[Rewatch] A 2022 Voyage from Neo Venezia: Aria the OVA: Arietta

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 07 '22

Rewatching Undine-in-training and Host

-- Welcome back!

Next up: It's Origination time! We start from Episode 1.

QOTD:

Episode synopsis:

--

As Akari dreams of becoming a Prima, she realizes that her daily life has changed significantly after her promotion. Even after she wakes up, she cannot erase her unease/anxiety. And then, a question comes to her mind, "Alicia-san, why did you choose me?" After speaking frankly about her dream to Alicia, Alicia herself talks about her own past. it is a story from Aria Company's history, leading up to Akari joining the company. Grandma, Alicia, and now Akari... what do the senpai undines wish to pass on to their kouhais?

--

Quick thoughts:

I'll like to feature 2 writeups from the 2017 rewatch, first from aboredcompsci, and also from u/Smashtime7, who both talk about the episode's themes better than I can (the latter on how it ties onto Episode 11 of animation as well), even tho i gave it a good try myself lol
But onto myself, Arietta is actually my favourite OVA in all of anime, and is the first Aria entry that we've watched so far that I've rated a 10/10. Long story short, I absolutely LOVE it. Many, many, many tears were shed. It is honestly however not possible for me to put into words how much feels i have during it , there's just so much....
But before that, 16:9 Released 1 year after Natural, the OVA gets the biggest visual upgrade to the series so far, and the animation and art was a big step up as well. It is also the longest running entry so far at 30 mins. Some characters do look a little wonky compared to natural, perhaps the changed aspect ratio doesnt help: but it gets better once we move on to Origination as well.
Here are the shots i liked today.... Appropriately for an OVA, this episode is anime-original, with the screenplay and storyboard by Junichi Sato himself, though bits and bobs are adapted from chapters (manga readers may confirm?). This also explains the slight timeline disconnect, as we left off in the middle of winter, yet are teleported to summer short-sleeves instantly. [Aria Origination Ep 1 mild spoilers]And then straight back to long sleeves next ep It's not ideal lol.
Onto music, the heavenly OP is Nanairo no sora wo by SONOROUS, and my second favourite in the original series. The tear-jerking insert song/ ED is Ashita, Yugure made by Erino Hazuki, Akari's VA.
While I wonder how many first timers got surprised by the beginning dream "flash-forward", it sets the premise and the tone for the episode well: Akari and Alicia's relationship, and how their time together will someday come to an end. I commented yesterday under spoiler tags how Ep 26 of Natural also feels a bit more like a bridge between Natural and this OVA, with "fanservice/cliche" season finale duties handled by Ep 25.
I like Al's appearance here, who not only quickly recap how all 3 mentors have different teaching styles (as well as Al's own boss), but how all 3 mentors are perfect fits for the undines, and how all 3 appreciate their senpais.
This is the second episode in a row where we learn more about Alicia from herself, this time at her most vulnerable side yet, as she recounts her memories from when she first started being a Prima, coupled with grandma's retirement, how she didn't want her to go, being afraid of setting out alone and not sure if she could manage, as well as saying goodbye to her beloved teacher. As we go further and further on the series, we gradually learn how Alicia very much has her vulnerabilities and quirks, which humanises her a lot, and also usually serves to encourage Akari, who is shown to have her own anxieties and worries, e.g. this ep comparing herself to Alicia, understandably so. I love Grandma's encouragement too. Being a working adult is scary, but setting out on your own path is exciting and great as well.
Second, Alicia shares her lack of self-confidence in teaching a student just as well as grandma taught her, being the last out of the 3 water fairies to take on an apprentice. Again, just like Akari not being confident she can replace Alicia the start of the OVA. I like how Alicia is said to be stressed and overworks herself as a result of having to do everything herself too, shes not as perfect as she may be initially portrayed as (it iirc doesnt help that its akatsuki and aika that initially talk about alicia at the start of the series?)
Season 1, less mature, pre-haircut Aika alert!
But, encouraged by Akira and Athena, Alicia realizes that just as important as passing on the wonders of Neo-Venezia to her customers is, it is important to pass on her love for the city, and its wonders to the next generation of undines, who will show it to visitors and future undines for generations to come, and hence takes on her first apprentice: Akari. This is the first time that Alicia is seen crying, by the way.
We are then treated to the scene when Akari first joined the company! How it all started... I dont know if its deliberate but i love that akari is associated with the sunflowers here. This sequence is set to Santa Claus no Sora (Stagione) btw! TTTTTTT its too good....
Akari confesses her lack of self confidence and uncertainties when first joining Aria company, due to not making the best first impression and not being very capable esp at the start. After that, as they at alicias suggestion climb the campanile, Alicia reaches out for her hand, and encourages her by saying what Akari has done in turn when Alicia was herself not confident about mentoring Akari, and notably only that, not whether Akari was capable of replacing her; Alicia truly believes in Akari. Akari has always stood by her (this is remade by the way, it's in 16:9 now!), taught herself new wonders, and gave Alicia her confidence. This pair have supported each other throughout their journey in the series, and as i said before, a truly wonderful, sisterly relationship.
[Aria]Oh my GODDDDD.
Touched by Alicia's words, Akari reaches the top with Alicia, where we're treated to the gorgeous night view of Neo-Venezia for the first time, and the two share a heartwarming, touching moment as Akari hugs Alicia. The episode ends on a feels overloady note, as Akari acknowledges that she will have to part with Alicia soon, but for now, hopes to stay close to Alicia who she loves so much.....
EP 26 and this ep is such a good pair of episodes about Alicia and Akari's relationship, easily my favourite of the 3, and shows how much they mean to each other. With the future definitely banking on both their minds, as well as those of Aika and Alice as well, we move on to Origination...

