The Exciting Conclusion To My Anime Openings And Endings

Hey all. Like I promised last week, here's some junk I like. Same drill, these are what I consider good marriages of audio and visual. Except the Dragon Half one. Let's go!

I know I shouldn't, but I love Full Metal Alchemist. This ending is great. Similarly to what I mentioned last week, here we have an upbeat song with a slow pan while the Elric brothers rest. The images work well to show, especially in Ed, the, I guess, suffering they are enduring. Then, we get a sweet turn to a warm color palette. I personally love the shot of Ed in the cemetary.

Ah Gurren Lagann. One of the best things to come out this decade. I dig the monochromatic look, and the simple animation of Simon walking as the background passes down vertically blatantly symbolizes his growth, as well as the journey from underground to where it ultimately ends up. No spoilers here, folks! I must admit, I don't like the last shot of the stars. It's kinda abrupt.

Ok, I picked this one not because I think it's a nice combo of sight and sound, but rather, because it's TOTALLY INSANE, just like the show. The visuals are nuts. The song "My Omlette" is wacky. Dragon Half is just CRAZY, man! That's all I got for ya. It's also 45 seconds longer than most endings. CRAZY!

Let's slow things down a bit. Now and Then, Here and There is a dark, horrible, depressing show. And I love it. This ending has a bittersweet feel, it's haunting, yet warm. It's very slow, both in the cross dissolves between the shots of the afternoon city, and in the tempo of the music. It's beautiful, and contrasts with the show, perhaps giving a bit of comfort to the audience.

Lastly, the second ending from a personal favorite, Revolutionary Girl Utena. Like the Dragon Half selection, this one is very similar to the style of the show. The silhouettes, the castle, everything about the visuals is right in line with the show. The song itself could very well pass as a rock cover of one of the duel songs. It just works.

So there ya go, kids. To be honest, endings are harder to dig because they are usually softer than the openings. They don't serve to grab ya by the face and stick it in you. But, this is a solid set, if I do say so myself.

Next week: I don't know, leave me alone.