AMV Showdown! Special Awards: Part 2

Continuing forward from where we left off, here is the second half of the special awards we chose for the AMVs we’ve looked through these last few months. Hope you enjoy!

Let’s get started.

Since we came across multiple AMVs that amplified the shows they showcased, it seemed appropriate to split the awards into two parts: one acknowledging AMVs that made average shows look great and the other taking obviously great shows and highlight what makes them great.

Let me just say, much of this comes down to personal taste.

Best Amplified Questionable Shows

Honorable Mention: Say My Name by Light Raider

3rd Place: So Alive by VermillionAMV

I had no idea what the anime Brave Story was even about when I watched this AMV. I just thought it would be a great show to watch based on what I saw in this AMV. Knowledge is cruel sometimes because I realized quick this show is not so refined. At best it’s average.

2nd Place: For the Win by DigiCat via TheBestAMVsOfAllTime

I know three groups of people who talked about Sword Art Online. The ones who absolutely love it to death, those who can’t stand the sight of it, and the apathetic watchers who could care less. (That’s me! Sorry to fans.) When I watch this AMV, I don’t think it matters if people think its a good show or not. The editor did a smashing job highlighting what made the show visually interesting for first time viewers.

1st Place: Baba Yetu by Glitzer

Out of the three, I’d say the most people will get the maddest knowing I view Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic as an average show. (I think its okay. . . not ground breaking story wise to say the least.) HOWEVER, this AMV is absolutely beautiful. I didn’t think this song would fit so well to the show’s content but . . . dang. . . was I ever wrong.

Best Amplified Universally Acknowledged Great Shows

I hear the least amount of criticisms for these shows.

Honorable Mention: Emptiness by HeardYouLikeAmvs

3rd Place: Pure White Gold by VermillionAMV

Boku no Hero Academia has so many interesting animated scenes to play with. You’d be surprised though how often fans just can’t capture what makes this show so appealing. Its one thing to use great animated scenes from the show and put them to a catchy song. Its another thing to use the show’s content and cohesively portray the character’s, their struggles, and their purpose. Pure White Gold does this and more!

2nd Place: Danse De Raven by ChiikaboomAMV

Princess Tutu is the anti-magical girl anime. It’s complicated both in its writing and animation. So, how do you make an AMV that doesn’t bog down its message? Put it to a French song and have almost perfect timing.

1st Place: Warriors by yujinedits怠惰な: Dance of the Mushi by Rainhowls2

Kimetsu no Yaiba or Demon Slayer had SOOOOO many AMVS. I think I found at least thirty of them just looking through YouTube. Some of them were good, but lacked any real direction. Warriors I added to my review list on a whim after I watched the first 30 seconds. I didn’t think it would be that amazing. I was so wrong. Warriors is one of the best AMVs I have ever seen! It made me want to watch the show then and there.

Most Unexpected

These are the AMVs I expected to be average or really. . . really bad. But then they came and POW! Took top spots.

Honorable Mention: Renegade VERSUS by VermillionAMV

3rd Place: Pure White Gold by VermillionAMV

I saved this AMV on a whim because I liked the song. 🙂 That’s it. I didn’t give it much thought and just put it up for review because I figured there must have been a reason I saved it.

2nd Place: ??? Mob by King AMV

The song was weird. Plus I only watched the first 15 seconds before deciding I should give it a try. I was a fool!

1st Place: Say My Name by LightRaider

Story time. . . I didn’t know what the heck the show Kuzu no Honkai was about. I figured it was a story about two people crushing on someone else falling for each other accidently. Boy was I wrong. . . it’s a horrible story. (The English translation for the title is Scum’s Wish. . . yeah.) That aside, I figured this AMV would fall into obscurity within the first two rounds. Honestly though, it is so well crafted despite it cruddy source it made it all the way to the end!

Emotionalism

Emotionalism is completely and utterly subjective! Sorry. . . but these awards are for the AMVs that touched me. (And almost made me cry several times.)

Honorable Mention: Singular Strike Gentleman by Glitzer (Note, I cried because it was so funny!)

3rd Place: Kindness by VermillionAMV

Kindness sort of swooped in and captured our hearts. Mob Psycho 100 deals with a lot of emotional growth and the song really highlighted this. I think it means more for those who have actually seen the show because they understand the depth of each character’s emotions and development.

2nd Place: Ghost of You by Vichima

Wow. . . Ride Your Wave is an emotionally stirring movie. I’ve never personally seen it, but seeing this AMV I felt the impact of the character’s relationship and heartbreak.