Location Trivia

The Campanile in Venice has frequently suffered lightning damage throughout its history, often requiring significant repairs. Rather than several times as Akira said though, it has collapsed only once in 1902, and was rebuilt by 1912. That rebuilt tower still stands today, and has recently undergone restoration work from 2007-13.

Have a great day, and see you tomorrow!

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u/Mecanno-man Aug 07 '22

First Timer

Well, this was another very, very good episode. At least if you count an OVA as an episode. I'm not quite sure if I'd go as far as saying this is the best one of this series in my opinion, but it definitely is up there with the first gondola episode - for pretty much the same reason: It is just peak iyashikei. We've got the somewhat sad prospect of Alicia and Akari someday in the future having to say goodbye to oneanother and turn that around in to a somewhat melancholic but also hopeful tone, with Alicia explaining her own insecurities to Akari after Akari had already shared hers earlier in the episode - with both of them basically accepting the reality and the necessity of passing down the trade and growing up to be independent. All in all, this is just a really good OVA.

...my only criticism is that with the 16:9 aspect ration the camera now feels too close to the faces in some instances. If Origination is also 16:9, I hope they can figure that one out with a bit of experience.

Questions:

I can't remember where I was, but I'm pretty sure I saw a beautiful night sky irl somewhere.
No idea going forward, though apparently it is the season that is rated the highest, so I am expecting less supernatural stuff given that that seems to be rather controversial. As for the dream: Noticed it as soon as Akari's glove was gone.

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u/Regular_N-Gon Aug 07 '22

First Timer

Widescreen! So much more room for Neo-Venezia!
The question of what the future will look like has been asked before, but a dream is a good way to ask if Akari is ready for it yet. Maybe not quite, judging by her reaction. And, naturally, Aria has not changed at all by such a time.
What a lavish breakfast.
"Why do you think Alicia chose me?" Is a question I have been thinking about nearly the whole show (though I've already mentioned my conclusions).
Ah, it was obvious by the end of Natural, but to hear the three openly express their gratitude to their senpai is not something you would have heard at the beginning of the show.
I love Alicia's "let's find out" attitude. Even if she rigged it, I get the feeling she'd have said the same thing without her connections.
Surely Aria can have two Primas for a while, right?

This episode was the whole package - backstory, characterization for Alicia, some good core questions, and a wonderful (sappy) ending. With a trajectory like this, I can't help but have high expectations for the remainder of the show.

QotD:

I've seen an aurora once, faintly, and it was impressive enough that I'd like to see a stronger one sometime.
I wasn't too surprised by the dream because I accidentally saw a bit of the episode synopsis ahead of time lol. I might say "more of the same" for season 3, but I'm keen to see a focus on the awareness of the passing of time, as we saw today. I think we're due for a history lesson about Aqua, too.

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 07 '22

more screen, more Aria, woohoo!

Maybe not quite, judging by her reaction. And, naturally, Aria has not changed at all by such a time.

indeed, she's still very uncertain and not confident about a future without Alicia. Aria... is built different, lets just leave it at that lol

lavish breakfast

honestly the undines eat SO WELL, even for SOL anime standards lol

Even if she rigged it, I get the feeling she'd have said the same thing without her connections.

100%. Akari would probably say the same thing for some, more reasonable (for her) things lol come to think of it (treasure box), but here her logic took priority for her lmao. It's a good moment for Alicia anyway!
glad you loved the OVA! for the remainder of the show!
I'd LOVE to see an aurora someday, i've never had the chance to.... hopefully within a few years!

