The production values are positively stunning. The music production in particular is great, offering very rewarding distinctions between different players. You can hear the sound improve as the band improves. You can hear individual players improve, and their deficiencies are realistic--whether it's tired lips, poor slurs, a section that's not together, or even just tentativeness in tone; and the music direction even manages to give clear portrayals of the difference between a good player and a great player.
Visually the show is no slouch either--in addition to the KyoAni hallmark of adorable but fully realized characters, the color palette used is unique and effective. I love seeing the shades of green in the sky, the changes in the uniforms. Even the occasional bits of obvious 3D CGI are used with sufficient delicacy that it remains cool and not just eye-rolly.
But in all I rate this show so highly because I couldn't put it down. There are shows I'll watch for a little amusement value, there are shows I'll watch because they're available and I want to have seen it; there are shows I'll watch three or four episodes at a time. This show kept me from wanting to go to sleep, kept me from wanting to go to work, because I'd rather keep coming back to the story--to these roundly developed characters presented in such a compelling and beautifully rendered world. Congratulations, KyoAni, you made me not only want to join a wind ensemble, but you made me care about high school club drama... and make me float away on imagination of different lives I could've led.
What detracts is that, as has likely been widely discussed, the show is very bait-y for people wanting to see certain relationships develop. I have yet to see S2 or the movies, so maybe this will be handled better later on, but it seems to want to have certain things both ways, or to hamfistedly withdraw from what seemed like a strong position. (I'm being deliberately vague to avoid spoilers.) If you go in not expecting a relationship focus, but just appreciating what it means to strive hard for your dreams (and what it can cost when not everyone can achieve them), while watching some beautifully done animation, you will be richly rewarded.
