

-Oh gosh, Mytho has wandered off again. I swear, they ought to put him on one of those leashes they use on little kids.

-Oh, Duck found him--right after Drosselmeyer gives her a reminder of Princess Tutu's fate never to be with the Prince she saves (but Duck tells herself she's okay with that.), and pops up again to remind her she'll disappear if she confesses her love. He does seem to get a kick out of this tragic stuff! It seems Mytho is looking for Rue, to practice for the Fire Festival dance.

-Mytho says it's dark and cold when he's alone. Then he starts doing his dance practice with Duck, who is quite swept off her feet by this abrupt turn of events. Mytho wanting to dance of his own free will is something new.

-Duck is so happy she got to dance with him. Cute! But then she sees herself as just a Rue substitute and gets mopey. She accidentally transforms into a duck after walking like one and letting a "quack" slip out...

-Fakir gives Mytho another dressing down, telling him to ignore Rue, and wonders what's going on with "that duck-like girl." Then he gets pissed when Mytho explains he asked her to dance with him. All Mytho needs to do is listen to what Fakir tells him!

-Fakir found Mytho wandering without a memory! Fakir named him "Mytho!" Fakir saved him!

-Fakir drags Mytho off, accusing him of defying him. He's forbidden to go to the Fire Festival.

-Duck tells Rue Mytho was here, but stepped out. Rue teases Duck a little about not chasing after him like she did before, but it's rather affectionate teasing. Is she starting to see Duck as a friend?

-Duck catches Fakir locking up Mytho in the library, and shoves him as she tells him off! I think this is the first time we've seen her flat out angry! She let's slip that she knows about Mytho regaining heart shards, and Fakir wants to know how she knows about such things. He lets slip that Rue and he know Mytho comes from inside a story, and says Mytho has no need of a heart--something Duck just can't accept.

-After Fakir tells Duck she doesn't know anything, Duck starts to doubt herself--is she sticking her nose where it doesn't belong? Edel shows up saying "a flame can illuminate the darkness, but without the darkness it cannot even be seen." This seems like a nod toward the idea of having to have the dark, unhappy emotions to be able to feel the joyful ones. Although it also plays into this episode's ballet dual more literally....

Duck manages to "sneak" :P into where Mytho is in the library. She gets challenged with riddles, and fails them, but I have to give her credit for coming up with some good solutions. As Princess Tutu she confronts the riddler to get Mytho back. --it's a discarded oil lamp with a heart shard. I guess inanimate objects can get them too.... :sd:

-The spirit of the lamp feels betrayed by being abandoned by the people she illuminated. This heart shard is actually her affecion for the people she illuminated. This time a positive emotion gets returned to Mytho!

-Rue is feeling stood up, and says she was a fool for believing Duck that Mytho would meet her at the Fire Festival. This is interesting because it means she did have faith in Duck. Just as she turns to leave, Mytho shows up after all. He dances with her, and at first she bemused and happy about it, but when she sees the look of kindness in his eyes, she freaks out and runs off. She's shocked that he's changed even more...? Also, Duck was watching them dance, thinking this is how it should be, but she didn't seem very happy with that thought. She was carrying the lamp, though--at least someone has a happy ending!

Another fairly straightforward magical girl format episode. But there seems to be more going on under the surface. Fakir seems positively desperate to keep Mytho emotionless, and Rue's ice-queen demeanor is scarcely present.

Omake!

This ends the first ADV disc, and I have to give them credit for some really neat extras. The ballet tutorial and music notes delivered in character from Mr. Cat and Pike/Lilie were brilliant!

[EmperorBrandon]

Just curious, but have you decided to run the discussion thread tomorrow, Shimauma, or just on weekdays as planned?

Anyway...
Episode 5: On the Night of the Fire Festival
Script Writer - Mamiko Ikeda
Storyboard - Koh Yuh
Episode Director - Koh Yuh
Animation Director - Akemi Kobayashi

Episode cast
Lamp Spirit - Miyuki Sawashiro/Kim Prause

First episode of many written by Mamiko Ikeda, who would go on to be head writer for Sgt. Frog (she wrote about a third of the episodes in Fruits Basket as well). Koh Yuh would later be director of Chrono Crusade and Loveless.

Anyway, I've said it before, but I love this episode, and one I single out of the early episodes.

There's several interesting scenes from the start: Mytho taking the initiative for once, lots of great Duck moments in general (some goofy moments that really worked here, and of course she's cute when she's around Mytho usually), and Fakir getting really nasty at a few points. Got to love it when Duck knocks him out of the way. :D

And then in the latter part of the episode we have the Lamp Spirit. I absolutely love her voice (sooo cute...). We got Miyuki Sawashiro (Shinku!!! Though obviously is one of her really cutesy voices so a bit different from Shinku) in Japanese and then Kim Prause (Aya Hoshino = love) in English. Well, not just that, but I find the whole scene very intriguing and beautiful. First Duck botches her riddles going down the corridor, and we have the Lamp Spirit being teasingly succinct. Then after Tutu comes out and the riddler revealed, we have Tutu dancing under the light of the lamp (and later actually with the lamp spirit, transparent as she is), which was pretty... I rather liked the music going on with this scene as well.

Speaking of Miyuki Sawashiro, ADV gave an incorrect reading of her name in the credits - BOO!!! (though I think they got her right on Kaleido Star: New Wings as Sophie)

[Morwen]

-Oh gosh, Mytho has wandered off again. I swear, they ought to put him on one of those leashes they use on little kids.
I'm sure that if Fakir had thought of it, he would've actually done that. :sd:

-Mytho says it's dark and cold when he's alone. Then he starts doing his dance practice with Duck, who is quite swept off her feet by this abrupt turn of events. Mytho wanting to dance of his own free will is something new.
I really like how we get to see Mytho's slowly returning emotions in this episode. It's portrayed really well. His dance with Duck is really cute, too--it's nice to get to see Duck dancing as the girl, rather than the Princess.

-Fakir gives Mytho another dressing down, telling him to ignore Rue, and wonders what's going on with "that duck-like girl." Then he gets pissed when Mytho explains he asked her to dance with him. All Mytho needs to do is listen to what Fakir tells him!
I think this is the first episode that Fakir really gives more than a second thought to Duck--in other episodes, he's been too focused on protecting Mytho and keeping tabs on Rue to really notice her.
I bet the way Fakir strokes Mytho's face before telling him off in this scene really excites yaoi fans.

-Fakir found Mytho wandering without a memory! Fakir named him "Mytho!" Fakir saved him!
Another piece in the puzzle that is Fakir...

-Duck catches Fakir locking up Mytho in the library, and shoves him as she tells him off! I think this is the first time we've seen her flat out angry! She let's slip that she knows about Mytho regaining heart shards, and Fakir wants to know how she knows about such things. He lets slip that Rue and he know Mytho comes from inside a story, and says Mytho has no need of a heart--something Duck just can't accept.
Fakir really deserves a good shove (or maybe even a punch) at this point in the series. She REALLY gets him good, too. I'm in a goofy mood tonight (and I probably have way too much free time), so I slowed down the video just to see Fakir's expressions when she shoves him:
Huh? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHuh.png)
HEY! WHAT THE--? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHeyWhatThe.png)
OwOwOw!! (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirOwOwOw.png)
I'm too much of a Fakir fangirl for my own good.

-The spirit of the lamp feels betrayed by being abandoned by the people she illuminated. This heart shard is actually her affecion for the people she illuminated. This time a positive emotion gets returned to Mytho!
The Lamp is another one of my favorite episodic characters. The way the heart shard that latches onto her is actually a positive emotion, but it gets twisted into a negative one by the heart shard, is really interesting. Particularly since affection that has progressed to the point of obsession and posessiveness will later prove to be a major theme throughout the show.

-Rue is feeling stood up, and says she was a fool for believing Duck that Mytho would meet her at the Fire Festival. This is interesting because it means she did have faith in Duck. Just as she turns to leave, Mytho shows up after all. He dances with her, and at first she bemused and happy about it, but when she sees the look of kindness in his eyes, she freaks out and runs off. She's shocked that he's changed even more...? Also, Duck was watching them dance, thinking this is how it should be, but she didn't seem very happy with that thought. She was carrying the lamp, though--at least someone has a happy ending!
Rue and Mytho's dance is another cute dance in this episode...poor Rue seems really happy for a moment. I think the reason she freaks out is that she's known Mytho for so long and he's NEVER smiled. It's pretty much an alien experience for her, and she's not sure how to react.
Just an aside, but I really love her Fire Festival dress.

Omake!

This ends the first ADV disc, and I have to give them credit for some really neat extras. The ballet tutorial and music notes delivered in character from Mr. Cat and Pike/Lilie were brilliant!
One thing that's consistant about ADV's release of Princess Tutu is that they gave it some REALLY nice extras. ADV really did an excellent job on this series--from the dub, to the extras, to even the packaging (I love the reversable covers!) I'm really glad they put effort into the Princess Tutu DVDs--it really shows. ^_^

This is another pretty random comment, but since this was the first time I watched this episode in Japanese, I was really surprised by Fakir calling Mytho a b-----d. In the English dub they just went with 'idiot' again. He must've been REALLY mad with Mytho. XD
(Although even in the English dub Fakir is a bit of a potty mouth, particularly compared to the other characters, who...if I'm not missing anything...never swear at all.
...Of course, Fakir is nothing compared to Chris Patton himself in the outtakes.)

[mangaka-chan]

Episode 5: On the Night of the Fire Festival

-Fakir gives Mytho another dressing down, telling him to ignore Rue, and wonders what's going on with "that duck-like girl." Then he gets pissed when Mytho explains he asked her to dance with him. All Mytho needs to do is listen to what Fakir tells him!

-Fakir found Mytho wandering without a memory! Fakir named him "Mytho!" Fakir saved him!

-Fakir drags Mytho off, accusing him of defying him. He's forbidden to go to the Fire Festival.

-Duck catches Fakir locking up Mytho in the library, and shoves him as she tells him off! I think this is the first time we've seen her flat out angry! She let's slip that she knows about Mytho regaining heart shards, and Fakir wants to know how she knows about such things. He lets slip that Rue and he know Mytho comes from inside a story, and says Mytho has no need of a heart--something Duck just can't accept.

After I watched this episode, it really made me dislike Fakir for a little while (but I say "a little" because later on his character changes dramaticlly and I could more or less understand why he did what he did). First, he locked Mytho up, and then he made Duck cry by yelling at her. Thankfully he realized he had said enough when he saw the tears in Duck's eyes and back off, but that little bit did cement the word "jerk" in my mind.


Duck manages to "sneak" :P into where Mytho is in the library. She gets challenged with riddles, and fails them, but I have to give her credit for coming up with some good solutions. As Princess Tutu she confronts the riddler to get Mytho back. --it's a discarded oil lamp with a heart shard. I guess inanimate objects can get them too.... :sd:


I'm wondering, does this particular episode have more Japanese influence to it than Western/German influence? The idea that objects can gain a conscious is similar to the tsukumogami seen in Japanese folk tales. But as far as I can remember (which isn't very well at 12:53 in the morning) there doesn't seem to be similar cases in Western fairy tales. Objects might be sentient but they are usually under some sort of curse like the nutcrack prince, and are in fact human.

[mangaka-chan]

Fakir really deserves a good shove (or maybe even a punch) at this point in the series. She REALLY gets him good, too. I'm in a goofy mood tonight (and I probably have way too much free time), so I slowed down the video just to see Fakir's expressions when she shoves him:
Huh? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHuh.png)
HEY! WHAT THE--? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHeyWhatThe.png)
OwOwOw!! (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirOwOwOw.png)
I'm too much of a Fakir fangirl for my own good.


LOL, would you mind if I make some icons from those pictures? They're too funny! Haha XD

[Morwen]

Fakir really deserves a good shove (or maybe even a punch) at this point in the series. She REALLY gets him good, too. I'm in a goofy mood tonight (and I probably have way too much free time), so I slowed down the video just to see Fakir's expressions when she shoves him:
Huh? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHuh.png)
HEY! WHAT THE--? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHeyWhatThe.png)
OwOwOw!! (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirOwOwOw.png)
I'm too much of a Fakir fangirl for my own good.


LOL, would you mind if I make some icons from those pictures? They're too funny! Haha XD

No, not at all! Particularly if you let me have one. XD *still new to making icons, as you can probably tell by my poor blurry Duck :sd: ) I was just thinking they'd make great icons.

[Mahlernut]

Fun! More Mussorgsky, and this time something I really didn't expect them to use (or use so well) - Cum mortuis in lingua mortua. The mood, writing, and soundtrack choices really got me this time, and though it's the next episode that turned the corner for me, I started suspecting that there was something special in this show.

A couple of important firsts here, as well. This is the first time that we have Myutho associated with the music from the Siegfried Idyll (which is a lovely bit of cross-referential work on the producers' part; the Siegfried they're referencing isn't specifically the one from Wagner's Ring cycle, but the one inserted into...oh hell...I think it was Swan Lake...after the fact). It's also the first time that Beethoven's used, not to mention the first time Fakir is depicted using the Coriolan music. Which is pretty freakin' awesome, however you look at it.

Anyhow, here's the music for Act 5, subtitled:
Bilder einer Ausstellung： Die Katakomben (『展覧会�絵�より「カタコンベ�)

Neko-sensei explains the Fire Festival
Saint-Saëns, Camille
Carnival of the Animals
March of the Lion

Myuto & Ahiru’s Pas de deux in the Advanced Class’ room
Wagner, Richard
Siegfried Idyll

Myuto rebuked by Fakir
Beethoven, Ludwig von
Coriolan Overture

The spirit of the lamp
Mussorgsky, Modest (orch. Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition
Catacombs

The spirit dances with Tutu
Mussorgsky, Modest (orch. Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition
Cum mortuis in lingua mortua

Mytho & Rue dance
Saint-Saëns, Camille
Carnival of the Animals
Aquarium

Next-episode preview
Sleeping Beauty
Prologue, Introduction

[The Great Bear]

Just a few points to add to:

Episode 5: On the Night of the Fire Festival

-Rue is reading up on the Prince and the Raven story. Does she not know all about it already? Fakir seems to--and they both know Mytho comes out of that story. Fakir thinks she's the one restoring Mytho's heart. Rue laughs at him--she knows about Princess Tutu, but he doesn't have a clue.

The extent of Rue's knowledge will become apparent in future episodes. And also why Rue knows what Rue knows.

-Oh gosh, Mytho has wandered off again. I swear, they ought to put him on one of those leashes they use on little kids.

LOL.

-Duck is so happy she got to dance with him. Cute! But then she sees herself as just a Rue substitute and gets mopey. She accidentally transforms into a duck after walking like one and letting a "quack" slip out...

Which also conveniently lets her overhear Fakir's conversation with Mytho without giving herself away ;)

-Fakir found Mytho wandering without a memory! Fakir named him "Mytho!" Fakir saved him!

This will become increasingly important to remember. You'll know why…some time from now :sd:

-Duck catches Fakir locking up Mytho in the library, and shoves him as she tells him off! I think this is the first time we've seen her flat out angry! She let's slip that she knows about Mytho regaining heart shards, and Fakir wants to know how she knows about such things. He lets slip that Rue and he know Mytho comes from inside a story, and says Mytho has no need of a heart--something Duck just can't accept.

Good catch. Normally, Duck is always cheerful or happy. Anger is rare in her.

-The spirit of the lamp feels betrayed by being abandoned by the people she illuminated. This heart shard is actually her affecion for the people she illuminated. This time a positive emotion gets returned to Mytho!

Wait until the next episode.

But there seems to be more going on under the surface. Fakir seems positively desperate to keep Mytho emotionless, and Rue's ice-queen demeanor is scarcely present.

As Mytho changes, so do those around him change. It could be said their inner selves are starting to emerge.

Omake!

This ends the first ADV disc, and I have to give them credit for some really neat extras. The ballet tutorial and music notes delivered in character from Mr. Cat and Pike/Lilie were brilliant!

The extras are great during the whole release. Be sure to watch them.

[Morwen]

It's also the first time that Beethoven's used, not to mention the first time Fakir is depicted using the Coriolan music. Which is pretty freakin' awesome, however you look at it.

I just recently looked up the Coriolan Overture and I was really surprised by the story behind it. It's a very grim song for poor Fakir (definantely not one I'd like to have associated with me!), but it does fit him really well. There's some moments in the series when you could swear it was made for the anime itself--they use it really, really well.

Still...poor Fakir...XD

[puchiko2]

on topic of the omakes, i found the staff commentary on this episode extremely helpful ^_^ i especially liked how they compared this to a certain Edgar Allen Poe story that i just so happen to have studied in school last year!

The story had to do with a slighty crazy man out to get revenge on his 'friend', and does so by 'walling' him up in his creepy wine-cellar/cave. the setting is also discribed with lots of skulls. I can't do justice describing it though, it'd be best checking out the staff commentary for yourself.

You might also not want to forget about this setting, because like many things... it'll return!

One of my favorite things in this episode is the imagery and the use of riddles ^_^ (Much like any fairy tale!) My favorite was when the lamp girl was shown alone, and the flame was shown as her long, bell-like dress. So beautiful!

Fakir is getting very desperate in this episode, why could that be? *drosselmeyer face O.O *

[Spirit Of The Stage]

I think this ep really was the one that got me into Tutu, because of a few simple moments and how wonderful they were;

1) Myoto's dance with Duck - when he lifts her and Duck's oh so cute reaction, awww...
2) Duck is PISSED! Shoving Fakir out the way for her beloved...(and my favourite outtake line here: LEAVE HIM ALONE OR I'LL SQUIRT MUSHY DUCK POO ON YOU... :D )
3) The dance with the lamp - one of the most beautiful scenes I've seen in a long time.
4) Myoto's smile - a positive emotion during the dance with Rue, but the after effect with Rue's reaction meant there was more than meets the eye...

...and I was so glad I bought 2 and 3 at the same time after I saw this ep as I wanted more. I was fairly late to the Tutu bandwagon but it was so well liked here (specially in the dub forums) so I had to go with it considering I've got a rep at liking shows that are based on things that I wouldn't normally like (circus, baseball, travelling - Kaleido, P9 and Kino's Journey) - and boy I was slowly getting engrossed on that and the characters, especially Duck (shameless plug: Proof of that in this year's anime draft, Duck was my second pick...), Fakir was still hated at that time for me, Rue I was slowly getting into, and the trifecta of Pike, Lille and Mr. Cat = comedy gold. :D

So the 2nd disc slides in...let's see what we've got here...

[Isuzu Inugami]

Just curious, but have you decided to run the discussion thread tomorrow, Shimauma, or just on weekdays as planned?

Yeah, I think I'll do the next episode for tomorrow, and then pick up again on Monday. (Unless people think we're rushing too much.) The preview made it look like everything was going to start blowing up, and I'm kind of eager to move into the material I haven't seen yet.

and Fakir getting really nasty at a few points. Got to love it when Duck knocks him out of the way. :D

Fakir is being quite hateful, and I cheered when Duck laid into him! But there is a definite feel that he has reasons for acting as he does. I don't know that I'll approve of them, but it seems there's more to him than just being a bully.

First Duck botches her riddles going down the corridor, and we have the Lamp Spirit being teasingly succinct.

I wonder if she would have surrendered Mytho if Duck had gotten them right?

Then after Tutu comes out and the riddler revealed, we have Tutu dancing under the light of the lamp (and later actually with the lamp spirit, transparent as she is), which was pretty...

I like how the Lamp Spirit won't go so far as to dance at first, but Tutu gradually coaxes her into it.

[EmperorBrandon]

Fakir really deserves a good shove (or maybe even a punch) at this point in the series. She REALLY gets him good, too. I'm in a goofy mood tonight (and I probably have way too much free time), so I slowed down the video just to see Fakir's expressions when she shoves him:
Huh? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHuh.png)
HEY! WHAT THE--? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHeyWhatThe.png)
OwOwOw!! (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirOwOwOw.png)
I'm too much of a Fakir fangirl for my own good.

"You better stop manhandling me bud. I'll squirt mushy duck poo at your face." :D Got to love Fakir's reactions, there. He definitely is quite perceptive when it comes to Duck, noticing she blurted out something about heart shards and then remembering before that she had asked him about the Prince and the Raven.

[EmperorBrandon]

Yeah, I think I'll do the next episode for tomorrow, and then pick up again on Monday. (Unless people think we're rushing too much.) The preview made it look like everything was going to start blowing up, and I'm kind of eager to move into the material I haven't seen yet.

Yes, indeed. Things will be taking a sharp turn very soon (from Vol. 2 onwards). You may have come to expect dance-partner-of-the-week as a norm so far, but it won't be for much longer. :)


I wonder if she would have surrendered Mytho if Duck had gotten them right?

Probably not. She's pretty clingy. :P At least she recognizes Tutu's wonderfulness and decides to go along with her.


I like how the Lamp Spirit won't go so far as to dance at first, but Tutu gradually coaxes her into it.

Tutu has to do some degree of coaxing with quite a few of therapeutic dancing sessions. Arikuimi was being aggressive first, and then we have the "I am not a dancer, I'm (so-and-so)" types like Ebine.

[The Great Bear]

on topic of the omakes, i found the staff commentary on this episode extremely helpful ^_^ i especially liked how they compared this to a certain Edgar Allen Poe story that i just so happen to have studied in school last year!

The story had to do with a slighty crazy man out to get revenge on his 'friend', and does so by 'walling' him up in his creepy wine-cellar/cave. the setting is also discribed with lots of skulls.

The Cask of Amontillado. Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cask_of_Amontillado)

Fakir is getting very desperate in this episode, why could that be? *drosselmeyer face O.O *

:>

[EmperorBrandon]

Oh, that. I remember The Cask of Amontillado from 8th grade Honors English class. The teacher read that to us on Halloween. :)

[The Great Bear]

and Fakir getting really nasty at a few points. Got to love it when Duck knocks him out of the way. :D

Fakir is being quite hateful, and I cheered when Duck laid into him! But there is a definite feel that he has reasons for acting as he does. I don't know that I'll approve of them, but it seems there's more to him than just being a bully.

Just wait and see ;)

[The Great Bear]

Oh, that. I remember The Cask of Amontillado from 8th grade Honors English class. The teacher read that to us on Halloween. :)

It's a really creepy story. I had to read it in high school. A good choice for Halloween.

[The Pirate Queen]

Just wait and see ;)

Just out of politeness, you guys might want to rein in the doleful hints about what is to come. Taken together, you're giving away a lot - and finding things out as they happen is half the fun of watching this show the first time through. :neko:

[The Great Bear]

Just wait and see ;)

Just out of politeness, you guys might want to rein in the doleful hints about what is to come. Taken together, you're giving away a lot - and finding things out as they happen is half the fun of watching this show the first time through. :neko:

I don't think I've spoiled anything so far. "Just wait and see ;) " means just that. Wait and see. I don't think Shimauma is expecting things to remain the same. But where they go…well, he'll just have to wait and see.

[EmperorBrandon]

Yeah, I've tried being careful there. Even though I didn't ever get really spoiled on Tutu, I did have expectations with certain characters just based on hints I was getting. If someone has seen the show in advance (as I suspect quite a few people in this thread have), it is hard to hold back sometimes. The only way this discussion would be completely safe is if no one has seen in advance. That would be as if it were going on as the show originally aired, which only happens once and has come and gone long ago as far as Tutu is concerned.

[Morwen]

^^;;; I hope I'm not spoiling anything. I actually was spoiled on quite a bit inbetween watching the first and second seasons, so I know how disappointing it can be. Feel free to lemme know if you guys think I'm giving too obvious of hints or giving away too much.

[puchiko2]

Oh, that. I remember The Cask of Amontillado from 8th grade Honors English class. The teacher read that to us on Halloween. :)

It's a really creepy story. I had to read it in high school. A good choice for Halloween.


Thanks for looking up the name for me!! ^__^

To go just a bit further on that trend, i can see quite a few similarities to Edgar Allen Poe's literature in this show :) i love the combinations of music, art, and dance in this tale so much =D

[The Great Bear]

Oh, that. I remember The Cask of Amontillado from 8th grade Honors English class. The teacher read that to us on Halloween. :)

It's a really creepy story. I had to read it in high school. A good choice for Halloween.


Thanks for looking up the name for me!! ^__^

To go just a bit further on that trend, i can see quite a few similarities to Edgar Allen Poe's literature in this show :) i love the combinations of music, art, and dance in this tale so much =D

And we do, after all, have a Raven. :)

[Isuzu Inugami]

Just a few points to add to:

Episode 5: On the Night of the Fire Festival

-Rue is reading up on the Prince and the Raven story. Does she not know all about it already? Fakir seems to--and they both know Mytho comes out of that story. Fakir thinks she's the one restoring Mytho's heart. Rue laughs at him--she knows about Princess Tutu, but he doesn't have a clue.

The extent of Rue's knowledge will become apparent in future episodes. And also why Rue knows what Rue knows.

I suppose if Rue is the Raven, being sealed by the Prince may have affected her memory.... At the moment I'm leaning toward her being the Raven (volume 2's cover rather implies that as well... :sd: Or does it suggest she's in the Raven's power?) But I'm not ruling out Fakir yet... or the possibility it's neither of them after all.

[puchiko2]

definitely don't rule anything out =D *not trying to imply anything*

Aren't the covers just gorgeous though? I find myself switching the covers to the more darker, cooler sides ^_^ but its nice to have the reversable options!

hehe, i love the outtakes on the second DVD too!

I can't wait for the next episode segment ^_^ best wishes!

[The Great Bear]

I suppose if Rue is the Raven, being sealed by the Prince may have affected her memory.... At the moment I'm leaning toward her being the Raven (volume 2's cover rather implies that as well... :sd: Or does it suggest she's in the Raven's power?) But I'm not ruling out Fakir yet... or the possibility it's neither of them after all.

I'm sorry, but I can't really say anything without giving the game away. :sd:

Ok, this will be pretty cryptic and obscure: when you hear the voice of God calling, you will have come into the presence of the Raven. Dani (or frankly anyone who knows what I mean), if this is too spoilerish, feel free to say so and I'll edit it out.

[The Great Bear]

Aren't the covers just gorgeous though? I find myself switching the covers to the more darker, cooler sides ^_^ but its nice to have the reversable options!

Yeah, I like the dark covers much better, and have only been using them.

[mangaka-chan]

Fakir really deserves a good shove (or maybe even a punch) at this point in the series. She REALLY gets him good, too. I'm in a goofy mood tonight (and I probably have way too much free time), so I slowed down the video just to see Fakir's expressions when she shoves him:
Huh? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHuh.png)
HEY! WHAT THE--? (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirHeyWhatThe.png)
OwOwOw!! (http://usera.imagecave.com/haleysings/Anime_Screencaps/FakirOwOwOw.png)
I'm too much of a Fakir fangirl for my own good.


LOL, would you mind if I make some icons from those pictures? They're too funny! Haha XD

No, not at all! Particularly if you let me have one. XD *still new to making icons, as you can probably tell by my poor blurry Duck :sd: ) I was just thinking they'd make great icons.


Actually I'm pretty new to icon making as well. :P Most of the time I just read tutorials and fiddle with the program until the icon looks about right (points to the icon used right now). :sd: :roll: But I'd be glad to make one for you if you'd like. once I'm done I'll post it on the PT LJ. :)

[ayumu]

I bet the way Fakir strokes Mytho's face before telling him off in this scene really excites yaoi fans.
Heh. I find it more amusing than anything else. (Though...seriously, that WAS a little over the top.)

I honestly don't know anyone who prefers Fakir/Mytho to the canon couples. I can't even remember seeing any doujinshi for them while I was in Japan. (Not that I saw that much Tutu doujinshi.)

[Morwen]

Most of the doujinshi I know of for the show (through other people--I down't own any, nor have I seen any IRL) are G or PG rated fluff with one of the cannon couples...I know I've heard rumors of Princess Tutu hentai doujinshi, though, and there's probably a Fakir/Mytho one floating around out there...

Mangaka-Chan: Aren't tutorials great?? They've definantely really helped me! ^_^ I need to practice more, though.
Thank you very much!!

As for the covers: I'm a bit idiosyncratic in the sense that I like to change things around constantly so I "don't get bored of them" (I change my computer wallpaper almost daily, for example), so I'm really glad to have reversible covers. ^^; In general I prefer the dark covers, but there's some that I like both sides equally, and I like the light covers for a change. Right now my collection is in 'Fakir mode'--IE, I'm showcasing all of the covers that have him most prominately on the cover. (When I first got the DVDs, I switched them to 'Rue mode'. Mytho or Duck's probably next.)

[Isuzu Inugami]

Episode 6: Dreaming Aurora

Oho! This intro is about Sleeping Beauty, except... maybe she'd rather keep sleeping.... The imagery is interesting too, ending on a pair of ballet slippers.

-I can't help wonder (and this goes for episode 1 as well), is Mytho wearing anything under that shirt? Oh well, enjoy, ladies. :P

-Mytho recognizes he has different feelings for Rue, Fakir and Tutu, but he can't identify them. Fakir probably isn't the best person to go to about this.... Mytho is trembling?!

-Duck spies this from the building across the way, and gets so focused she manages to slide off the roof. Luckily, she's a duck! Also, to balance things out there's a panty-shot for the gentlemen.

-Eleki Ballet Troup is in town, performing Sleeping Beauty, and Duck's ballet class has permission to watch a rehearsal. Duck's attempt to sneak into class late doesn't go so well, but she ends up depressing Mr. Cat more than she gets into trouble herself. Fakir sends Mytho back to the dorm (to avoid this field trip?)

-Hah! Pike and Lilie grill a somewhat confused Duck about her romantic life and conclude she's two-timing with Fakir, and then three-timing when she trips and gets caught by Paulamoni, Elaki's lead dancer.

-Whoa! Mr. Cat turns on the charm for her! Too bad she's married. :(

-Ummm... the troup leader is an electric eel, who also provides their electicity.... My head hurts. Ahh, but it was different before they came to this town! Fiction is messing with reality?

-I like how the regular class is going crazy over Paulamoni's dancing, while the advanced class is attentive, but neutral in their expression.

-Hmmm. Fakir (has anyone seen him dance, by the way? What is he doing in this school?) wonders if Rue is Princess Tutu.

