For me, 'Snow White and Rose Red' is one of my favourite fairy/folk tales, the most familar version to me (and the most famous one overall) being the Grimm Brothers one. Will say that if looking for a straight up faithful adaptation, this episode will disappoint. On its own terms, there is enough to make one intrigued into checking out. On its own though, this is a nice above average episode that doesn't disgrace.
It is a variable series, 'Simsala Grimm' that is, but deserves more credit as a standalone as it does fare well on that front, a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already. Children are more likely to enjoy the series more than adults, but it will be hardly a chore for older audiences who should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
Character designs are somewhat derivative and dare it be said recycled, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this.
Some 'Simsala Grimm' episodes have less than great writing (especially 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'), with 'Snow White and Rose Red' not being without its corny moments, though these are occasional moments.
Having said that, 'Snow White and Rose Red' generally is another one of the better faring Season 3 (which expanded the Simsala universe somewhat) episodes and one of the series' better later epiosodes. Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like wasted filler generally, though one can question whether they are entirely needed within the context of the story. Both are also likeable characters. Hard to tell who's my favourite between resourceful Doc Croc and adorable Yoyo. The original characters are handled very well.
Again, enough of the (traditional hand-drawn) animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
'Snow White and Rose Red's' story really does charm and involve, some of the latter parts touching, and actually there is less corny writing than other episodes in the series. There is not an issue with pacing with it not feeling too hasty or dull, there is no trouble understanding what is going on yet it doesn't feel like it was dumbed down too much.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
It is a variable series, 'Simsala Grimm' that is, but deserves more credit as a standalone as it does fare well on that front, a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already. Children are more likely to enjoy the series more than adults, but it will be hardly a chore for older audiences who should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
Character designs are somewhat derivative and dare it be said recycled, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this.
Some 'Simsala Grimm' episodes have less than great writing (especially 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'), with 'Snow White and Rose Red' not being without its corny moments, though these are occasional moments.
Having said that, 'Snow White and Rose Red' generally is another one of the better faring Season 3 (which expanded the Simsala universe somewhat) episodes and one of the series' better later epiosodes. Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like wasted filler generally, though one can question whether they are entirely needed within the context of the story. Both are also likeable characters. Hard to tell who's my favourite between resourceful Doc Croc and adorable Yoyo. The original characters are handled very well.
Again, enough of the (traditional hand-drawn) animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
'Snow White and Rose Red's' story really does charm and involve, some of the latter parts touching, and actually there is less corny writing than other episodes in the series. There is not an issue with pacing with it not feeling too hasty or dull, there is no trouble understanding what is going on yet it doesn't feel like it was dumbed down too much.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox