[US DVD] Polyphonica Complete Collection Review

[Chris Beveridge]

Review by Chris Beveridge

Mania Grade: C-

In Summary:

Polyphonica was a show that was very hard to get through because it was simply wasn’t engaging. The characters really don’t make a presence of themselves throughout it and they really dabble only lightly with who they are in the past and what has made them who they are today. It’s an episodic show that doesn’t really give you stories that are fun to watch either. There’s potential with this kind of world design to it, but it’s not executed well and it feels like they haven’t even tried to scratch the surface. They took a picture of it and hoped a postcard would do. What made it even less fun is that when one of the main characters, Coatie, spends all her time scowling and looking unhappy, it ends being reflected by the viewer. When she doesn’t even look like she wants to be in the show, why would I want to watch it?

[Suwako Moriya]

I'm not surprised this got a C. Personally I liked the main characters, but felt they could have been used in a much better form.

Perhaps if a more confident studio would animate a series based on an earlier point in the time line. They could give it a stronger plot. Have it turn out to be much better than this one. I think they should call it "Crimson S".

Seriously, after watching this and then Crimson S, I'm now wishing the people behind Crimson S could have made their own version of this series. Or well animate a series based on wherever in the time line this is.

One thing I do wonder if the DVD version fixed some of the animation issues and mistakes.

[Senku]

Oh, tough. I'm probably going to get this pretty soon too.

Hopefully I'll like the characters enough if the story doesn't do it for me.

[Fencedude]

Originally Posted by Chris Beveridge

What made it even less fun is that when one of the main characters, Coatie, spends all her time scowling and looking unhappy, it ends being reflected by the viewer. When she doesn’t even look like she wants to be in the show, why would I want to watch it?

She really wishes they would have licensed CrimsonS instead.

Also I don't know if I can handle "Coatie".

[Suwako Moriya]

Originally Posted by Fencedude

Also I don't know if I can handle "Coatie".

I'm way too used to Corti....

[hikaru004]

This was the version that sucked imo. They should have licensed Crimson S.

[dragoon]

Originally Posted by hikaru004

They should have licensed Crimson S.

I understand that's based on the events prior to this - Is that watchable without having seen this or are there story elements in that that build on the knowledge of this one?

[Fencedude]

Originally Posted by dragoon

I understand that's based on the events prior to this - Is that watchable without having seen this or are there story elements in that that build on the knowledge of this one?

Its completely separate. Its set in a previous timeframe, but its not actually a prequel.

[Suwako Moriya]

Originally Posted by dragoon

I understand that's based on the events prior to this - Is that watchable without having seen this or are there story elements in that that build on the knowledge of this one?

As already mentioned, the two series are completely separate. Heck, I would not be surprised if the studio that adapted the second series was told they could ignore the previous adaptation.

In fact, there are events told in both series, but the way those events are told are different. It would be like if one had it so the characters climbed a mountain to find a crystal and the other version had them swim across a river. To give a made up example.

On side note, it's interesting to know the difference between the two series. This series is like a bunch of episodic plots with pre-established characters you're likely supposed to already be familiar with. Crimson S is more story focused and about getting to know everyone.

[WTK]

I guess a liked it a bit more than the review though not by very much. There are some interesting characters. Though the series just did feel it has much that stood out.