[The Boat]

From the ending it seems that DJ Mitsu The Beats did some work on this, that's awesome! Really liked this episode, everything's off to a good start and it got me in the mood to play some music! *picks up guitar*

[Robobandit]

This was pretty good.

I'll keep watching.

[Busaiku]

Wait, so is the bully the trumpeter?

[onemic]

So pissed I missed the premiere. And now I have to sign up and pay for crunchyroll to watch it since it's not being streamed. FML :(

[Envelope]

So pissed I missed the premiere. And now I have to sign up and pay for crunchyroll to watch it since it's not being streamed. FML :(

If you wait a week, you can watch it on crunchyroll for free. But if you enjoy watching anime, getting a crunchyroll subscription is a good idea.

[Kalnos]

Wait, so is the bully the trumpeter?

Drummer. Don't think the guy who plays the trumpet has been introduced.

[Ultimadrago]

Relevant Cross-post review from AnimeGaf

Kids on the Slope 1

Kanji of the season!

Visuals are neat, the use of soft shadow and lighting works together well, different enough without being distracting. The fight scene was "lol", it just came off to me as silly. The background music, when it was used, was light on the ears and pretty good.

I liked the characters enough by the end of it. Overall, it was cool, stays on my list. However, not as much of an impact on first watch as I previously believed it would.

[Busaiku]

Drummer. Don't think the guy who plays the trumpet has been introduced.

Not Sentaro, I was talking about that senior guy.

[wonzo]

Kids on the Slope 1

[Branduil]

Because a lot of people don't want to read the anime megathread or even know it still exists, it's worth talking about the visuals of Kids on the Slope here as well. Besides being beautiful on its own terms, the art direction and imagery are used to support the story and character development.

The scene where Kaoru is introduced to the class is pretty brilliant. The lighting is abnormally cool and dark, which coincides with Kaoru's feelings about his class. The very rigid and classical framing of this shot, with all lines pointing directly at Kaoru, adds to the sensation that he's being clinically analyzed.

This shot is also great, especially in how it uses multiple planes. Kaoru is literally separated from everyone else, and walks his own path, alienated from everyone around him. Everything important is communicated in these visuals, the dialogue is really just supplemental at this point. School introduction scenes are a dime a dozen in anime, but the execution of this particular one is on a very different level than most, because of how effectively information about the characters is communicated through the imagery.

Cloud porn is always cool.

This is another shot where we can understand almost everything about the characters and their relationship to one another, just by seeing their body language and positioning within the frame. It makes for a great contrast with this later shot:

After getting caught in the rain on the roof, there's now a sense of camaraderie there, even if the characters themselves have yet to realize it.

And of course this is a beautifully rendered ocean scene, in addition to communicating the sense of distance and separation between one character and his father.

[Brazil]

Because a lot of people don't want to read the anime megathread or even know it still exists, it's worth talking about the visuals of Kids on the Slope here as well. Besides being beautiful on its own terms, the art direction and imagery are used to support the story and character development. The scene where Kaoru is introduced to the class is pretty brilliant. The lighting is abnormally cool and dark, which coincides with Kaoru's feelings about his class. The very rigid and classical framing of this shot, with all lines pointing directly at Kaoru, adds to the sensation that he's being clinically analyzed. This shot is also great, especially in how it uses multiple planes. Kaoru is literally separated from everyone else, and walks his own path. Everything important is communicated in these visuals, the dialogue is really just supplemental at this point. School introduction scenes are a dime a dozen in anime, but the execution of this particular one is on a very different level than most, because of how effectively information about the characters is communicated through the imagery. Cloud porn is always cool. This is another shot where we can understand almost everything about the characters and their relationship to one another, just by seeing their body language and positioning within the frame. It makes for a great contrast with this later shot: After getting caught in the rain on the roof, there's now a sense of camaraderie there, even if the characters themselves have yet to realize it. And of course this is a beautifully rendered ocean scene, in addition to communicating the sense of distance and separation between one character and his father.

Great post. I really like the fourth shot. It definitely says a lot.

[Miizy F Baby]

Kids on the Slope 1

Finally got the chance to sit down and watch this...I'm dead. Just dead. That... actually lived up to expectations. My God.

The tone was solemn, changing not even for the antics of Sentaro or the initial melodrama of 'Richie,' which worked not against them, but to ground them. Fabulously. Being much closer to his directorial style in Bebop, rather than the, what I thought was the obvious, parallel of Baby Blue, or the overbearing, but fun as hell, style he employed in Champloo. Kanno being back, no doubt, playing a large part in that decision, given that it always felt as if he directed not by the narrative, but by the BGM.

Which brings me to the fact that for a show on music, he employed such little of it in the background throughout the ep, which I find a fabulous decision; one that gave the eventual scenes of Sentaro and Richie jamming out, whether it be together/individually, an odd freshness by way of raw contrast. Really, I found myself loving the focus on birds chirps and brownian noise, just for they way it pulled you into the screen, and realized the dialogues, but actually looked forward to the energy of the music segments. Way of engagement, and I fell into it hook line and sinker.