1st Place: ＷＥ’ＲＥ ＥＭＰＴＹ；by moved., let us be brave; by moved., and The Asking Price by NeverEnoughEpicAMVs3

These are all emotionally impactful AMVs for Fullmetal Alchemist. My brother and I really love this show and couldn’t decide which of these three should make it into the top spot. So we chose all of them!

Best Atmosphere

Basically, this is award is for those AMV which were able to build a world through imagery and music. It’s not just about tone but also creating an mental link between the song and show.

Honorable Mentions: Glitter and Gold by Neo Solarius, VE Fight by Oblivionblade, For the Win by Digi Cat, Hold Me Now by Komichi

3rd Place: Ride or Die by NeverEnoughEpicAMVs2

I don’t think of Fast and Furious listening to this song anymore! All I can picture is Redline with its cool main character strutting his extraordinarily long hairdo.

2nd Place: Dance With the Mushi by Rainhowls2

There isn’t much more to say about Dance With the Mushi. It’s atmosphere is so mentally rich.

1st Place: Warriors by yujinedits怠惰な

I get chills everytime I watch Warriors! It draws me so deep into Demon Slayer‘s world with its timing, pacing, and buildup.

Best First 30 Seconds

This is pretty self explanatory. There was a reason so many AMVs made it through to my watch list. Most of them were able to capture my attention in the first 30 seconds. Some of them did it better than others.

Honorable Mentions: Unity by Lightraider, Best AMV you will ever see Part 4 by xxanime_otaku

3rd Place: Kindness by VermillionAMV

What makes this AMV’s first 30 seconds stand out was the pacing and how well the lyrics matched the images.

2nd Place: Danse De Raven by ChiikaboomAMV

Timing. Timing a visual storytelling are what make these first 30 seconds REALLY stand out.

1st Place: Remember the Name by JazitJ

I wanted this AMV to be great so so bad! The timing in the first 30 seconds is absolutely incredible. Especially, how the editor slowed down and highlighted facial expressions for three characters. I’m a sucker for slowed down animation so it really stood out to me.

Best In Show

The award everyone looks for! These are the AMVs which overall had the greatest showmanship.

Honorable Mention: Swing Box by VermillionAMV

3rd Place: Danse De Raven by ChiikaboomAMV

When choosing between this and Hold Me Now, we decided the defining difference was how crisp the story and imagery flowed through each sequence. The story was so easy to follow even though the song is in French.

2nd Place: Kindness by VermillionAMV

There is not much more I can say about Kindness. It’s an all around emotional rollercoaster of an AMV!

1st Place: Warriors by yujinedits怠惰な

From the beginning of this showdown I knew Warriors was special. I can imagine how much time the editor dedicated to get every visual moment aligned in tone and pacing to the music. It doesn’t give you great action at first. It BUILDS and savors it.

That is everything! Thank you for following this AMV showdown! Hope you found something new to love and enjoy.

AMV Showdown! Special Awards: Part 1

AMV Showdown: Top 23 From Tier 2

Here we are at tier 2! It actually took longer to go through the 55 videos from the last round because we had to carefully examine each one. We graded each AMV on the following criteria from 1-10:

Fluidity, or how smoothly the editors used the animation and music

Characterization, or how well the editors portrayed characters

Overall Performance, or how well the editors utilized music and imagery

Of the 55 videos, 32 had perfect scores and went on to round three. For this list, I’ll simply place them in order of their average scores. For those that had the same score, I put the one with the best overall performance farther up.

Most of my commentary is nit picking. These are all great AMVs that didn’t quite make it to the next round.

Let’s get started!

23. Best AMV you will ever see Part 3 by xxanime_otaku

Based on A Variety of Anime

For the three criteria, this AMV suffered the most. Though it has good timing, it lacks consistent fluid motion, crisp characterization, and struggled in some places to utilize the music and imagery. Part of this is because of the added sound effects from the anime it showcased.

Matching movement to music isn’t enough. It’s also important to find a balance between action and stillness and take the time to pose the characters amidst the action. This will clarify to the audience what has happened better.

My Score: 23

My Brother’s Score: 27

Average Score: 25

22. Mob Psycho 100「AMV」- RISE by justSyker

Based on Mob Psycho 100

“Rise” by State of Mine was a great song choice for this anime. What this particular AMV lacked was a more recognizable connection between the music and the animation. Because of this disconnection, there were certain snippets of animation that didn’t need to be there or didn’t match the context of the video.

