The conclusion to the Aria series is an ever so subtle departure from the previous two, however there is a very good reason why this is the case. As many people have already stated, in order to fully appreciate Origination, one should really watch The Animation and The Natural first (and preferably in that order as well). What people don't really go into is why this should be the case with what is purely an episodic, slice-of-life series (I'll get to this in a bit though).
The story continues in much the same fashion as the first two series, dealing as it does with the daily
...
lives of Akari, Aika and Alice and their efforts to become Prima Undines, however the biggest difference is that the characters are not only developed more in Origination, but developed well.
One of the main strengths of the Aria series as a whole is the effortless manner in which it tells its various stories, and Origination is the pinnacle of this. The plot in each episode is far more fluid than in the previous two series, and as the show progresses the story moves into a barely unnoticeable higher gear as the bittersweet climax approaches.
There are two things which make the story in Origination noticeably different from the first two series. The first, and most obvious difference, is the fact that Origination has a goal in mind, and unlike the previous two offerings, doesn't simply peter out towards the end but actually gains momentum. The second difference is surprisingly (and somewhat unfortunately), unrealised by many, however it is key to appreciating the franchise in its entirety.
As I stated in my review of the second series, The Animation was simply an introduction to the characters and Neo Venezia, whilst The Natural was an introduction to the world of Aqua. This is important to know as many people misjudge the first two series and believe they have no real focus. In fact they do, and without that focus Origination would never have been as good as it is. If one keeps in mind that the whole point of The Animation is not to develop the characters, but simply to introduce them, then it makes things a little clearer as to why it was structured in such a way. The same goes for The Natural, as the focus there was to familiarise the viewer with the world of Aqua, and its wonders and oddities. The characters receive some measure of development in the second series, however this is not the main focus of the show, as it is essential for the viewer, when watching the final series, to have more than a passing familiarity with the characters and their environs.
This is where Origination steps in. From the outset the assumption is that one is familiar with the characters, Neo Venezia, and the world of Aqua, and because of this Origination can proceed with the story proper without the need for introductions, supernatural events, exploration, etc. Everything up until that point was simply preparation, which at first may seem wasteful, but watching the first and second season is a pleasant experience so one could fairly state that the effort was justified to a degree.
The art and animation in Origination is much the same as the first two outings. There isn't any real change to the design of the characters, or to Neo Venezia and Aqua, although it should be pointed out that Origination has more in common with the first season in terms of art and backgrounds as it is mainly centred in Neo Venezia as well. The quality of animation remains superb, with no real noticeable flaws, whilst the level of detail in both the animation and the artwork is once again excellent.
One of the strongest areas for the series as a whole is in the quality of its sound and music, and whilst the first two series were excellent in this department, Origination represents a step up. The subtlety and detail of some of the effects are truly phenomenal, and although the thematic music may be the same as the previous two series, the score actually feels fresh in Origination (more on this in a bit). The voice actors are, once more, excellent, however there is a very subtle difference with their portrayals in Origination in that the characters seem more self-assured than in either of the previous two series.
Characters are as adorable as ever, but once again there is a difference to them. The feeling of self assurance one receives from the voice actors is carried through with the actions of the characters themselves, and this is one of the ways in which they receive some of their phenomenal development. This doesn't simply apply to Akari, Aika and Alice either, but is also extended to Alicia, Akira, Athena, Akatsuki, Al, and even Grandma Akino.
The surprising thing about Origination's characters is that, in comparison to The Natural, they possess and air that is fresh and new. This feeling is also inherent in the score (as I mentioned earlier), in the settings, and in the voices too. There is a very simple reason for this though. Whilst it may (or may not), be true that the viewers are already familiar with the series before watching Origination, it is a certainty that everyone who has worked on it will know the characters, Neo Venezia and Aqua, pretty much inside out. This, together with the fact that Origination actually has a focus and a definite end, means that everything was already defined before the series even began. It is because of this that Origination is able to achieve its remarkable feat of plot and character development, something it could never have done had everything been told over the course of one season.
In terms of enjoyment, Origination is something I would recommend to everyone, however it should be remembered that the first two series should be watched prior to this. The show is as relaxing as The Animation, whilst retaining the same adventurous quality of The Natural. The characters actually become more endearing as the show progresses, especially if one has watched seasons 1 and 2, and whilst the format may still be episodic, it doesn't suffer from the same ambiguity that affected the previous two series.
Origination is an excellent show that successfully retains the essence of the series whilst at the same time developing the characters and advancing the plot. Because of the definite focus of the show, things that may have seemed stale in The Natural have been given a new lease of life and, whilst this may not seem like a difficult thing to achieve, it is actually one of the hardest things to do in any medium.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: Aria Season 3
Japanese: ARIA The ORIGINATION
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV
Episodes:
13
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Jan 8, 2008 to Apr 1, 2008
Premiered:
Winter 2008
Broadcast:
Tuesdays at 02:00 (JST)
Licensors:
Nozomi Entertainment
Studios:
HAL Film Maker
Source:
Manga
Theme:
Iyashikei
Demographic:
Shounen
Duration:
24 min. per ep.