My one issue was the pacing, surprisingly--or not, but it was an isolated incident: Richie's switch in outlook. It came a bit fast, almost in one line. I understand that by drawing the parallel between his father--by way of occupation, and Sentaro--by way of dress choice, they probably figured the audience would believe that Sentaro had a bigger impact on him than the usual fella, but it didn't work with me. A probable byproduct of the chapter compression employed, and the ON--Well, one of the two moments that didn't work.

The ED was blah, and a huge disappointment for me, coming off of not even the masterfully directed Champloo, but Lupin's awesome song choice. And I didn't find the OP as impressive as either Battlecry or Tank, but Nakazawa indeed brought his awesome eye/pupil animation and I'm a sucker for it, as was I a fan of the tone employed, so I can't say I disliked the OP at all. But a case of misaligned expectations there, and maybe even for the ED...Nah, I hate that ED.

Anime lives like a king. And there was very little Animu about that.

[zeroshiki]

This was a good episode. The characters were likeable in their own way and the cliche "loser" lead is kinda mitigated by the fact that he obviously gets better and the other 2 characters are awesome.

There's some weird coloring going on but I'm gonna chalk that up to style rather than anything actually wrong with the production. My one complaint though is with the goddamn dialects. I really hate the non-Tokyo dialects so this was a pain for me to listen to. But since this is 1960's in Kyushu, it would be stupid if they spoke the Kanto dialect so props to them for authenticity I guess.

[suzu]

I enjoyed it a lot. :)

[Miizy F Baby]

This was a good episode. The characters were likeable in their own way and the cliche "loser" lead is kinda mitigated by the fact that he obviously gets better and the other 2 characters are awesome. There's some weird coloring going on but I'm gonna chalk that up to style rather than anything actually wrong with the production. My one complaint though is with the goddamn dialects. I really hate the non-Tokyo dialects so this was a pain for me to listen to. But since this is 1960's in Kyushu, it would be stupid if they spoke the Kanto dialect so props to them for authenticity I guess.

I like that Richie wasn't an actual 'loser'--basing the character on melodrama, as much a he was a relatively hot-headed introvert, characterized by the outside. In retrospect, that actually kind of mitigates my complaint of his switch being a bit fast.

[LethaL ImpuLse]

Great first episode. Though yeah, I wish they used some jazz for the OP/ED. Animation is fantastic.

[Totakeke]

Awesome first episode. Didn't particularly think much of the ED. I wished in the trumpet part of the opening they actually animated the hands playing the trumpet too, that would've been much more better.

[Discotheque]

Opening Credits are a huge disappointment for a Watanabe show. But damn I quite enjoyed this episode otherwise. Loved the drumming scene, and Sentaro seems like good fun.

[chronos4590]

This scene was glorious. Animation was top notch and synched perfectly with the actual drumming. [I hope nobody minds the tumblr gif. I think its a tad bit speed up but it gets the point across]
Also seeing a record of Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus" in the record store made me sequel with joy. Liking the show thus far.

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Thought I recognized Yuki in the OP. Surprised she's still around, god it's been forever. I was a really big fan of JAM back in the day. First ep was great, I'm curious to see where they can take this in the span of 12 eps, especially since they are apparently condensing 9 vol. of manga or something

[Emitan]

Oh wow. That was fantastic. It really left me wanting more. Gonna watch the shit outta this.

[cutmeamango]

I liked it, even though it felt rushed, but since now I know it's a super compressed adaption, it's all goooood.

But goddamn the character shading is cheap. Numerous times I felt like running to the roof of my house.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Fantastic debut. The direction was great, and the characters get established from the very start. I thought the internal monologue was really engaging, and I can't wait to see where the characters go from here. The setting really helps the show stand out.

I don't really get the complaints here about the premise being boring, I mean how often do we get shows revolving around music in the motherfuckin 60s? and directed by Watanabe of all people.

But...it doesn't have crazy sci-fi action!

I agree. It's a very unique setup, and we've got a star studded staff working on the show.

[onemic]

Saw the first episode. Amazing art direction and music and the performance at the end was fucking glorious. Loved the fact that Art blakey's Moanin was the central song of the episode. Watching it immediately makes me want to start playing some jazz on my drums.*rushes to drum set*

Only bad thing I can say(nitpicking really) about the show is that the intro and concluding theme songs both suck. Which is a first for a Watanabe directed show.

[Hot Coldman]

Loved it. Not sure what else to say. Well, except to be the probably millionth person to proclaim how well that drum sequence was animated.

[izakq]

This scene was glorious. Animation was top notch and synched perfectly with the actual drumming. [I hope nobody minds the tumblr gif. I think its a tad bit speed up but it gets the point across] Also seeing a record of Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus" in the record store made me sequel with joy. Liking the show thus far.

Wow, that side-view with the cymbals in motion...fantastic.

Almost missed this thread. Can't wait to check it out when I go home.

[Imm0rt4l]

I really didn't know what to expect with this, but I'm liking the characters. Dissapointed in the intro/ending themes though.