-The lighting goes red and Paulamoni looks pained and stops dancing. She decides she wants to see someone else dance, to everyone's surprise. And she picks Duck! Who flees and spots a phantom Mytho--looks like a heart shard is in the area!

-Paulamoni's dream is to dance like the Princess Aurora she saw as a child, who seemed dreaming even when awakened. But she's losing her belief she can do it. And now she's getting scared of performing, and a heart shard seems to be responsible.

-Edel is selling gems now? Duck is going off about Mytho, and how sad it is he doesn't know Rue loves him. Edel wonder just who this is sad for. The implication seems to be that Duck is the one feeling sad about the situation, and projecting it onto others--but Duck doesn't get that, and redoubles her determination to restore Mytho's heart. (Rue is the one who will make him happy--this is all a mere duck like her can do. Stop thinking like that, Duck!)

-Edel shows Duck the gem called "Dream," and asks if the dreamer is happier, or the person who wakes? There are other gems with names like "Hope" and "Adventure," and I laughed out loud at "The Author's Convenience." :P

-Hmmm. Fakir lets Mytho go on tomorrow's ballet field trip, if he doesn't listen to Rue. Fakir is shielding Mytho from Princess Tutu, who he thinks is Rue...? Fakir is thrown a little when Mytho thanks him. I will refrain from any comments about the blanket. :P

-Duck reminds Paulamoni's husband of what she was like when younger. Paulamoni's trouble is that she's afraid to have a dream. He inspires her with a new one, and Mytho's heart shard, which has been looking on, withdraws. Is she going to solve her problems without Princess Tutu's help?

-Paulamoni still want's to see Duck dance, to see what she (Paulamoni) lacks. There's a fun interplay between Mr. Cat and Duck, neither of whom can believe the situation.

-Rue suggests Mytho dance as Duck's partner, but Fakir heads it off and volunteers himself. So he can dance!

-He can also still be a jerk! He's pretty rough with Duck onstage, and warns her away from Mytho.

-Duck ends up chasing after today's heart shard--which flees her, even as Princess Tutu--it doesn't want to go back, it's afraid--it attacks her, but she captures it, the shard of fear and uncertainty, and sends it back to Mytho...

Oh shit! That didn't go well! Mytho freaks out, Mytho is afraid of Princess Tutu!

-Duck is shattered, wondering if she's been doing something terrible, when she only meant to make Mytho smile. Sleeping Beauty may have been happier sleeping, which is what Fakir has been saying all along. Oh man, poor Duck! What is she supposed to do now?

-Drosselmeyer offers up the author's perspective--that a story moves forward by moving in the most undesireable direction. That's no consolation!

Wow! Okay, the show is starting to sink its teeth into you now! Something I find interesting in this episode is that Paulamoni manages to shake off the shard's influence without Tutu's help. This shard wasn't really offering any consolation to her, either--it was just messing things up.

Man, that preview is pure torture, but... that's all 'till Monday!

[Isuzu Inugami]

I suppose if Rue is the Raven, being sealed by the Prince may have affected her memory.... At the moment I'm leaning toward her being the Raven (volume 2's cover rather implies that as well... :sd: Or does it suggest she's in the Raven's power?) But I'm not ruling out Fakir yet... or the possibility it's neither of them after all.

I'm sorry, but I can't really say anything without giving the game away. :sd:


Heh. Don't. I'm basically musing out loud, toying with ideas for everyone's entertainment. I don't really expect an answer. If you want to react with spoilers, just use the "hide" tags. I won't read them, but others might enjoy the discussion.

[EmperorBrandon]

Episode 6: Dreaming Aurora
Script Writer - Takuya Sato
Storyboard - Tatsufumi Tamagawa
Episode Director - Tatsufumi Tamagawa
Animation Director - Nobuto Akada

Episode cast
Paulamoni - Masako Katsuki/Shelley Calene-Black
Paulo - Atsushi Kisaichi/John Swasey

Love how the married couple has such matching names...

Will get around to further discussion when I watch the episode (guess I have plenty of time, though, since next ep. is Monday :) )

[Mahlernut]

Ah, here we go. The show really grabbed me here, right from the prologue by questioning the faerie tale - what if being woken isn't what the sleeper wants?

I just love that - and it's such a simple thing, but a thing that happens so infrequently. The instant the narrator posited the question, I knew that the writers really were writing a show very much tailored to my tastes, music and all. That and the flavor of Fakir's pain at the end when Myutho was terrified - there was an edge of panic, beyond his usual cold resolve. Loved how, with such a simple thing, they humanized him an awful lot.

Anyhow, speaking of music, this episode's interesting because it's formed almost completely (with the one exception of the initial dialogue between Mytho and Fakir) from the beginning of Sleeping Beauty. Well, there's the cute little reference to Puss in Boots (and how were they going to avoid using that with Neko-sensei?) from Act III, but no way around that one.

Anyhow, here's the music from Act 6, subtitled:
Dornröshen： Prolog (『çœ*れる森ã�®ç¾Žå¥³ã€�より「プãƒ*ãƒ*ー㠂°ã€�)

Mytho & Fakir talk
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
The Nutcracker
Act II, No.14, Variation II - “Dance of the Sugar Plum Faerie�

Eleki Troupe’s announcement
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Act I - “Waltz of the Flowers�

Neko-sensei’s premonition of love Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Act III - “Puss in Boots & The White Cat�

Eleki Troupe’s rehearsal
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Act I - “Waltz of the Flowers� (intro)

Paulamoni’s uncertainty
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Prologue, Introduction (central section)

Paulamoni and Paulo reflect
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Act I - “Rose Adagio� (ending)

Ahiru & Fakir’s Pas de deux, Ahiru & the Heart Shard
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Sleeping Beauty
Prologue, Introduction

Next-episode preview
Strauss, Johannes
The Beautiful Blue Danube

[Morwen]

Like Mahlernut, this is the episode that really got me into Princess Tutu (particularly after the last two episodes). I was watching this on a one-episode-a-week basis on Anime on Demand, too, so you can imagine what sort of torture it was waiting a whole week for the next episode!! XD



-I can't help wonder (and this goes for episode 1 as well), is Mytho wearing anything under that shirt? Oh well, enjoy, ladies. :P
Not a thing. It's pretty obvious he's...all natural under there. Not that I'm complaining. ;)
"What I wouldn't give for some underwear..."

-Duck spies this from the building across the way, and gets so focused she manages to slide off the roof. Luckily, she's a duck! Also, to balance things out there's a panty-shot for the gentlemen.
That's a really painful scene to watch...XD Particularly since I'm really clumsy, too.

-Hah! Pike and Lilie grill a somewhat confused Duck about her romantic life and conclude she's two-timing with Fakir, and then three-timing when she trips and gets caught by Paulamoni, Elaki's lead dancer.
I wonder how Fakir would react if he knew her friends were match-making him when he wasn't watching?

-Whoa! Mr. Cat turns on the charm for her! Too bad she's married. :(
She's got a REALLY nice husband, though. What I wouldn't give to get a guy that devoted and kind for a boyfriend!

-Ummm... the troup leader is an electric eel, who also provides their electicity.... My head hurts. Ahh, but it was different before they came to this town! Fiction is messing with reality?
This episode is really confusing to me, because it really confuses the issue of what era this story is taking place. Not only do we see a theater with electrical lighting, but--something I just noticed this time around--the troup has a VERY modern looking van!!
(spoilers, vague but possibly major)
I'm starting to think that...like an earlier theory I mentioned...this story is actually set in our own modern era, but Kinkan Town/Gold Crown Town is trapped in Drosselmeyer's time period, which was probably around 1800-1900? That's the only way I can explain how the town feels to be set somwhere in the 19th century, but has anachronistic elements (some of the girl's fashions, the electricity, motorized transportation, etc).

[Morwen]

Second half of my post, because I'm being a blabbermouth and the forums don't like that one bit. XD
-I like how the regular class is going crazy over Paulamoni's dancing, while the advanced class is attentive, but neutral in their expression.
I didn't even notice that. Observant as ever, I see. XD

-Edel shows Duck the gem called "Dream," and asks if the dreamer is happier, or the person who wakes? There are other gems with names like "Hope" and "Adventure," and I laughed out loud at "The Author's Convenience." :P
I would want to buy some of those gems...XD Someone needs to make some!

I will refrain from any comments about the blanket. :P
I've got only one commment: "Eheheheheh!"

-Paulamoni still want's to see Duck dance, to see what she (Paulamoni) lacks. There's a fun interplay between Mr. Cat and Duck, neither of whom can believe the situation.
This scene works really well in both languages...but I'm particularly in love with TJP's Mr. Cat in this scene. The annoyance in his voice being covered up with a strained politeness...all in three simple words. "Yes, I agree."

-Rue suggests Mytho dance as Duck's partner, but Fakir heads it off and volunteers himself. So he can dance!

-He can also still be a jerk! He's pretty rough with Duck onstage, and warns her away from Mytho.
One of the many, many reasons I love this episode is this scene right here. Duck and Fakir's dance and conversation during it really shows off their different personalities, and it's got some great acting in both languages. It's also great because it proves that Fakir can actually dance! He's not just hanging around for nothing! Huzzah!
Plus, I like the costumes for both of them.
And Duck's awkward final steps into her weird little....half-on pointe poise. Looove this scene.

-Duck ends up chasing after today's heart shard--which flees her, even as Princess Tutu--it doesn't want to go back, it's afraid--it attacks her, but she captures it, the shard of fear and uncertainty, and sends it back to Mytho...
I really, really love this scene as well. Another scene that has some great performances from both casts. I particularly like Jay Hickman's acting in this scene--he sounds absolutely terrified, but there's still a hint of the Prince's power before he lost his heart. Great stuff. Really beautiful looking scene that uses the music perfectly, too.

-Duck is shattered, wondering if she's been doing something terrible, when she only meant to make Mytho smile. Sleeping Beauty may have been happier sleeping, which is what Fakir has been saying all along. Oh man, poor Duck! What is she supposed to do now?
This scene is absolutely heart breaking to me...poor Duck is so distraught, and both Mytho and Fakir are really thrown for a loop, as well. This is the first time we really get to see a slightly more gentle side of Fakir, as well.

Which segues well into...
That and the flavor of Fakir's pain at the end when Myutho was terrified - there was an edge of panic, beyond his usual cold resolve. Loved how, with such a simple thing, they humanized him an awful lot.
As if I haven't gushed enough about the character development in this series, but...let's pretend I haven't. I'm gonna do it again.
I LOVE TEH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN THIS SERIES. XD
Another really well acted scene by both Fakirs, too. (Waugh, watching this in Japanese is making me feel conflicted. I can't figure out if I like Takahiro Sakurai or Chris Patton more as Fakir. I might have to start watching both languages each day just to get my fill of each actor's version...particularly on some of the upcoming episodes x.x;; )
Soo...yeah...the episode that made me a Tutu fan. The show starts getting really, REALLY good from this point on...
EDIT: Wow. This post is really long, and I managed to screw up all of the quote tags as well. x.x;; Hopefully it's fixed.

[meryl]

One thing to notice about this episode is that there are in fact other boys besides Fakir and Mytho among the ballet students. Notice them in the scene of walking to the theatre and in the audience.

[The Great Bear]

Episode 6: Dreaming Aurora

This is the episode that hooked me on the series. After the first five, I was beginning to get bored, as I'm not really a fan of the magical girl genre (my previous favorite [and still one I like] was Magical Project S, a parody of magical girl shows).

When things took the turn they did in this episode, I decided that I had to see where this one was going.

Oho! This intro is about Sleeping Beauty, except... maybe she'd rather keep sleeping....

Again, an introduction that both means everything…and nothing.

-Eleki Ballet Troup is in town, performing Sleeping Beauty, and Duck's ballet class has permission to watch a rehearsal.

-Ummm... the troup leader is an electric eel, who also provides their electicity.... My head hurts. Ahh, but it was different before they came to this town! Fiction is messing with reality?

They do seem to in this town.


-Whoa! Mr. Cat turns on the charm for her! Too bad she's married. :(

I felt sorry for Mr. Cat as well.

-Hmmm. Fakir (has anyone seen him dance, by the way? What is he doing in this school?) wonders if Rue is Princess Tutu.

-Rue suggests Mytho dance as Duck's partner, but Fakir heads it off and volunteers himself. So he can dance!

-He can also still be a jerk! He's pretty rough with Duck onstage, and warns her away from Mytho.

It is an interesting scene, and does answer your question.

-Edel is selling gems now? Duck is going off about Mytho, and how sad it is he doesn't know Rue loves him. Edel wonder just who this is sad for. The implication seems to be that Duck is the one feeling sad about the situation, and projecting it onto others--but Duck doesn't get that, and redoubles her determination to restore Mytho's heart. (Rue is the one who will make him happy--this is all a mere duck like her can do. Stop thinking like that, Duck!)

-Edel shows Duck the gem called "Dream," and asks if the dreamer is happier, or the person who wakes? There are other gems with names like "Hope" and "Adventure," and I laughed out loud at "The Author's Convenience." :P

I always enjoy the Duck and Edel scenes.

-Duck ends up chasing after today's heart shard--which flees her, even as Princess Tutu--it doesn't want to go back, it's afraid--it attacks her, but she captures it, the shard of fear and uncertainty, and sends it back to Mytho...

Oh shit! That didn't go well! Mytho freaks out, Mytho is afraid of Princess Tutu!

-Duck is shattered, wondering if she's been doing something terrible, when she only meant to make Mytho smile. Sleeping Beauty may have been happier sleeping, which is what Fakir has been saying all along. Oh man, poor Duck! What is she supposed to do now?

-Drosselmeyer offers up the author's perspective--that a story moves forward by moving in the most undesireable direction. That's no consolation!

Wow! Okay, the show is starting to sink its teeth into you now! Something I find interesting in this episode is that Paulamoni manages to shake off the shard's influence without Tutu's help. This shard wasn't really offering any consolation to her, either--it was just messing things up.

Man, that preview is pure torture, but... that's all 'till Monday!

And that was when I decided I had to see the rest of this show.

[puchiko2]

i agree ^_^ Once the story starts questioning the trend.. things get VERY interesting. A lot of questions are asked, and the story's morallity is questioned to a degree... for once, little Ahiru is struck with the idea that her innocence may be misplaced. O.O

My friend once told me when we were watching this together that "fear is a fleating emotion" which sort of fits in with this, doesn't it?

What also caught my interest with this episode, was how mysterious the eel was. And why did his cooperation gauge react during the dance? hmmm!

I also agree that Fakir becomes a lot more 'human' in this episode, which is great! But he's still a bit of a stubborn jerk! XD

[Morwen]

One thing to notice about this episode is that there are in fact other boys besides Fakir and Mytho among the ballet students. Notice them in the scene of walking to the theatre and in the audience.
Ahh, you're right! I just noticed that for the first time this viewing. I guess that the rest of them aren't in the advanced class, and they probably practice seperately from the girls, so we don't see them as much?

I'm just glad to know poor Fakir and Mytho aren't stuck doing EVERY male part in every single ballet they do. xD

What also caught my interest with this episode, was how mysterious the eel was. And why did his cooperation gauge react during the dance? hmmm!

I think it was 'approval gauge' instead of 'cooperation'...but you bring up a good point. Is he approving of Duck herself? Or is he approving of the two of them dancing together? (Or a mixture of both?)

[ayumu]

Edel wonder just who this is sad for. The implication seems to be that Duck is the one feeling sad about the situation, and projecting it onto others
Hmm, interesting. I took this as a reference to the fact that it's Princess Tutu's fate to confess to the prince and disappear in a flash of light, but Ahiru never thinks of herself, so Edel was reminding her that Mytho (and Rue?) isn't the only one in a tough situation.

(As a side note on the tranlsation, the "sad" used here in Japanese isn't an "unhappy" sad, but an "aww, poor thing" kind of sad.)

[ayumu]

I know I've heard rumors of Princess Tutu hentai doujinshi, though, and there's probably a Fakir/Mytho one floating around out there...
Oh, I'm not saying they don't exist, I just think they're pretty rare. Let's conduct a scientific experiment:

*does search*

Out of the 472 LJ users that list Princess Tutu as an interest, only 5 also list Fakir/Mytho...Ah, and 4 list Fakia/Mute. (Hmm, that's actually more than I thought.) Of course, some of those people also list a canon couple...

In conclusion, this experiment was entirely unscientific and does not provide any useful information. :P

[Morwen]

Oh, I'm not saying they don't exist, I just think they're pretty rare. Let's conduct a scientific experiment:

*does search*

Out of the 472 LJ users that list Princess Tutu as an interest, only 5 also list Fakir/Mytho...Ah, and 4 list Fakia/Mute. (Hmm, that's actually more than I thought.) Of course, some of those people also list a canon couple...

In conclusion, this experiment was entirely unscientific and does not provide any useful information. :P

Hmmm...I never even thought of listing my favorite couples as interests on my LJ...^^;

Yeah, it's pretty rare...most people just go with the cannon pairings...I know AstroBright (she's lurking around here, I think) is submitting a Fakir/Mytho video to the Anime Boston AMV contest. XD At least, I think she is?

[bctaris]

-Ummm... the troup leader is an electric eel, who also provides their electicity.... My head hurts. Ahh, but it was different before they came to this town! Fiction is messing with reality?
This episode is really confusing to me, because it really confuses the issue of what era this story is taking place. Not only do we see a theater with electrical lighting, but--something I just noticed this time around--the troup has a VERY modern looking van!!
(spoilers, vague but possibly major)
I'm starting to think that...like an earlier theory I mentioned...this story is actually set in our own modern era, but Kinkan Town/Gold Crown Town is trapped in Drosselmeyer's time period, which was probably around 1800-1900? That's the only way I can explain how the town feels to be set somwhere in the 19th century, but has anachronistic elements (some of the girl's fashions, the electricity, motorized transportation, etc).

Well, not a bad theory. Some outsiders who come into the town turn into "fictional" characters, possibly to suit their role in the story of Gold Crown Town, what ever they may be. If the troupe comes from an outside world that relies on electricity to this town which does not have electricity, the Story makes their leader into an electric eel to fulfill that need for the troupe that would otherwise not be possible in their new environment.

Slightly related, but I get a Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead vibe from parts of this show, a sort of deconstructive fairy tale motif that constantly runs below the surface.

[The Great Bear]

Slightly related, but I get a Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead vibe from parts of this show, a sort of deconstructive fairy tale motif that constantly runs below the surface.


I definitely feel that vibe too. Some parts are as much a critique or commentary on a fairy tale as much as being one.

[EmperorBrandon]

I noticed Lamp is still there at the start of this episode. A few of the episode characters make brief appearances in other episodes - forgot if she's still there later on, but certainly Duck doesn't abandon her, right? :P

Also, to balance things out there's a panty-shot for the gentlemen.

Hah, I actually just noticed that for the first time (and no, I didn't read this here beforehand).

-I like how the regular class is going crazy over Paulamoni's dancing, while the advanced class is attentive, but neutral in their expression.

I guess the advanced class has to be a step above the rest, being cultured and all that.

Man, that preview is pure torture, but... that's all 'till Monday!

Oh yeah... Crow Princess... next episode will definitely be quite interesting. :>

As for the male students, there were some in the background in ep. 2 as well, so they are around, though not as much presence as female generics.

[EmperorBrandon]

Well, not a bad theory. Some outsiders who come into the town turn into "fictional" characters, possibly to suit there role in the story of Gold Crown Town, what ever they may be. If the troupe comes from an outside world that relies on electricity to this town which does not have electricity, the Story makes their leader into an electric eel to fulfill that need for the troupe that would otherwise not be possible in their new environment.


That sounds feasible in my opinion. After in the very end, *major spoilers obviously*, the town does not have some of the fairy tale-like elements like the anthropomorphic characters anymore, right? I'll have to pay close attention to that when I get to it again. But that sounds good, after all if you need electicity in a town filled with animal-forms, of course it has to be an electric eel. It is telling that Paulamoni does make a comment questioning whether their troupe boss was always an eel. Perhaps he was "normal" before...

[Morwen]

That sounds feasible in my opinion. After in the very end, *major spoilers obviously*, the town does not have some of the fairy tale-like elements like the anthropomorphic characters anymore, right? I'll have to pay close attention to that when I get to it again. But that sounds good, after all if you need electicity in a town filled with animal-forms, of course it has to be an electric eel. It is telling that Paulamoni does make a comment questioning whether their troupe boss was always an eel. Perhaps he was "normal" before...

I'm pretty sure he was human before they went into the town...there's also a scene close to the end of the series where two kids enter the town with...she was either a Rhino or an Elephant, and one of the kids says to the other one "Was Mom always like that?"
It seems like, as bctaris said, people change to fit the story when they enter the town.

[ayumu]

Hmmm...I never even thought of listing my favorite couples as interests on my LJ...^^;
I think it's mainly people who are into fanfic or fanart (especially those who create it) that do it, or at least started it. It's just a matter of preference; what's important to you. If I want everybody who sees my profile to know that I ship Mytho/Anteaterina, then I'll list it as an interest. ;)

But we're straying from the topic now...how 'bout that Fakir, eh? I think he's pretty cute. *cough* >.>

[The Great Bear]

Well, not a bad theory. Some outsiders who come into the town turn into "fictional" characters, possibly to suit there role in the story of Gold Crown Town, what ever they may be. If the troupe comes from an outside world that relies on electricity to this town which does not have electricity, the Story makes their leader into an electric eel to fulfill that need for the troupe that would otherwise not be possible in their new environment.


That sounds feasible in my opinion. After in the very end, *major spoilers obviously*, the town does not have some of the fairy tale-like elements like the anthropomorphic characters anymore, right? I'll have to pay close attention to that when I get to it again. But that sounds good, after all if you need electicity in a town filled with animal-forms, of course it has to be an electric eel. It is telling that Paulamoni does make a comment questioning whether their troupe boss was always an eel. Perhaps he was "normal" before...

Yes. All of the animals have returned to either being human, or to being animals, like Mr. Cat

On an off-topic side note, it's nice to retreat to a nice quite spot like this thread after the maelstrom that has erupted over in the Haruhi thread.

[Morwen]

But we're straying from the topic now...how 'bout that Fakir, eh? I think he's pretty cute. *cough* >.>

Oh yes, I agree. XD He's my favorite character for many, many reasons...but the dark hair, tan skin, attractive character design (besides his hair, which I think is a little TOO big...) and green eyes definantely help.

[EmperorBrandon]

Fakir is definitely cool; my favorite male character in anime without a doubt. I have actually been using him as my avatar on CrystalAcids and ANN for a while now.

[Morwen]

....Oh!! I know who you are! ^^; You're one of the Encyclopedia staff on ANN, right? I'm pretty sure we've talked a little in some threads there.

(Geez. Took me long enough to notice.)

[EmperorBrandon]

....Oh!! I know who you are! ^^; You're one of the Encyclopedia staff on ANN, right? I'm pretty sure we've talked a little in some threads there.

(Geez. Took me long enough to notice.)

Yeah, I've contribute pretty frequently and was made a Encyc. staff severals months ago, which is really cool. I appreciate the efforts of production staff and voice cast in anime, so I like doing it. I have added a lot to the Princess Tutu entry as far as voice cast goes.

[Morwen]

....Oh!! I know who you are! ^^; You're one of the Encyclopedia staff on ANN, right? I'm pretty sure we've talked a little in some threads there.

(Geez. Took me long enough to notice.)

Yeah, I've contribute pretty frequently and was made a Encyc. staff severals months ago, which is really cool. I appreciate the efforts of production staff and voice cast in anime, so I like doing it. I have added a lot to the Princess Tutu entry as far as voice cast goes.

That's great! ^_^ I've always liked how nicely the Princess Tutu entry is kept on ANN--I like to go there when I can't remember which actors did the episodic characters.

[mangaka-chan]

Oh yes, I agree. XD He's my favorite character for many, many reasons...but the dark hair, tan skin, attractive character design (besides his hair, which I think is a little TOO big...) and green eyes definantely help.

I concure, especially about the hair. I really can't understand why Itoh-sensei made his hair so puffy. :roll:

[puchiko2]

well... after i've shoved the series on a few friends...
I think it helps to make the possibility of Fakir being the raven, due to his hair being all Ravenish! XD but thats just from what i've seen from my friend's reaction

[Morwen]

well... after i've shoved the series on a few friends...
I think it helps to make the possibility of Fakir being the raven, due to his hair being all Ravenish! XD but thats just from what i've seen from my friend's reaction

I was actually thinking that recently!
The bangs that hang over Fakir's face look sort of like a Raven's beak, and then his ponytail serves as the 'tail' of the Raven. I have a feeling that was intentional on Itoh-san's part to throw people off.
It's still REALLY big, though...it seems like she coudld've done that affect without the basketball-sized mass of hair on his right side (our left). I mean...what is he HIDING in there?? XD

[puchiko2]

haha! perfect size for a birds nest! *giggle-SHOT*

im glad you agree! i just thought of what i believed to be, derived that from a few reactions =)

[Morwen]

haha! perfect size for a birds nest! *giggle-SHOT*

im glad you agree! i just thought of what i believed to be, derived that from a few reactions =)

Bwahahahaha. XD I bet he's afraid of sleeping with his window open at night, lest the birds come to rest on his head.

Mytho: *spotting Fakir scowling into the bathroom mirror one morning before class* Oh, Fakir. Did the birds lay eggs in your hair again?
Fakir: *snappishly* Go get ready for class! Idiot! >.>

I'm glad you agree, too...I was worried that maybe I was just looking at his hair too hard. XD

[EmperorBrandon]

Ok, Shimauma doesn't seem to have shown up yet, but since it's the day now, I think I'll go ahead and start with my opening comments since I've seen the episode (hope he doesn't mind :sd: )

Episode 7: The Crow Princess
Script Writer - Michiko Yokote
Storyboard - Junichi Sato
Episode Director - Yasushi Muroya (this guy has a different reading listed on ANN - can't verify which is correct)
Animation Director - Kei Takeuchi (same here), Akemi Kobayashi

This definitely marks a sharp turning point in the series as a new challenge shows up for Princess Tutu. Great episode, with lots of memorable moments.

While this ep. is mostly serious stuff, we get some comedic interludes in there courtesy of Pike and Lilie, and of course Mr. Cat (waiting indefinitely at the pizza parlor :P ). Got to love Pike and Lilie putting on the scary voices, and just the whole gamut of reactions in that scenes.

Ah, yes, and Drosselmeyer, who really starts to freak out a bit in this episode obviously due to things not going the way he wants them too. He just cracks me up (the actors simply did an awesome job here). Love how he seems to be quite jovial over the fact that he's dead, and of course shows his love for tragedy once again. Unfortunately for him, that doesn't work very well at convincing Duck. :P Things are indeed set into motion anyway, much to Drosselmeyer's delight.

The whole "I want to know" theme of the heart shard reminded me of Professor Gwen Khan from Outlaw Star. That's kind of a strange thought, but it does fit quite a bit, though. I love Jay Hickman's portrayal of this particular aspect of Mytho's personality. Sounds pretty cool.

And lastly, of course, Princess Kraehe appears... briefly... but it is a strong impact regardless. I'll say more on her later, as usual.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Ohhh, somehow everything has run late and I'm posting way past my bedtime....

Episode 7: Crow Princess

Intro: It seems a sweet and innocent thing about the wonders of childhood, of discovering more new mysteries everytime you solve an old one... only, the feel turns sinister with the idea of becoming consumed with them. (or is that just the music becoming ominous?)

-A bit of recap of how awfully wrong things went last time... Duck in the background is upset and trying to explain herself, but Tutu's face in the foreground looks sinister and like she's anticipating something! What the--?

-Duck is crying a lot, and Mytho and Fakir haven't come to class for the last week. And we have a chihuahua student to keep things from being relentlessly depressing.

-They had to write up reports on the "Sleeping Beauty" performace (they really are in school!)--Rue's is praised. Duck's is... succinct. Man, she is so depressed and out of it, she's even fine with marrying Mr. Cat. :sd: Pike and Lilie cover for her!

-They try to cheer her up--whatever happens, she cheers up right away again, "like a bird." This is only making her more depressed. What a pool of tears when they mention Mytho! They decide to send her off to the "Why-why Bridge," to get herself straightened out. Cute moment as Lilie tells her this isn't a scary story, in about the scariest voice she can muster. Well, there is that thing about getting swallowed by the river if you can't answer the questions at the bridge....

-Whoa! Rue is already at the bridge! She came about Mytho, but changed her mind. Duck says she's sure he'll be back soon, but then apologizes for saying something thoughtless. She's growing a bit. Rue seems a bit surprised when Duck asks if she knows Mytho doesn't have a heart, and wouldn't it be better if he did? She doesn't care--she loves him either way. She's "still far from having loved him enough." What an interesting turn of phrase....

-Mytho has a nightmare of something big and black--the Raven? He asks about Tutu as if he wants to see her. Fakir is trying to cope, but is still sticking with his "you don't need to think or have emotions" strategy.

-At the bridge, Duck's pendant senses a heart shard, but what's the point if it's going to cause Mytho more pain? Uh oh, Drosselmeyer's gears are turning. When Duck thinks of quitting, Drosselmeyer says "She [Tutu?] wouldn't" very emphatically. Huh? Drosselmeyer is bothered that the story has reached an impass. He's going to take action!

-Drosselmeyer admits to being dead?! He looks quite satisfied that she's bringing misery to Mytho, but then catches himself, and tries to act a little more appropriately. Not much. He made Duck into Princess Tutu because it would be fun, or no, it's because no one else wants her sad role. "Delightful" that the Prince hates her now! He has all the wrong reasons!

-Duck throws away the pendant! Drosselmeyer is horrified. But he leaves with "I'll leave the rest to you." What? Is this actually what he was trying to engineer? Who was he talking to?

-Mr. Cat gets the eyecatch! What was he humming? Oh, wait, he was waiting to meet Duck to prepare for their marriage....

-Mytho is wondering about Tutu--he doesn't feel fear now, but doesn't know what he does feel.

-The water asking him questions reminds me of Kino's motorrad. :P

-Duck has now reverted to being a duck, when Edel shows up, offering the pendant back to her--"Will you close yourself to it all?" Is Edel who Drosselmeyer was speaking to? But Duck still runs away. I like that--Duck's depression is not something to be thrown off that easily.

-The river wants to take Mytho because he's interesting. Ah, the river has a heart shard! This can't be good.