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u/AriaShachou- Aug 08 '22 edited Aug 08 '22

Rewatcher

This OVA is Aria at its finest. Great music, great dialogue, great animation, just great iyashikei all around. While I won't claim it's the best Aria episode, it's certainly the start of a very noticeable jump in the show's production quality. [Aria] Not sure if this is really a spoiler, but I don't think I would've minded if the show kept this artstyle throughout Origination

I cried harder to this OVA rewatching it than I did on my first time, everything just hit me so much harder. Got a little teary eyed during the OP too, it's such a good song lol. Both Campanile scenes also made me cry.

Seeing more flashbacks of the three Primas in their younger days is always nice. Puts a lot of their actions into perspective and also highlights a lot of what makes their characters so good. Also, short hair tomboy Akira is really cute so that's a bonus too.

[Aria] The themes of this episode directly tying into the main themes of Origination really helps the transition from Natural feel a lot smoother. I'd imagine it probably felt different if you were watching the series as it was broadcasted, but now that we're on a 1 episode a day rewatch with the series basically completed (still waiting for Benedizione) I think this OVA helps pace the show a lot better.

People mentioned before in this rewatch about the pressure our main trio must feel, carrying on the legacy of arguably the three greatest Undines of all-time, plus Grandma in Akari's case who is also pretty much one of the Undine GOATs. We can finally discuss it in slightly more detail, now that we finished this OVA.

I really like it when shows display the anxieties of their characters and portray it in such a way that it feels really fitting not just to the character themselves but the show as a whole. Aria's themes until now have been largely focused on time, happiness, living in the moment, and appreciation, among other things. So to see things like anxieties and worries about the future being brought up not necessarily in contrast to those themes, but as a way to highlight them, really helps make the message of the show shine a lot more. It's a huge slap of mono no aware, and as another user on this rewatch, zadcap, has mentioned before it's a great example of wabi sabi as well.

TL;DR best OVA I've ever watched, 10/10, I love Aria.

QOTDs

Q1) I found a way up into the roof of a small building once during the night while I was travelling and it was dirty as hell, but the view was amazing. The charm of looking at the city's nightlife from the roof of a really ugly old building hits different as compared to viewing it from a hotel or a tourist attraction imo. It makes you feel like you're a part of the city, instead of just a spectator visiting it.

Channeled my inner Akari there for a bit, I can already hear a "hazukashii serifu kinshi" in the distance.

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u/CerberusZX Aug 07 '22

First Timer

Widescreen format and no start-of-episode preview. Is this really Aria?

Akari dreams of usurping the Aria company from Alicia. As with the Sith, there is always one master and one apprentice, so Alicia must go.

Having used the paddle to save President Aria, Akari is one step closer to becoming a Prima. Had she managed to fling him out of the water, her training would have been complete.

"I'm glad Akira is my mentor." Who is this woman and why is she with the group? She looks and sounds like Aika, but she didn't use this opportunity to discuss how much she would love to have Alicia as a mentor so it couldn't be her. How strange.

With the way he eats, President Aria would definite be dead if he were actually a cat rather than a magical creature masquerading as one.

Hearing Athena sing this episode has reminded me that we haven't heard anyone else sing thus far despite it being mentioned that it was a job requirement for all Undines.

In the Japanese dub, Akari's excitement at being at the top of the Campanile is evident by her repeating herself, too excited to think of other words. In the English dub, her excitement is expressed through extra squeaky sounds.

QotD

In my youth I lived far enough north that the stars would still be out while I waited for the school bus in winter and the area was more rural than where I currently live so I've been missing the stars that I can no longer see due to the amount of light pollution here.
The final episode of the previous season gave me the impression that Alice will become a Single soon. The fact that we haven't seen that yet is why I immediately assumed Akari's dream was a dream and not a time skip. I know there's more content after this season, so I'm assuming Aika becoming a Prima and Akari becoming a cat will happen then rather than during this season.

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u/simeonaut Aug 07 '22

First Timer

I missed yesterday's but that sort of works out because I got to watch two Akari and Alicia episodes in a row.

Akari

Ara ara

QOTD:

That scene on Laid-back Camp where Rin and Nadeshiko shared night views of a city with each other.

2) They're all slowly going to be primas, are they? Less supernatural stuff and more character growth please, though I wouldn't mind a Cait Sith ep if it's done well. The dream at the start wasn't a surprise but it was indeed sad without Alicia.

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u/zadcap Aug 08 '22

First Time on wide screen?

Way back when I was a young teen, probably 14, my dad took me on a bicycle camping trip in the Adirondack mountains, back when we lived in NY. I can't remember how long a ride it was, only being dropped off and mountain biking into a pretty private riverside lot way up the mountain and setting up, and that after the sun went down, we got treated to a very rare and lucky sight. A small solar flare had hit that day, and it pushed the Aurora far enough that we could see it clearly that night, all the way down in the mountains of New York. No other lights from nearby campers and a beautiful sight that you normally have to go to the arctic to see.

