Piano: The Complete Collection DVD | Classical Music Masterpieces | Perfect for Home Entertainment & Music Education

The beauty of this show really lies in it's quiet and subtle nature. It has no explosions, no fanservice, no violence (save one instance of getting shoved), no coarse language, no deep government/dark themes, no real plot twists, and no magic...save the magic of music and everyday life. Just 10 episodes long, I really felt that those were some of the most fulfilling and well spent 10 episodes I've ever experienced in a show. It's very difficult to make a great show this short, so quiet, simple, and yet profound and lasting.There are so many things that can be said about this show, many of which other reviewers have covered, thus I won't go into those again. Instead, I'll share something I personally found very special. The show isn't here to tell an inspiring story of a prodigy concert pianist, nor is it here to be a "cutesy" stardom success themed show. It's here to depict the everyday life, struggles, and important (for her age anyways) decisions of a young teenage girl...who happens to be good at the piano. Miu, a girl learning the piano.I loved how music was ever present throughout the series and how it helped to serve as an overarching entity (albeit, in a non-literal way, "personification") of her life decisions she needed to make. When young, we often go through life fancy free with simple interests, surface passion for many things, and without a real burdensome care in the world. But as we mature and grow, Life begins to test our old passions, ideas, and "old self" more and more. We are then presented with two choices for many things: do we let go of some things, or do we embrace bits of our past and passions - to take stronger ownership of them with an even deeper, more personal conviction than had ever been before. This is what our young pianist, Miu, must deal with and decide for a myriad of decisions...Music not the least of them.In addition, I found amazing how many wonderful guides and help she had through her journey. From her spunky friends to her anticipating and subtle parents. No person can build himself up. The actions of those around us (both negative and positive, direct and in-direct) have an influence on our decisions and path. Mr. Shirakawa, Miu's piano teacher, is especially brilliant as a character. Very perceptive yet with cold mannerisms, he knew how to teach, lead, and sacrifice some "likability" for his students' sake. Miu did not realize how profound and caring of an instructor she had until the end. How often do we dislike people from the get go, only to realize later (even years later when they've passed) that they had a farther-reaching understanding, and saw something that we ourselves didn't realize in the moment? Those are indeed thankless heroes...parents, teachers, friends who guide us and try to point us in the right direction when we need it the most, even if it means not being in our favor at the time.All in all, this really was an emotional show for me, and beautifully executed. There's something everyone can relate to. It lacks much "flash", but sometimes, that quiet whisper is the strongest guide..the warmest company that matters. Feel free and pick this title up. It may be a wonderful reminder of the glories of living :-)SPECIAL FEATURES:This set does carry some worthy and intriguing special features: Character Bios, Art Gallery and Character Sketches, Two special Epilogues, Several Visual Monologues, 5 Side Stories, English Production Notes, textless opening/closing., and a 12-page booklet containing both Japanese cultural points and the typed out version of the side stories.