Uta∽Kata Discussion and Question

[mk2000]

So it took me about 2 years to finally finish this series (even though it's only 13 episodes long).

Initially I only saw the first five episodes and I chalked it up as a mediocre and somewhat boring magical girl anime with seemingly random panty shots as its only saving grace.

Boy I was wrong!

Even the panty shots turned out to be part of a theme the animators were trying to convey to the audience.

Ichika was a test case because she was 13-14 years old. According to the series (explicitly stated), this is considered a special age because it is an existence that is neither a child nor an adult. It was her unique view of life and life's unique view of her that made her special (and the rest of that age group).

I honestly believe the animators used these visual cues as a contrast that highlighted the sunset of their childhood and their beginning in a somewhat impure adult world.

Even other scenes from the beginning of the series that seemed unrealistic but that I pegged on "anime logic" actually turned out to have solid explanations (i.e. Ichika's parents taking Manatsu into their household without any questions).

Although I probably would have given up on the series 2 years ago, I still had the funny feeling that something was going to happen. It's almost like being under a bright sunny day but looking towards the west and spotting dark ominous clouds.

The atmosphere of the series became quite intense as it progressed and the character and relationship development was incredible (the final atmosphere for the second half of the show was a bit reminiscent of Air TV and Kanon).

Very complex and solid Girl-Girl relationships as well.

Even the final OVA episode was very dignified and well plotted.

Definitely going to the near top of my list for Most Wanted title for R1 licensing.

Okay, I do have one question.

There are a few scenes where it is referenced that Manatsu does not have a "normal" body. The scene where the Doctor was looking at Manatsu and has a weird look; also there is a scene were Manatsu pulls her blouse away from her body in episode 9 and says to Ichika "I think you've noticed that this body isn't normal either". Is Matnatsu like a Barbie doll? No nipples or other anatomically correct features?

Anyhow, any opinions on this series? Any other people who watched it half way and gave it up? :sd:

[Fencedude]

I don't think there is an answer about Manatsu. I never really thought about it that much, actually.

Anyway, Uta~Kata is an interesting little show, I actually find that it is one of the more disturbing and unsettling shows, once you really think about it.

[Splitter]

One of, if not the most underrated show I've ever seen and the show that has influenced most of my taste in anime. I love this show so much and it pains me that it will probably never be licensed.

I agree with Fencedude that this is a very unsettling series. This series so progressively went from slow and fluffy, to dark and disturbing and each progression further into the dark side just made it harder and harder to stop watching. Hell, I WANTED to tear myself away from this at times. This got heavier than I could ever imagine!
Man, those red eyes... *shudder*

As for Manatsu, remember that she came from the mirror so of course she doesn't have a normal human body. She's simply a reflection of Ichika. My guess would be that she is just a projection of herself within the mirror and therefore isn't completely detailed if you get my drift.

Either way, great thread. I really do hope this gets licensed one day!

[something]

Anyhow, any opinions on this series? Any other people who watched it half way and gave it up? :sd:
Been so very long since I've seen it, but I've been impatiently waiting for a license as well. It's always been one of those "not quite top 10" most wanted shows, always lingering out a little ways in the honorable mentions. But that's still saying quite a bit, considering how many shows I want to see licensed.

I agree with your general take on the story, and what they were trying to do. I mean it's not exceptionally deep or anything, and while depressing at times it wasn't relentlessly so, but it's definitely a well rounded, cute, beautifully animated, strangely sensuous, respectably intelligent bit of anime that I'd simply be all over singles for, were it to get licensed. That's seeming increasingly unlikely though, as time goes by.

As for Manatsu's 'abnormal body', I'm thinking it's something more internal, maybe? Just going by the fact that she's not quite a normal human and all. But... hell, you've seen it way way more recently than I have, so I dunno.

It's also notable for delivering both girl-girl and guy-guy in the same show.

As for being iffy at the start or giving up halfway, not at all, I loved it from the first episode. It just... worked. And it has the sort of atmosphere that I really am drawn to, so I connected pretty fast with the characters and their situation.

[HitokiriShadow]

This reminds me that I really need to finish this series. I saw the first 3-4 episodes when it was airing and never finished it for some reason.

[mk2000]

Yup, the animation was pretty good but the character designs were the best part I think. Usually design can pull me back into a show if I happen to be lukewarm about.

I think those small perfectly round black pupils on the characters were mesmerizing.

They had such humanity in them.

During my lifetime, I can remember having been hypnotized by them on many occasions. Usually people do not get to see them much because their size requires a very intimate distance and stare. Perhaps that drew me to the characters.

