M&M DreamWorks: Sailor Moon Crystal Spotlight: Act 01 Recap!

Finally it's here! The first episode of Sailor Moon Crystal began its run at the 5th of July. After such a long time waiting, expectations were running high. Has Sailor Moon Crystal been able to measure up? Even if this question can surely not be answered fully yet, here is a quick impression of the first episode.

5th July, 7PM in Japan. Over at us in Germany right at midday. American viewers had it even tougher with times in the middle of the night/early morning. Yet these are the things you do as a true Moonie! And so there we were, sitting in front of our screens, the simulcast/live stream of choice loaded up and expecting eagerly the beginning of the revival of a classic. After one year of waiting, a long time of secrecy, it was finally time. Sailor Moon Crystal was about to begin!

And what a beginning it was. Surely one can argue over small points, yet the reactions were all around positive. All of that in a little more detail here.

Technical Performance (Graphic, music etc.)

Taking into account that using factors like nostalgia and others many wondered whether or not the new anime would still feel like Sailor Moon with all the modern elements, Sailor Moon Crystal delivers a solid performance. The graphic is just beautiful, whether drawn or computer-animated. In fact, the mix between both really impressed me, really enhancing the fantastic, fabulous and magical aspect of Sailor Moon that way.

The music has been one aspect critically important to me. The first anime had one of the most amazing soundtracks, yet Sailor Moon Crystal delivers as well so far. Opening and Ending mash well with the feeling of the series and the BGMs enhance the atmosphere. Too much can't be said about the background music though, since it will have its real test in more critical plot situations.

Sailor Moons transformation sequence, however, is definitely up there. Again the mixture off classic, old elements, processed with more modern means works well both graphic and music-wise.

Characters

Usagi at her best. Not that there was much to be done wrong in this episode and Kotono clearly still remembers how to voice her well. The small differences based on the manga, however, have been realized well. Kenji Nojima made a good performance as Mamoru as well. My only concern is that he might be interpreting this role a little too stoic and seriously, that is too early to tell though.

Two changes in the character design, however, clearly stood out. As Ikuko's new look was still within reason, Haruna-sensei as a young blonde takes some getting used to!

Practical Performance (Plot, atmosphere, etc.)

And here we are the essential part and the definite highlight. Act 1 could hardly have been closer to the manga. Comparing them side-by-side, you'll immediately realize the small differences that separate it from the old anime's first episode. Usagi running over Luna, the dream before being woken by Luna and Usagi resolving to herself that it wasn't a dream after all at the end. It's all there plus some juicy extras.

The first of which would be dream sequence at the start, beginning with a few of the solar system, zooming in on the Moon and finishing with a brief view of Serenity and Endymion. This one fits very well into the fantastical-mystical setting of Sailor Moon and adds some nice foreshadowing right off the bat. The first meeting between Usagi and Mamoru has been slightly extended. The brief quasi-romantic moment is being well used to enrich the atmosphere and serve as a hint for things to come. The true highlight, however, would be Luna and Sailor Moon's conversation snippet in the middle of the fight.

Luna: You need to kick her butt.
Moon: Why? How do I kick her butt?

Could you have ever imagined the old Luna ever saying something like that? ^_^

Conclusion

All in all a solid start. If this is to be the measure at which rate the manga is being adapted, then I'm looking forward to more. The extra additions were few and selective but well-chosen. On the technical side they found a good balance between old and new elements. Even going by nostalgia, I could hardly find anything worthy to criticize in Act 1.

Fantastic and impressive! Keep it up and coming!

Score: 5/5