Search - Kaleido Star - Welcome to the Kaleido Star (Vol. 1) - With Series Box + Paper Doll Set on DVD

Would You Like To Swing From a Star

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 07/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes an anime that is out of your regular genre surprises you. While it is possible to mistake Kaleido Star for a 'magical girl' anime, it really bears more resemblance to sports and idol anime, and I'm not drawn to those. Be that as it may, I have an opportunity to watch the early episodes of Kaleido Star, and while acrobatic wannabe Sora Neigino has no magical powers, she has a magical way of getting through her challenges that quickly charms the watcher.After missing an audition for the Kaleido Stage, a series of clumsy mistakes manages to catapult her into a job. Despite the protests of the beautiful Layla, who is the current star. And indeed, a very talented and egotistical woman she is. Kaleido is a performance are much like the Cirque du Soleil put on, with even more spectacular displays. When you aren't following the plot, there is a great deal to watch and admire.The episodes focus on the lives of the characters, more than on the stunts, Layla and her partner Yuri, Carlos the owner, Ken who is both gofer and stage manager, and Fool, the spirit of the stage (and the closest thing the show has to magic). Fool appears as a costumed doll with a knack for the tarot and mildly perverse remarks. How these players and the many others deal with their challenges and reach their goals is the meat of Kaleido Star.Brilliantly scripted and acted, Kaleido Star has enjoyed great success in Japan, where it has run to 51 episodes. The work is extremely watchable, and, more important, bears up under repeated watching. It is aimed at the warm and fuzzy loving younger set of watchers, but I found myself getting quite involved in the story. This is very much a family anime, with a strong emphasis on values and very little that is even slightly risque."

New favorite anime!

Mari | USA | 06/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I gave this a try even though I usually prefer magical girl anime, and I was very surprised. The animation is beautiful and the story is inspirational. Kaleido Stage is a bit like Cirque Du Soleil, but it has themes like ballets (Romeo & Juliet,etc.) instead of just random tricks. Sora the main character goes through ups and downs as she tries to rise to the top and become a Kaleido Star! If you only buy one anime this year, this should be it!"

UNDER THE BIG TOP

Sesho | Pasadena, TX USA | 07/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"16 year old Sora Naegino has come to America to try out for Kaleido Star, a Cirque de Soleil-like extravaganza that picks only the best talent to perform in its shows. At a loss as to the location of the show when she sets down in America, she goes to ask a magazine vendor for directions. A stranger overhears her question and kneels down beside her, looking at her legs, even touching them and telling them how nice they are. Leaving her suitcase unattended as she tries to get away from this pervert, her belongings are stolen by a thief. Sora shows her acrobatic skills as she captures him. After being delayed a the police station as a suspected runaway, she finally gets to the audition late and is not even allowed to try out by orders of the resident star of Kaleido Star, Layla Hamilton. She is allowed to stay on and watch the show. When a trampoline performer is sidelined by an accident, the owner of the show, Kalos, who just happens to be the stranger that had looked at her legs before, asks her to take the injured performer's place. Sora will have to prove herself as she will have to perform before thousands of people with no rehearsal. These first 5 episodes are mainly about Sora's attempts to fit into the troupe, even though most of the performers are hostile to her. They believe that she has some personal connection to Kalos that lets her achieve unearned status and oppurtunity. Everyone else has to work hard for the little time they get on stage while Sora walks in off the street without even a rehearsal and gets stagetime. Despite this, she is able to get the respect and friendship of some of the troupe due to her hard work ethic and dedication. Mia and Anna, two of her fellow performers begin to realize that Kalos may have shown her special consideration due to her abilities. Then there's always the Spirit of the Stage, a lecherous doll that appears to Sora to give her advice, saying that he only appears to those destined for the stage. This first volume was excellent. The animation is great. The voice acting first rate. The characters are great. Lots of humor. Some drama. It really makes you root for the success of Sora. Highly recommended. No great extras here, just the standard clean opening/closing, production sketches. Does come with a little Sora cardboard standup if that wows you."

Awwww

silverfox | Abilene, Texas | 02/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This anime has some of the most beautiful artwork I have ever seen. The colors are amazing, the opening song is catchy, and the style is great. It's also very good natured and clean cut; the only pervert is the Phantom of the Stage, and he makes you laugh, not cringe. The potential love interest, Ken, is genuinely sweet and kind, there is a kindly policeman who pops up at just the right moments, and the "bad" characters are only bad because they are harsh to the protagonist,Sora, not because of any unforgivable offenses on their part. The plot is somewhat predictable, requiring minimal brain activity, but the show does not become boring. A sincere, smile-provoking DVD."