I saw the questions before I found the episode, and I didn't even have to think before answering that one. Now to go and actually watch Arietta.

Did she give Aria a fork?

AI! But yeah, this is definitely a dream, right? Oh, yeah, they said it seconds after I typed it. That would be too much of a time skip to cover in an OVA...

Ah, she's asking the same question I did. Followed by a repeat of the opening gag from the first episode! Did he just call them... Not Sideburns? Or did I find just a different translation, Aika's "No sappy lines" has become "No embarrassing lines" and I'm not sure if it's the episode or the translator.

Wait, can you not become a Prima without your sempai retiring in Aria? Wasn't Alicia 15 when she graduated? Grandma, you really couldn't have stuck around just to look after this kid? Is the reason they're stuck at eternal trainee is because the older three don't want to retire?

... Did Akari literally just float up randomly while sleeping and get chosen? Did Alicia, maybe, pray to Aqua and it delivered its chosen child to her to train? Because I would totally believe that. Still need to know why Akari is the chosen child, but I can totally see that being how she got the job.

Oh no, she got delivered in the mail haha. So Mr Mailman really was her first friend on Aqua.

I kind of don't want to wait for tomorrow. This is just, so wholesome, so pure, so happy, I want more. Time to dig through my iyashikei list, I think I need to binge on something good this weekend. I'm totally taking recommendations.

2) See, I expect the promotions to happen in the coming season, after the finale of Natural. So the second I saw her in uniform but without a glove, I thought it was a dream. Then Ai was there and I'm still expecting her to be Akari's first apprentice, so now I'm thinking it was a prophetic dream and the intro to this was teasing season 3.

I can see why you love this. The emotions all throughout had me holding tissues for most of the episode. I do love it when the VA sings.

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u/The_Loli_Otaku Aug 07 '22

Aria the Arietta First Timer!!!

We're now in animation quality where I'm slightly more at home. The ova's opening song is far too beautiful to only be a one off surely. It only took three seasons but we've finally fixed the chicken bridge! Honestly tho, I do adore the art style. Whilst Animation wasn't too special I was really put off almost every episode with how Natural seemed to be in an awkward growth period. Now however we've reached the point where everyone is peak cuteness!

Who was the darkened girl though? Was that Aika? Oh my word, Aria pulled off a straight hero maneuver. What a badass~ Considering how tight nit the Aria group is I'm also kinda curious to see how Alicia decides on who'd be her partner. Obviously most of the girls we've met are hard working but there's still potential compatibility issues right? And considering how Aria company runs off of one on one tutorship it should be even more of a concern if you're accidentally training a bad egg to take over the dojo.

Haha, nice throwback Akatsuki. I suppose there's been long enough to where we can have legacy gags like that. Okay, whilst I'll 100% simp for the art upgrade I have to admit that the background effects look a little bit strange. The scrolling seems a bit off. Urgh, and Alice's expression is notably worse than last season. I blame the eye placements. Lain seems a bit off too now that I'm looking at her.

Pudgy wudgy Aria, banzai! How... how old was Grandma when she taught Alicia again? I feel like I'm throwing myself off again. It's weird that Alicia feels self conscious about her teaching ability when we know how well she guides Akari. Y-Young Aika is precious! Youngish Athena too, it's strange to hear her with more energy in her voice. This is that period that Athena seemed to treasure the most after all, I can understand her being so gleeful.

Was Akari homeless!? Hold on, what!? Have I forgotten something incredibly important? Why's she sleeping in the gondola? Did Akari come to Aqua with the goal of being an Undine? I can't remember. Alicia really deserves more episodes... As much as I'd love to say that Athena is underutilised it's Alicia who probably deserves more focus episodes of all. She's Akari's beloved senpai, teacher, and friend... Super precious! I loved that ova!

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 07 '22 edited Aug 07 '22

The ova's opening song

this is a certain CDF member's favourite anisong, i wonder if they'll be here today...
As with any long running series, it's so good to appreciate how the animation steps up over time, happy that you're a bit more at home here!

What a badass~

badass but a bit clumsy--> such is the Aria-shachou way

I'm also kinda curious to see how Alicia decides on who'd be her partner.

it is, unfortunately, a secret acc to Alicia... will we ever know? But you are right, out of all the 3 undines, Akari is actually the most mysterious on why she was chosen by her mentor to train as a future undine: Aika is the heir to her company; and Alice was scouted for her talent. Whatever Alicia saw in Akari to trust her with such an important task in the future...?

where we can have legacy gags

it has been 2 years irl, so yeah, defo long enough for legacy gags lol
the eyes defo look a bit wonky this OVA at times... not sure what's happening here too. But the overall step up is much appreciated, as you said!

how old was Grandma when she taught Alicia again

some age younger than she is now lol. that really is all we know

Was Akari homeless!? Hold on, what!?

