AAA'07 Awards - Opening Sequence

Your audience just switched on the TV (or just finished downloading via torrent :P). You have one and a half minutes to get them into the mood. Quite the opposite of the ending sequence, the opening sequence is set to heat things up for the show. That's why I like the OP more than the ED, because it's more upbeat and direct to the content.

This segment acknowledges suitability of music and animation sequences, the pacing and how much the OP tells about the show. Here they are, starting from number 5:





Song: Inori ~You Raise Me Up~ by Lena Park

A beautiful animation sequence, accompanied by an already proven beautiful song. When I watched it for the first time, I went *gasp* it's that... that... Josh Groban song! Sung by the talented Korean singer Lena Park, the song is also composed by the original elites of the Josh Groban song! Click here to watch her live concert, singing the English version.

But it's not fair to give all credit to just the song. The anime, Romeo x Juliet, is set in a fantasy medieval universe, so you can leave it to Gonzo to come up with floating cities and flying griffins amidst the romantic streets of Europe. Gonzo did a really good job in mixing romantic scenes with the couple's eventual impending doom to match the song. Great pacing!





Song: Motteke! Sailor Fuku by The Lucky Star cast

You didn't think that Kyoto Animation stopped at Hare Hare Yukai, did ya? ;)

To tell you the truth, I didn't like the opening at first. The song was nuts and childish, and the sequence was all over the place, I got confused. After watching a few times though, that "didn't like" turned to "win". The same thing happened to me when I first watched the Love Hina OP.

As usual, KyoAni showcased their animation talents in this one. The dancing choreography, though not as impactful as the Haruhi's ED dance, was animated to great detail. I especially liked Konata dancing in the middle of some field, looks so silly :3

Naturally, this OP started yet another fad, with countless parodies in video community sites. Of course, otakus danced to the theme as well, especially when KyoAni showed the final full dance moves in the last episode. Click here to see the full dance.





Song: Hito toshite Jiku ga Bureteiru by Otsuki Kenji feat. the Zetsubou Sensei girls

After watching Pani Poni Dash! two years ago, I knew Shaft studios was special. After all, one of my favourite openings was done by them: Click here. Their style is very recognizable; if you see an anime that cuts into a collage of real-life objects, text and shapes, or if the show is edited to give you a really weird vibe, chances are it's done by them. Oh, let's not forget the ever-changing scribbles on the blackboard.

And their style is appropriately applied to the opening of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, where the fate of a horribly pessimistic teacher and a hyperactive optimistic student collide. Heck, even the song tells that, from the singers' voices to the lyrics! The editing and pacing is superb, giving you a hint of how screwed up (in a good way) this anime can be. Great job Shaft!





Song: What's Up People?! by Maximum the Hormone

Technically, Death Note is an anime that started in late 2006, but this opening sequence was out only for episodes in 2007, so it's valid! :D

I really love Death Note in all its forms, especially the anime. The intense psychological war between the two geniuses is a joy to watch; even moreso when the show is animated by Madhouse, and because of them, this opening is epic win!

Just look at the editing and colours used! The animation thoroughly matches the pace and the "screw-up-ness" of the song. Less is definitely more, they chose simple interesting animation shorts to pick up the pace. I especially liked the scenes where L was on the rotating chair and Ryuuku was overjoyed by an apple in hand.

I'm not a fan of heavy metal at all, but thanks to the opening, this song literally rocks! It's still in my car playlist today! Maximum the Hormone also sang the ending song for 2006's Akagi (also nicely animated by Madhouse :3). Click here to see their crazy MTV and here to see Akagi ED.





Song: Curriculum by Ifu Sarasa

When my colleague in The One watched this, he asked me if it was the opening of some short 3d film or console game. When I told him it was for an anime about bacteria and microbes, he was in total shock. XD That's just how professional this opening is.

Loved the ending, but loved the opening more! It's simple, cute and charming enough to make you watch the show. In all its simplicity though, it would take a great deal of effort to animate these 3d critters and blend them into real-life space. More importantly, though, is the overall mood of the sequence: uplifting and relaxing.

It actually comes to no surprise that the opening is like a game FMV, because it's done by Shirogumi Inc. They are quite new to anime, but they are definitely not a stranger to animation; They art-directed Rules of Rose for the PS2 and created the FMVs for Soul Caliber III, Tales of Destiny, Dirge of Cerberus and Baten Kaitos. Don't play play wei! Click here to go to their website.

The song itself is nice on its own, nicer when accompanied with the animation. The singer is kinda cute too. Click here to see the MTV.

And that's all for the opening! Next up: Top 5 best moments in 2007 anime.