Yume de Aetara (TV)

Usually, when I rate something as 4 out of 10, I mark it as 'mixed feelings.' I am marking this as recommended because of three things I like here.

First things first, there are two anime versions of 'If I See You in My Dreams ': 1) the OVA version, and 2) the TV version. The OVA's version released its first episode in April of 1998 and the third and final episode in December 1998. On the other hand, the first episode of the TV version aired at the end of November 1998, and the final episode on Christmas Eve. (I have doubts about this info, ... but this is what MAL gives.)

I did not look at the manga version, but both have similar premises. The difference is that what happens in the OVA version is different to the TV version.

The first episode of the OVA version is 25 minutes long, whilst the other two episodes are 29 minutes long. I would have expected that the TV version would be the regular 23 minutes of runtime per episode, but no — each episode is 8 minutes long. So the total runtime of the OVA is about 83 minutes, whilst the TV version is 16 episodes with a total runtime of 128 minutes.

Objectively, the OVA is better. The narrative of how Masuo meets Nagisa and how they fell for each other is complete.

The TV version, on the other hand, feels incomplete. It lacks some of the backstory of Masuo as this loser. It's as if, to appreciate the TV version, one must watch at least the first episode of the OVA. It's also glaring that the TV version failed to justify how Nagisa fell in love with Masuo.

It's also said that the animation of the OVA is superior to the TV version. That is to be expected, but the animation and art style of the TV version isn't as bad as reported. If you are used to seeing modern anime, the art style here holds up. It's amazing that for something I judge as crap, it still animates crowds of people.

Now that I have mentioned the negatives of the TV version, let me paint a fairer picture where the TV version shines.

1. I love how Masuo is animated whenever he is embarrassed. It's similar to how Bocchi the Rock is animated in the face of social anxiety.

2. I love how funny this is. The OVA may win because it somewhat hits the emotions satisfactorily, but the TV version wins because of the comedy.

3. It has great fanservice. Isn't it amazing that the OVA barely has nudity, but the TV version is full of it? Perhaps the TV version was aired in the wee hours of the night, which is why it did not need censors.

In conclusion, the TV version has something to offer despite being the inferior version. It is such a guilty pleasure. Watch both, and if you like either or both, then consider reading the manga version.


NOTA BENE: A grade of 4 out of 10 means I got some enjoyment out of this anime, but the issues are glaring, or simply I rank it higher than my 3's but below my 5's.

My enjoyment spectrum lies from 4 to 10. If I have scored an anime below 4, I actively dislike it.

This anime Yume de Aetara is pretty good for the year it was made. It made me laugh and enjoy it.

STORY: the story of this anime is cool. It is more like a short "LOVE HINA." Basically loves Masuo Fuguno, yet gets in bad situations with another girl who likes him, Miho Hamaoka. Every time that happens Nagisa Shiozaki sees it or finds out about, she over thinks about it and flips out. It goes back and forth about it forgiving and over exaggerating about it. The ending though, I don't like it. It could be another season or not. I just don't ... like it

Art: It's actually good for the time it came out.

Sound: Same thing as art, maybe better.

Characters: I actually like all of them, yet Nagisa can be a b#### but that is her character.

Enjoyment: liked it very much.

Overall: It was good.

First things first. My "reviews" system is explained on a blog entry. Which can be found through my profile.
------
OVA was more enjoyable
---

✦Story
Maybe back in days when I started watching Anime I would have enjoyed this sort of story more. But as for now, it seriously felt that the story was somewhat ruined by the comedic aspect. The whole relationship "triangle" was overshadowed by comedy. It was rotation of shy and weak willed character bouncing between two girls in the grasp of bad luck and stupid situations. I did love the cute moments between the lead character and the long haired woman and the moment 2nd ... female character came into the play, it started to feel very obnoxious and just plain stupid. I do understand it's the whole "comedic" aspect of this Anime, but as said, it just feels horrible and maybe would been enjoyable if had watched this years ago.

As whole, I felt the story was actually okay. But from enjoyment side it felt a bit too moronic and infuriating.

✦Art & Sound
Art/animation for it's time was actually quite okay. Fair enough, cannot say it's either good or bad.

Music was mostly mediocre with only 1 or 2 memorable soundtracks.

✦Character
Main guy is a bit weak-willed working manboy. Who has feelings for one of the female lead characters, but as well he is lead around by other woman too much.

As for 2 female leads. To sum it up, 1 is shy woman who is a bit selfish and kinda forces guy into stupid mindgames. Whilst second lead is cheerful moeblob who somewhat uses her cuteness as means to manipulate main guy.

Now.. this is to sum them up the general gist of the main characters. Cannot say much else as it would lead to spoilers. In short, characters are kinda okay, but the way story is put, the characters feel quite annoying.

But I do have to mention 1 of the side-characters. Nagisas (long haired fmc) friend probably was the best character in this whole Anime.
I'm horrid with remember names thus barely mentioned any.

✦Enjoyment & Overall
Long story short. It's moronic comedy Anime centering around romance triangle, whereas all characters are weak and played around with the whole time. But it has somewhat solid story and finale.

So if you like this sort of comedy, you will probably enjoy this Anime more than I did.