Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu - Memory Snow

An alright movie. It's nothing to write home about, but also not so bad as to be off-putting. Basically, it's 100% fan service meant to give you some more time with the mansion gang and has no impact whatsoever on the main series. If you're looking for progression or deeper insight into any of the characters, you won't really find that here, at least not to any meaningful extent. In fact, it's hard to see where exactly the events of this movie are supposed to be taking place in the context of the first season, and actually feels more like it's not really supposed to ... take place during it at all. I'd go so far as to say it's supposed to be a self-contained story, but there are a couple of moments where there are references to the first season, and even a few flashbacks to it as well. So who knows.

The plot isn't extravagant, but it is really cute. As mentioned, you're not going to learn much of anything new about the characters involved, but they did give many of them a bit more personality in my opinion, particularly the maid twins and Emilia. It's nothing that really changed my opinions on any of them; they're still mostly set in their prim and proper ways, but it was really nice to see them loosen up some.

The art and animation is completely on par with the first season, as is the sound and music; nothing more, nothing less. If you were a fan of it there, you'll like what you're given here as well. And honestly, that's all that there really is to be said about this movie. If you're a fan of the show and/or wonder what the residents of the mansion would be like in a slice of life-y setting, there's no reason not to give it a watch.

Memory Snow isn’t important at all to the Re:Zero story. However, if you just love this series and can’t get enough of it, it’s worth the watch.

(spoiler free)

Story - 7
The story is surprisingly good for a short anime movie extending from a series. It’s like a little slice of life moment that actually has a fun plot. It’s just not super exciting and has some out of place moments.

Art - 9
I really like the art for Re:Zero. The snow is animated beautifully.

... Sound - 8
Pretty okay.

Character - 7
I was hoping we would maybe get to see a bit more about Emilia that would actually make her seem more than just a cardboard cut out character, but that didn’t happen. It’s okay though, everyone is there and it’s a fun time.

Enjoyment - 5
I am not a fan of when anime have a useless movie, and I wish this one had served a bit more of a purpose by showing the characters better so I could actually like Emilia. It was okay.

Overall - 6
The art is really pretty and it’s nice to see the characters I like, but there was a missed opportunity in making the characters more lovable.

If you really love Re:Zero, give it a watch. Otherwise, skip.

I made the mistake of this being my first experience with re:zero and its characters. I watched it together as a friend cause I don't really mind spoilers. Luckily there weren't many spoilers, not that I'd remember them anyway from this unforgettable movie. I am sure the actual show is good, but I recommend staying away from this.

Do not watch this unless you're already a an avid watcher of the show and just want some mind-numbing fanservice that feels more like bad shoujo than anything. There is nothing you will gain from watching this movie other than fan service. You should fully be aware and ... have no further expectations.

It's just bad.