The second season of ARIA the Animation brings it all back, the blue planet, the scenery, the music, the ambience..
But actually, it is a little bit different. Assuming that people who plan on watching this have already seen the first season(which you should),viewers will gradually feel slight difference of these two.
An interesting fact is that, the second season has more episodes loyal to the manga. To me, ARIA the Natural felt a lot more straightforward, it had a crisper and lighter delivery of the old theme. Take the overall feel of ARIA the Natural and compare it to the first, it is best described as 'cleared fog'. To sum it up, ARIA the Natural brings everything back, but it is more lively than ever. Because of this I find it even more enjoyable than the first season.
Animation
One of the first things people will notice coming into this series is that that art style has changed. Honestly, it starts out pretty awfully, at times characters would look pretty distorted. The intention of the change, is actually to make it look more like the manga art. Even though it wasn't very good at first, it gradually became refined, making it look more like the original works.
Viewers would most likely prefer the first season style, but what's in ARIA the Natural definitely grows on you. As a fan of the manga, I really appreciate how the art became more refined.
But to put it bluntly, the art is just inconsistent. This is the one obvious flaw.
There isn't any other difference between the two seasons other than what I had noted. The same scenery, huge dosage of blue, is still here to bring that same atmosphere back. The good thing is that you will be able to see more of Neo-Venezia, the backdrop of this series, which will surely be appealing to witness.
Overall it is still very visually pleasing.
Sound
Aside from some new tracks added into the season, old ones are still largely used in many scenes. The most commonly heard one is called AQUA, I think most people who have seen the series would have an idea of what track it is, as it appears so often.
What I think of this soundtrack is that, there cannot be a soundtrack that is more fitting. As I had pointed out in my first season review, the OST is truly a fine work, the new tracks introduced this season are not disappointing either.
While retaining the usual Choro Club's bandolim/guitar/contrabass arrangements, they tried to use different instrumentations for the new tracks this season. You get to hear ones that are orchestrated, cello/piano, and some vocals as well. Though they also had a good mix last season, this time they bring more sensations. Sound has always been an appealing part of ARIA, and it still is.
Viewers of the first can come watching this expecting the same aural sensation.
A notable thing is that, there is no OP sequence. As the episode begins, usually following a scene, we hear the song cued in the background as the scenes keep on going. This proved to be a good way to set in the mood, as it would flow smoothly, from the intro scene, then right into the episode.
As for the new OP, Euphoria, is sung by the same artist Yui Makino. She still sounds about the same, but the songs are quite different. Fine song overall, but the major focus of sound is beyond just the OP/ED.
Story
No center story, but episodic stories. Done nicely, they often leave me with a smile.
In this criteria, ARIA the Natural strays apart from the first season. Stories here are more charming. You don't see supernatural meetings as often before, which to me was actually not something enjoyable compared the the other episodes involving all the cast.
An interesting fact, is that the 'supernatural' stories were actually supposed to be linked, later shown in the manga. However the first season ARIA the Animation added some 'supernatural' stories that were not originally intended by the artist of the manga, such as the last episode of the first season. That is perhaps why it felt quite out of place compared to the other episodes. The events involving the big cat Cait Sith were the ones derived from the manga works.
This season they dropped those type of episodes, which is a good improvement from the old season.
In ARIA the Natural be prepared to witness the 6 character goodness, as they will often appear together on screen. This just made this show better, as that highlights of this series was always on the character episodes, rather than the Akari-solo supernatural ones.
Characters
No new major characters introduced here. In fact, not many minor roles are introduced. Ones who appear would only remain for one episode, then never to be seen again.
Personalities are pleasing as usual, something notable is that we get to see Akira's other side. She was introduced as a very harsh sempai who is supposedly 'loving'. We finally get to see some of that here.
There is good individuality, the distinctive characteristics of each person makes them all stand out, and their interactions are often humorous and enjoyable.
Value & Enjoyment
Simply put, I cannot find another series that serves its role. That makes the value very high, at least to me. If I want to see something relaxing, then I would look no further.
And not is it only relaxing, it is fun, often joyful, which invokes life within all the characters, and the planet of AQUA.
I can't say that I enjoyed all the episodes, same thing goes for the first season, but the ones that I liked were truly remarkable. Those alone makes this series worth watching. I hope viewers can at least try to watch this series.
And on a topic brought up in many reviews for both seasons. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou and ARIA.
YKK finally released its 14th volume, marking an end to the long running series since 1993 I believe, and I was able to finish it. Many say ARIA is a similar work, and it is trying to bring the exact same feel.
Having read the mangas of YKK, I must say that the similarity between these two are misunderstood. This issue could be opinionated, but here is what I think.
On the surface these two series are similar, relaxing, with the subtle delivery in atmosphere and relaxation, but the mood in these works are of different kinds. ARIA would often be vivacious, due the the nature of our female protagonist Akari, as well as the others. YKK, on the other hand, never tries to keep an constant emotion, rather the author tries to leave that for the viewer. It is constantly subtle, in fact at times you can feel that there is a sad underlying tone. The female protagonist in YKK would often feel nostalgic, following the Japanese tradition of mono no aware, which is 'awareness of the transience of things, and a gentle sadness at their passing'. Sad undertone, and it is intentional.
This is not the only difference, but it is enough to set it apart.
I note this in this review as well my other for ARIA the Animation, is that I hope people don't come watching this series expecting some YKK, because you won't get it. YKK it is a fine work it its own regard, but I wish to set these difference apart. What I believe is that the authors of the manga have totally different goals in mind.
Anyway, to sum up ARIA the Natural, fans of the first season will not be disappointed, that is definite. As for people who haven't seen it, I recommend seeing ARIA the Animation first. Anyone willing to put up with some embarrassing remarks will be able to enjoy this one of a kind series.