-Duck discovers what is happening, but can't do much but swim after him. And a raven(?) flies over it all....

-Of course, if it's to save Mytho's life Duck wants to become Princess Tutu. Drosselmeyer is very satisfied to hear that. I presume that it was Edel who dropped the pendant down to Duck.

-Tutu confronts Mytho directly?! The river starts questioning her, and she is able to explain to Mytho--who tells her not to cry. Awwww. :D

-Fakir is hunting for Mytho, and Rue is... what's up with Rue?

-Duck/Tutu tells Mytho she won't bother him anymore, but that makes him sad. He wants her to return his heart shards now. I think we've had a breakthrough.

-Rue is watching all this, and she doesn't look happy. The wind picks up--and the heart shard is stolen, by "Princess Kraehe," who bears some resemblance to Rue.... Is "Kraehe" crow? But crow is not raven... I am perplexed!

-Kraehe will not allow Tutu to do anything--but in the midst of this attack, she wonders who she is... but still abducts Mytho.

-Fakir finds Mytho, and a black feather. He seems to have been expecting this turn of events.

Well.... things are certainly getting more complicated. I wonder, the black bird that flew over the river, and the red-eyed bird in that brief scene of Rue in the window--are these aspects of Rue-as-Kraehe, or is something else entirely manipulating her? Hah--just like the introduction, everything leads to more questions. :P

[Fencedude]

I just want to state, for the record, that Kraehe has the sexiest back EVER.

[mangaka-chan]

-A bit of recap of how awfully wrong things went last time... Duck in the background is upset and trying to explain herself, but Tutu's face in the foreground looks sinister and like she's anticipating something! What the--?

I think that's presenting Tutu from Mytho's prespective when he said he was afriad of her. It's been a while since I watched that episode hmm... :\

-Duck is crying a lot, and Mytho and Fakir haven't come to class for the last week. And we have a chihuahua student to keep things from being relentlessly depressing.

The chihuahua in that scene always reminds me of those old TacoBell commercials. :sd:


-Mr. Cat gets the eyecatch! What was he humming? Oh, wait, he was waiting to meet Duck to prepare for their marriage....

Lol, I didn't see this one before. I should rewatch this part, if only for Neko-sensei. :D


-Duck/Tutu tells Mytho she won't bother him anymore, but that makes him sad. He wants her to return his heart shards now. I think we've had a breakthrough.

Yup, it's basically at this point where Mytho becomes more than just a static character. And it's great seeing the little pieces returned to him making him more reactive to those around him.

-Rue is watching all this, and she doesn't look happy. The wind picks up--and the heart shard is stolen, by "Princess Kraehe," who bears some resemblance to Rue.... Is "Kraehe" crow? But crow is not raven... I am perplexed!

Here we have a problem with translation. "Kraehe" is "crow" in German and like in English, there's a distinction between the raven and the crow as two different kinds of birds. But in Japanese (and actually in Chinese as well) crows and ravens are simply refered to as "karasu", generically meaning "black birds". I think I remember this correctly, but it's 1:30 in the morning and it's been months since I last watched the DVD commentaries, so if anyone knows for sure please correct me if I'm wrong. I believe when ADV translated the series, only the monster Raven and later on evil Mytho are refered to as ravens (I forgot why though :P). All the other black birds we see are crows, so by that logic, Kraehe is labeled a crow.

On a side note, I am really looking forward to seeing what you'll think about the next few episodes, because there's going to be a lot of character development coming this way. :neko:

[bctaris]

And so, the heretofore formulaic (or what seemed formulaic) "heart shard of the week" characteristic of the show takes a startling turn.

This ain't your momma's shoujo anymore.

(And some of your running comments on these episodes are hilarious to read, Shimauma. Keep it up.)

[Morwen]

-A bit of recap of how awfully wrong things went last time... Duck in the background is upset and trying to explain herself, but Tutu's face in the foreground looks sinister and like she's anticipating something! What the--?

I think it's just showing how Mytho sees Princess Tutu, contrasting it with Duck's own feelings.
I kinda like the sinister-looking Tutu...kinda creepy. Drosselmeyer must love it.

-Duck is crying a lot, and Mytho and Fakir haven't come to class for the last week. And we have a chihuahua student to keep things from being relentlessly depressing.
I LOVE Chijuanjuan! Best background character EVER. Particularly in the dub, he's hilarious!

-Mytho has a nightmare of something big and black--the Raven? He asks about Tutu as if he wants to see her. Fakir is trying to cope, but is still sticking with his "you don't need to think or have emotions" strategy.
Fakir can be rather stubborn, can't he? It takes a lot to get him to change his mind.

-At the bridge, Duck's pendant senses a heart shard, but what's the point if it's going to cause Mytho more pain? Uh oh, Drosselmeyer's gears are turning. When Duck thinks of quitting, Drosselmeyer says "She [Tutu?] wouldn't" very emphatically. Huh? Drosselmeyer is bothered that the story has reached an impass. He's going to take action!

-Drosselmeyer admits to being dead?! He looks quite satisfied that she's bringing misery to Mytho, but then catches himself, and tries to act a little more appropriately. Not much. He made Duck into Princess Tutu because it would be fun, or no, it's because no one else wants her sad role. "Delightful" that the Prince hates her now! He has all the wrong reasons!
I think this is probably the first time in the series where Drosselmeyer really starts to show how much he absolutely ENJOYS misery. Before we've seen hints of it, but never to the point where he actually will heartily and openly laugh at the idea of Mytho and Duck being in pain...and even find his own death rather amusing.
Gosh I love Drosselmeyer, particularly Marty Fleck as Drosselmeyer. I had a really hard time sticking to Japanese with this episode.

-Mr. Cat gets the eyecatch! What was he humming? Oh, wait, he was waiting to meet Duck to prepare for their marriage....
Yup, that's the wedding march he's humming (or 'School's Out For Summer' if you watch the outtakes). Poor Mr. Cat.
I like how they mixed-up the eyecatch this time around.

-Duck has now reverted to being a duck, when Edel shows up, offering the pendant back to her--"Will you close yourself to it all?" Is Edel who Drosselmeyer was speaking to? But Duck still runs away. I like that--Duck's depression is not something to be thrown off that easily.
When Duck feels emotions, she tends to feel them intensely. We've already seen bits of this--she's often very cheerful (and when she's happy, she's HAPPY), but we got to see her really mad in episode 5, too. (And BOY was she mad!) Even though a main part of her personality is her cheerfulness, it's nice to see her emotional like this.

[Morwen]

I'm being a blabbermouth again. Quack!

-The river wants to take Mytho because he's interesting. Ah, the river has a heart shard! This can't be good.
This is a bit of an aside, but I just started thinking about it at this episode...the love of knowledge (I can't remember the exact term they use in the anime) seems to be a very odd emotion when most of the other emotions are very straight-forward (sorrow, fear, affection, etc). I wonder if, before he lost his heart, Mytho was a very curious, inquisitive person?

-Of course, if it's to save Mytho's life Duck wants to become Princess Tutu. Drosselmeyer is very satisfied to hear that. I presume that it was Edel who dropped the pendant down to Duck.
I love Drosselmeyer's little dance when she decides to use the pendant again. Even HE gets into the ballet spirit!

-Fakir is hunting for Mytho, and Rue is... what's up with Rue?
Where DID Fakir go anyway? This isn't just me teasing Shimauma, I seriously have no idea. He doesn't appear to be off shopping for groceries or anything, and he's been in "Mytho-stalker" mode for so long it seems odd for him to leave Mytho for no reason.
For that matter, how did Fakir get that little shack to stay in? We later see Fakir's father's house and they don't appear to be there, and I don't think Fakir is old enough to own property of his own, so...what? Are Fakir and Mytho actually squatting in some abandoned shack?
Or--this'll be really sad if this is it--is that Fakir's birth parent's home? If that's the case, it's plausible why Fakir would maybe actually have an empty house lying around that he could use. But if that was the case, I can't imagine him thinking that bringing Mytho to the site of his parent's death would be a very SAFE place for him to be.
I'm probably thinking too much into this. The house is probably there because Fakir and Mytho needed a place outside of school to stay, and Fakir probably left so Mytho would be alone and go in the lake. Still, it strikes me as odd.

-Duck/Tutu tells Mytho she won't bother him anymore, but that makes him sad. He wants her to return his heart shards now. I think we've had a breakthrough.
Finally, Mytho has decided he wants Tutu's help! But what will Fakir think of this little development? (Now I'm teasing.)

-Rue is watching all this, and she doesn't look happy. The wind picks up--and the heart shard is stolen, by "Princess Kraehe," who bears some resemblance to Rue.... Is "Kraehe" crow? But crow is not raven... I am perplexed!
There's not a whole lot I can say about Kraehe right now...just that I love her character, and her costume. And 'Kraehe' is hard to spell.

-Kraehe will not allow Tutu to do anything--but in the midst of this attack, she wonders who she is... but still abducts Mytho.
"Who am I?"
A question that I believe has already been asked at least once in this series...if it hasn't, it'll come up again soon.

-Fakir finds Mytho, and a black feather. He seems to have been expecting this turn of events.
Fakir doesn't sleep. He WAITS.

Well.... things are certainly getting more complicated. I wonder, the black bird that flew over the river, and the red-eyed bird in that brief scene of Rue in the window--are these aspects of Rue-as-Kraehe, or is something else entirely manipulating her? Hah--just like the introduction, everything leads to more questions. :P
It helps to have Mytho's inquisitive nature when you watch the show. It certainly makes things more interesting!

As a side note...I can't wait for next episode. I LOOOOVE the next one, I must've seen it...I know at least once in Japanese already, and probably something like four or five times in the English dub? More maybe? :sd: It's one I rewatch constantly.

[mangaka-chan]

For that matter, how did Fakir get that little shack to stay in? We later see Fakir's father's house and they don't appear to be there, and I don't think Fakir is old enough to own property of his own, so...what? Are Fakir and Mytho actually squatting in some abandoned shack?
Or--this'll be really sad if this is it--is that Fakir's birth parent's home? If that's the case, it's plausible why Fakir would maybe actually have an empty house lying around that he could use. But if that was the case, I can't imagine him thinking that bringing Mytho to the site of his parent's death would be a very SAFE place for him to be.
I'm probably thinking too much into this. The house is probably there because Fakir and Mytho needed a place outside of school to stay, and Fakir probably left so Mytho would be alone and go in the lake. Still, it strikes me as odd.


Isn't the place Fakir and Mytho are staying at the water mill? Later on Raetsel stayed there while visiting Fakir and Karon, so I always thought it was just an unused little storage room that can be lived in for a short while.

And I see someone else is also excited about the next episode, tehehe. XD But you're beginning to peak my interest in the dub. I'm not a fan of dubs but I know Chris Patton and Luci Christian do a really good job on this one. It's just that after watching the DVD commentaries, it's hard to take their voices (and in a way the characters they voice in English) seriously if I hear them on the dub track.

[puchiko2]

aah i love this episode! The doubt.. uncertainty.. quisitive episode! ^__^ whenever i watch the little opening part, i usually compare it to myself :D i just find myself asking questions during the series! and when one question is 'answered' 5 more arise XD its tough work!

Observations are still doing great! I can definitely see that its getting confusing for the viewers now, and just be prepared! From here on out, things get much more complex and confusing! O.O

anyone else tried to mimic little chijuanjuan's laugh? its tough! :sd:

[Mahlernut]

This episode made me a little sad, I have to admit. I was hoping that Ahiru was going to be torturing herself over the events of the previous episode for a while, but she got over it pretty quickly. I wants me my overwrought drama! ;)

Music's pretty straightforward here. I actually wonder why they chose the Blue Danube. Sure, well known, a great waltz, etc... but there are an awful lot of other pieces about rivers that seem a little more in keeping with the tone of the episode. Oh well, they use it wonderfully. Another of my favorite musical touches shows up in this episode as well - the inclusion of Satie's Gymnopedies as Kraehe's musical signature. Which I love for oh so many reasons. Instead of going the simple route of finding some sort of sinister, overblown orchestral piece to depict her, they use an entirely ambiguous piece for piano and generate a whole cascade of reactions as a result. Well done.

Anyhow, here's the music for act 7, subtitled
An der schönen blauen Donau (美����ドナウ)

Rue & Ahiru at the Bridge of Riddles, Myuto’s Fears, Ahiru casts away the pendant
Saint-Saëns, Camille
Carnival of the Animals
Aquarium

Myuto & the spirit in the river, Tutu saves Myuto
Strauss, Johannes
The Beautiful Blue Danube

Princess Kraehe appears
Satie, Eric
Gynmopedie No.1

Next-episode preview
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture

[The Great Bear]

and of course Mr. Cat waiting indefinitely at the pizza parlor :P

Best. Eyecatch. Ever.

[The Great Bear]

All the previous posters have gone over the important points, I'll just provide some color commentary as usual.

Episode 7: Crow Princess
Tutu's face in the foreground looks sinister

It really does, doesn't it?

-Duck is crying a lot, and Mytho and Fakir haven't come to class for the last week. And we have a chihuahua student to keep things from being relentlessly depressing.

Watch Kira Vicent-Davis' In the Studio segment as soon as possible for more on Chihuajuan. :D

Cute moment as Lilie tells her this isn't a scary story, in about the scariest voice she can muster.

Both Pike and Lilie make great faces during this whole scene.

Rue … She doesn't care--she loves him either way. She's "still far from having loved him enough." What an interesting turn of phrase....

You have a good ear and eye. What kind of love does Rue really have for Mytho? (I have an answer, but will be interested to hear yours later in the series).

-At the bridge, Duck's pendant senses a heart shard, but what's the point if it's going to cause Mytho more pain? Uh oh, Drosselmeyer's gears are turning. When Duck thinks of quitting, Drosselmeyer says "She [Tutu?] wouldn't" very emphatically. Huh? Drosselmeyer is bothered that the story has reached an impass. He's going to take action!

-Drosselmeyer admits to being dead?! He looks quite satisfied that she's bringing misery to Mytho, but then catches himself, and tries to act a little more appropriately. Not much. He made Duck into Princess Tutu because it would be fun, or no, it's because no one else wants her sad role. "Delightful" that the Prince hates her now! He has all the wrong reasons!

This is one of the best scenes in the whole episode. You really learn a lot about Drosselmeyer and his "goals" in this segment.

Part II to come (the post was so long the quote tags broke: sometimes it's woth using the Preview button ;) )

[The Great Bear]

-Mr. Cat gets the eyecatch! What was he humming? Oh, wait, he was waiting to meet Duck to prepare for their marriage....

Like I said in my post above. Best. Eyecatch. Ever.

-The water asking him questions reminds me of Kino's motorrad. :P

Hey, that's pretty good. Never thought about that before. Hermes and the Shard of Inquisitiveness, separated at birth?

-Duck throws away the pendant! Drosselmeyer is horrified. But he leaves with "I'll leave the rest to you." What? Is this actually what he was trying to engineer? Who was he talking to?
…
-Duck has now reverted to being a duck, when Edel shows up, offering the pendant back to her--"Will you close yourself to it all?" Is Edel who Drosselmeyer was speaking to?

That is an interesting question, and one with an answer forthcoming shortly.

-And a raven(?) flies over it all....

Yes, the black birds finally make their appearance.

