While 'The Crystal Ball' is not one of my favourite Brothers Grimm stories, it still has an enchanting story and the characters carry it very strongly. And those are just two main things that make the brothers such master storytellers. 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' is an intriguing and mostly very nicely done late 80s anime series, though the music and voice acting varied, that is a great opportunity to fall in love with the famous stories and get acquainted with new discoveries.
Its version of 'The Crystal Ball' is a great representation of what is so appealing about the series and why it should be better known. Although not completely faithful to the original story, it is a good way to introduce one who hasn't yet read the story to it and encourage them to read it. Do consider it among the better 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' episodes and it fares more than finely on its own merits (always a fairer way to judge any adaptation), though like with 'The Naughty Spirit' (the series' adaptation of 'The Devil and His Grandmother') the original story is the real deal.
The music was always hit and miss on 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater', and didn't find myself too impressed here. Didn't think it fitted tonally, needed more atmosphere, or find that it added to the action very much, also found it pretty forgettable.
Really liked everything else though. The voice acting fits well, with the thoughtful narrator and genuinely creepy-sounding witch coming off most memorably. It's one of the series' better looking episodes, it's colourful and atmospheric and with well designed backgrounds. Some nice imaginative visual touches too, although some of the series' creepiest with the witch's powers (along with some of 'Bluebeard', the demons in 'The Well Worn Dancing Shoes' and everything to do with Hell in 'The Naughty Spirit'). The theme songs still charm, as does the intro.
Writing is neither simplistic or convoluted, managing to be just about accessible for all ages while providing enough for older audiences. From the start, the story has much going on to stop it from having a dull spot while not feeling rushed, a danger with the short length. The protagonist is an appealing one, likewise with the princess, one of 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater's' more likeable female lead characters. The witch still gives me the creeps.
Summing up, highly impressive. 9/10
Its version of 'The Crystal Ball' is a great representation of what is so appealing about the series and why it should be better known. Although not completely faithful to the original story, it is a good way to introduce one who hasn't yet read the story to it and encourage them to read it. Do consider it among the better 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' episodes and it fares more than finely on its own merits (always a fairer way to judge any adaptation), though like with 'The Naughty Spirit' (the series' adaptation of 'The Devil and His Grandmother') the original story is the real deal.
The music was always hit and miss on 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater', and didn't find myself too impressed here. Didn't think it fitted tonally, needed more atmosphere, or find that it added to the action very much, also found it pretty forgettable.
Really liked everything else though. The voice acting fits well, with the thoughtful narrator and genuinely creepy-sounding witch coming off most memorably. It's one of the series' better looking episodes, it's colourful and atmospheric and with well designed backgrounds. Some nice imaginative visual touches too, although some of the series' creepiest with the witch's powers (along with some of 'Bluebeard', the demons in 'The Well Worn Dancing Shoes' and everything to do with Hell in 'The Naughty Spirit'). The theme songs still charm, as does the intro.
Writing is neither simplistic or convoluted, managing to be just about accessible for all ages while providing enough for older audiences. From the start, the story has much going on to stop it from having a dull spot while not feeling rushed, a danger with the short length. The protagonist is an appealing one, likewise with the princess, one of 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater's' more likeable female lead characters. The witch still gives me the creeps.
Summing up, highly impressive. 9/10