8 May 2015: THE iDOLM@STER Live For You! revisited
This one is for all y'all with the yuri goggles.
I first watched THE iDOLM@STER Live For You! in 2008. This 17-minute OVA was my first exposure to the "real" iM@S franchise which has since exploded beyond anything I could have anticipated back then. Re-watching it now is a curious experience because the OVA is so simple and unremarkable.
That's a radio, not a cell phone. The OVA isn't that old.
Still, it hits most of the marks you might expect in a 17-minute short. It opens with a Yayoi honk, and includes a number of other standard hallmarks such as Chihaya simmering with envy at Miki's figure, Iori's signature laugh and deep pockets, Makoto throwing out a boku, and Azusa nearly steering the chuck wagon off the edge of a cliff. There are no Hibiki or Takane appearances, however, because the OVA draws from the Xbox 360 generation. Also, Yukiho doesn't dig any holes, but she does nearly cry after Chihaya bitches her out, albeit by accident.
Yes, Chihaya is wearing a double-breasted shirt. What of it?
In contrast, watching the "Masterpiece" arena performance from the 2014 iDOLM@STER movie immediately after watching the Live For You! OVA is startling. Naturally, the production values are much higher, but it's also a stunning showcase as to how far the franchise has come. I can't claim this is helping the Cinderella Girls series much, but we've still got another cour coming up. I don't know much much further this whole idol business can go, but it's been a Hell of a ride so far.