[onemic]

I really didn't know what to expect with this, but I'm liking the characters. Dissapointed in the intro/ending themes though.

Yup, I was really surprised that Watanabe went for such a generic theme song for both the intro and ending.

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Yeah. I was disappointed that Kanno didn't work on the OP/ED or they didn't at least tap Soil & Pimp Sessions to do them. That would have been fantastic

[LethaL ImpuLse]

Yeah. I was disappointed that Kanno didn't work on the OP/ED or they didn't at least tap Soil & Pimp Sessions to do them. That would have been fantastic

Man, think of the possibilities! It just makes the OP/ED that much more disappointing. :\

[duckroll]

Yeah. I was disappointed that Kanno didn't work on the OP/ED or they didn't at least tap Soil & Pimp Sessions to do them. That would have been fantastic

Wait what? Both the OP and ED are composed by Yoko Kanno...

[Hot Coldman]

That intro was neat, whatchoo guys talkin' 'bout

[Imm0rt4l]

That intro was neat, whatchoo guys talkin' 'bout

It was ok after it picked up I guess, but it's no real folk blues.

[LordCanti]

Finally got around to watching it. I'm pretty much of the same opinion as most other people: Great directing, very nice visuals, and I'm excited to see where it goes.

It was ok after it picked up I guess, but it's no real folk blues.

I don't know if a show about a couple of kids that get into jazz is the right place for something in the vein of The Real Folk Blues.

I'll admit that I didn't love either the OP or the ED though.

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Wait what? Both the OP and ED are composed by Yoko Kanno...

Were they? I didn't know, they felt like any other nondescript pop ballads I've heard. The OP could have come off of Yuki's Prismic album and I'd be none the wiser

[Net_Wrecker]

Loved the first episode. Definitely left me wanting more. Animation during the drum solo and fight was great, and the visuals overall were fantastic. I'd also agree with those who complimented the pacing. Halfway through and I already felt like I was almost finished.

How long is this series?

[Lafiel]

Loved the first episode. Definitely left me wanting more. Animation during the drum solo and fight was great, and the visuals overall were fantastic. I'd also agree with those who complimented the pacing. Halfway through and I already felt like I was almost finished. How long is this series?

12 episodes!

[Net_Wrecker]

12 episodes!

Who has 2 thumbs and doesn't read OPs?

This guy :(

[Blader5489]

I liked the OP, but I thought the ED was disappointing; not a catchy song (or at least, I can't remember it :lol) and I miss how Watanabe used the ED in Bebop and Champloo as backstory montages.

[Miizy F Baby]

I liked the OP, but I thought the ED was disappointing; not a catchy song (or at least, I can't remember it :lol) and I miss how Watanabe used the ED in Bebop and Champloo as backstory montages.

Yeah, I'm super disappointed about that too. Champloo was a masterful ED.

[Auron_Kale]

Finally got to watch and definitely loved it.

The music, minus the almost nondescript OP/ED pop-ish kinda songs, was fantastic and to hear even just those snippets of Moanin' was fantastic. I need the OSTs...

Visuals are fantastic and clean, love the use of color and lighting.

Can't wait to see more of this - finally decided to get my own crunchyroll sub (previously I used a friend's account) - so I can stream this onto my phone during simulcast.

[rouken]

just watched it 3 times and it's still awesome.
just loved the music all throughout and i don't know about you guys but the OP is really great for the theme of the show, which I'm thinking is the friendship between sentaro and kaoru and their love for music. :)
definitely looking forward to the next episodes! :D

[squidyj]

I liked the OP, but I thought the ED was disappointing; not a catchy song (or at least, I can't remember it :lol) and I miss how Watanabe used the ED in Bebop and Champloo as backstory montages.

Nothing to add except that I too found the ED disappointing.

[Miizy F Baby]

I didn't notice till my third time through that Richie randomely takes his glasses off while talking to Ri in the hallway. Those compliments went to the man's head, haha. Cool little visual quip there.

[duckroll]

I didn't notice till my third time through that Richie randomely takes his glasses off while talking to Ri in the hallway. Those compliments went to the man's head, haha. Cool little visual quip there.

So pretty handsome...

[Instro]

I didn't notice till my third time through that Richie randomely takes his glasses off while talking to Ri in the hallway. Those compliments went to the man's head, haha. Cool little visual quip there.

It was pretty neat considering the show really doesn't draw any attention to the fact that he is suddenly conscientious about his appearance.

[Akira]

This totally delivered for me. At first I was disappointed that it will only be 12 episodes, but with the pacing of the first episode it makes sense. Loved the characters and art direction. I can't decide which one I am liking more between this one, Lupin III, and Fate/Zero, all very different shows.

[Jexhius]

I see this thread has had a name-change, but as it doesn't mention Cowboy Bebop it will surely remain less popular than even the Oreimo thread!

[flawfuls]

So does anyone else get the sense of impending NTR?

[squidyj]

So does anyone else get the sense of impending NTR?

Wait, what?

No. No I don't think so.