At this stage the guide is intented for the beginner only, as the more complex or weird rituals, such as 'All Maison Ikkoku In One Sitting' or 'Finding Out How Many Minutes Of Arctic Animation Subs Can We Watch Before We Begin To Scream,' are to be added to later revisions.This guide assumes that the person planning to view some anime has already aquired the necessary tapes/LDs/DVDs/whatevers.
When making the preparations for an Anime viewing, the most important factor to consider is the number of people attending. For series like Ranma 1/2, Project A-ko and other comedies, group as big as possible is usually better. Anything that requires more than a marginal piece of brainpower to comprehend, a smaller group, e.g. 2-4 people, is more ideally suited. This enables the intelligent discussion and the exchange of opinions about the anime seen. And if one is concerned about one's image as tough guy/gal and doesn't want to be seen crying in public, works of art like 'Grave Of The Fireflies' are probably best viewed alone.During this stage it is also a good idea to check whether all the necessities needed are available. These include but are not limited to: the tapes/LDs/DVDs to be viewed, the availability of VCR/LD player/DVD player/TV/electricity/etc, fellow otaku, snacks, drinks (naturally sake), toilet facilities and, to be used on the people who leave their cellular phones on, The Holy Mallets of Skull Cracking.
To get the most out of Anime, one must be free of all the mundane grit and dirt, both physically and mentally. Naturally the best way to aquire this purified state is to spend some time in a good japanese-style ofuro while clearing one's mind through meditation.As the equipment needed for this (the mind?) is not easily available to everyone, a visit to sauna or even a regular bathtub will give almost the same result. A long shower is not entirely out of the question either. In the very least one should wash one's hands before handling them precious LDs.
In any case, with clean body and clear mind one is always more receptive to the nuances of exquisite animation.
Insert the cassette/LD, hit play, shut up and watch. In general, no comments, vocal or other, should be made during the viewing. However, short exclamations can be made, whenever:
- The material watched is so superb, that one can not contain one's enthusiasm.
- The subtitling is done so poorly, that even one's already deceased great-grandmother can notice the errors.
- An anime drinking game is being played.
During this stage, all the participants of the viewing event can discuss their feelings about the material shown. If viewed alone, one might go to the net and find a kindred spirit to whom explain in great detail the exitement/resentment one feels.And, of course, here begins also the planning for the next Anime viewing.
Signed,
Kumosuke The Purist, Deranged Monk of Chiisai Sylia Shrine
Rev 0.31 15-APR-1998