My Score: 25.5

My Brother’s Score: 25

Average Score: 25.25

21. Soul Eater amv – Asphyxiated Insanity by winkz4yuu

Based on Soul Eater

Much like the previous AMVs, “Asphyxiated Insanity” lacked cohesive imagery to music. The Editor used cool effects to create the overall tone for the AMV but didn’t follow through with the sequencing of the animation.

My Score: 24.5

My Brother’s Score: 26.5

Average Score: 25.5

20. AMV Adieu Perchance to Dream by VermillionAMV

Based on A Variety of Films

“Cough Syrup” by Young The Giant sets the tone and setting for the AMV splendidly. However, it suffers once you hear the words to the song. It’s a song about potential suicide, yet the video tries to portray scenes of hope and light. Therefore, the images and music clash with each other under further inspection.

My Score: 26

My Brother’s Score: 27

Overall Score: 26.5

19 Edward Elric [AMV] – Elastic Heart by Feeedeay

Based on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Here is our first FMA Brotherhood AMV! (We have eight of them). It’s characterization is SPOT ON. How it portrayed Edward’s journey as a character is riveting! That said, it suffered a little because there was too much much movement. There are also scenes where the editor shakes the video, making the imagery hard to follow.

My Score: 26.5

My Brother’s Score: 27.5

Average Score: 27

18. Best AMV you will ever see Part 4 by xxanime_otaku

Based on a Variety of Anime

Of all the videos part of the “Best AMV you will ever see” series, this is the best in terms of fluidity, characterization, and overall performance. The tumultuous nature of these videos though, kept it from breaking into the next round. It got close though!

My Score: 26.5

My Brother’s Score: 29

Average Score: 27.75

17. AMV So Alive by VermillionAMV

Based on Brave Story

I’m too blame for this AMV’s score. Since I’ve seen it a few more times than my brother, I was very familiar with it’s content. As far as characterization, this AMV treats its main protagonist and his journey as an adventurer superbly. Where it suffers is in its flow and overall performance. Some segments aren’t needed or could be cut down.

My Score: 26.5

My Brother’s Score: 30

Overall Score: 28.25

16. Full Metal Alchemist – Party Rock Anthem by ryniektheditor

Based on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

I have so many good memories of this AMV! I actually run to its music when I do sprints. Through further inspection, its so close to a perfect score but doesn’t quite reach the level of many other AMVs. What it lacks is heart. It has crisp timing and amazing tone but it doesn’t capture the essence of its characters. Besides that there are maybe two-ish spots I noticed where it could have used the music and imagery better.

My Score: 27.5

My Brother’s Score: 29

Average Score: 28.25

15. Death Parade AMV – Feeling Good by Skyking AMV

Based on Death Parade

My fault again! So, I really like this song and how well the editor used it to showcase this gorgeous anime. Its flow went slightly down for me when the editor included speaking parts. I also didn’t think it quite used its characters to tell a distinct story.

My Score: 27

My Brother’s Score: 30

Average Score: 28.5

14. AMV Run Mob Run by VermillionAMV

Based on Mob Psycho 100

This AMV is SOOO well done. “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid is a great choice for this anime and the editor showed that through their great characterization and fluid product. The one thing it lacked was complete utilization of the imagery and music. There were parts where the images didn’t match the subject of the song.

My Score: 28.5

My Brother’s Score: 29

Average Score: 28.75

13. A Prelude to Dreams – AMV Best in Show 2011 by Shin AMV

Based on A Variety of Anime

Here is yet another of my favorite AMVs. I thought it would make it to the top but alas, I had to nitpick. It has beautiful imagery and the editor was able to blend a variety of anime almost seamlessly. But there were a few parts where its flow suffered because of slightly misplaced animation. There was also one part where they could have used different imagery to enhance its climatic end.

My Score: 28.5

My Brother’s Score: 29

Average Score: 28.75

12. ＷＥ’ＲＥ ＥＭＰＴＹ；by moved.

Based on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa

Great song choice. The editor used it to their advantage and created an incredible collage, which captured the suffering so many characters from this show went through. One thing threw me off. They included images from the movie. Why? Not quite sure because the movie doesn’t balance well with the newer anime. Plus, they have separate stories and endings.

My Score: 29

My Brother’s Score: 28.5

Average Score: 28.75

11. Violet Evergarden「AMV」Battlefield by YenixAMV

Based on Violet Evergarden

This AMV made me watch to watch Violet Evergarden. It had great characterization and overall performance. The only flaw I could see was it used animation shots which still had the credits on them. That may not seem like a big deal, but it was distracting and cut through the AMV’s flow.

My Score: 28.5

My Brother’s Score: 29

Average Score: 28.75

10. We’ll Meet Again – AMV -「Anime MV」by Light Raider

Based on a Variety of Anime

There will be an award post featuring this editor. They have the most AMVs on our list. Though they use a variety of different of anime they don’t detract from one another or distract. That said, the one thing keeping this AMV back is there were small moments it didn’t match the animation and music. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a difference in the overall experience.

My Score: 29

My Brother’s Score: 29

Average Score: 29

9. AMV I Will Die For You by VermillionAMV

Based on Mawaru Penguindrum

My brother and I both thought this AMV lacked something, but in different areas. I thought the characterization was unclear. He thought the imagery lacked some cohesion with the music. Overall, I’m just sad it couldn’t go forward. (This is also one of my favorites).

My Score: 28.5

My Brother’s Score: 29.5

Average Score: 29

8. READY TO FIGHT – AMV – 「Anime MV」by Light Raider

Based on a Variety of Anime

Gosh, this AMV has great timing! I thought it only lacked better fluidity. Specifically, in a part near the beginning when multiple characters draw swords. The sound effects of the swords felt off to me and cut into the experience. (Hah, I didn’t realize I used a pun).

My Score: 28.5

My Brother’s Score: 30

Overall Score: 29.25

7. fruits basket | you should see me in a crown [AMV] by someone

Based on Fruits Basket

There is only one thing my brother and I agreed was wrong. The ending is too abrupt. Otherwise, man I love this AMV! I especially admire how well the editor portrayed the characters and their situations.

My Score: 29.5

My Brother’s Score: 29

Overall Score: 29.25

6. Mob Psycho 100 Tribute – 99% AMV by traceyedits

Based on Mob Psycho 100

If you paid attention to my Favorite Openings and Endings post, I really like the one from Mob Psycho 100. The one main critique I had against it, was I didn’t like the song as much. Thankfully, this AMV showcases the English cover for that particular song! Its a great AMV both in its characterization in fluidity. The one thing that kept me from giving it a perfect score was how sometimes the imagery and words to the songs did not match.

My Score: 29

My Brother’s Score: 30

Overall Score: 29.5

5. AMV [EyeS] Kaijuu no Kodomo – Children of the Sea by dis5onance

Based on Children of the Sea

This AMV has the same problem as the one from Fruits Basket. It’s ending is way to sudden. Otherwise, its amazing how much this editor accomplished in only 48 seconds! Well done.

My Score: 29

My Brother’s Score: 30

Average Score: 29.5

4. Children of the sea [AMV] Young and Beautiful by DangoCat AMV

Based on Children of the Sea

Gosh, this AMV is simply beautiful. I love Children’s of the Sea‘s animation and I marveled at this AMV’s timing and tone , coupled with Lana Del Rey’s haunting voice. The one thing that held me back was there were missed opportunities, where the editor could have utilized the words more relevant imagery.

My Score: 29.5

My Brother’s Score: 29.5

Average Score: 29.5

4. ONE PUNCH-MAN •「EPIC AMV」• STAND ALONE HD by Gakari’s Amv

Based on One Punch Man

Though this AMV is rock solid in its characterization and overall performance, I held back because there were one or two small moments I felt could have been more fluid. Mostly, I expected it to have more energy at certain parts of the song.

My Score: 29

My Brother’s Score: 30

Average Score: 29.5

2. AMV – Rіdе οr Dіe 1080p by NeverEnoughEpicAMVs2

Based on Redline

This AMV, its song, and anime choice are so. . . agh! I love it. I love this AMV. Watching it makes me feel cool. I keep killing off my favorite AMVs by nitpicking! I did think near the end it lost its energy because the editor didn’t pick slightly better animation to amp it up towards it climax. That’s about it.

My Score: 29

My Brother’s Score: 30

Average Score: 29.5

1.AMV Renegade VERSUS by VermillionAMV

Based on Lupin III: Green vs. Red

Personally, I think this AMV should have made it to the final round. It encapsulates Lupin III and his crazy life and is fantastic in its timing, tone, and fluidity. My brother though there were small moments where it didn’t utilize the music and visuals to the max. So sad!

My Score: 30

My Brother’s Score: 29.5

Average Score: 29.75

There you have it! Stay tuned for tier 3. (This is when things become especially tricky).

AMV Showdown: The Top 20 From Tier 1

AMV Showdown! Top 23 from Tier 3