Oh, and of course, most of the costumes were designed by guest illustrators including people like Ken Akamatsu and Hajime Ueda. They were nice as well.
(I should probably make a poll featuring all the different costumes and having a vote on them :sd: )

[something]

(I should probably make a poll featuring all the different costumes and having a vote on them :sd: )
Lightning (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/a5f021e8ad3726fa7940891bbe05b761.png), #9 - poll over.

[mk2000]

(I should probably make a poll featuring all the different costumes and having a vote on them :sd: )
Lightning (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/a5f021e8ad3726fa7940891bbe05b761.png), #9 - poll over.

:blush:

[Suwako Moriya]

This reminds me that I really need to finish this series. I saw the first 3-4 episodes when it was airing and never finished it for some reason.

I finished the series myself, but it's been awhile since I've seen it. The main thing I remember about it is being a mixture of sexy, creepy, and confusing. Maybe one day I should refresh myself on the series again, but with most series I have no real current plans to.

[Fudce]

(I should probably make a poll featuring all the different costumes and having a vote on them :sd: )
Lightning (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/a5f021e8ad3726fa7940891bbe05b761.png), #9 - poll over.
I'm fond of Water, Flame, and Darkness myself.

[something]

I'm fond of Water, Flame, and Darkness myself.
Flame is second, with the awesome Kaishaku piece in the ED.

[Shiroi Hane]

I don't remember and indication that Manatsu's body looked anything out of the ordinary.

I remember particular costume points, like the feather hair ornaments of the Wind costume and the twintails of the Lightning costume. Overall I remember liking Rikudou Koushi's Darkness costume, although I cannot remember specifically why and it looks like all my screenshots have been archived.

There was some gorgous background art in the series, in the OVA in particular - again, have no screenshots to hand other than the teeny-weeny ones on my (still unfinished) blog entry (http://anime.thenexxus.org/blog/archives/2005/04/uta_kata_episod_1.html).

While I have no screenshots lying around I do have some pretty scans (http://www.utakata.info/scans/) I can offer.

[edit]
Something I remembered after seeing all the BVUSA hate over in the AX forum - I remember thinking when BV announced they were entering the R1 market that this meant there was a chance for Utakata. I for one probably would double dip, even if it was two episodes a disc and sub-only. But only if they subbed the commentaries and extras also.

[TalonG4]

I don't remember and indication that Manatsu's body looked anything out of the ordinary.

I remember particular costume points, like the feather hair ornaments of the Wind costume and the twintails of the Lightning costume. Overall I remember liking Rikudou Koushi's Darkness costume, although I cannot remember specifically why and it looks like all my screenshots have been archived.

There was some gorgous background art in the series, in the OVA in particular - again, have no screenshots to hand other than the teeny-weeny ones on my (still unfinished) blog entry (http://anime.thenexxus.org/blog/archives/2005/04/uta_kata_episod_1.html).

While I have no screenshots lying around I do have some pretty scans (http://www.utakata.info/scans/) I can offer.


Cool scans, I stole a few avatars for future use too.
I might have to re-watch this show, I loved the chara-designs and Ichika was beyond cute. This is one those shows like Popoton that is much more serious under the surface than it ought to be and definitely requires a second viewing.

[mk2000]

I don't remember and indication that Manatsu's body looked anything out of the ordinary.

I remember particular costume points, like the feather hair ornaments of the Wind costume and the twintails of the Lightning costume. Overall I remember liking Rikudou Koushi's Darkness costume, although I cannot remember specifically why and it looks like all my screenshots have been archived.

There was some gorgous background art in the series, in the OVA in particular - again, have no screenshots to hand other than the teeny-weeny ones on my (still unfinished) blog entry (http://anime.thenexxus.org/blog/archives/2005/04/uta_kata_episod_1.html).

While I have no screenshots lying around I do have some pretty scans (http://www.utakata.info/scans/) I can offer.

[edit]
Something I remembered after seeing all the BVUSA hate over in the AX forum - I remember thinking when BV announced they were entering the R1 market that this meant there was a chance for Utakata. I for one probably would double dip, even if it was two episodes a disc and sub-only. But only if they subbed the commentaries and extras also.

Whoa! Manatsu caught with her tights down! (http://www.utakata.info/scans/gokikura/?img=3&start=2) :blush:

[something]

I don't remember and indication that Manatsu's body looked anything out of the ordinary.Whoa! Manatsu caught with her tights down! (http://www.utakata.info/scans/gokikura/?img=3&start=2) :blush:
Oh there's something unusual about Manatsu's body. UNUSUALLY HOT.

Yeah, there's some great official art for UtaKata, though not as much fanart as I'd like, and half of that is wave ride (http://www.over-drive-cg.jp/), who trends towards the "ULTRA HIGH RES LOLI" side of things.

[Shiroi Hane]

There's some very nice Wave Ride art for Uta Kata. And some very :virgin: art also.