-Of course, if it's to save Mytho's life Duck wants to become Princess Tutu. Drosselmeyer is very satisfied to hear that. I presume that it was Edel who dropped the pendant down to Duck.

Yes, it's clearly her hand that is shown dropping the pendant into the river.

-Duck/Tutu tells Mytho she won't bother him anymore, but that makes him sad. He wants her to return his heart shards now. I think we've had a breakthrough.

Mytho has regained a will of his own. Where will it lead him? (So Drosselmeyer might ask).

-Fakir is hunting for Mytho, and Rue is... what's up with Rue?
-Rue is watching all this, and she doesn't look happy. The wind picks up--and the heart shard is stolen, by "Princess Kraehe," who bears some resemblance to Rue.... Is "Kraehe" crow? But crow is not raven... I am perplexed!
-Kraehe will not allow Tutu to do anything--but in the midst of this attack, she wonders who she is... but still abducts Mytho.

That little frown she puts on is priceless.
(And Fence is right: she does have one sexy back).

-Fakir finds Mytho, and a black feather. He seems to have been expecting this turn of events.

We now begin to see how much Fakir knows.

Well.... things are certainly getting more complicated. I wonder, the black bird that flew over the river, and the red-eyed bird in that brief scene of Rue in the window--are these aspects of Rue-as-Kraehe, or is something else entirely manipulating her? Hah--just like the introduction, everything leads to more questions. :P

Drosselmeyer does want the story to continue, after all ;)

[The Pirate Queen]

Fakir is definitely cool; my favorite male character in anime without a doubt. I have actually been using him as my avatar on CrystalAcids and ANN for a while now.

Fakir is, by far, my favorite character ever. He's pretty awesome in the first half of the show, but in the second half when everything goes all Escher...yea, just neat.

Ep 6 is where everything suddenly became so much more interesting, and by ep 7, I had to have more. Right then. No waiting. I'm wondering if Shimauma is going to break pattern this weekend and just finish off the first half - because leaving off at either episode 11 or episode 12 would be evil. :D

[The Great Bear]

Fakir is definitely cool; my favorite male character in anime without a doubt. I have actually been using him as my avatar on CrystalAcids and ANN for a while now.

Fakir is, by far, my favorite character ever. He's pretty awesome in the first half of the show, but in the second half when everything goes all Escher...yea, just neat.

Ep 6 is where everything suddenly became so much more interesting, and by ep 7, I had to have more. Right then. No waiting. I'm wondering if Shimauma is going to break pattern this weekend and just finish off the first half - because leaving off at either episode 11 or episode 12 would be evil. :D

I know what you mean. I rewatched the second volume yesterday. I was planning on just watching 6 and 7, so as not to get too far ahead, but once you get into this stretch, you just can't stop. I am going to force myself (well, I do have work to do :sd: ) to hold off on the next volume until Shimauma reaches those episodes.

[The Pirate Queen]

I wants me my overwrought drama! ;)


That's what Oniisama E is for.

[Morwen]

Isn't the place Fakir and Mytho are staying at the water mill? Later on Raetsel stayed there while visiting Fakir and Karon, so I always thought it was just an unused little storage room that can be lived in for a short while.

And I see someone else is also excited about the next episode, tehehe. XD But you're beginning to peak my interest in the dub. I'm not a fan of dubs but I know Chris Patton and Luci Christian do a really good job on this one. It's just that after watching the DVD commentaries, it's hard to take their voices (and in a way the characters they voice in English) seriously if I hear them on the dub track.

Oh! I didn't realize that was where Raetsel was staying, as well. It's probably just Karon's property?
Of course, if it's Karon's property that means Fakir's staying there without his permission, since Karon hasn't seen him since he left for school. XD Maybe the owners just don't mind renting it out for people who want to stay there for a while.

As for the dub...I love it, and I really think it's great if you can see both versions (since both the Japanese and English casts are excellent). I should note, though--in general I'm a dubbie, and I watched the show all the way through with the dub first, so...part of my "Agh, I gotta switch back!" thing is just that...it's what I'm used to. ^^;
I can kinda understand why you would be worried about taking Chris and Luci (...particularly) seriously after listening to the commentaries, too. ^^;; By the time I had listened to the commentaries, I had probably seen at least the first two discs dubbed, so I was already used to their voices as Fakir and Duck, first. But even though they kinda goof off on the commentaries, when it comes to the dub itself you can tell they took it pretty seriously. I think Chris Patton did a particularly good job of showing how insecure Fakir really is--particularly once we get to the second season. Chris Patton did really excellently with Fakir's struggle over his powers.
I've gotten to where I can seperate the actors from the characters...although I still mutter "Well, I'm gonna sashay off now" every time I watch the next episode. XD


anyone else tried to mimic little chijuanjuan's laugh? its tough! :sd:
I haven't done that, but I do try to mimic Duck/Princess Tutu often. I can't. XD
I really should stop trying to do that, because either I can't do it, or I freak people out (like the one time I mimiced Sheen from Jimmy Neutron almost perfectly o.o; ).

This episode made me a little sad, I have to admit. I was hoping that Ahiru was going to be torturing herself over the events of the previous episode for a while, but she got over it pretty quickly. I wants me my overwrought drama! ;)
At least Rue and Fakir will make up for it throughout the series! XD

Another of my favorite musical touches shows up in this episode as well - the inclusion of Satie's Gymnopedies as Kraehe's musical signature. Which I love for oh so many reasons. Instead of going the simple route of finding some sort of sinister, overblown orchestral piece to depict her, they use an entirely ambiguous piece for piano and generate a whole cascade of reactions as a result. Well done.
I agree, I REALLY love the choice they made there. I hadn't heard of Satie before watching Princess Tutu, but it's a really beautiful piece of music, and they use it with Kraehe perfectly. The moment where Kraehe is spinning down from the air is one of those moments where you could almost swear the music was written for Princess Tutu, even though you know it wasn't.

EDIT: I really need to pay more attention to how I close quote brackets.
edit AGAIN: And how many times I quote one person

[Morwen]

Fakir is definitely cool; my favorite male character in anime without a doubt. I have actually been using him as my avatar on CrystalAcids and ANN for a while now.

Fakir is, by far, my favorite character ever. He's pretty awesome in the first half of the show, but in the second half when everything goes all Escher...yea, just neat.

Ep 6 is where everything suddenly became so much more interesting, and by ep 7, I had to have more. Right then. No waiting. I'm wondering if Shimauma is going to break pattern this weekend and just finish off the first half - because leaving off at either episode 11 or episode 12 would be evil. :D

I know what you mean. I rewatched the second volume yesterday. I was planning on just watching 6 and 7, so as not to get too far ahead, but once you get into this stretch, you just can't stop. I am going to force myself (well, I do have work to do :sd: ) to hold off on the next volume until Shimauma reaches those episodes.

I really should be walking to art history now, but I DEFINANTELY agree. XD Before I saw the second season, Fakir and Rue were my favorite characters, but Fakir becoming a writer, as well as all the angst he goes through, just made me love him...partially because I want to be a writer. I REALLY love the journey Fakir begins to go through...which really gets started next episode, one of the reasons I love it. <3

And if it wasn't for the fact that I'm watching each episode right before the post goes up, I probably would've already been to volume four or so. Luckily, I remember the LAST time I watched two volumes of Princess Tutu at night, and won't let myself do that again. XD (I actually watched the last two volumes of the series for the first time the night before my first day of college...finished at, like...3am. Not a good idea.)

[Spirit Of The Stage]

I just want to state, for the record, that Kraehe has the sexiest back EVER.


:virgin:

Ahem...yes...point noted and agreed on.

This episode began the start of a rival/antagonist character in a similar way that Syaoran seemed to be when he first met Sakura. With the obvious idea of Kraehe emerging in reference to Duck, i.e.
Kraehe is Rue then we get some interesting parralels even during their brief introduction, but what type of villain (if you can call her that) would Kraehe be?

Oh yes, Duck's absent mindedness was fantastic during the review of the play. And her essay. 'It was great.' :D Classic duck.

Another thing about the dub here (aside from Luci outtake 'Oh yeah, I can spin like that too y'know?' :> ) Jessica Boone really begins to shine away here from the roles of the Misaki's, the Chiyo-chans, the Shirayuki's into a really strong adult rule with
Rue/Kraehe made me even more a fan of hers than I already was.

And yes, Drosselmeyer was at his best here. Marty Fleck nailed that role like it was his own. Great stuff and at this point, I was now beginning to realise this wasn't the comedy show that the first ep seemed to intend. Whilst there was elements there (Pike: You know that was your fault? Lille: No way....that line always cracks me up no matter which ep it's in), the drama and darkness were coming and I was totally absorbed from this ep onwards. Let's see what tomorrow brings...

[Isuzu Inugami]

I honestly don't know anyone who prefers Fakir/Mytho to the canon couples.

You almost make it sound as if they aren't a canon couple! :P

I can't even remember seeing any doujinshi for them while I was in Japan. (Not that I saw that much Tutu doujinshi.)

That kind of surprises me... they've got such a seme/uke thing going*, at least in these early episodes. But maybe Mytho's emotional vacancy makes him poor fodder for doujinshi.

* I think. Assuming I really understand these terms. Yaoi is still a vast, unknown country to me, for which I've only read the travel brouchures.

[Isuzu Inugami]

- Tutu's face in the foreground looks sinister and like she's anticipating something! What the--?

I think that's presenting Tutu from Mytho's prespective when he said he was afriad of her. It's been a while since I watched that episode hmm... :\

I wonder if it's Duck seeing her Tutu persona as something evil...?


Here we have a problem with translation. "Kraehe" is "crow" in German and like in English, there's a distinction between the raven and the crow as two different kinds of birds. But in Japanese (and actually in Chinese as well) crows and ravens are simply refered to as "karasu", generically meaning "black birds".

Sooo... should I not worry about crow/raven distinctions? Maybe I should see what the dub is doing here....

[Isuzu Inugami]

This episode made me a little sad, I have to admit. I was hoping that Ahiru was going to be torturing herself over the events of the previous episode for a while, but she got over it pretty quickly. I wants me my overwrought drama! ;)


I agree, but it seems Drosselmeyer does not! Duck is sort of forced into becoming Tutu again, whether she's ready to or not. And the appearance of Princess Kraehe distracts her attention from her own self-doubt, too.

[The Great Bear]

Here we have a problem with translation. "Kraehe" is "crow" in German and like in English, there's a distinction between the raven and the crow as two different kinds of birds. But in Japanese (and actually in Chinese as well) crows and ravens are simply refered to as "karasu", generically meaning "black birds".

Sooo... should I not worry about crow/raven distinctions? Maybe I should see what the dub is doing here....


The dub maintains the same distinction. It's simply a feature of the language that Japanese can't easily distinguish between crows and ravens in writing. Both are karasu. But in English (and German, which is important here), there are two distinct words, so it makes sense to use them, even if the original Japanese does not. That they do refer to a Rabe in the German title of Drosselmeyer's book, but also name Princess Kraehe as Kraehe, and not Rabe, shows that they are aware of the distinction and intend it to be understood by the audience as well.

[Morwen]

I honestly don't know anyone who prefers Fakir/Mytho to the canon couples.

You almost make it sound as if they aren't a canon couple! :P

They might as well be, with Mytho being all fay and running around his shared room with Fakir without any pants on (...or any clothes at ALL, last episode). And Fakir being all dom on him, of course. (All he needs is to smirk and say "Good boy" after one of his speeches to Mytho and the yaoi-ness would be overwhelming).

I can't even remember seeing any doujinshi for them while I was in Japan. (Not that I saw that much Tutu doujinshi.)

That kind of surprises me... they've got such a seme/uke thing going*, at least in these early episodes. But maybe Mytho's emotional vacancy makes him poor fodder for doujinshi.

* I think. Assuming I really understand these terms. Yaoi is still a vast, unknown country to me, for which I've only read the travel brouchures.[/quote]

I probably know less about yaoi that you even know, but I'd assume Mytho's emotional vacancy makes him the perfect fodder for doujinshi, depending on the doujinshi. XD

On a more serious note, though--hiding it just in case--I think that by the time the anime is over, it does such a good job developing the relationships between the characters that people like to stick to how they turned out (this isn't ALWAYS the case, though--what's the fun of fanfiction if it's always following the anime exactly? XD).

[EmperorBrandon]

That they do refer to a Rabe in the German title of Drosselmeyer's book, but also name Princess Kraehe as Kraehe, and not Rabe, shows that they are aware of the distinction and intend it to be understood by the audience as well.


In the dub staff commentary on Vol. 4 (think that's the one), they explain the distinction between the two in the series, though it is in light of (minor spoilers) a new character showing up in the second half of the story.

[EmperorBrandon]

Watch Kira Vicent-Davis' In the Studio segment as soon as possible for more on Chihuajuan. :D


Yeah, a really minor character, but it was fun watching how she turned that role into her own. Kira's vocal range in simply amazing.

[The Great Bear]

That they do refer to a Rabe in the German title of Drosselmeyer's book, but also name Princess Kraehe as Kraehe, and not Rabe, shows that they are aware of the distinction and intend it to be understood by the audience as well.


In the dub staff commentary on Vol. 4 (think that's the one), they explain the distinction between the two in the series, though it is in light of (minor spoilers) a new character showing up in the second half of the story.

Yep, I remember that commentary segment, though it's been a long time since I watched it. I was just trying to answer the question without getting too spoilery.

And off topic, but when I rewatched volume 2, I came across your avatar. That was a great scene :D

[EmperorBrandon]

And off topic, but when I rewatched volume 2, I came across your avatar. That was a great scene :D

Oh nice, I had forgotten exactly which episode the screenshot was from (I actually made it a long while back) so... it is on this volume. I think some of the scenes w/ Duck and Rue hold value in retrospect here as later on Duck and Rue know each others "identities" and thus can't really be friendly with each other again, as much as Duck still wants to be friends.

[The Great Bear]

And off topic, but when I rewatched volume 2, I came across your avatar. That was a great scene :D

Oh nice, I had forgotten exactly which episode the screenshot was from (I actually made it a long while back) so... it is on this volume. I think some of the scenes w/ Duck and Rue hold value in retrospect here as later on Duck and Rue know each others "identities" and thus can't really be friendly with each other again, as much as Duck still wants to be friends.

Yep. I think it's in either 8 or 9, but I forget now exactly, since it passes really quickly.

And I agree with your [hidden] comment.

[puchiko2]

sorry this is a *bit* off topic from the running episode commentary.. but i remember i mentioned earlier that i bought the first manga ^^ i bought the second!

surprisingly enough.. a few times my eyebrow raised, i was a little impressed at some parts. I could tell the artist was trying to fit as many parts similar to the anime as possible. And surprise surprise! guess what?

remember when i said Ahiru *isn't* a duck in the manga? im still right but...
she turns into a duck! and then we get some adorable Fakir/Ahiru moment similar to later in the anime, yus!

I was still displeased with how its much different than the anime... but it was much better than the 1st volume! and it'll still stay on my shelf ^^

*bow* sorry for the interruption! please go on :sd:

[ayumu]

You almost make it sound as if they aren't a canon couple! :P

They might as well be, with Mytho being all fay and running around his shared room with Fakir without any pants on (...or any clothes at ALL, last episode).
Ha, you stole my reply! Who knows what was going on in there at night? ;)


On a more serious note, though--trying to be as unspoilery as possible here--I think that by the time the anime is over, it does such a good job developing the relationships between the characters that people like to stick to how they turned out
Yes, exactly.

I think the way we're all going on about how we're such Fakir fans and tiptoeing around what couples we're talking about, we've probably indirectly given it away? Haha, oops. >.>

[Morwen]

You almost make it sound as if they aren't a canon couple! :P

They might as well be, with Mytho being all fay and running around his shared room with Fakir without any pants on (...or any clothes at ALL, last episode).
Ha, you stole my reply! Who knows what was going on in there at night? ;)
Really, who DOES know? I mean, who taught him to run around without clothes, anyway? D=



I think the way we're all going on about how we're such Fakir fans and tiptoeing around what couples we're talking about, we've probably indirectly given it away? Haha, oops. >.>[/quote]

AGH! I hope not!! O.O;;; Fakir and Duck's relationship is one of the nicest surprises in the anime! It's way too soon for him to know about that!
I think I'll go hide it and hope the damage hasn't been done.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Episode 8: The Warrior's Fountain

Intro: A warrior who took his friend's life to protect him (might we be talking about Fakir and Mytho?), and a sword that killed its wielder to preserve peace. They fight crime! Oh, sorry, ignore that bit. They had no choice, but should they have done it?

-Duck's run out of places to look for Mytho. Have you tried Fakir's place? Oh, he's not answering your pebblegram. She should try bigger rocks... no, that's probably not a good idea.

-Mytho is troubled remembering Tutu helping him, and Kraehe taking his heart shard. Doesn't he need to regain his heart? Fakir tells him to forget about it.

-Rue has a heart shard in a jewelry box, but doesn't recognize it. Evidently she doesn't know she's Princess Kraehe. The heart shard--the deisre for knowledge--starts asking her questions she doesn't want to ask. Why does she don black feathers? Who is she really? Upset, she shuts away the heart shard.

-Pike and Lilie get to torment Duck some more. :D They're egging her into confessing her love to Mytho, but Duck knows she'll disappear if she actually did that.

-And there's Mytho. When Duck embraces him, happy he's all right, Pike and Lilie just about explode!

-Mytho starts to ask Duck if she knows about Tutu, when Fakir leaps in overdramatically to break things up. He tells Duck to stay away from Mytho and threatens her! Duck is intimidated this time, instead of getting angry. Pike and Lilie think she got turned down, and plan a "revenge match" for her. A "revenge match?"

-Rue is trying to remember last night, and starting to wonder if she's who she thinks she is. I don't know about the rest of you, but girls doing evil and doubting their identity is one of the shortest paths to moe I know. Awww, poor Rue!

-Duck skipped class! Also, Mytho shouldn't be with someone with scary eyes like Fakir. Duck says as much to Edel, and is shown a gem called "Courage"--a single gem made of two. Which Duck takes to mean she needs a partner to rescue Mytho--why not Mytho himself? Is this really the right interpretation?

-Edel asks what Fakir is to Duck, and disappears as Duck says he's nothing to her, but a danger to Mytho. Significant? Or just Edel being Edel?

-Duck (as a duck) infiltrates the boy's dorm to leave a letter to Mytho. Fakir finds her in Mytho's locker, and gently sneaks her back outside and gives her some food too. This is a side to Fakir we (and Duck!) haven't seen before. I like how she has to remind herself he's a bad guy.

-Uh oh... Fakir finds Mytho reading Duck's letter. Mytho is going to defy him and meet her--this gets Fakir into a state of panicked anger! He's starting to lose it--slap! He can't control Mytho with words anymore.

-Rue is running with the heart shard--is she going to bring it back to Mytho? And Fakir is getting dressed up--are those scars?! And he visits a mausoleum, where a wilted flower marks one coffin--with the Prince's sword, that shattered his heart... What is going on? Fakir is restoring power to the sword, with his own blood and a German incantation. What is he going to do? Drosselmeyer just asked that too.

-Rue follows Mytho to his meeting with Duck. Who is tongue-tied. So cute! Mytho wants to see Tutu, he wants to be with her always... This seems to bring Kraehe out of Rue... is it jealousy? Interestingly peaceful music choice, by the way.

-Mytho belongs to Kraehe. Drosselmeyer positively revels in the prospect of Tutu and Kraehe battling over Mytho!

-Tutu asks Kraehe to give back the heart shard and stop making Mytho suffer. But Kraehe says it's Tutu causing his suffering. She'll give his heart shard to the crows! Tutu tries to tackle her--what happened to ballet fights? And here comes a masked Fakir to defend Mytho from the both of them? Or just Kraehe? Who he asks if she's a manifestation of the Raven. Aha! But we don't actually get an answer.... What's with the disintegrating crow? Was it holding the heart shard, or was it allowing Kraehe to manifest?

-The heart shard is liberated from a defeated Kraehe, but Fakir's come to shatter the Prince's heart once again! Holy shit!!

-Tutu's pretty skilled with that fan.

-Ever obliging Mytho will shatter his heart himself if it will satisfy Fakir! Tutu begs him not to (intense!), and has a wonderful apology in tears for not being able to save him from suffering--she can only restore his heart. It even gets to Fakir a bit.

-When Mytho chooses not to shatter his heart, Fakir withdraws... is he really giving up? What will he do now...?

-Oh hell! Heart shard of curiosity restored, a sweet kiss to Tutu's hand, and Mytho asks her what she thinks of him! The worst possible question! If you dare not tell the truth, run away....

-Back in the dorm, Duck gets back on her "I'm only a duck" trip, and says that Mytho only sees Princess Tutu, and Princess Tutu is not her. Do you really believe that, Duck?

-Drosselmeyer wonders if the sword that pierced the Prince's heart was someone's feelings... Did Mytho really get away unscathed today?

Wow, this show just gets better and better! What an episode!

[EmperorBrandon]

Episode 8: The Warrior's Fountain
Script Writer - Mamiko Ikeda
Storyboard - Kiyoko Sayama
Episode Director - Kiyoko Sayama
Animation Director - Itsuko Takeda

Ahh... can't wait to watch this episode. It'll have to be in the morning (might as well not watch it when I'm in need of more sleep. Heh. :sd: )

[Morwen]

Sleep? Who needs sleep? Not when it's time for on of my favorite episodes! =D

Episode 8: The Warrior's Fountain

-Duck's run out of places to look for Mytho. Have you tried Fakir's place? Oh, he's not answering your pebblegram. She should try bigger rocks... no, that's probably not a good idea.
XD As soon as I read that, I had of image of Fakir yelling out a broken window pane "YOU BETTER PLAN ON BUYING ME A NEW WINDOW!"

-Mytho is troubled remembering Tutu helping him, and Kraehe taking his heart shard. Doesn't he need to regain his heart? Fakir tells him to forget about it.
I find it funny that Mytho not only follows orders without question (well...at least until this episode), but actually sleeps on command. Does he sleep without Fakir telling him to, or does Fakir have to tell him to?
And what would happen if Fakir told him to play dead?

-Mytho starts to ask Duck if she knows about Tutu, when Fakir leaps in overdramatically to break things up. He tells Duck to stay away from Mytho and threatens her! Duck is intimidated this time, instead of getting angry. Pike and Lilie think she got turned down, and plan a "revenge match" for her. A "revenge match?"
Hmm, he jumps a distance that's possibly longer than what Mr. Cat did, but manages to come out unharmed...
Takahiro Sakurai (Fakir's seiyuu) is really scary sounding in this scene. If I was Duck, I'd probably be intimidated, too.
Chris Patton doesn't sound quite as frightening, but still not someone I'd particularly want to start a fight with at that moment. (Why am I bringing this up? A later scene in this episode.
...and I'm a Fakir fangirl that loves both actors to death.)

-Rue is trying to remember last night, and starting to wonder if she's who she thinks she is. I don't know about the rest of you, but girls doing evil and doubting their identity is one of the shortest paths to moe I know. Awww, poor Rue!
Eh? Wassat? I was too busy obsessing over Fakir's sexy angry voice.Sorry, couldn't resist. ^^;

-Duck (as a duck) infiltrates the boy's dorm to leave a letter to Mytho. Fakir finds her in Mytho's locker, and gently sneaks her back outside and gives her some food too. This is a side to Fakir we (and Duck!) haven't seen before. I like how she has to remind herself he's a bad guy.
Annnd here's that scene I was talking about. First of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this scene. After so many episodes of seeing the scary, manipulative side of Fakir, we finally get to see a softer side of him. (It paricularly helps to understand what might be going through Fakir's head in the upcoming scenes.)
Secondly, while I generally try not to compare the Japanese and English versions of an anime...since I've seen this episode a looot (probably at least half a dozen times, if not more) in the dub, but never watched it all the way through with the Japanese audio and subs, I was surprised by how Sakurai-san's Fakir still sounds very reserved (even though the gruff tone of voice he normally has is pretty much gone). Chris Patton's version of this scene, while it's almost exactly the same lines, sounds more cheerful and a bit warmer.
I don't think I really prefer one way over the other (I love them both!), but it's one of the things that really struck me while watching the episode.
(...I'm such a Fakir fangirl.)

-Uh oh... Fakir finds Mytho reading Duck's letter. Mytho is going to defy him and meet her--this gets Fakir into a state of panicked anger! He's starting to lose it--slap! He can't control Mytho with words anymore.
Poor Fakir. Thanks to the previous scene, we now know he's not ALWAYS a bad guy--at the very least, he likes animals--and yet, he seems to keep making mistakes with Mytho. He DOES try to apologise to Mytho after hitting him (and really seems genuinely upset about it), but Mytho basically brushes him off(!!!).
Not that I can blame Mytho. Fakir's starting to wrack up quite a domestic violence charge. He's already shoved Duck against a wall, pushed Mytho against a mirror while clenching his jaw with his hand, and now he SLAPS him. Two words, Fakir: Anger. Management.

Part two coming in a moment...

[Morwen]

-Rue is running with the heart shard--is she going to bring it back to Mytho? And Fakir is getting dressed up--are those scars?! And he visits a mausoleum, where a wilted flower marks one coffin--with the Prince's sword, that shattered his heart... What is going on? Fakir is restoring power to the sword, with his own blood and a German incantation. What is he going to do? Drosselmeyer just asked that too.
Yay! Fakir without a shirt! Erm, I mean, good eye on the scars, I didn't catch them on this episode until I rewatched it.
Another comparison between the English and the Japanese version (I know, I know): in the Japanese version, there's the clear sound of moans coming from the catacombs, like a group of ghosts or the skulls themselves or something. However, in the English version, the only sounds in the place come from Fakir and his movements.
Fakir's German incantation gives me shivers up my spine, regardless of which version I'm listening to at the time. There's a lot of really cool visuals as he does it, too...the blood dripping from his hand, that...black....whatever it is covering the sword, and the way Fakir brings the sword to his face and readies it. An awesome scene all the way around.
...There was another really cool thing I was going to point out here, but...I...forget what it was. o.o; I'll try to remember it later...

-Rue follows Mytho to his meeting with Duck. Who is tongue-tied. So cute! Mytho wants to see Tutu, he wants to be with her always... This seems to bring Kraehe out of Rue... is it jealousy? Interestingly peaceful music choice, by the way.
Did you notice the pun here? In the Japanese version, the beginning of Duck and Mytho's conversation goes like this:
Duck: Ah--ee--ah, ee, ou...
Mytho: Eh?
Duck: Oh...
The five Japanese vowels (and first five letters of their alphabet...well...'alphabet' is the wrong term, but I'm blanking out on the right one) are (romanized) A (ah), I (ee), U (ou), E (eh) and O (oh), in that order.
In the English version, they translated it this way:
Duck: Ah! Ee--I--Ee--I--
Mytho: Huh?
Duck: Oh!
E-I-E-I-O. XD
*didn't notice this until she watched the audio commentary, BTW*
Major spoilers:
This is a random comparison, but watching this scene again made me think of the web comic Megatokyo. At one point in that series, a ninja mentions that magical girls are ruled by the code of love (compared to the ninja, which live their lives according to a code of honor). The ninja looks down on them because of this, saying they're unpredictable.
In a way, this applys to Kraehe. It's Rue's love for Mytho that turns her into Kraehe--but that love has been twisted by the Raven, so that she has become a dark, chaotic form of herself.

-Mytho belongs to Kraehe. Drosselmeyer positively revels in the prospect of Tutu and Kraehe battling over Mytho!
I love how Kraehe traces her fingers along Mytho while she tells him "Your hair, your cheeks, even your heart...everything belongs to me."
It's a very graceful and moody looking scene...a tad sensual, too, as is her dance with Mytho.
And I love Drosselmeyer's remark that "the value of treasure is revealed when it's fought over."
Oh yeah, and Marty Fleck's still awesome. <3

-And here comes a masked Fakir to defend Mytho from the both of them? Or just Kraehe?
I'm guessing both of them--Fakir may be nice to ducks, but he's still pretty standoff-ish towards everyone else. Kraehe's the one that actually gives a challenge to him, though, where Tutu simply stands by and watches--so he goes after Kraehe first.
Oh, and Fakir looks awesome in the mask+cape ensemble. (Probably one of my favorite 'costumes' for him.)

-The heart shard is liberated from a defeated Kraehe, but Fakir's come to shatter the Prince's heart once again! Holy shit!!
So not only do we've got a domestic violence charge, Fakir has now wracked up an 'assault with a deadly weapon" charge as well. Where's Kinkan's police when you need them?

-Tutu's pretty skilled with that fan.
It must be made out of steel, too. Quite empressive for a fan to be able to block a sword otherwise. (Much less DISARM him. Go Tutu!)

-Ever obliging Mytho will shatter his heart himself if it will satisfy Fakir! Tutu begs him not to (intense!), and has a wonderful apology in tears for not being able to save him from suffering--she can only restore his heart. It even gets to Fakir a bit.
I loooove how they used the Romeo and Juliet overture in this scene (I believe that's the right one)...well, plus, the way they used it the entire episode. Another time the music almost seems to be made for the anime.
And I agree, it's a REALLY intense scene...which I love. <3
EDIT: I remember what I was going to say now!! XD Sadly, it's a spoiler, so I'll have to hide it.
I think Tutu's apology gets to Fakir because she admits to Mytho that she "can't protect him." Maybe Fakir's starting to realize that he can't protect Mytho from the pain that comes with emotions, as well?

-When Mytho chooses not to shatter his heart, Fakir withdraws... is he really giving up? What will he do now...?
Well, first, he's going to sashay off.
After that...well...I don't think Fakir even knows.
I think Fakir probably feels a little betrayed that Mytho defies him yet again. Plus, what we learn about Fakir in the next few episodes...not only has Mytho 'betrayed' him, but he's now got to contend with his 'role' in the story. It's no wonder that he withdraws so quickly when Mytho decides to not shatter his heart--he's done everything he can to stop it, but the story is still moving forward. He's probably starting to feel more than a little scared--in fact, I'd say at this point he's getting close to being terrified.

-Oh hell! Heart shard of curiosity restored, a sweet kiss to Tutu's hand, and Mytho asks her what she thinks of him! The worst possible question! If you dare not tell the truth, run away....
Mytho seems so sweet when he asks Princess Tutu that question...he has no idea how painful of a question that can be.