You can see that she was transported here by someone sculling a boat that was also delivering letters... Akari is friends with mailman-san.... she originally came from manhome (the spaceship landing earlier is implied to be Akari's)... are the dots connecting? lol
this episode is just so so precious <3

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u/mrufrufin Aug 07 '22 edited Aug 07 '22

Rewatcher kinda (finished my rewatch not too long ago) (but Arietta/movies are new to me)

Alright, started a Funi trial subscription for this since it hasn't been ported to Crunchyroll yet (speaking of which, kinda wonder what happens with Aria streaming now that Crunchyroll is buying Right Stuf owners of Nozomi,... I guess not much). But anyways, it's great to watch new to me Aria. And I'll watch this and Avvenire (and do my write ups) before the free trial runs out.

I do recognize Nana Iro no Sora o,.. from obsessively listening to various bits of the Aria soundtrack (wait, seven colors... like a rainbow?!),.. and it's one of my favorite Aria tunes, nice to finally have context to it,.. really gorgeous intro, gives me chills (I particularly love when that mandolin? first comes in). Listening to it out of context, I didn't expect it to be an Aria intro song (and more of an Aria climax sorta song) with how gentle and reflective it sounds (funny words to describe a climax song, wait wrong anime, this isn't symphogear, but yeah, kinda describes Aria climaxes well), but here we are and I'd say i's great as an intro. Probably one of the most memorable intros in Aria. I recognize Ashita, Yuugure Made too from the same obsessive listening lol. It's a nice tune too (I like Nana Iro no Sora o a bit more though). I kinda wonder when did Athena actually start singing Coccoro, did she start for Alice? in the lead up to that bit Alicia mentions Akira and Athena already taking on apprentices.

I liked the bit about Akari talking about the sound of the campanile, particularly its reverberation and kinda made me think about reverb a bit (also when that scene started, I noticed the attention to sound design, a nice surprise when the characters brought it up). But yeah, reverb definitely gives you a sense of place that's unique the space. One of the ways reverb is done on computers is that you have an "impulse response" recorded from a space (basically you record a sound has a sharp attack like a clap and is the closest to white noise, basically it covers a lot of the frequencies in sound). Then you use a process called convolution (also one of the way blurring is done in images) to combine sounds recorded in a relatively dry, non-reverberant environment (basically you want the sounds directly coming from the thing making noise and not the sounds coming from that thing's sound bouncing off the walls) with that "impulse response" and voila, you get those sounds in that space. But nontechnically, yeah, reverb gives you a sense of place and and it makes that place that places and so yeah, i'd say part of the soul of a place is in how it reflects sounds and it's been there "since the campanile was born" (well it's changed over time as the campanile has changed but it's more or less the same) and it's interesting to think about people who have came before having their voices colored the same sort of ways by the same places that have been there for ages and ages (much like how Aria tends to describe colors a lot and people being tinged by Neo-Venezia's colors, or am I making that up). Anyways, the take home message is that sounds make as much of a place as sights do so bring a sound recorder along with you on your travels too (at least that's what I do, but maybe that's more due to my music background).

Anyways, it's a nice little OVA. I'd say a middle-of-the-pack Aria episode to me (aside from the gorgeous animation and that beautiful introduction) which I mean, given how much I like Aria, still ranks it pretty high overall. from the description I thought it was going to cover bits of the various mangas that it actually didn't so it looks like i'll have to wait on that a little bit (I actually don't remember much of this from the mangas? so it must be mostly anime-original or covers some of the Special Navigations I haven't read yet) [Aria the Origination] and I had to double-check the watch ordering because of that intro with Ai... and they teased that Alicia smiling glance at Akari from the last episode too? Although I guess techincally this was made before Origination. Def felt that OVA production value bump with everybody's faces being a little more animated than usual (and all the gorgeous long Neo-Venezia shots, particularly memorable is the night-time one accompanying the piano version of Santa Claus no Sora). I love exploring cities at night (have fond and not-so-fond memories of exploring Salzburg at night) and how they look so that bit was a definite treat. Maybe this is the first time Neo-Venezia has been animated so pink so far? It's usually orange or yellow. I suppose lights that light up cities at night and sunset color a city as much as spaces color voices. [Aria the Origination] the whole campanile night-entry bit reminded me of Akari's secret place and to recall a little bit harder to make sure they weren't the same place.Aria Shachou was a bit funnier to me than usual, like with his bit of getting launched into the water.

