IDOLiSH7 LIVE 4bit BEYOND THE PERiOD Anime Movie Assessment
These two movies are full-on concerts that are presented to us like a live TV broadcast; they are not a continuation of the television series. Is that an issue? Not in the slightest; the music is just as important as the character interactions and recurring plotlines, which are a big part of what makes the show so fantastic. These two movies allow us to think that we are living in the fictional world of the show, where, with a little luck, we might be able to purchase tickets to witness the four main groups perform live on stage. It’s a pretty amazing fantasy to partake in because it allows us to dream that the television series is real.
The essential experience of both concerts is the same: the groups always perform in the same order, joking between songs, and dressed alike both “nights.” Though there are a few song changes between the two, they are roughly 80% similar musically. But the humor varies from movie to movie and highlights distinct facets of the ensembles. The greatest illustration is Tamaki, who is like caffeine on the first day—a scarcely contained bundle of energy. He prats around the stage, giggling with delight at what he sees, and Sogo has to bring him back and try to focus him. Day 2 finds him much more composed, as if the first concert’s adrenaline has worn off, and he’s back to his normal self, which lets Iori say a few more lines and Nagi take on a more expressive role within the I7. ϹOOĻ also receives some noteworthy distinctions between the two movies, with Day 2 giving them permission to slightly deviate from their identities on stage in order to demonstrate to their audience how well they get along. If you skip through the songs you’ve heard before, it’s still neat and worthwhile to watch both films.
The dance appears far better than what we usually see in an episode of the show, as may be expected. Every group has its own style, but I believe υOOĻ’s works the best because it’s more appropriate for a male body type and doesn’t rely on anything overly dramatic to express the atmosphere of their songs. Their preference for all-black attire likely also helps, since it avoids the shadow issues light-colored costumes have; there’s something strange about the way the inner thighs and crotch area are darkened, especially on the I7 costumes. (It’s best to keep talk about Momo’s riding trousers to yourself.) Still, except from the peculiar umbrella-scooping scene in the I7 song that opens both shows, all of the dancing is considerably smoother and better planned overall. Backing dancers are used occasionally, but they are most effective during Re: Vale’s songs when they serve as Momo and Yuki’s real support dancers and assist fill the stage. The only character that appears slightly off in the motion-capture computer graphics is TRIGGER’s Gaku. Other than that, everyone is easily recognized, even if their hair looks very different from how we usually see them. Tamaki, Iori, and Yuki all have their long hair pulled back, with Tamaki’s looking the most different. Although there are occasionally noticeable problems, TRIGGER’s triangular structure can appear asymmetrical due to camera angles.
The films include a lot of interesting elements that moviegoers can discover, which increases the benefit of seeing both. The most noteworthy thing is that Riku and Tenn perform a duet together. In-world, the audience is unaware of their familial connection, so in this instance, we get a little more out of the performance than the fangirls with their light sticks. However, we, the anime audience, know that they are twins, divided by Tenn’s desire to protect his brother (something he neglected to tell Riku). When you understand the reality of Re:Vale (and how Momo took Banri’s place), the interaction between Momo and Yuki also becomes clearer. In general, IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER, and Re:Vale all give brief introductions as they get on stage, but υOOĻ gets the audience to yell their name, which is quite fitting for both of them and their place in the franchise’s universe.
The lineups for both shows adhere to the same schedule. I7 begins with two tracks, then ϊOOĻ, TRIGGER, and finally Re:Vale, with the group’s membership dropping one by one. Re:Vale and TRIGGER take turns performing the same song throughout the second half, after which everyone gathers for a spectacular conclusion and encore. (In a very them-like move, Momo and Yuki switch colors for the encore.) The overall experience is rather immersive and attempts to simulate a broadcast of an in-person event. Even though season four won’t carry on the plot, it’s still a delightful treat and a great way to unwind for three hours (each film lasts an hour and a half). If you’re a fan of the franchise, you should definitely watch at least one of these (my personal favorite is Day 2’s lineup). Even without a plot, it’s still enjoyable to spend time with these people.