Rating:
G - All Ages
Statistics
Ranked:
#1382
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#1720
Members:
128,359
Favorites:
4,150
Available AtResourcesStreaming Platforms | Reviews
Filtered Results: 60 / 61
Sort
Your Feelings Categories Mar 24, 2009
The conclusion to the Aria series is an ever so subtle departure from the previous two, however there is a very good reason why this is the case. As many people have already stated, in order to fully appreciate Origination, one should really watch The Animation and The Natural first (and preferably in that order as well). What people don't really go into is why this should be the case with what is purely an episodic, slice-of-life series (I'll get to this in a bit though).
The story continues in much the same fashion as the first two series, dealing as it does with the daily ... Apr 3, 2008
All good things must end, as the saying goes.
All good things must end. Man, I hate that saying. I hate it for how true it is. Kozue Amano, why couldn't you keep it going? Did you run out of ideas? Was five and a half years enough? Did you already plan this out? Wait, what am I saying? Of course you planned it out. Month after month, you crafted chapter after chapter of this masterpiece. Jyunichi Sato, thank you for taking this work and running with it. For three separate seasons, each one improving on the last, you dealt the manga justice. You even added a new ... Jul 6, 2015
This is my first review; and what better series to review than the glorious Aria the Origination.
This is what I've been looking for all along. This is the reason why I have been spending countless hours experiencing many different stories, encompassing so many different themes while simultaneously being sucked into an abundance of worlds. There is a saying that goes as such: "A good life is a collection of happy moments". This is exactly what this anime was to me. It taught me, along with many others, to appreciate life, and how incredible it truly is. The third and final season of Aria didn't try ... Nov 9, 2008
Before watching Aria the Origination, you have to have watched the prequels - The Animation, The Natural and The OVA: Arietta - otherwise you will be doing yourself - but more importantly this series - a great disservice. Because Origination, being the grand finale of the franchise, demands that you as a viewer has formed bonds to the setting and characters of the Aria universe; if you haven't, you will automatically disarm the bomb of emotion that is this third and last season of Aria.
And that would be so incredibly sad. Once again we return to Aqua, the planet which prior to human terraforming went by ... Jun 23, 2014
All things eventually have to end, especially with series that have left a mark on many people. One series that has cemented itself as the king of accomplishing this for many is the Aria series. What many consider the series’s magnum opus, Aria the Origination is the last chapter in the anime adaptation of the beloved manga. As you might figure out, it is just about as glamoured with gorgeous music, cheerful characters, and dramatic optimism as one can handle. Despite all of the beautiful aspects of the series, there’s still that one question that has bugged me each season: Why am I not smiling?
Before ... Apr 3, 2008
The last voyage to Neo-Venezia?
For those who have followed Aria from the beginning, be it with the “Aria” manga or the anime series “Aria The Animation” and “Aria The Natural”, this third season “Aria The Origination” will no doubt be the greatest of all. If you haven't watched either “Aria The Animation” or “Aria The Natural” you might still enjoy “Aria The Origination” but you will not be able to enjoy all the depths and events this season has to offer without knowing the character's pasts. Although the primary settings seems to be science fiction due to it's setting in the distant future on terraformed ... Aug 21, 2013
*This is my first review
*I will be writing this review on all 3 parts of Aria and will be summarized individually, the score overall is on the series in its entirety This series was number of firsts for me, first true slice of life I have watched, first anime in which the focus was on a female protagonist through its entirety while also including introspective reflection, and the first piece of media that I truly appreciated for its episodic nature. Before watching I had high expectations of what I thought Aria was going to be brought on by the high rating, glowing recommendations, and the relative obscurity ... Jun 18, 2009
The third season of Aria, Aria the Origination is a stunning and satisfying conclusion to the Aria story. With 2 seasons and a few OVAs behind it, I would say Aria the Origination has perfected the slice of life formula, hence its very well deserved high scores. I did analyze this alot, but at the end concluded that a review of this series would only be effective if it came from the heart :)
As stated by pretty much every reviewer, to fully appreiate the masterpiece that is Aria The Origination you should first watch Aria the Animation, Aria the Natural and the other OVAs/Picture Dramas. ... Mar 18, 2009
Aria the Origination is the marvelous conclusion of Akari, Alice, and Aika’s journey as undines in training while retaining all of the charm and glorious pace of its predecessors.
Story - 10 Origination masters the art of telling simplistic, straight forward stories while giving great insight into the characters and the setting. What were problems in length, use of time, the annoying cats, and introduction of character in Natural and Animation, become the third installment’s strengths. Every episode in Origination showcases something undiscovered in the series’ previous episodes, whether it be a new occupation, place or characters. Each episode serves as piece of development ... May 7, 2008
I had to mark down other anime's score because they couldn't come even close to Aria.
Story: 10 Even though it doesn't really have a linear plot, each episode shows a great deal of character development, which is the best aspect of Aria. Focusing on the three juniors, we see how they live their daily life and training to become a Prima, interact with each other and other characters, and overcome their own struggles. Animation: 10 HAL Film Maker easily becomes one of my favorite animation studio. Excellent color choices, smooth animation, beautiful scenery.. what else could you ask for? Definitely looking forward for the DVD releases, since ... Mar 8, 2009
This is the final season of Aria, and what a bittersweet one it is. I’m so glad to have discovered this wonderful series, meeting characters and settings I won’t ever forget.
Story: Each episode we follow the various characters through their daily events in beautiful Neo-Venezia, and watch the three apprentice undines on their journeys to becoming professionals. When that moment inevitably arrives, it is definitely one of the most touching scenes I’ve ever experienced. However, the ending events do feel rather fast-paced compared to the slow and dreamy atmosphere of most other episodes. Nonetheless, the ending is deeply satisfying, with a message that time brings ... Dec 30, 2013
Aria the Origination has achieved something remarkable to which anyone who's familiar with the slice of live genre knows to be an extremely rare phenomenon; it manages to end satisfactory.
Perhaps more so than even this, it perfectly incapsulates the concept of change, which as anyone not still living in a womb will attest carries great trepidations as well as possibilities. Its said that real courage shines not when one demands change, but upon facing it and seeing all its uncertainty, are able to accept it, and Aria really managed to portray this perfectly along with other themes such as the folly ... Jul 14, 2013
"Wonderful..."
Much like the main protagonist, Mizunashi Akari, you will find yourself repeating this phrase as you continue discovering the wonderful world of Neo-Venezia and delving deeper into the relationships between the characters. This final season of Aria is a very heartfelt and satisfying ending to an overall unforgettable series. As all the other reviews say, it is absolutely necessary that you watch the previous two seasons and the OVA: Aria the Animation, Aria the Natural, and Aria the OVA: Arietta. Why? Watching Aria the Animation will familiarize you with the characters; watching Aria the Natural will familiarize you with the many beautiful and magical wonders of ... Jul 13, 2021
The rustling wind chime signals an imminent spring breeze. A steaming cup of coffee, its fragrance a medley of caramel, citrus, and seasoned wood, suffuses Caffè Florian with the wistful aroma of a time slowly passing. Soft patches of moonlight tinge the aquamarine canal with the pale white luster of a solitary gondola, oar cutting through water to leave faint cascades.
This is ARIA's melody. Its calm does not and will not appeal to everyone, but to those of you who cherish that brief lull that comes with falling face-flat on a soft mattress after a hard day's work, doing and thinking nothing as you ... Sep 12, 2017
[DISCLAIMER] As I want to get all my points across, as well as bring this show the justice it deserves, the following review is a lengthily-detailed breakdown of every factor ranging from the story to the overall experience. You may look for other reviews to find a more concise criticism of the show.
Introduction When we usually talk about things we truly love, it becomes hard to explain why. Most people would not understand the appeal one would get from something—this is especially hard when trying to relay why your favorite book is your favorite book, or why your favorite film is your favorite film. In cases, the ... Oct 12, 2008
The third and last intalment of ARIA where even all good things come to an end - and it was done in an excellent manner!
I find ARIA to be a "love it or hate it" series. It's pretty obvious I loved it while on the other hand, action-mecha fans would find this the ultimate bore. Story: 9 Unlike the previous seasons, The Origination starts rolling towards the climax of the series and progression starts to occur. While it is rather predictable that apprentices tend to get promoted, the way it was done was simply magnificent. This is one of the very few animes which ... Feb 15, 2009
This is the first time I've written a review right after finishing an anime, simply because it was so wonderful, so magnificent, that it overwhelmed me with emotion. Called Aria, I'd been taking my time enjoying it, rather than burning through the episodes, which I could have done. Trust me when I say this is the first time I've given perfect tens and Aria is worth every point.
At the final minute of a perfect end to the series, I was overcome with both glee and sadness. Even now, as I think about how this series is actually over and I won't have anymore episodes to ... Mar 10, 2009
This is the third and final of my series of reviews for the ARIA animes. My perspective on these reviews are based on how I felt after finishing the show my first time.
All good things come to an end, how sad and true this is. ARIA the ORIGINATION is the third and final season of the series adapted from Kozue Amano's ARIA manga series. And I must say, this season is just something else...its the end of the journey around Neo-Venezia and what an end this is. Story: It is impossible to understand what an amazing story the series has had unless you have finished watching ... Mar 14, 2008
Aria the origination is the third season of the Aria series. It hasn't changed much, it is pretty much the same as the previous seasons. It is best to watch the first season Aria the Animation and the second season Aria the Natural before you start on this, because you will miss out on a lot of character development, yes thats right character development not plot because there isn't any plot just daily life of the main characters.
~STORY~ Aria is set in a fictional city which is based off Venice, Italy. The story follows Arika who is a Undine trainee who is ... Oct 18, 2014
Aria is a truly episodic Slice of Life anime. It has three seasons, Aria the Animation, Aria the Natural, Aria the Origination.
An aria in music was originally any expressive melody, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. The term became used almost exclusively to describe a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without orchestral accompaniment, normally part of a larger work. Have you ever listened to Classical music ( Mozart, Beethoven etc.)? The feeling of ARIA is as if listening to a beautiful melancholy foreign music first time. At first, you feel unfamiliar, you are uncertain whether to continue. Then you feel, there is ... |