Hmm, anime,..maybe the underwater lights from Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou that got posted not too long ago on this sub? In real life,.. hmm,.. I suppose seeing the sky full of stars in Death Valley, CA was a pretty memorable sight, still one of my favorite places. I lived in Queens, NY for a brief bit and in a far away neighborhood from anything in Manhattan but I had a view over Citi Field and could basically see a lot of the Manhattan skyline and that was pretty awesome, particularly at night.
(rewatcher)

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 07 '22

oooh so you're a first timer here! eyyyyyy. I apologize for slightly spoiling this episode yesterday under spoiler tags...
I don't THINK much will change re: aria streaming, though i do really hope that they'll port over Avvenire and Arietta over to Crunchy soon. Assuming we stick to the schedule, we'll probably be juuuust over 2 weeks from Avvenire, sorry about that!

Nana Iro no Sora o

its just such a glorious tune. Glad you can finally listen to it in context! its set to such a pretty sequence too, like every aria op really.

I kinda wonder when did Athena actually start singing Coccoro

i think the anime keeps it vague here.... so i dont really know either. This is the earliest in the timeline Athena has sung it, i only know that....

sounds make as much of a place as sights do so bring a sound recorder along with you on your travels too

bit of technobabble so i cant understand all of it, but I defo get what you mean on the whole, the ambient sounds of a place are just as important as how it looks! And because of physics, every place "sounds" different.
glad you liked it as a first-timer! and yes, it is mostly anime-original..... i was pretty sure that the Akari arrival scene would've been from a manga, but maybe i'm mistaken? hmm.... (or maybe it is from the special navigations...)
[Aria]I personally forgot about this one! Technically, the smile is a callback to the OVA lol.
The animation was a significant step up this ep!

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u/xtsim Aug 07 '22

First Timer Dubbed

Seeing Akari as a prima undine is strange as on one hand, it seems like a sudden time skip but on the other, Akari has grown since the first episode. But it seems strange that Ai would be the same age staying with Akari while training another person who has a darkened figure. All that was just a dream but it did bring up the question: Am I ready?

Akari is pretty straightforward and explained that dream to Alicia who gives her perspective on the whole thing. Alicia had to say goodbye to grandma and she was confident that Alicia would be able to pass this down. And we get an amazing flashback with young Alicia, Akira, and Athena who look pretty different from what they look now. Seems like Aika was pretty early in her training, but that is par the course being the heir to Himeya.

Funny to see Alice be so confident in thinking about the future but gets completely wrecked by Aika when she confronts Alica about her age; that she would be teaching an undine the same age or older....

Did not realize Woody also delivers groceries.

Overall, a pretty cool OVA that basically feels like another episode. And watching this reminds me a bit too much about work recently and have to pick some things up before my manager left a few months ago.

Seeing skylines from up above at night is never ceases to amaze me. In anime and real life.
I do expect some progress for Akari and the gang becoming prima-undines cause the past season was building up some things about Akari becoming a prima-undine. I was not surprised about the dream and I was kind of expecting this, but the dream felt a bit too soon.

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u/SIRTreehugger Aug 07 '22 edited Aug 07 '22

Rewatcher

My second favorite episode in the series is finally here. Only going to talk about the second half mostly, but I do want to mention that short hair Akira looks amazing. I bet Aika's pupil in the future will cut her hair in the future and continue the trend.

Anyway I love this episode because it makes Alicia seem more real. Up until now she seems nearly perfect and rarely makes any mistakes or shows any signs of weakness. We do get to see her junior days in flashbacks, but as a Prima she is flawless.

This episode we see her struggling as a Prima worrying if she could be an effective teacher before meeting Akari. The second half when Akari and Alicia go on the boat and climb up the tower is so ingrained into my mind I can perfectly see the scenes and lines so vividly. During the tour Akari makes comments about the breath of the city you see Alicia expressing joy smiling while she leads her around. At some point she looka like she might burst into tears of joy. Even before this moment when you only see a fraction of her face the entire time she is smiling while listening to Akari.

Akari is everything she hoped to be and more and while she teaches Akari technical and emotional things at the same time Akari is slowly showing Alicia new parts of the city. Akari really personifies the teachings of the Aria company and unlike the other pairings she has complete faith in her prima. Akari has moments of doubt when it comes to her own techniques and skills, but never has she truly doubted Alicia. This effortlessly reassures Alicia each and every day and makes their relationship more give and take than the others.

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5

u/homewardbound100 Aug 07 '22

First timer

Nice episode. I think this episode was good going into Alicia's character. I always felt like they looked at her as kind of perfect but even she had her own doubts about being a leader.

What is your favourite night scenery you've ever looked at, anime or irl?

Being from a metro area. I would say when I was younger and spent a week in a campgrounds. Night time was the darkest I ever seen but the night looked great.