Wow, this show just gets better and better! What an episode!

This is one of many episodes after this point that I absolutely adore...but this one is particularly one of my favorites for several reasons:
-Lots of Fakir character development--we see scary!Fakir, gentle!Fakir, and warrior!Fakir, all in the same half-hour. Not to mention a really cool costume for him (I'm a sucker for masks), Fakir speaking in German, AND he's briefly shirtless for a scene. (Hey, girls like fanservice, too.) This is a Fakir fangirl's gold mine.
-More great Drosselmeyer monologues!
-A bit more of a proper introduction for Princess Kraehe, including her dance with Mytho and battle with Fakir. Kraehe's probably one of my favorite villains EVER. Not just anime--EVER.
-Some really sublime acting from both casts, particularly from the actors behind Rue/Kraehe and Fakir. (I really like both Nanae Katoh and Luci Christian during Tutu's "That's the real you!" speech, as well.)

Not only is this a great episode, but the hits keep coming after this. It doesn't slow down for a while...tons of great episodes coming up. I'm practically giddy with excitement, can't you tell?

[Mahlernut]

No time to say too much, except that this is the first time that the music of Sergei Prokofiev gets served up to us...and definitely not the last. I love that they took the time to use the music from two different Russian versions of Romeo and Juliette (Prokofiev's is a ballet, while the Tchaikovsky is a straight orchestral piece).

Gotta get to the gym, so here's the music for act 8, subtitled:
Fantasie-Ouvertüre zu “Romeo und Juliaâ€� (幻想的åº�曲「ãƒ*ミオã�¨ã‚¸ãƒ¥ãƒªã‚¨ãƒƒãƒˆã €�)

Ahiru’s search, Fakir & Myuto, Rue & the Heart Shard
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture

Ahiru & Myuto
Prokofiev, Sergei
Romeo & Juliet
Act I - Introduction

Fakir threatens Ahiru
Beethoven, Ludwig von
Coriolon Overture

Rue reflects
Satie, Eric
Gymnopedie No.3

Fakir & Myuto quarrel, Fakir restores the Sword of the Prince
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture

Princess Kraehe appears
Satie, Eric
Gymnopedie No.1

Tutu, Kraehe, and Fakir fight, Myuto tries to cut out his heart, Tutu runs away
Tchaikovsky, Piotr Ilyich
Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture

Next-episode preview
Mussorgsky, Modest (orch. Ravel)
Pictures at an Exhibition
The Old Castle

[The Great Bear]

Some commentary as usual.

Episode 8: The Warrior's Fountain
They fight crime! Oh, sorry, ignore that bit.

"Protecting the Peace of Gold Crown Town. Shadows! Shadows! Shadows!"
Sorry, but that's what you made me think of :sd:

-Duck's run out of places to look for Mytho. Have you tried Fakir's place? Oh, he's not answering your pebblegram. She should try bigger rocks... no, that's probably not a good idea.

LOL. I'm thinking about adding this to the quote thread.

-Rue is trying to remember last night, and starting to wonder if she's who she thinks she is. I don't know about the rest of you, but girls doing evil and doubting their identity is one of the shortest paths to moe I know. Awww, poor Rue!

Definite quote nominee.

-Duck skipped class! Also, Mytho shouldn't be with someone with scary eyes like Fakir. Duck says as much to Edel, and is shown a gem called "Courage"--a single gem made of two. Which Duck takes to mean she needs a partner to rescue Mytho--why not Mytho himself? Is this really the right interpretation?
-Edel asks what Fakir is to Duck, and disappears as Duck says he's nothing to her, but a danger to Mytho. Significant? Or just Edel being Edel?

Edel is being Edel, but then you have to know what Edel is. (Yeah, this is cryptic and annoying, but you're asking the right questions, ones that can't be answered without spoiling things).

-Duck (as a duck) infiltrates the boy's dorm to leave a letter to Mytho. Fakir finds her in Mytho's locker, and gently sneaks her back outside and gives her some food too. This is a side to Fakir we (and Duck!) haven't seen before. I like how she has to remind herself he's a bad guy.

A very sweet scene. Who knew Fakir had a softer side?

-And Fakir is getting dressed up--are those scars?! And he visits a mausoleum, where a wilted flower marks one coffin--with the Prince's sword, that shattered his heart... What is going on? Fakir is restoring power to the sword, with his own blood and a German incantation. What is he going to do?

The pieces on the board are now in motion.

-What's with the disintegrating crow? Was it holding the heart shard, or was it allowing Kraehe to manifest?

It was holding the heart shard.

-The heart shard is liberated from a defeated Kraehe, but Fakir's come to shatter the Prince's heart once again! Holy shit!!
-Tutu's pretty skilled with that fan.
-Ever obliging Mytho will shatter his heart himself if it will satisfy Fakir! Tutu begs him not to (intense!), and has a wonderful apology in tears for not being able to save him from suffering--she can only restore his heart. It even gets to Fakir a bit.

There'll be more dance fights. But here we learn about weapon specialties. And Tutu makes an impassioned speech.

-When Mytho chooses not to shatter his heart, Fakir withdraws... is he really giving up? What will he do now...?

He'll do what he's been doing the whole time.


Wow, this show just gets better and better! What an episode!

Indeed.

[The Pirate Queen]

Wow, this show just gets better and better! What an episode!

And it doesn't stop! We'll make a Tutu-addict of you yet.

Erm, possible minor spoilers for ep 13: Once I finished the first season I really, really didn't want to watch the second. After such a spectacular ending, how could they even match that level of quality, much less exceed it? Took me weeks to work up the nerve to continue watching...

[The Great Bear]

And it doesn't stop! We'll make a Tutu-addict of you yet.

Erm, possible minor spoilers for ep 13: Once I finished the first season I really, really didn't want to watch the second. After such a spectacular ending, how could they even match that level of quality, much less exceed it? Took me weeks to work up the nerve to continue watching...

And I take it that it didn't disappoint?

I also had my doubts, but they vanished pretty quickly. And I think I and other latecomers were lucky to see it through the DVD release. Having to wait each week just to get a half episode must have been torture at times.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

Broken record time, but I loved this episode. The quirky combination of cute and sweet (Duck's hug of Myoto and the first signs of Fakir the nice guy...) to dark (Rue's angsting - oh yes, the way either Jessica Boone or Nana Mizuki (two of my favourite voices on east and west)played her during that scene I was cracking up with tears (I cry as easily as Luci Christian did at the end of the series...)...

I can't really add more that others can say, so simply put I was hooked at this point, and thanks god I ordered the first 3 DVDs staright away...and yes, it took me a while to order the next ones...how did it go? We'll see..

[The Pirate Queen]

And I take it that it didn't disappoint?



Considering the fact that Pelianth and I have been pretty much the top Tutu fangirls around these parts since loooong before it was licensed - nope, didn't disappoint in the least.

[EmperorBrandon]

The five Japanese vowels (and first five letters of their alphabet...well...'alphabet' is the wrong term, but I'm blanking out on the right one) are (romanized) A (ah), I (ee), U (ou), E (eh) and O (oh), in that order.

I believe the correct term there is "syllabary".

[Morwen]

I believe the correct term there is "syllabary".

Great, thank you! ^_^ I need to study my Japanese a bit more. ^^;

[puchiko2]

hahaha XD on the topic of Mytho "sleeping on command"

i usually compare that scene to a Furby... remember those? :cool: XDDD you just cover their eyes... and in 5 seconds, sleeping!

this is one of my all time favorite episode, mostly because when i was watching the series, *this* is what caught my interest. I liked seeing Fakir's character expand, and all the characters have their role's and motives challenged :)

[Morwen]

hahaha XD on the topic of Mytho "sleeping on command"

i usually compare that scene to a Furby... remember those? :cool: XDDD you just cover their eyes... and in 5 seconds, sleeping!
Oh man. XD Now I have an image of Mytho following Fakir around going "Feed me! Feed me!"
I taught my friend's furby to burp on command, too...

[EmperorBrandon]

"Did that little bitch not hear what I said to her?" :D

Man, I've forgotten exactly how much I love this episode. I watched this one twice (like the others) but this one I feel like I could keep watching. The awesomeness is far from over, too. Next ep. is "The Black Shoes". I've always like Kraehe's shoes (nice contrast to Tutu's, I thought) - more of Rue's currenty identity crisis, which will be interesting for sure.

A lot of what I have to say is in reiteration of what Morwen said - Fakir is awesome in this episode, no doubt about. Liked the caped, hooded appearance quite a bit. Of course a few favorite scenes with him here... he's scary enough to the point where the animators emphasize Duck's legs trembling. His first meeting with Duck in duck form comes as quite a surprise, though, and is quite memorable (can't wait for next duck-Duck and Fakir meeting - that one is even better). Oh, and of course near the end where he fends off Kraehe with relative ease, for now... :>

Speaking of which, one thing I noticed this time is the little pavilion in the woods where Duck met up with Mytho this time - pretty sure that was the same one where Anteaterina had it out with Mytho before. Reason it came to mind as I'm thinking there is yet another scene involving a pavilion in the woods, a truly awesome one, on the next volume. :) Of course, some of the same places turn upt, so it's neat to think of them.


It must be made out of steel, too. Quite empressive for a fan to be able to block a sword otherwise. (Much less DISARM him. Go Tutu!)


Tutu's got quite an unconventional arsenal, but she certainly makes good use of it. :) I thought the fan was a pretty cool touch here as well.

[Ingraman]

Having to wait each week just to get a half episode must have been torture at times.

IIRC, it wasn't that much of a problem, because the half-episodes were still paired together. Or were they? It's been so long that I don't remember anymore. Maybe not. Argh! ^_^;; I liked the show enough that I bought the R2 DVDs (1-3 were the limiteds with CDs/box), which gave me a beautiful box to put both the R2s and R1s into together (double M-lock cases).

Not sure that any of that still needs to be hidden, but why not... ^_^

[The Great Bear]

Having to wait each week just to get a half episode must have been torture at times.

IIRC, it wasn't that much of a problem, because the half-episodes were still paired together. Or were they? It's been so long that I don't remember anymore. Maybe not. Argh! ^_^;; I liked the show enough that I bought the R2 DVDs (1-3 were the limiteds with CDs/box), which gave me a beautiful box to put both the R2s and R1s into together (double M-lock cases).

Not sure that any of that still needs to be hidden, but why not... ^_^

Yeah, the hidden parts don't really have to be hidden, as they're not really a "show" spoiler. But knowing what is in there might change someone's perspective on season 2, so why not leave it as is?

[Isuzu Inugami]

-What's with the disintegrating crow? Was it holding the heart shard, or was it allowing Kraehe to manifest?

It was holding the heart shard.

Okay... so now I'm wondering if it was Rue's jewelry box as well, and if it takes this kind of supernatural assistance to spirit off a heart shard. Not really a major plot point, I'm sure. In any case, Kraehe's got minions!

[edit for mucked up quotes]

[The Great Bear]

Okay... so now I'm wondering if it was Rue's jewelry box as well, and if it takes this kind of supernatural assistance to spirit off a heart shard. Not really a major plot point, I'm sure. In any case, Kraehe's got minions!


Maybe. It is a supernatural box surely.

And yes. Kraehe's got minions. Lots of them.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Duck: Ah--ee--ah, ee, ou...
Mytho: Eh?
Duck: Oh...

Oh man, that totally went past me! And I love stuff like that. Thanks for pointing it out!

[Isuzu Inugami]

I just want to state, for the record, that Kraehe has the sexiest back EVER.


Front's not so bad either.... :blush:

[The Great Bear]

I just want to state, for the record, that Kraehe has the sexiest back EVER.


Front's not so bad either.... :blush:

Take a look at the reverse cover for Volume 5. Extremely not in keeping with the show, but hard to resist looking at.

[Morwen]

Duck: Ah--ee--ah, ee, ou...
Mytho: Eh?
Duck: Oh...

Oh man, that totally went past me! And I love stuff like that. Thanks for pointing it out!

^_^ Your welcome! I never noticed it either, until I watched the staff commentary. There's actually some interesting stuff in there (although my favorite extras are the Outtakes and the In The Studio stuff.)

I just want to state, for the record, that Kraehe has the sexiest back EVER.


Front's not so bad either.... :blush:
I have no idea how Kraehe cosplayers walk around in a costume like that with such...confidence. I dunno if I could *ever* cosplay her. XD

[EmperorBrandon]

Take a look at the reverse cover for Volume 5. Extremely not in keeping with the show, but hard to resist looking at.

That's the "reverse" cover for that volume? Then again, I can't really tell. I just have them all set to the "dark side" since I generally like them better over all. The only one where it was a hard choice was Vol. 6, since I absolutely love the "light side" artwork on that one (I was really hoping they would use that, and I'm glad they did). Of course, I'd mismatch all of the other volumes if I did that. :sd:

[The Great Bear]

Take a look at the reverse cover for Volume 5. Extremely not in keeping with the show, but hard to resist looking at.

That's the "reverse" cover for that volume? Then again, I can't really tell. I just have them all set to the "dark side" since I generally like them better over all. The only one where it was a hard choice was Vol. 6, since I absolutely love the "light side" artwork on that one (I was really hoping they would use that, and I'm glad they did). Of course, I'd mismatch all of the other volumes if I did that. :sd:

I guess it's a matter of perspective. I base my wording solely on the fact that the "light" side was used as the outward face in the v.1 release.

Personally, I also have all of the covers showing the "dark" side covers (though only 3 of them, as I have doublepacked them since no box was made :( ).

[Morwen]

That's the "reverse" cover for that volume? Then again, I can't really tell. I just have them all set to the "dark side" since I generally like them better over all. The only one where it was a hard choice was Vol. 6, since I absolutely love the "light side" artwork on that one (I was really hoping they would use that, and I'm glad they did). Of course, I'd mismatch all of the other volumes if I did that. :sd:

I have my covers on 'Fakir mode' right now, so I'm using the covers in this order: Light, Dark, Light, Dark, Light, Light.
Normally I prefer the dark covers, but I LOOOVE Volume 6's light side, and since Fakir's directly on the cover of volume 5 light's side I went with that...(athough I might switch to the Dark side for that one...sure, he's not on the front, but there's Fakir witha sword on the back...and it would make things a little more even XD)

[The Great Bear]

I have no idea how Kraehe cosplayers walk around in a costume like that with such...confidence. I dunno if I could *ever* cosplay her. XD

I know nothing of cosplaying, but I would imagine the strategic use of some adhesive would be a good idea ;)

[KomoriKiri]

--"(and first five letters of their alphabet...well...'alphabet' is the wrong term, but I'm blanking out on the right one)"

Syllabary.

(Edit: See this was already covered, never mind.)

--"It must be made out of steel, too. Quite empressive for a fan to be able to block a sword otherwise."

They do exist. I've got one ^_^ Probably a Gunsen.

Wraith
"Interesting if true - and interesting anyway."
-- Mark Twain.

[EmperorBrandon]

since Fakir's directly on the cover of volume 5 light's side I went with that...


The funny thing with that one is it has Fakir dancing with Rue. Out of all the relationships between the 4 main characters, the Fakir/Rue one strikes me as the most consistently antagonistic throughout the series. So that just looked kind of odd in my opinion.