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What are you watching? Is probably first thoughts, from the sound of this show. Your first image would probably conjure up a fairy tale setting of a magical girl, suddenly transformed into a ballet dancing princess, dressed in a tutu, waltzing with a young good looking prince, with people around them suddenly breaking into a dance, as they twirl around the couple. Well ... you aren't far off! But then again this is probably one of the most unpredictable shows I've seen, without having to mind fuck - you in anyway, or put you through a physiological rollercoaster.

'A Story within a story' best describes the ... plot. Without giving too much away, the plot to begin with is pretty simple. Our Heroine Ahiru is given a task by the mysterious Drosselmayer to help recover young princes missing pieces of his heart (or feeling). Thus she is given an amulet that turns her to the wonderful Princess Tutu. I know what you're thinking. This is probably something that would suit a five year old, let alone an Otaku fan would watch. But the way the story unfolds and how detailed the storyline is, is brilliant to behold, with its clever twists, funny moments and elegant romance.

One worthy note is the soundtrack. Simply outstanding! The way the assorted classical and ballet numbers used, helps make the story flow. Even if you don't listen to classical music and never heard of 'Tchaikovsky', there are some tracks that are easily recognizable, and give that sense of 'Oh I've heard this from somewhere before'. The animation though nothing too special, does fit the whole fairy tale theme with its cute yet simple character design, especially that of Ahirus duck form, though the co-ordination is something worthy of a praise, especially when our two princess square off with each other by doing ballet!?! As epic as it sounds, it actually works and looks great.

This show is defiantly an acquired taste. Not everyone's going to like it, especially if you dislike Shoujo anime, this is as Shoujo, as they come. Though far from perfect, the show does have a bit of repetitiveness about it, as the show does follow a formula of Princess Tutu appearing in every episode, though that soon wavers when the second story arc starts. I wasn't too fond of episodic episodes, so I couldn't polish the show off in just a few days. But that's just me, but I took my time with it, and I enjoyed it. This shows a definite hidden treasure, and if you can see past the tutu and the magical girl theme, then give it a try.

*Zels short personal Review*

A fantastic show, packed full of drama and beautiful characters. I've never seen a series, where I admittedly teared or choked that much on one show. Simply beautiful, although it wasn't like that to begin with.

The first few episodes weren't really needed. Misaes and Meis arc felt tacked on, and rushed. Misaes arc felt like a rip-off, of a certain Kanon arc, except condensed into two episodes, also Meis arc was an over dramatised brother complex arc, though it was far more enjoyable then Misaes arc. It wasn't the best start, and not what I had hoped for, considering it was one ... of the reasons why I wasn't too fond of the first season, when they covered filler characters, rather than our main protagonist. When they did cover our budding couple though, what an emotional ride it was and the only way was up from there.

The show had a much improved character development between Tomoya and Nagisa, and they truly looked like a believable loving couple and it was enjoyable to see them both get through in life. When the shit hit the fan, I truly felt for Tomoya, in having to deal with Nagisa as well as Ushio and his father. These were some of the saddest episode I've seen in an anime, and KyoAni did a great job in combining consistent animation and brilliant background music to help retain the mood. The supporting characters were better implemented this time round, with Nagias parents and the rest of the other characters actually supporting the young couple, rather than take the spot light, like the first season.

Speaking of the first season, as the theories and the truth comes into fruitarian, about how it's linked to After Story, they could have done with explaining the ending a bit better. They could have easily scarified Misae and maybe even Meis arc, to help develop the ending. If they would have done that, this show would have hit perfect for me. I still feel that this show could have been done in one season, and still have been great. First season was effectively a power up collecting show, while After Story was what I had hoped for, and that's focus on the 'Clannad' story like movie had done. So overall a fantastic show which could have been perfect, but it wasn't to be. Still a must watch though.

*Zels short personal Review*

1986; the year this show was set in, and coincidentally also the year I was born in. These are my type of show, senien romances; no ecchi, no fanservice, drama packed and a slow maturing storyline. The story is about our main protagonist Toya who dates an upcoming idol star, as he has to deal with the obstacles, he has to face while dating a rising pop star; throw in a bunch of girls for distraction and that's our plot. But unlike most harems, this isn't for kids. As mentioned above, this is no panty flashing show.

The storyline was pretty ... interesting. I felt the relationship with our main protagonist believable. Aya Hirano was a great in voicing Yuki, and throughout the show it was interesting to see how Toya had to deal with his relationship with Yuki, as well as the other girls. Despite Toya doing things he shouldn't (wont spoil it). I never hated and felt disgusted for the guy. Sometimes I might have felt frustrated, but his feelings were pretty understandable and in a way, I could relate too, though from my point of view there wasn't a clear distinction between right and wrong in what he did.

So what did I learn about the year I was born? Well, I appreciate a mobile phone, even more now. The amount of missed calls in this show is slightly frustrating, but understandable. Mobile phones in that year were bricks, and cost quite a lot. Even answering machines were expensive! Though despite the show being set in the mid 80s, it looked anything but. The show looked great, apart from a few scenes where it's obvious they cut corners. The music was great, and overall it was a pretty enjoyable show. I liked all the characters and really don't have a preference, despite all the female characters involved. One thing I do hate about this show though, is the damn Hiatus. Not sure why they they're airing the next half in autumn when they could have show all 26 episodes. No matter, it's something to look forward to. Overall a very good show.