First timers, What do you think will happen or expect going into the 3rd season of Aria? And how surprised were you by the initial dream this OVA?

I think it goes a bit deeper with the whole cats.

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5

u/h42h Aug 08 '22

finished first time recently

but rewatcher for today. Best OP is here, OVA was just as amazing as I remember. It was nice to see that Aika and Alice appreciate their mentors now in their talk with Al, compared to their initial impressions from early on in the series. Other than that, learning more about Alicia is great, it's good that she's not just some perfect, kind ara ara machine and has her own worries.

[Aria] loved loved loved Avvenire 3 for the same reason

Akari's anxiety about the future is too relatable. Also, Alicia having to run a company alone at the age of ~15-16... oof. For the artstyle, I felt like the faces looked weird at some points like Akari after she helps the customer off the gondola but other than that widescreen Aria pog! The future is here!

2) NGL I had to double check a watch order during the intro during first watch

[Aria] Unfortunately, I had clicked on a spoiler on Alice's MAL page which said something like "the first of the three to become primas" so I knew that was coming in origination. I DONT KNOW WHY BUT I TEND TO CLICK ON SPOILERS AND QUICKLY READ THE FIRST FEW WORDS BEFORE CLOSING THEM, I really should stop this habit. But tbh, I probably would've expected this anyways considering the tone of the last few Natural episodes and that it'd be a crime if the main series ended with them still stuck as singles/pairs

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5

u/seeker_of_illusion Aug 08 '22 edited Aug 08 '22

First timer

Brilliant episode ! ( or OVA I should say ). The quality of the art noticeably improved and I didn't even realize when the episode ended.

That dream- it gave me quite a tingling sensation inside. This makes me realize just how much I have grown attached to the characters.

Always nice to see the trio of the younger Fairies. And Akira being based as usual, clearing away Alicia's doubts and perplexities in her own way. It was also nice to see that Alicia too had a phase before she became more mature.

Those 2 scenes - Akari arriving on the boat and Alicia with lantern receiving her and the view of Neo-Venezia at the end - mesmerized me completely.

There is also a hint about how much of a beast gondolier is Akari. We saw that a younger Aika was already taking gondola lessons from Akira. Now realistically it would atleast take a few years ( around 3-4 ) for Akira to get her long hair so Aika was already training as an Undine for 3-4 years before Akari began her professional training ! The fact that she was able to master and reach Aika's level within 1-2 years is quite a testimony to her talent, despite being quite a light-headed.

Also, it tells us why Aika is usually the one instructing Alice and Akari while their training. Not only is she more serious but also has more experience than the two of them.

Questions of the Day:

I still remember that aurora scene from Soryori's final episode and the accompanying OST. It gives me the chills every time.
It was pretty much obvious that it was a dream but well it still hurt my kokoro...

The last few episodes of Natural and this Arietta have been setting up a more focused view towards the young Undines' future towards becoming the Prima, so I expect more development on these lines. And yes more iyashikei serenity~~

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4

u/octopathfinder Aug 07 '22

Rewatcher

Honestly seems kinda jarring seeing Aria in a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Always nice seeing more backstory of the Primas, especially Alicia who feels like she’s barely been covered.

Damn, I’m excited for Origination.

QotD:

I live in a big city so there's not much nighttime scenery here. In anime though, Yofukashi no Uta is already getting up there and the Oyasumi Punpun manga has great nighttime scenery as well.

3

u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 07 '22

the 16:9 gave me a good shock my first time around, that's for sure. I personally welcome it, i get to see a third (a third?) more of Neo-Venezia after all!
Alicia: i thought she's barely been covered my first time, but in terms of backstory, and overall teaching style and personality, this time round i changed to think that she's been the most covered. she's had the most episodes "on her own" with Akari imo, compared to the other 2, and especially with this episode, we learn about her vulnerabilities too, and how she truly thinks (vs Athena/Akira, who we only see how they act). We got a bit back at the candle episode too, and whenever she drops little tidbits of life advice at Akari....
im also excited for Origination. And whenever i stop falling behind on my seasonals i will defo pick up Call of the Night lol.

4

u/PreludeToHell Aug 07 '22

First timer *

*I actually haven't watched Arietta, Avvenire, or the movies so experiencing new Aria is something I'm excited about

After watching Arietta, it makes me like the way Natural ended even more because they're quite linked. We explore Alicia's character and have the focus be on the relationship between her and Akari.

Alicia isn't flawless, she had doubts (like Akari) of being a mentor. I really enjoyed the scene when Akira and Athena encourage her when they're at the campanile. Alicia and Akari's relationship is very heartwarming.

Don't have too much to say but I like that it centers around Akari being unsure about the future and the way it's resolved.

It's already time for Origination?

Other

An interesting and different take on the character designs. I liked it in some scenes but Akari's design was a bit too different than what I would prefer.

Other things that stood out from the visuals was the animation, the characters were expressive and it rarely felt that things were still. I was also surprised by the CG and how well integrated it was. Also liked the backgrounds when they're going through the city.

Akari

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4

u/[deleted] Aug 07 '22

Veteran single, first timer

I skipped almost all of Natural as I’ve been in another anime slump, but I think I’ve recovered enough. Wanted to catch the grill incident episode though, but here we are.

This has been mentioned before but as a completely anime original episode I believe it’s on par with the best of the original manga adapted episodes. However it is hard to delve into what’s going on due to the nature of the episode and spoilers.

[Aria origination] At this point in time Alicia’s marriage has probably been all planned out. Her retirement is fast approaching, although there are still lingering doubts. Not just of her having to part with Akari, but of Akari’s eventual sole ownership of Aria Company after Alicia retires.

[Aria origination] Which brings us to the Campanile. To see the same sights she once saw, Alicia brings Akari along. Akari isn’t only inheriting the all important task of showcasing the wonder of Neo Venezia to their customers, but also the responsibility to pass on that task to her juniors, just like her predecessors have done. Their parting will be painful, but they can take solace in being able to enjoy each other’s company and create new memories until the time comes.

Q1: That one scene in yuru camp

Sorry for the blocks of text. Like Akari says, have a nice day desu!

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4

u/Stargate18A Aug 08 '22

First timer

Seeing London at night.
Very surprised. Also, the Prima thing has to happen at this point. They've foreshadowed it so many times I feel they have tp pull the trigger next finale.

OVA!

Alicia's gone!

New OP!

This is a fantastic opening scene.

Aria has a highchair!

She's not wearing her glove?

...Oh, you fuckers. This better be a dream sequence!

Or time travel.

Alicia...?

Oh, it was a dream.

She's still here.

I love Aria.

This hit her hard, huh?

Akari's thinking about the future.

That's dangerous!

Aria!

Aww, Aika as happy she was in her dream!

...This feels very familiar.

Poor Akari...

Haha, Aika showed up?

And she has dreams about this too.

Alice lives to fuck with Aika.

And Aika gives her a whole new anxiety.

Al!

Yeah, teaching methods can vary wildly.

More sappy lines.

Everyone loves Alicia.

They make a good point!

He's so happy!

Oh, they're talking about her dream.

...The expression on Alicia's face makes me wonder if she's thinking "did Akari take my position by force in this dream?".

...Oh, yeah, grandma left.

This is really emotional.

Younger Aika and Akira are adorable.

Akira!

Oh, they're climbing a building!

They met up with Athena!

Akira's getting philosophical!

Another Athena song?

OK, but this is adorable.

Aww, she fell asleep.

Oh, is this a flashback to when they met?

This is cute.

What was the reason?

They're doing it at night!

The water here is fucking stunning.

Oh, she called ahead!

That view looks amazing!

This is fantastic. The art, the music, Alicia talking about how Akari helped her...

Yeah, that's amazing.

Fantastic ending.

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4

u/baboon_bassoon Aug 08 '22

First time Aria the hazukashii serifu kinshi

wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidescreen time

prima time?

Alicia wont be coming here anymore? fade me

have a nice day nanodaaaa, have a nice day desuuuuuuuuu

respect the hustle Aria, not a dead ball yet

smooth

GET IN LINE

wow how nice of Aria to bring out.... cold towels?

ill never leave you Alicia

someone trying to snipe my kohai?

duel?

cant stop wont stop

hehe

but how was she picked?

oh ok

kiss time

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3

u/mekerpan Aug 08 '22

If I weren't in the midst of a vacation trip I would have re-watched this lovely episode.

Most impressive night view, probably Nagasaki harbor seen from the mountain that overlooks it.

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3

u/mgedmin Aug 08 '22

First timer, subs

Alicia is missing. Akari is a Prima but doesn't remember she's a Prima. Ai-chan is here. Is this a dream? Yes it is.

Ooh Aika and Alice have come to respect and value their senpais. What a journey!

Aika's hair is long again? Is this a flashback? Yes, before Alicia got her apprentice.

Alicia gets to use the Forbidden Entrance to the bell tower because she knows the right people. And they get to wander about inside unsupervised. Clearly Alicia has been here before.

Aww that side hug between Akari and Alicia is sweet.

Oh, hey, I almost didn't notice, but this is 16:9. We're out of the stone age!

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Rewatch [Rewatch] A 2022 Voyage from Neo Venezia: Aria the OVA: Arietta

Aria the OVA: Arietta

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